5 New Construction home features… To look for…👀
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
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5 New Construction Home features to look for:
1. Clean job site
2. TV Blocking
3. Tub Faucet Check
4. Recessed Dryer Vent
5. Structured Media Enclosure
There are so many things to consider when having your house built. Hopefully videos like this help avoid some easily missed opportunities. I have a checklist that lists a ton more than I can’t fit into a video but not it’s not nearly as entertaining 😄
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I did HVAC for 15 years. Number one rule for dryer vents, never have them running up. I know its in the plans but change it. I don't care what anybody says, they should always be as close to an outside wall as possible. It extends the life of the dryer and it dries much better
Also easier to clean the vent on both sides
And it also makes hooking up the hose difficult, bending a ridgflex around the vent when there’s barely enough clearance from the back of the pan is a fight to say the least 😅
@@wsveeblurry9342 I've moved the washer and dryer connections on every home Ive owned and probably 25 for a customer.
Well almost all condos and townhomes need to be vented to the roof. You just need to hire the dryer vent guy to clean out your dryer vent every couple of years.
Right, run the dryer vent pipe down. Also, keep it under 10 ft long or put a clean out box in the venting route.👍
Add a 6" deep recess behind the fridge so you can get the full size fridge and the counter depth look.
Full size fridges are stupid
@@jamesdeclan7538why?
@@jamesdeclan7538 Why ? Most folks don't live in a NYC apartment !!!
@@jamesdeclan7538 I disagree. They're a good value especially for people with large families.
I agree. Sticky-out fridges look awful.
Put blocking above windows. Nothing worse then hanging curtains with anchors.
I know the Communications box is a standard to place in a Master closet. As an IT guy, I think it's the WORST place to put it. If you need svc, the tech has to be in your closet, 2-a metal box to place a Wi-Fi router, the metal can limit the signal, 3-why not locate in a coat closet or laundry room? And a MCloset always is on the extreme part of the house, balancing the signal doesn't work well when on an extreme side of the house. --- GREAT VIDEOS, BBrigade, you have solid suggestions.
I was thinking that too!
I have NEVER seen ethernet, coax, or telephone cable run to a master closet, maybe it's a thing elsewhere, but not here in Toronto. I also don't like it in any closet. Assuming you have wireless access points, then the modem, router (always have a separate router from the ISP modem), then the 19" rack logically makes sense to go in the basement utility room where the circuit breaker panel, the telco demarc, and the cable company demarc are. Or a similar location if you don't have a basement (here they are by far more common than a concrete slab foundation, though not required by code, but I don't think anyone here would blame the average person who assumed it was required by code here since they are ubiquitous) then an equivalent location where the circuit breaker and demarcs would be (though not sure how this would work in places where the circuit breaker panel is on the outside of the house, which seems completely illogical to me). Alternatively, a room designated as an office or a cabinet in the living room/den/family room..
Blocking at doorknob height to prevent knobs from punching holes through drywall.
Adding door stoppers (I prefer the ones on the hinges) is probably a better solution 🤷🏼♂️
Also add blocking for towel bars in bathrooms. Most older houses don’t have that.
Haha your houses are so cheap
I will never understand dryer vents like that in the middle of the house, no wonder they cause fires when people don’t get them cleaned, dryers should have to be on an outside wall the you just have like 2ft of venting!
Putting a dryer on the perimeter takes away usable square footage
In hawaii they could go outside which was cool
I always put blocking behind all my flat screens . Also put additional blocking behind my toilet roll holder , towel rack and curtain rod in my bathroom . I wasn’t aware of that recessed part for dryers though, great idea .
Instead of a smart panel I prefer a dedicated room with a network rack . Things get busy when you have a lot of surveillance cameras , plus I run cat6 to all rooms regardless , and have three cat 6 in my living room home theatre area, and four in my computer room
now THIS is truly Excellent planning!
Now that's how you do the networking! At least 1 CAT 6 (if not 6A), if not more, to every room, multiple to where a TV will go, and at least one on each wall a TV could go on depending on the resident's preference (which could change over the years). Proper network wiring includes a standard patch panel, which means a standard 19" rack. I'm not even counting the cameras, just desktop PCs, TVs, TV boxes, other media boxes, switches, access points (at least one per floor, ceiling mounted), wired smart devices (like a Ubiquiti UniFi Protect PoE doorbell camera, I wish more smart devices were PoE, or at least used ethernet instead of some sort of wifi), etc.
