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Construction Progression

 

1. Meet with the Client

a. Discuss Client needs such as type of home, location of lot etc…

b. Review Client plans and make suggestions if needed.

c. Answer any questions the Client may have.


2. Do all preliminary work


a. Obtain Surveys, Elevation Certificates and Plot Maps.

b. Obtain necessary Permits, CAMA, Zoning, Floodplain Development and Building.

c. Get preliminary field work done, lot cleared and prepped, driveway built, etc…


3. Piling installation

a. All pilings used are pressure treated with a diameter of 8x8 inches and the length is determined by a professional structural engineer.

b. All pilings are installed to a depth pre-determined by the engineer. Most are at least 15 feet deep. This is dependent on the location of the lot.


4. Banding

a. All Banding material is manufactured micro-lams sized by the engineer.

b. The pilings are notched to allow for the micro-lams to set on top of them and then be bolted in place using 5/8in galvanized bolts and banding straps.


5. Framing

a. Floor trusses are then installed. The floor trusses are scissor type to allow for easy installation of plumbing, electrical and HVAC components and are pre-sized by the engineer.

b. Sub-flooring is then installed. The product that we use is known in the industry as the Advantech type. It is made from wood chips that have been treated with a product such as Thompson's Water Seal. The chips are then glued, and mechanically pressed together. This product comes with a 50 year warrantee.

c. Exterior wall framing. All the exterior walls are framed with 2x6 studs. This makes the walls 1/3 stronger and thicker than what most contractors use. This extra thickness also allows for a thicker insulation to be installed which saves you money on your heat and air-conditioning bills.

d. Exterior wall sheathing is then applied over the 2x6 studs. We first apply a vertical layer of ½ inch thick OSB wall board that is nailed every 3 inches around the edges and every 6 inches in the middle. We then horizontally apply a ½ inch layer of Advantech (similar to what we use on the sub-flooring and comes with a 30 year warranty) which is nailed the same way as the first layer. This gives us a full 1 inch of sheathing and makes our exterior walls almost twice as strong as other contractors.

e. The exterior sheathing is then covered with 30 pound asphalt paper which is well known for its durability.

f. Roof framing is dependent on the plans and the style of the home. Usually it is done with scissor trusses. Sometimes the roof is hand framed to allow for the extra high vaulted ceilings.

g. After the roof is framed the sheathing is installed, again using the Advantech product with the 30 year warranty. After the Advantech sheathing is applied we install a product known as weathergard. It is a rubber membrane that is applied to the entire roof. This product has one side that is very sticky and when it bonds to the sheathing it is very difficult to remove it. After that either shingles or metal roofing is applied per the client's choice


6. Windows & Doors
 

a. We use two types of windows and doors. The choice is determined by the client's budget. Our preference is to use the more expensive one which is the Anderson 400 Series with the Impact Resistant Glass. Our other choice is the CertainTeed Vinyl windows which are manufactured by Viwinco. These are also available with the impact resistant glass.

b. Before the windows & doors are installed the openings are prepped using the weathergard membrane to protect the wood from any moisture that might penetrate the siding.

c. A layer of caulk is then applied to the area and the window is installed using galvanized nails, nailed through the nailing flanges.

d. Window tape is then applied to all the edges of the windows and doors.


7. Siding

a. The siding is then applied. We normally use Hardi-plank siding which is a concrete product. This product is very durable. It comes pre-painted to any color that the client chooses. It is blind nailed using galvanized nails with the exception of using stainless steel nails anywhere that they are seen. The siding is available in various types such as lap, precession cedar shake style, rough sawn etc…

a. Another siding that we normally use is a Vinyl product manufactured by the CertainTeed Corporation. It also comes in many different types like the Hardi-plank. This product is also wind rated at 180 MPH and comes with a 10 year warranty against fading.


8. Mechanical Rough-ins:  After the Windows & Doors are installed, the Roofing has been installed and the house has been wrapped with the 30 lb. felt Paper the Mechanical rough-ins can start.

a. Plumbing always must go first to allow for the correct flow of the water and sewage. The Plumber installs all the necessary water and sewer lines as well as all the rough-in kits for the Appliances ( dish washers, icemakers etc…) Toilets, Showers, Sinks and Water heaters.

b. The Heat & Air Conditioning Contractor is next and he installs all the necessary Duct work, Thermostat wiring and Line Sets necessary for the Heat and Air Conditioning system. It is also his job to install the necessary venting for the bathroom vents and the dryers.

