Shell homeowners look forward to customizing their house interior. However, to ensure the dream doesn’t become a costly nightmare, it’s vital to be aware of the common shell home construction mistakes that can plague even the most ambitious projects.
At HiLine Homes, we understand the value of a well-constructed home that stands the test of time. Here are some of the common shell home construction mistakes homeowners must avoid.
1. Wrong-sized HVAC System for House
If there’s any item of responsibility that shell homeowners must invest in, it would be the HVAC system. A correctly sized HVAC system can achieve energy-efficiency goals that will be relatively inexpensive in the long run. To get the right size, the HVAC contractor will conduct testing in the shell house and calculate its HVAC capacity with the Manual J calculation.
2. Improper Insulation Materials
The first insulation mistake beginner homeowners may make is choosing the wrong insulation material.
Cellulose is a better insulation for homes in northern climates due to its greater R-value at lesser thickness than fiberglass. They are also more energy-efficient as they are more effective in trapping air.
Fiberglass comes in a range of R-values for homes that will not need significant insulation. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Meanwhile, foam insulation stops air leakage as fiberglass and cellulose are not designed to be airflow barriers. Learn more in “Building America Climate-Specific Guidance.”
While both insulation materials are easy to install, it is best to install them properly by a professional with the necessary equipment.
3. Cheap Appliances
Appliances are one of the finishing touches of a shell home. Some may even buy cheap appliances to save money. However, buying Energy Star appliances helps save money in the long run with lower utility bills.
Installing appliances can also be an afterthought, especially when homeowners look forward to occupying said home. Homeowners must ensure dishwashers, dryers, and refrigerators are correctly installed to avoid the inconveniences of troubleshooting problems when they don’t work properly.
4. Lack of Wiring Preparation
The homeowner must install an electrical system throughout the home. We advise consulting with the electrician hired for safe, proper wiring, and permitting needs. Homeowners must consult with their electrical subcontractor for safe and proper wiring installation.
5. Zero Garage Insulation
An insulated attached garage can make a massive difference in the comfort of a shell home. Attached garages affect the health of a house. When insulated, it decreases energy waste in summers and winters, reduces house moisture, improves indoor air quality, and increases HVAC efficiency.
6. Leaky Sinks
Leaky sinks frustrate homeowners everywhere, especially those who installed their sinks and pipes. A leaky sink can mean three things:
1.) The sink rim is not installed correctly,
2.) The water supply pipes are leaking, or
3.) The drain pipes are leaking water waste.
To prevent water under sinks and future water damage, monitor the installation of sinks and plumbing during interior building.
7. Improperly Installed Plumbing Hookups
Improperly installed plumbing pipes and hookups can violate building codes. It can also cause construction problems like reversing hot and cold sides, leaking, and early pipe corrosion.
For example, one of the most common mistakes plumbing beginners can make is overtightening connections to prevent leakage. But this stresses pipes and fittings unnecessarily, leading to cracks and leaks.
There is also the mistake of installing pipes at high slopes without paying attention to water pressure. If water has to travel over high slopes, it can cause low water pressure and clogging.
Homeowners with little to no plumbing experience are recommended to hire a plumber for proper installation. For those who want rough plumbing included in their shell homes, see our HiLine Homes Super Shell Program to know more.
