jjcold
10-25-2003, 10:10 PM
I am not a professional in the building trades, but I am having a new home built and have a basic question. first of all, this is a modest home, 1300 sq. ft. single level rambler, 3 bedroom, 2 bath and double car garage. I live in the Seattle area, so winters are generally mild. (wet, but not too cold!) As mentioned, this is a single level home.
The builder of these "affordable" homes uses 2 X 4 studs for the exterior walls, which at first surprised me. I thought everyone used 2 X 6 nowadays. He says 2 X 6 is really not necessary on a single level home in this part of the country. He claims they get a bit more room inside of the house with 2 X 4. I know it is really only about saving money, which is fine with me if 2 X 4 construction is acceptable nowadays. In all other aspects the construction methods and materials used seem fine to me (I've really gone over these homes with a fine tooth comb, and they do have many satisfied customers) Also, the R values are: R-38 in ceiling, R-30 in floor, R-15 in walls. Vinyl 1" double pane windows, vinyl siding outside, gas forced air furnace and cathedral ceiling with ceiling fan. Hope I've provided all pertinent information. They also use Tyvek house wrap, but then I presume everyone does these days.
Any ideas? Thanks!!
The builder of these "affordable" homes uses 2 X 4 studs for the exterior walls, which at first surprised me. I thought everyone used 2 X 6 nowadays. He says 2 X 6 is really not necessary on a single level home in this part of the country. He claims they get a bit more room inside of the house with 2 X 4. I know it is really only about saving money, which is fine with me if 2 X 4 construction is acceptable nowadays. In all other aspects the construction methods and materials used seem fine to me (I've really gone over these homes with a fine tooth comb, and they do have many satisfied customers) Also, the R values are: R-38 in ceiling, R-30 in floor, R-15 in walls. Vinyl 1" double pane windows, vinyl siding outside, gas forced air furnace and cathedral ceiling with ceiling fan. Hope I've provided all pertinent information. They also use Tyvek house wrap, but then I presume everyone does these days.
Any ideas? Thanks!!