There are a lot of new words and phrases, thanks to the creativity of the internet and TV. One of the terms we hear quite often these days (and it’s even the name of a popular reality TV show on HGTV) is “Good Bones”. But what does that mean for a custom home on LBI? So many times we hear homebuyers say that a home has “good bones”. When it comes to building a new custom home, what does that mean? Here’s how to know if your new custom home on LBI is being built with good bones!
Good Bones Start at the Ground Level
To us, starting at the ground level means Batter Boards and Pilings. Batter Boards are an integral part of the foundation when building a new custom home. The boards are set horizontally to support strings that outline the foundation plan of the building. Typically, our new custom homes are being set on pilings, and batter boards are what makes the walls square. If the batter boards are not square, it will throw the whole foundation off.
Once the batter boards are in position, construction crews can then drill and place the pilings in the appropriate places to support the weight of the home. By building your custom home on pilings, you will be able to keep the living areas above the flood elevation (check with your LBI builder or contractor for more information) in the event of coastal storms and flooding. Starting with a solid foundation is the key to giving your new custom home on LBI good bones!
Framing for Good Bones is More Than Just the Walls
Our framing methods are a little bit different here on LBI than standard stick built construction in a different environment. All of our homes are constructed using reinforced framing methods specifically for wind loads. And as we all know, it’s windy on the beach! According to a publication provided by FEMA on building and framing best practices, “Framing must transfer all gravity, uplift, and lateral loads to the foundation. In buildings (including residential structures), framing systems typically consist of the roof structure that supports the roof deck, exterior and interior load-bearing walls, beams, girders, posts, and floor framing. Shear walls (or steel moment frames in homes with large windows or other large openings) provide the strength to resist lateral loads.” The article expresses the importance of this, particularly in coastal areas.
Framing your new custom home on LBI is a thrilling experience for both you and our company! We get to experience together the excitement of creating your dream from the ground up. Once a home is framed, we invite our homeowners to don their hardhats and walk through with our team. This helps homeowners determine if the home is meeting their expectations at this early stage. This is where we get to see and feel the good bones!
It’s What’s Inside That Counts
We love the way our new custom homes progress at each stage of construction. Seeing the walls closed in and all the finishing details as we get closer to closing is one of the best feelings we experience as a custom home builder on LBI. But, what’s inside the walls really makes or breaks your new home. Efficient, well designed and installed systems, like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and technology are all sitting inside your walls. These are called “roughs”. These materials must be properly installed, to code, and inspected prior to your home being sheet rocked. All of our subcontractors are experienced experts in their fields and are licensed. Our homeowners can be sure that their homes are built to the highest standards. That includes the materials that are behind the walls.
If you are considering a new custom home on LBI and are looking for a quality builder that can deliver a new custom home with good bones, look no further! We actually like to think that we provide GREAT BONES! Our team at Stonehenge Building & Development has developed a solid reputation for over two decades of building custom homes on LBI. Read what our customers think about their new homes on our website. We have also been awarded the Houzz Service Award three years in a row! We are ready to help you make your LBI dream home a reality. Contact us today for more information on our home designs or to schedule a consultation.