How to Build Your Dream Home

Building your dream home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s easy to get swept up in the details of your dream kitchen, luxurious bathrooms, and colour selections. There are, however, many smaller details that sometimes can get lost in the process; items that when planned correctly, will add lasting value to your home and provide for potential alterations in the future. As an experienced home builder in Barrie, I have come across numerous tips and tricks over the years that help make a home great.

Here are just a few tips:

Keep in mind that tile and grout is not waterproof. Unless it is properly sealed consistently, water will eventually find its way to the subfloor or walls that the tile is installed upon. Have your builder seal all tile, as well as use proper tile concrete backerboard, with elastomeric sealant, in shower, tub and backsplash areas. As the homeowner, ensure that the tile is re-sealed on a continual basis per the manufacturers instructions.

Have a humidifier, humidistat and HRV (heat recovery ventilator) installed within the HVAC system. New houses tend to be more air-tight and do not allow for the flow of moisture in and out of your home. With these units installed, you as the homeowner can control the humidity levels within your home and greatly minimize the effect the humidity has on excess window condensation, mould growth, and natural construction products such as hardwood flooring and wood cabinetry.

Use plywood blocking. Ask your builder to install full ½”-3/4” plywood blocking under the drywall in all tub and shower areas (sometimes also required by code) so that grab bars, towel racks, etc. can be installed securely, without the use of those pesky drywall plugs. Another area for plywood blocking to be installed is anywhere you plan on installing wall-mounted flatscreen TV’s, shelving, railings or fireplace mantels. Your builder can also take pictures of these locations before drywall is installed for your future reference.

Plan for the future! Most basements will eventually be finished (but not recommended in the first year or two), so planning for future bathrooms, wet bars entertainment areas and bedrooms is a great idea. Have the walls framed and all the electrical, HVAC, cable, and plumbing roughed-in by your builder. This will make finishing off the basement later much easier and also save you money in the long run.

There you have just a few of the many things you can do when planning your dream home (and that dream kitchen of course!). Remember to take your time, give careful consideration to what’s behind the drywall, and enjoy.