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BUCHER

Getting Educated

At Bucher Construction, we recognize that every client is unique. We also recognize that all builders are different and do certain things differently. Because building a home can seem so daunting and complex, many potential clients fail to fully understand the thousands of elements that go into making a finished product. The purpose of this page is to educate not only future Bucher customers, but anyone in the market for a new home. Listed below, we've attempted to scratch the surface of the many variables in the building process. Bucher Construction has spent nearly a quarter century upholding the quality and integrity of homes to the same, or better, standards set forth by Dean at the company's origination. We not only allow, but encourage customers to ask and understand how we do things and what materials we are using in our homes.

The Basics-

What does the company's jobsite look like? Is there a dumpster on the job? On a typical Bucher home, 3 dumpsters are filled. That's 90 yards of waste that gets shipped off site. If there isn't a dumpster, where is the jobsite waste going?

Is the lumber neatly stacked in the driveway and put under tarps every night. Both the sun and moisture can twist and bow material that isn't sitting flat. If the lumber that is used for your floors, walls, and roof isn't perfectly straight, how will the drywall look over it? Does the builder hand pick every board that's used? Do they regularly send inferior material back to the lumber yard or use whatever is sent out. On a typical Bucher job, 1/4 of all delivered lumber is deemed inferior and sent back to the lumber yard.

The Foundation-

	*Does the home have a basement? Are the basement walls 8' or 9'. Bucher pours 9' basement walls. Does the home include 9' basement walls or just 8' walls with studded walls stacked above?*
	How thick are the footers? Are they at least 8"? Are there poured footers below basement steps to prevent future sagging and settling, or is entire weight resting on only the concrete floor?
	*Does basement have daylight windows?*
	*Is foundation waterproofed? Is a waterproof guarantee included?*

Framing- "from the ground up"

	Are all weight-bearing floor joists doubled up? Bucher believes all load bearing walls need at least a double floor joist below to prevent any sagging of walls. Are all spans over 16' double joisted or a minimum of 1' on center? Are all joists below heavily weighted areas doubled up or 1' on center? (underneath kitchen islands, granite countertops, etc.)
	Is there adequate bridging between floor joists to eliminate floor bounce and squeaks? Is bridging at least 2"x4"?
	What type of sheeting is used for the sub-floor? Bucher believes Advantech is the best product available. Does home have moisture-proof Advantech sub-floor, or regular 3/4" plywood?
	Are first floor walls 8' or 9'? Are walls level and plumb? Is every single wall squared up during framing? Is every wall straightened and properly braced before ceiling joists and rafters are set on them?
	Is there solid wood backing behind all cabinets or are cabinets secured to only drywall?
	Are all ceiling joists at least 2"x8"? Bucher uses only 2"x8" or bigger ceiling joists.
	Are all rafters at least 2"x8"? Bucher uses only 2"x8" or bigger rafters.
	What material is used for roof ridges, hips, and valleys. Are LVLs (Laminated Veneered Lumber) used to prevent any moisture penetration or future sagging, or is white wood used?(2"x10", 2"x12" etc.) If LVLs are used, are they the appropriate thickness where needed?(9 1/4", 11 1/4", 16 1/4", 18 1/4" ...etc)
	Are GluLams used where appropriate to support weight? Are GluLams used for ridges in rooms with vaulted ceilings?
	Are all ridges one continuous piece, or merely spliced together?
	Are all ridges, hips, and valleys properly supported and braced to load bearing walls?
	Is every ridge, hip, and valley straightened?
	Are string lines used to straighten roof components and fly rafters?
	Is facia perfectly straight? An easy test for customers to determine quality of framing is to simply eye down the home's facia. Is it straight, or does it go in and out, or up and down? Perfectly straight facia is the product of perfectly straigthened and plumb walls.
	Is entire home wrapped in Tyvek HomeWrap? Are all seams taped with Tyvek Tape? Bucher believes Tyvek is the best HomeWrap available and uses it exclusively. Does the overall application appear neat and professional? Is housewrap quiet or does it flap in the wind? Are all gables, rakes, and chases wrapped?

The roof-

	What grade of felt paper is used underneath shingles? Bucher uses 30# paper only.
	Is water and ice shield ran along all eaves and valleys to prevent any possible roof leaks, or is only felt paper used?

Windows-

What windows are used? Do they have Low E with Argon gas to insulate them and block UV rays?

Are windows completely caulked during installation for water/air-tight seal?

Are windows completely taped off? Is Tyvek brand tape used?

The Driveway-

	Is there a poured concrete driveway? How wide is the driveway?
	Are there wide sidewalks to all doors?
	Is hauled in, compactable sand used below driveway or is onsite material used. Driveways on top of non-compactable sand have much greater chance of settling and excessively cracking.
	Is wire reinforcement placed underneath all concrete to increase strength?
	Does concrete contain fibermesh?
	Is the curb cut to make driveway-to-road transition as smooth as possible?
	Are steps to front porch supported down to footers? Bucher anchors concrete steps down to footers to prevent any settling of concrete.

The Garage-

	Bucher runs hot and cold softened water to garages. Does home include this?
	Does garage have a drain for washing vehicles?
	Does garage have gas run to it for a future garage heater?
	Is the garage door opener quiet and smooth?
	Is garage door wrapped with steel and insulated for maximum energy efficiency?

Mechanicals-

What is the overall appearance of mechanicals? (wiring,plumbing,HVAC,etc.) When viewed from the basement, do all components appear neat and professional?

Is there zoned heating and cooling for optimum comfort?

How big is the water heater? Bucher uses 75 gallon hot water heaters.

Is there gas stubbed out to the rear deck for hookup to grill?

Bucher installs 2 sump pits in basement to prevent possible basement flooding. Does house have 2 sump pits?

Does the home have a fireplace with gas log lighter?

Does each room have an abundance of outlets? Does each bedroom have at least one T.V./phone receptacle?

Does each bedroom have attractive ceiling fan w/ light kit?

Is the home and builder EnergyStar certified?

Landscape-

	Does home come with landscape package and seeded yard?
	Are all downspouts simply dumped into landscaping or is tiled away from house?
	Are decent sized trees incorporated into landscaping?
	Is a rear deck included? Are all deck poles supported by concrete footers?

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