The dryer vent box is convenient, but vent run vertical will never get rid of lint. Tennant or owner MUST clean out lint often or will start a fire. Always install pointed down if possible, if not possible run horizontal, with 1/8in. Per ft. Fall and clean every 6mo. Also suggest "quick" release clip to promote cleaning. And NEVER run dryer, when not home.
Why is running it down better than up? Doesn't it have the same amount of lint? I'm not a contractor or HVAC I just wanna know.
@juggerswood lint has weight, and reacts to gravity, this is considered a gravity vent. When run is vertical, or pointed up, the lint will only go so far up (based on the power of the fan that is providing the exhaust pressure) that is why, even with a horizontal (or flat run) by code a booster fan is required at 16 foot, developed length from the dryer location.
Yesss thank you for pointing out clean on weekends. I've had customers very concerned with small amounts of dust and debris gathering during the day. We usually do a quick sweep and vacuum if necessary at the end of day. Then a little more intense clean on Friday night. It makes me feel better as a person who takes pride in my work to leave a clean site whenever we aren't actively making a mess
Did a few years working for a guy who wanted it spot clean after every single day, couldn’t really complain because we always got paid extra for it and it certainly makes a better working environment when everything is clean
agreed @@100StepProgram
A lot of crews here work Saturdays, or Sundays (though, usually not both, and usually Saturdays, though, if I am doing network wiring, I might be there on a Sunday, if allowed since I never work Saturdays).
All great tips. As an IT guy, the last tip made me smile! We need more network availability in 2023
Mine is twice the size and too small
I had to come in on a saturday afternoon and install my structured media closet. I lied to workers and said I was with the electrician lol. I then preinstalled fiber and surround sound wiring
I'm outfitting my house with cat6 cabling everywhere as I remodel. Central hub in the basement with a rack mounted setup. Mesh router system that is all wired in. Love having everything hardwired.
@@robtreibel766agreed! Not nearly big enough
@GageDrums the mesh router system is awesome! I install those for commercial buildings.
Add blocking above windows for window treatments, curtains, etc.
Some fabrics and hardware can be heavy.
Relying on drywall is not always the best.
The only thing I've an issue with there is the network distribution point. My router (19" 1ru rack mount), switch (19" 1ru rackmount) and CCTV NVR (almost 19" 1ru) won't fit in a tiny box.
I have a circa 9ru rack enclosure wall mounted instead for all that gear and patch termination.
The rest i agree with.
I'd be checking the hole chart that comes with those TJI s... looks like that insulated flex duct has possibly been tunneled through with too large of a hole and too close to the main beam bearing point...
Didnt see an upstairs washer drain pipe for washer pan. One fail and first floor cieling and insulation coming down. Also block behind tub bib, it shouldnt move at all to prevent breaking seal and leaking in wall. Looks great tho
I've had to fix showers that don't have the plumbing anchored right. As they loosen up and shake the water will get behind there as the drywall gets busted up from a push to shut off faucet set.
A gravity flow heat source below expensive electronics. You do the math. Clean is always a safety issue. Good Joc there. The media enclosure is the best. It leaves options open for the future while taking care of the present. Now make some hidden rooms and stash spots.
structured media thing was great 15 years ago. Now you want room for rack mount equipment. 12U minimum for a UPS, router, switch, patch panel, and room to work.
Some of us would be looking for a full height (>42U) 4 post rack for all our home networking, media server, and AV equipment. No excuse for a new McMansion not to have it!
A structured media cabinet was never great, they are non-standard and never facilitated proper wifi)
My wife wants the TV above the fireplace and I really don’t understand why someone would want to watch tv like they’re star gazing outside.
It's about the couch placement. It saves space and money by not needing 2 couches and not moving the couch to stare at the fire. It has become a trend that people think is necessary or just better for no practical reason.
Following trends for interior design is the same as following trends in fashion; expensive and inevitably a complete waste of money when the trend changes.
Get yourself a good recliner and you'll understand
I don t want raise my head that far up to watch TV. Hurts your neck !!!
That way she can pretend to be interested in Sunday football games while really watching the romantic fire..
