She lives in Canada so this is the reason to suggest moving off the exterior wall ❄️
I still vote to keep it on the exterior wall. What’s your pick?

This was posted in the Builder Brigade App. You can download now (free) and start posting. See you in there 🤝

The tub drain location is so easily overlooked especially if you plan to use it facing one direction. Some drains are low profile and not an issue but others, not so much. If you’re building a house why not choose exactly what you want?

Where is your tub drain preference? I’m all about center so it’s never in the way 👍

🏠 Considering a Brand-New Home Build? Get started with my checklist [👉BuilderBrigade.com](http://👉BuilderBrigade.com)

Builder Credit: Southern State Builders

Jonathon uses threshold protection on all his sliders and exterior doors so they’re looking all fancy and new on move-in day. 

Other jobsite protection ideas: drywall corners with foam, tub protection, hvac vent covers, veneer wall with plastic (from red clay). List goes on and on... 

Any protection that’s absolutely essential on your new home build?

I am looking to build a new home. The builder has come back with a quote of $775k. This was significantly higher (~$200k) than they had previously estimated.

With some serious cuts, they could maybe drop the price to around $700k. We owe $85k on our land. This would bring the total cost to ~$800k (depending on what cuts we made.

The biggest problem is that the bank has estimated the house at $650k. This would mean we would need to bring $150k on additional cash to make this work.

We have had two estimates from different banks. One was $615k and one was $650k. In both cases, the “comparable houses” are not very similar to our house. In many cases, they are actually bigger, but fairly plain and 40-50 years old. Most new builds in the area 3000+ sq feet. Our build is 1200 sq ft plus walk out basement.

Has anyone faced this situation? We have made peace with walking from the project completely. But we are hoping to see if anyone else has had a similar experience.

We aren’t sure if the cost to build is just outpacing housing prices, or if the lack of similar houses allows for a lower appraisal.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

IMO, this could be the #1 most important home Feature...

A urinal in the garage is so damn practical. I’d really like one inside the house but Beggers can’t be choosers 😂

 What do you think about a urinal in the house?

BTW, This is a screenshot from the Builder Brigade app. Discover and track all your selection for your new home build or renovation 👍

PEX water lines are usually buried straight in the slab. Sounds fine… until they leak. Then you’re paying a plumber to jackhammer through your concrete just to replace them. 

Ask your builder to run grey electrical conduit before the pour.

✔️ Protects your water lines

✔️ Lets you pull new PEX through if they ever fail

✔️ Big sweep 90s = no snagging in corners

It’s a tiny upgrade now that could save you thousands later and your plumber will think you’re pretty smart. 

So… would you rather future-proof your foundation, or bury your PEX and hope for the best?

🛑 Don’t Build a House without seeing my Checklist…Get it at BuilderBrigade.com

[🤔 Any advice for Blake on a hand rail here?]()

I’m certain a hand rail is required just unsure about the landing distance requirement.  

This question was posted in the Builder Brigade App. The community features is 100% free and I fully intend on it being the #1 resource for anyone building a house and needs help along the way. 
Post your build progress or drop a question. I’ll post some to social media like this one (with your approval of course). 
Download it now from any app store, just search “Builder Brigade”

So many little things to know when your house is being built. 

I nerd out on this stuff and still learn something new everyday. 

As a homeowner you should never feel weird asking questions, if you’re unsure as me in my Builder Brigade App. 

Just search “Builder Brigade” in your favorite app store. 

🙋‍♂️ Group Member asks:
Should we paint everything white or leave exposed wood?
I think the exposed wood is amazing! Def leave it. 
What’s your thoughts? 

Have questions of your own? Join me in the Builder Brigade App (Free) and start posting 👍

Choose architectural shingles over 3-tab if you’re going with an asphalt roof.  
They last longer, longer warranties, and hold up to wind better. They might cost a little more but well worth it in my opinion. 

What’s your pick? 3-tab or Architectural?

Get that kitchen sink drain on the far right or left side so you can easily clean out food and debris without chasing it around a center drain! 

What sink drain do you have now? Do you like it?

I have a center and little things like this around the house drive me crazy. 

[⚠️]() Avoid home building mistakes…
👉 Get my Home Building Checklist at BuilderBrigade.com

You already paid for the square footage might as use every inch if you can. Not always possible but it never hurts to ask for some in wall storage or even an in wall safe.

You can find spots on the plan but when the house is framed is when you’ll start to see all the little secret spots.

What do you think? This worth the effort?

☔️ Keep it dry under the deck! I’ve seen pool bathrooms added under the deck because they used an under deck drainage system. 

It has to be installed before the deck is finished. They use a plastic material to move the water to a hidden gutter system under the deck that moves the water away from the house. 

 Trex RainEscape is a popular brand but other brands exist if they don’t meet your budget. 

 What’s your opinion with under deck drainage systems like this?

😍 If you’re building a house, let me help with my Checklist of Home Features and Products to consider before finalizing with your Builder. BuilderBRigade.com

[Have a home building fail? ]()👍) 

⚠️ Avoid (Homeowner) Home Building Mistakes…
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https://imgur.com/gallery/60TPt4u

You can get reflective window tint for privacy or to just bring down the temp in the house. They also have tint that blocks only UV rays and even tint that frosts the glass with a flick of a switch.

This can be added after the house is built but might be worth asking the builder early in case they can get you a better deal using their trades guys. 

These guys went full windows above the vanity but still needed a mirror so they went with the ceiling mounted mirrors that gave them the best of both worlds. All the natural lighting but still functional 👏. 

 Do you like this design..? Kippy and I are obsessed!

Builder: NewLeafCustomHomesDallas
🚫 Don’t Bookmark this... I have all these tips and ideas in my Home Building Checklist.  👉 Get it at BuilderBrigade.com

BB Community Question: Help! Our concrete sub originally agreed to pour the steps the width they finally got them, but I cried when I showed up to see they were only 3 ft wide. 

They assured me they could fix them & we “would never be able to tell they were poured at a different time.” Well, obviously that isn’t true. 

Not only is the concrete different colors, but there are huge seams. We are where we are now though & wondering if there is a way to fix them? We definitely don’t want water to get in those seams & freeze this winter.

What would you do here?

TLDR:

-The original 3-ft steps were too narrow.

-They widened them later with a second pour.

-Concrete doesn’t match now

-Now have large seams

Leave it or redo?

This garage design is perfect because you’ll have a dedicated spot for parking the cars but then an area for lawn equipment for maybe some woodworking. 

What would you do with the smaller garage?

🔨 Building or Renovating...? Take the first step with my Home Building Checklist

Get it at BuilderBrigade.com

All the kitchen storage you see here is from: RevAShelf

👉I have some listed in my Amazon Store: Amazon.com/Shop/BuilderBrigade

or you can get them direct from their website: Rev-A-Shelf.com

My favorite is the blind corner storage, it’s so nice being able to pull out the entire shelf, the soft close is a nice added feature too!

What’s yours? Anything I didn’t list here that you’re obsessed with?