As we prepare for a new year of activity, we're very excited to announce some changes for True Built Home:
NEW OFFICE
First, we're very pleased to announce our move to our new offices located in the historic Blackwell Mansion at 401 Broadway in Tacoma, WA. Built in 1891 for hotel owner and founder of the Tacoma National Bank Wm. B. Blackwell, the Mansion was the most expensive home built in its day-a whopping $30,000 (wouldn't it be nice if we could build for that today!).
Today it has been renovated and retrofitted for energy conservation, but great effort has been made to retain the original charm. Our office boasts marine and mountain views, two working fireplaces (which we are already making good use of) and gorgeous white oak, mahogany, and fir woodwork throughout. Sitting by the fireplace with a cup of coffee, has made discussing home plans with a client even more of a pleasure for us and for our clients!
WEBSITE
Our website was recently revamped and we are continuing to add new plans and features such as 'how' to' videos and photo realistic renderings of our homes. We also continue to feature a 'do-it-yourself'-state of the art online home cost estimator for our clients. Our website is more informative, has more pictures and significantly more useful content for our clients. See for yourself at www.TrueBuiltHome.com.
NEW PLANS
Early in 2010, we will have new "Casita" plans. Casita is a fancy way of saying small house-1-2 bedroom homes ranging from 800-1300 square feet-that can be used as weekend getaway homes, ADU's, or cottage style housing.
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Also, we have several new garage plans, some with shop space and a couple of RV garage plans. We also can add a bathroom, small office or apartment to our garage plans as well.
NEW OFFICE IN TRI-CITIES
We are ready to start building in Tri-Cities area TODAY! We already have a superintendent and subcontractors. If you are considering building a home in the area, visit www.TrueBuiltHome.com for a free information packet.
Thanks, Burlington 360-757-7773
Gig Harbor 253-272-5300
Tri-Cities 253-272-5300
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New True Built Home-Website upgrade
We are closer than ever to introducing our latest website which we hope will generate an even better user experience than any of our competitors. HANDS DOWN! How?
Would you like to be able to see the monthly estimate cost of each of our homes, DYNAMICALLY, every time you click on a plan?
Do need a piece of property for your new home?
f you are a realtor, would you like to list your buildable parcels of land, free of charge?
With True Built Home, and our new interactive website, you can do those things, and more!
Please contact us for our lastest newletter in PDF format.
Would you like to be able to see the monthly estimate cost of each of our homes, DYNAMICALLY, every time you click on a plan?
Do need a piece of property for your new home?
f you are a realtor, would you like to list your buildable parcels of land, free of charge?
With True Built Home, and our new interactive website, you can do those things, and more!
Please contact us for our lastest newletter in PDF format.
Friday, February 20, 2009
How to Build a Deck
How to Build a Deck
Once you have determined the basic design of your deck, the next step is to choose your materials. The most common choices are pressure-treated (P/T) lumber. As a rule, pressure-treated lumber is the best choice for the substructure; the species you use for the visible parts of the deck will depend on your budget and the look you want.
The span tables in this document will help you determine how much material you need, based on the species you choose. Although there is no such thing as an "average" deck, these instructions assume that your deck is attached to the house, is no more than 30" off the ground, and that there are no special load requirements. All design recommendations below are suggestions only, for estimating purposes. Always check local building codes before determining the final design.
CHOOSING MATERIALS
Decking–If you choose pressure-treated lumber, you'll have a choice between 5/4 x 6 decking (1x5-1/2 actual size) or 2" material (typically 2x4 through 2x8, all 1-1/2" thick). The size and species of the decking you choose will determine the spacing between your joists. Recommended spacing for common decking boards is as follows:
Decking
Joist Spacing
5/4x6
16" maximum
2 inch thick redwood, western red cedar, S-P-F, Hem-fir, Northern white cedar
24" maximum, 16" preferred
2-inch 24" maximum
·
Determining Joist Size–2x6s through 2x10s are the most common sizes used for joists. The beams that carry them are typically 4x6 through 4x10, often "built up" from doubled 2-inch lumber. Pressure-treated lumber is generally less expensive than redwood or cedar, and can be used for the substructure even when the decking and railing will be other species.
In most cases, you'll want to determine the spacing between beams first, then use a joist size appropriate to that spacing. If the deck will be no more than 6' off the ground, a common recommendation is to space the support beams no more than 12' apart. As a rule, you'll only need one beam along the outer edge of the deck (a ledger bolted to the house supports the other end of the deck).
Beam Spacing
Joist Size (joists 16" o.c.)
Up to 8 feet
2x6
8 to 10 feet
2x8 10 to 12 feet
2x8
Beam Spacing
Joist Size (joists 24" o.c.)
Up to 8 feet
2x6 (P.T.)
8 to 10 feet
2x8
10 to 12 feet
2x8 (pressure)
Determining Beam Size–Since support posts are often run through the decking to serve as railing posts, the specifications below are given for posts that will be spaced no more than 6' apart, with beams that are no more than 12' apart. With these spacing specifications, 4x4 posts are adequate for any deck less than 6' off the ground.
Beam Spacing (round down to nearest foot)
Miniumum Beam Size (doubled 2" material may be used in place of 4" thickness)
Up to 6 feet
4x6 Up to 7 feet
4x8 Up to 9 feet
4x10 Up to 11 feet
PREPARATION AND LAYOUT
Preparation–First, prepare the ground under the deck by removing the sod. Slope the ground away from the house a minimum of 1" every 15' to provide drainage. Once the deck is finished, the ground should be covered with 6 mil. black polyethylene to keep weeds from growing.