@@brookelord3448 Our fireplace is in the corner. This leaves a nice custom area for the TV to sit on the good wall. This is one of the big reasons we bought this house.
If contractor cleaned the place like this, I would give them a big tip. 😮 wow ❤
I think TV above the fireplace is a great place for it. It lets you set up your room with one focus. You can build a cabinet and close up the TV when you’re not using it.
I worked for a guy who refused to upsell structure cable and he insisted that no one would use it. I always thought it was more secure and faster
Structured cabling is great, but not a structured media cabinet, they are not worth the money, are non-standard, and limiting. Better to use a standard 19" rack.
NEVER seen a construction site this clean ever!!! Even after finished there was debris in the floor vents. Wondering..won’t the dryer vent get clogged easier in the vertical direction, ie fire hazard.?
There is absolutely no lookout blocks in the living room. Upstairs outer wall is only bearing on rim board that’s only 1” of bearing. I’d be very surprised if an inspector lets that fly. Hope it gets fixed because rim board is just thicker plywood.
love your input!
All amazingly thought out additions
You should also put in a secondary lint trap right above the dryer so you don't have to pay for duct cleaning.
With EASY access! Concealed behind a hinged lovely painting of a fireplace to remind you to clean it regularly, lol!
Commercial jobs in NC you have to write the Lengths of the dryer pipe on the box for the inspector.
I always like the extra blocking for wall mount TV locations. Also, it’s a great idea for towel bar locations, and any other locations where anything heavy will be hung (if known in advance of course).
Dream machine router has wifi built in.. would be better to use a usg and in wall mount ap’s with cat 6 connects on them. Perfect for a office, in a room or behind a tv. Power comes from your mdf through poe. Makes it easy to add a voip phone or any other internet connected device.
Except the USG is out of date. I couldn't tell if that was a UDM or UDR in the photo (it's not neccessarily from this house, it could jusr be a random photo he found). Whether you use a USG or UDM/UDR, or anynother UniFi router, you can, likely should (or need to ) have additional separate access points. What's an MDF? To me MDF stads for Medium Density Fibreboard, which is a manufactured wood fibre and resin building material.
Each and every plug in my house moves when you plug something in. The dryer thing is a great idea that should have been thought of decades ago.
I like the recessed vent but not vertical. I prefer it’s horizontal and as close to outside wall as possible.
Gotta go where it fits best. I agree though! Close to the outside walls would be best. I have not seen those either. I'll have to get one when I remodel my laundry room!
I put my washer and dryer in my 600sq ft master closet, tired of dragging clothes everywhere
washer and dryer need to be where people change clothes, NOT in the basement, NOT in the kitchen.
Take it from a pro that does low voltage. Have a conduit going from the SMC to the outside Demarc. This way if you get fiber internet the modem can be inside the SMC. Also use a SMC panel that is plastic and atleast 20inches.
I agree with everything, except. We never have extra blocks laying around or extra studs to accommodate proper plumbing HVAC and electrical install.
For me: add blocking so I can get support for my towel bar. With studs 16" apart, the 18" or 20" towel bar supports need something to screw into.
If I ever build or do a renovation, I’m totally hittin you up!
Structured media panels like this one are often woefully undersized.
If you can, try to give yourself a few square feet of plywood. The wall on the inside of a closet or similar works well.
This will give you plenty of space to comfortably strap down components and to route & dress power and data cables.
And the media panel needs to be plastic, not a metal enclosure
Just delete the structured media cabinet and replace with a standard 19" rack at least 4U, and at least one rackmounted shelf. This facilitates standard patch panels and standard network devices such as a rackmounted router and switch, or desktop router/switch/modem on the shelf. A structured media cabinet is non standard, makes wiring messy (doesn't matter how you dress it up), and limits the hardware you can use. Also, a network rack is FAR easier to work with WHEN (not if) troubleshooting is needed.
@@technerd9655 A rack is the obvious choice to you and me but it's a hard sell to normies. At least with a swath of wall you have a fighting chance to expand. You can always mount a 1U patch panel and switch vertically if you have to, with brackets or whatever.
@@helmanfrow fair enough, and in a retrofit situation, sure. But in a build like this, it should be used by default.
What is the name of the builder? We need more companies like this that build our homes like they were doing it for themselves.
