|
2
x 8" floor joists and 2 x 6" exterior walls. |
Most use only 2 x 6"
floors. |
|
All
studs and joists on 16" centers using #1 or #2 kiln-dried lumber
stored indoors |
Many others are 24"
on center and store lumber outdoors where moisture can cause it to warp in
the home as it eventually dries out. |
|
All
2 x 4" Interior walls |
2 x 3" and some
1" lumber (not strong enough for use in the construction trade). |
|
Full-size
36" Exterior doors. |
Undersized doors and some
trailer-type that swing out instead of in. |
|
Windows
- standard sizes in 6" increments |
Odd sizes with very
limited replacement availability |
|
Plywood
roof with hand-tabbed shingles |
Pressed board which will
deteriorate when wet, and very few hand-tab shingles |
|
All
batted insulation.
Comes in rolls with backing for moisture
protection and is attached to remain in place. |
Blown-in
insulation. It is inexpensive and easily installed, but can pack
down with settling or moisture and lose its insulation ability.
Higher heating costs. |
|
Plumbed
with copper water lines thru-out. |
Cheaper plastic plumbing
without fittings; causing difficult repairs when needed. |
|
Sinks
and tubs with overflows, full size shower stalls, steel porcelain sinks, and premium faucets - all name brands. |
No overflows, smaller
showers, 2 piece or plastic fixtures that cannot be repaired. |
|
Electrical
outlets and switches firmly attached to studs. Rocker switches
throughout. |
Some fasten them only to
sheetrock. Not nearly as permanent and more likely to cause
problems. |
|
Durable
James Hardie Fiber Cement siding. Guaranteed for 30 years |
Some use siding that isn't resistant to varying
climates, fire and insects. |
|
All
1/2" sheetrock on the walls, 5/8" on ceilings. |
Some wallpapered paneling
and 3/8" sheetrock; less fire resistant and less puncture proof. |
|
Full
size eaves, front and back, to prevent stain on windows and siding.
Built with 2 x 4 truss ends and 2 x 6 facia board for attaching patio
covers, gutters, etc. |
Front eaves only, if any,
and 2 x 2 truss ends unable to withstand nailing. |
|
Oak
hollow core 32" interior doors (wood Jambs, frames, and trim). |
Pressed board frames, photo finish
paper, or skimpy door jambs. |
|
Sturdy
oak module cabinets, screw-assembled with adjustable
shelves, and drawers with metal roller guides and plywood bottoms. |
Photo paper, particle
board, stapled assembly, or roughly framed with no interior sidewall,
backs, or bottoms. |
|
A
stronger roof rated at 40 lbs. per square foot. |
20 or 30 lb. rated roof. |
|
Insulation
of R -38/49 in the ceiling, R-21 wall, R-33 floor, and a large 5x15"
R-6 heat duct to reduce heating costs. |
Lesser insulation and a
smaller tin heat duct with no insulation. |
|
Formica/oak
window ledges on most models for moisture and warp protection. |
Sheetrock or paneling. |
|
Rolled
countertops with a seamless backsplash for moisture protection and easy
cleaning, or tile backsplash. |
Seamed countertops or no
backsplash. |
|
Upgrade
carpeting treated for stain protection and 6 lb. pad. |
Usually minimum spec.
grade carpet and pad. |
|
50
gallon quick recovery water heater. |
30 or 40-gallon standard
for most. |
|
Premium
guarantees of 10 years of more on paint, shingles, siding, windows and
doors. |
Lesser quality materials
with only a one-year warranty. |
