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Key Points of Quality Construction

Watch the Homes by Jonathan Lee Energy Star Certification & Blower Door Test video!

Signatures of Homes by J. Lee are construction standards that improve your quality of life. Using high-quality materials and best-practice methods, we build homes for your enjoyment. Details that maximize energy efficiency, minimize maintenance, reduce noise, provide privacy and protect your investment in your home are included in every home we build. If you're talking with several homebuilders, we invite you to use this checklist as you discuss your construction expectations.
key points of quality construction

Efficiency

high efficiency hvac system
High-efficiency HVAC system

HVAC System - For energy efficiency and your comfort, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system is properly designed and sized utilizing heating and cooling load calculations.

High-efficiency Windows - We use ENERGY STAR windows that are insulated and double glazed. The low-emission (Low-E) glass conserves energy by keeping conditioned air in your home and can also help protect fabrics, furniture and floors from some sun damage. Aluminum or vinyl clad windows reduce the need for exterior maintenance and painting.

Insulated Doors and Weather Stripping - For fewer drafts and maximum energy efficiency, we install insulated doors with a factory threshold and weather stripping to provide a sealed barrier between heated/air-conditioned areas and unheated areas.

Fully Insulated Garage - To minimize temperature differences between the house and the garage, we fully insulate the garage walls, ceiling and install insulated garage doors.

Sheathing of Attic Walls - We install a sheathing barrier on the backside of attic walls. This provides a backing for the wall insulation and helps maximize insulation performance to achieve a more comfortable and energy efficient home.

House Wrap - Energy efficiency and indoor air quality are optimized when a home is well-sealed and fresh air is able to move. We install house wrap over all exterior sheathing of heated walls. The wrap acts as a windscreen and prevents water from entering the wall system.

Protection

Structural Engineering Review - Before we begin building, all house plans are reviewed by a professional, NC-registered structural engineer and receive a NC seal. This review includes foundation, framing and load calculations and we carefully follow the engineer's instructions and comments noted on the house plans.

Basement or Crawl Space Waterproofing - To help maintain a dry basement or crawl space foundation area, we use a Delta Matt MS waterproofing system. Our specifications for waterproofing go well beyond building code requirements for "damp proofing".

Lead Flashing Around Plumbing Vents - Wherever plumbing vents pierce the roof, lead flashing is used for durability and longevity.

Protecting Finished Products During Construction - As we install ductwork, walls and finished products like cabinets, countertops, thresholds, flooring, bathtubs, and pour the garage floor, we carefully cover these items to protect them from damage. Clients receive a brand-new product when they move into their home.

Site Protection - We respect and protect your lot as we prepare it and build your home. Trees and areas that need to be left undisturbed are fenced off. Erosion control methods are used to prevent storm water runoff and mud in the street. Construction entrances minimize any inconvenience to neighbors and our clean and orderly job site keeps materials contained.

cast in place
Closed conditioned crawl space

Gutters and Downspouts - Five inch, seamless, oversize aluminum downspouts and gutters are our standard and we use pipe to ensure water is moved away from the house and foundation.

Quality of Life

spray foam insulstion
Spray foam insulation

Sound Insulation - For a quieter home with increased privacy, we sound insulate all bedrooms, bathrooms, and the laundry room walls. This minimizes plumbing fixture and appliance noises.

Cast Iron Plumbing Drops - Few homeowners realize that using cast iron drops makes plumbing devices quieter. We address this hidden detail so your home is more serene.

High Quality Painting - Your walls, ceilings and trim are among the first impressions guests will have about your home. We properly prepare and prime all surfaces before painting. Wood trim receives an optimal primer coat that seals the wood and paint is spray-applied for a smooth finish. Ceilings are also sprayed with a finish coat to impart a smooth ceiling finish. All walls receive two finish coats that are carefully roller applied.

Engineered Floor Joists - To practically eliminate floor squeaks, we use engineered wood I beam floor joists that are glued and screwed in place, with AdvanTech sub-flooring for straighter finished floors.

First-floor Humidifiers - We add a humidifier on the first floor of every home to provide a more comfortable environment during heating season.

Good Stewardship of Building Materials - There's very little waste when we build a home. We use building materials efficiently - buying what we need and recycling instead of discarding, when possible.