CLEAN job site is so clutch. Blocked plumbing roughs is the ONLY way - EVERY time. Never acceptable any other way.
Media enclosure? New to me! Bet no one would think there’s a special spot for their router but that’s cool
It's garbage, just use a standard 19" network rack instead.
Something about the dryer vent to everyone.
Please do not build your house with the dryer vent through your home. Build it on the outer wall so that if there is a fire, it can be seen easier from inside and outside, and there's less of a chance to start a fire. Also, having this type of vent is easier and cheaper to clean.
Move your boxes for the TV above the blocking or at least use recessed outlets if it needs to be below. If the TV tilts down you don't want it leaning on the connections.
Love all of those points!
Builder and framer are two different things, a builder hires the framers (which is what I am is a framer) and some framing crews are crazy messy and some crews clean up everyday, a lot of the features you see are builder choices or already per plan if it is production, do your research and see the houses they are doing, makes a huge difference
A good sign of a bad builder is them ketting you out your dryer where the vent goes straight up instead of out. You are just asking for problems down the road. 😂
The life of the T V is shortened when it is hung over the fireplace due to the heat .
I always have my subs provide 1 cleaner for a week each sub until the job is finished. So the jobsite is cleaned everyday. I also have 1 sub provide lunch for everyone every Friday. I know this ends up costing ME money as it is in the contracts but I have noticed the jobs are getting done in time, change orders are down, everyone gets a long and no more fighting. I also add a clause that for every day the job is late depending on the sub they have to pay $200. So no excuses except for rare occasions like weather for roofers and framers and concrete finishers other than that no excuses.
That's super cool. 👌
For a house of that size you will need a larger Smurf tube for running networking in the future
I like to run a minimum of 2" PVC from the wiring panel to the attic and a minimum 3/4" smurf tube from every drop to the attic (or some central location) .
Don't forget a tube from your demarcation point(s) to the attic! 3/4" minimum if you can!
I'd rather have the network cabling run to the basement, not the attic.
I always install ice maker boxes and a real big thing; gas wall boxes! Never up through the floor!
I brought a 450k home, most are not present as standard but when I looked for 1 million homes.. all of these are standard... it's just the cost of home...!!!
Quality build looks like here in Florida they use thin metal trusses they don’t seem very strong
When I’m deciding which builder to use, I definitely walk their job sites on the weekends to see if they clean up after themselves
I agree. They did a good job.
Structured media panels are pointless. A small communications rack or cabinet is the way to go.
Can you ask to stop by another one of their jobs to see if they do these kind of things?
smurf tubes are a life-saver!
The real question is, who swept up the electricians mess..
You’re gonna need a much larger media cabinet. Mine is four times the size of the one in this video and mine is full of gear that’s necessary to run my “smart” home.
It's more that that bro check for fire blocking,hangers,metal plates to protect wires from drilling ect
As an IT Pro, never use a structured media enclosure. Network devices are not designed for these, nor should they be. A smart builder will bring in a low voltage cabling specialist (which MIGHT be the electeician, but in my experience is a separate contractor) and IT Pro to plan out ethernet cabling (wired conenctivity is ALWAYS better than wifi, unless you need mobility or its a retrofit, or the device doesn't support wired connectivity and there is no alternative device) and wireless access point location. Instead of the structured media cabinet, you need a standard 19" network rack, at least a 4U, but more like 6 or 8 and at least one shelf.
wait until the TV melts then he realize why.
Where and HOW do I find a builder of this level…??? Most references/photos/videos don’t seem to hold water once they’re ~50% into the build. (I’m on my 3rd build and 5th builder… thankfully LDs were written into the contracts!).
It’s clean because the trades haven’t started working 😂
Literally all the trades have finished it looks to be ready for 4 way.
Good lord what’s with the drop down beam is there a exterior 2 nd floor wall on top of it?
Yeah I don't get why some people can't stand having a TV on top of their fireplace. Who sits upright straight up to watch TV? Most people probably recline a little bit making the more comfortable angle push the viewing location higher up.
We were having a custom home built. Folks laughd because I stopped every day. Here's what I caught... plumber did not install water line for frig icemaker... in ARIZONA!! 😂 We got it just in time.
Everytime I had someone install blocks for the TV it's wrong.