c. The Electrician is next and he will run miles of wiring to connect to all the necessary appliances, light control switches, lighting fixtures, wall outlets as well as stereo equipment and security systems.

d. After the 3 contractors above have completed their rough-in work. Their work as well as all the framing must be inspected by the local code officials.

e. After the inspection comes the Insulation. Here at Alliance we do things a little different. All the insulation that we use is Faced Batts. The reason that we prefer this type is because of it ability to stay where you put it. It doesn't move around as the wind blows. We use a full R-30 rated in all our ceilings and R-9 in all the exterior walls. We also install R-15 insulation between all our floors and R-11 in all the interior walls for sound proofing. After all the Insulation is installed it to must be inspected by the local code officials.


9. Drywall

a. The Drywall is then installed. On all our ceilings we use a ½" high strength board. This is nailed as well as screwed to insure no sags. All the walls are covered with a normal ½" board, which is also nailed and screwed. In all our bathrooms and any areas of the home that might come in contact with moisture we use a product in the industry know as "Green Board". This product has a moisture resistant layer on its outer edge to prevent moisture from penetrating.

b. Our Drywall is then finished using Sheetrock Tape and 3 coats of Drywall Mud are applied to all joints. We also use vinyl rounded corners to give the edges a unique finish. Some walls are also finished using the "Knock Down" technique. Depending on the owner's preference.


10. Painting

a. Next comes the painting. At this point in the process we have our painter come in and install a prime coat on all the walls and the ceiling.

b. He also installs the finish coat on the ceiling at this time. As a standard we use either Sherwin-Williams or Devoe brands because of how well they cover and they are washable.

c. The Painter will come back to the job and install the final coat after all the trim work has been completed and the carpet has been installed.

d. As an added feature for our customers, we also have our Painter make a final trip to the job after the furniture has been installed to fix any imperfections that may have resulted from "moving in".
 

 

11. Trim Work

a. Now the trim crew starts. First they install all the interior doors. The doors we use come in several different designs and are manufactured by JELD-WEN who is a leader in the industry.

b. Next the baseboard is installed. As a standard we use a "speed base" that is 5 ¼" high. It helps to give the room a little more definition.

c. The windows are then trimmed with a 3 ¼" wide casing.

d. If crown molding is to be installed it is done at this point. We have installed various types of crown molding.

e. All the interior and exterior door handles are installed at this time as well as the door stops.

f. During this phase of the work, if tile is to be used in any areas of the house, the backer board is installed. The board that we use is known as Durock Brand. It is a cement product that is used to insure that your tile is installed on a steady foundation so you don't have problems with the tiles coming loose at a later date.


12. Cabinets

a. The cabinets are then installed. We have several different cabinet manufactures that we deal with and they work with our customers to find the right ones to fit the budget.

b. Some cabinet brands that we use are Wood Mode, Kraft Maid, and Carnell.


13. Appliances

a. Now the Appliances are delivered to the job. Again we have several vendors that will work with our customers to insure that they get the correct appliances for their home. Some brands of appliances that we work with are Wolf, Viking, Sub Zero, Maytag, Frigidaire etc…


14. Mechanical Trim Outs

a. At this time all the Sub-contractors come back in to finish each of their jobs.

b. First the Heat, Vent and Air Conditioning contractor comes and installs all the outdoor heat pumps, the interior air handlers, ceiling or floor vents, return air filters and grills and the thermostats.

c. Next the Plumber installed all the faucets for the kitchen sink and all the bathroom sinks, tubs and showers. He also installs the water heaters and hooks-up such appliances as the garbage disposal, and dishwasher. Outside hose bibs are installed as well. Then all the toilets are installed.

d. Next is the Electrician who installs all the wall outlets, switches and light fixtures. He also hooks-up the Stove, Microwave, dishwasher and any other major appliances.


15. Floor Coverings

a. Floor covering are then installed.

b. Ceramic Tile is standard in all Alliance bathrooms, kitchens and entry ways.

c. Due to the fact that most of our homes are built at the beach we prefer to use wood laminate products because they are very hard to scratch. Also real wood flooring is more likely to separate due to contracting and expanding from the extreme temperatures that we have.

d. Carpet is normally in the bedrooms.


16. Cleaning Crews

a. The cleaning crews then comes in to do all the cleaning both inside and out and leave the house ready for the owners to occupy.


17. Final Inspections.

a. After cleaning the Local Code Officials are called in to do the final inspections and give us the Certificate of Occupancy.

b. After this the owners are free to move in and start enjoying their new home!