How to Save Money and Stress with Your Foundation

One of the not so glamorous things about building a home is spending alot of time talking about the foundation. You don't get to pick from any colors, it doesn't light up and won't have your friends talking about it at dinner parties.

However, your foundation is the single-most important element of the home. This is where you'll probably spend the biggest part of your budget, and it is so important it is warrantied the longest. Let me give you so quick things to think about when planning your foundation for your home.

Make sure it is engineered. We get all of our slabs engineered and stamped so that all things are considered when getting started. The engineering company will not let us pour unless we pass their inspection.

Make sure the lot is prepared properly. This is huge and really separates the good contractors from the bad. There are so many things you can do to help avoid large slabs that have a lot of stairs and slopes for the driveway. We spend more time prepping the land than just about anything.

Make sure you string the lot beforehand. This is a must so that you can get a feel for what trees will be saved, and where you're house will lay in reference to the lot. It can also help you understand where your finish floor is.

Make sure you get a form check survey. Just after you set the forms for your foundation, make sure you have a survey company draw the forms on the site plan. This helps to ensure your home is not encroaching on any setback lines or easements. It will also give you peace of mind.

Tony Hawk Marketing Machine

In difficult economic times, it's best to look to other examples of people who have started businesses in similar environments. There's a man out there who has created a multi-million dollar skateboarding empire during a flat market and waning market interest. His name is Tony Hawk and although it is a different business entirely, he provides interesting tips on how to use tough times to your advantage (courtesy of Success Magazine):

Know it is risky, but do it anyway. "If we could set ourselves up in a position of prominence when skating was at a dead state, then if it took off we could ride the wave."

Recognize the advantages of a flat market. It's more expensive to get in a business when times are good.

Make sure you are passionate about your idea or product. Focus all of your energy and want to make it happen.

Don't just grab deals as they come-scrutinize. Don't hand everyone the keys to all your opportunities, make sure you have the final say or it may cost you.

Align yourself with people who share your work ethic.

Know your market. You have to have your finger on the pulse.

Realize you never jump off the learning curve. There is always something new to learn.

Hard knocks can make your stronger. You have more clout when you go through thick and thin.

Planning for a Driveway and Sidewalks

Planning for driveways and sidewalks is very important when building a home. Think about it, they are the gateway to your home. It's best to get it right the first time because it's pretty permanent after you've poured it. In the custom home building business, people hardly ever ask me about the driveway when we initially plan for the home, but I know that once we first start laying it out- it becomes huge to them. You need to think about traffic flow, the kids playing, water flow around it and options for finishes. I wanted to give you some basic tips for planning:

Know your budget

A basic rule of thumb for 4" thick concrete in Texas today is about $3.50 per square foot. The problem is concrete can get thicker if your surface isn't flat. Therefore you may need a beam, extra fill or curbs. If so, you may creep up higher than that. Steps are also calculated a little differently but that $3.50 mark overall should get you real close.

Know the trends

Driveways have evolved a little bit. We're seeing customers asking for things like SUV pads for guests, back-up pads, 14' wide vs. 12' wide driveways and 16' to 18' approaches. We are also seeing larger sidewalks leading from the driveway to the house, as well as more s-shaped vs. straight pathways.

Know the options for design

There are so many cool things being done today with concrete. As you see from the above photo, staining has become more popular. Typical stain prices today might start in the $3.00 per square foot range. Not bad considering it is the cheapest form of flooring available. We've even done decorative borders on the edge of the driveway, almost like a picture frame and stained that only. It gives you a real elegant look for a fraction of the price of staining an entire driveway. You can also do different textured finishes like broom, pebble or even a salt rock finish which is more of a pitted, old world look.

Know the functionality

Last but not least, you must plan for the future. This means having adequate pvc pipes underneath for drainage, future sprinklers and future landscape lights. Pick areas of the concrete and consult the experts when doing this planning and it will help you immensely when you do decide to put those elements in.