WORST place to mount your TV is above the fireplace! It also voids the warranty of the TV
Americas clasic lego house💀
something I have seen is using solid galvanized sheet metal pipe for dryer vents. Lint doesn’t build up as much as in flex pipe reducing a fire hazard. It is also easier to clean out.
Here’s a pro tip: make sure your media pane/box is plastic and not metal. WiFi routers don’t work well when enclosed with metal.
Better yet, no structured media cabinet, use a 19" rack and multiple ceiling mounted wireless access points.
My Man is a builder and he totally 👍
The Wi-Fi router shouldn't be inside the cabinet 😆
To be fair, the router in the picture may not be from this house, it could just be a random picture using a structured media cabinet in a finished home. Having said that, I agree, should have multiple ceiling mounted access points. And use a 19" rack instead of the stupid structured media cabinet.
shower valve at the side, all-in-one washer+dryer.. no vent, no lint
I asked my builder to put the base blocking for tv. Was told they don’t do that.
*HE* chooses not to do that. Send him a Certified letter requesting (demanding) it. If absolutely necessary, pay a change order fee. In the alternative, get a subK and Pay them to do it.
It's not a matter of not liking the tv over the fireplace. It's because the heat will destroy the tv.
Man that dryer exhaust going straight up is such a bad idea. Idk why new houses have them
As a former appliance installer, I can tell that i didn't like that dryer vent going straight up. For most domestic dryers there is a limit of 19ft of total dryer vent runoff...and even less vertical runoff. Check the manual for model-specific information on your dryer.
where I live it's 25' max each 90 counts as 5'
if you will go behind your contractor and clean the job site every night you will get a better job because yhey will be afraid you are picky.
Smirf tube should have been rigid conduit
Put the wifi access point inside a metal box so smart....
That was likely a random picture, not this house, but I do agree, however, go one step further, don't use a structured media enclosure. Use a 19" network rack instead and ceiling mounted wireless access points, at least 1 per floor.
No insulation behind exterior tubs/fireplaces is a major mistake
all the cables are *run* not ran
Anyone knows the name of the builder? We really need that info
Well if it's clean the framers cleaned it no other trades clean up after them selves
99% of the people hate the tv above the fireplace. Solution, stop mounting it there!
Can I ask why? Does it fall or something?
How about your plumbing?
Running coaxial cable to each tv location is so 15 years ago
Maybe where you are, but it's only in the last 2 or 3 years that the cable company here stopped installing digital cable and went to IPTV only. So yes, running coax is no longer neccessary, but it's relatively recent. But CAT6 ethernet networking cable is absolutely worth the money.
All the UA-cam experts in the comments got me 💀
osb city here, even has osb fake chimney!
I have a stone wall, about 3-4 inches thick. Do I still need blocking?
If you mean stone facing over wood framing - Yes. If you mean that you have a solid masonry wall (vs wood framing), then no.
@@byronlaw6724 wood framing but there’s a sheet of plywood behind it. I don’t believe the builders put blocking, just regularly spaced studs. Stud framing -> plywood -> stone facing
@@eyehear10 FYI, I am not in construction, so someone in the trades might have a better answer, but I would imagine that depending on the plywood behind your stonework, you wouldn't need the blocking. I suspect plywood 1/2" or thicker would be OK, especially for a TV that sits mostly flush with the wall (as opposed to exerting forces away from the wall). I would think 3/4" would handle TV's no problem (but again, this is someone not in the trades speaking from their opinion).
@@byronlaw6724 thanks for your input
@@eyehear10no but you will need a hammer drill and some quality masonry anchors
I don't like it above the fireplace.
I prefer it in bed.
That blocking about the fireplace is a laughing stock
The last thing to look for in a builder: Affordability 😅
Immaculate, not immaculant
U are smart
Good way to melt the TV
Media box ??? Whats that ? We don't have CAT or Fiber anywhere near us. The only CAT we got , goes meow !!!!
The only CAT I got, or want, are CAT5E/6 (aka Category 5E/6) ethernet network cabling. 🤣🤣
Unfortunately if you are deciding on a builder they would first have to have the job before knowing whether the job site will be immaculate. 😂😂
How he held a strait face.
Uuuu fire the HVAC guy your not supposed to run ductwork through that style of beams 😅