Measure and mark the position of the ledger along the wall. The height of the ledger should be 1" below the bottom of the door plus the thickness of the decking, plus the depth of the joists if you plan to set the joists on the ledger and beams rather than using joist hangers. It makes no difference which way you set the joists, as long as your layout is consistent.
Mount a 2x6 ledger to the wall with 1/2" lag screws. The ledger must be level, and the lag screws should be long enough to penetrate the studs at least 3". Use two lag screws at each end, and one at each wall stud (typically 16" on center) in between. Install a "Z"-shaped flashing above the ledger to shed water, or space the ledger away from the wall with washers.
Layout–To establish the outside perimeter of the deck, measure out from each end of the ledger about 18" beyond the outside edge of the deck. Set up batter-boards as shown, then run taut strings from each end of the ledger to the batter-boards to establish the sides of the deck.
Run a third string between the batter-boards to establish the outside edge of the deck. Square the layout by measuring the opposite diagonals, then adjusting the ledger-to-batter-board strings until both measurements are equal. Take care to maintain the correct distance between the strings.
BUILDING THE SUBSTRUCTURE
Footing and Piers–Use a plumb bob from the string to establish the location of the footings. The holes for the footings must be deeper than the maximum frost penetration in your area, and deep enough to rest on undisturbed soil. It's a good idea to dig 6" deeper and fill the bottom of the hole with gravel, to allow drainage.
Mix concrete and pour the footings. To find the number of 90# bags of ready-mixed concrete you'll need for each 12x12 footing, measure the depth of the footing in inches and divide by 8. As you finish each pour, set a pre-cast pier on the footing so it extends about 6" above the ground level. Use a thin cement mix to bond the piers to the footings.
Posts–After the concrete has set, stand the posts on the piers. Use temporary braces and a level to plumb the posts. Once the posts are set, run a mason's line from the top of the ledger to each post and use a line level to mark it for cutting. The height of the post should be equal to the height of the ledger minus the depth of the beam that will be set on it.
Beams–Fasten post-to-beam connectors on top of the posts with nails and 1/2"x5-1/2" hex bolts, then set the beams into the connector. Plumb and square the assembly, then secure the beams as you did the posts. If local building codes require it, install 2x6 diagonal cross braces and secure them with 1/2"x4-1/2" lag screws.
Joists–Mark the joist locations on both the beams and ledger, either 16" or 24" o.c., as per your design. Set the joists in place with the crowns up. If the deck is wide enough that you need two sets of joists (and if you set the joists over the beams rather than hanging them from joist hangers), splice the connections by overlapping each pair of joists at least 1' and nailing them together with 8d galvanized nails. Install blocking between the joists wherever required. Blocking requirements are determined by your local building codes. Finally, nail the rim joist across the ends of the joists.
Stairs–Build any stairs you will need. Instructions for building outdoor stairs are covered in an accompanying brochure.
DECKING AND RAILINGS
Decking–Deck boards should be laid with the bark side up, and with both ends centered over a joist. Stagger the joints of side-by-side deck boards so they don't line up. Notch the boards around posts or other obstructions, leaving 1/8" space for drainage.
2"-thick deck boards should be spaced approximately 1/8"; most builders set a 16d nail between the boards as they fasten them. 5/4"'x6" pressure-treated decking may be placed with each board flush against the next; natural shrinkage will provide the proper spacing.
Fasten the deck boards at each joist. Use two fasteners per support point for decking up to 6" wide, or three fasteners for wider boards. Deck screws or clips are generally better than nails, but all fasteners must be hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel. If you use nails, blunt the points by tapping them with your hammer, to avoid splitting the decking.
Let the decking run over the edge of the structure, then saw the ends off after all boards are laid.
Railings–Secure the railing posts at each corner of the deck, and on each side of the stairs. Then secure the field posts, spaced equally between the corners but no farther apart than allowed by local building codes (typically 6'). Nail the sub-railings and cap rail in place, then add the balusters.
TOOL AND MATERIAL CHECKLIST
Level and Line Level
Mason's Line
Ready-mixed Concrete, Gravel
Shovel
Structural Connectors
Adjustable Wrench
Chalk Line
8d and 16d Galvanized Common/Box Nails
Lumber for Posts, Ledger, Beams and Joists
Railing Material
Stain
6 mil. Black Polyethylene
Plumb Bob
2x2s and 1x4s for Batter Boards
Wheelbarrow
Concrete Piers
Lag Screws, Hex Bolts w/ Nuts and Washers
Hammer
Measuring Tape
Screws
Deck Boards
Framing Square
Brushes and Thinner
Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.
Once you have determined the basic design of your deck, the next step is to choose your materials. The most common choices are pressure-treated (P/T) lumber. As a rule, pressure-treated lumber is the best choice for the substructure; the species you use for the visible parts of the deck will depend on your budget and the look you want.
The span tables in this document will help you determine how much material you need, based on the species you choose. Although there is no such thing as an "average" deck, these instructions assume that your deck is attached to the house, is no more than 30" off the ground, and that there are no special load requirements. All design recommendations below are suggestions only, for estimating purposes. Always check local building codes before determining the final design.
CHOOSING MATERIALS
Decking–If you choose pressure-treated lumber, you'll have a choice between 5/4 x 6 decking (1x5-1/2 actual size) or 2" material (typically 2x4 through 2x8, all 1-1/2" thick). The size and species of the decking you choose will determine the spacing between your joists. Recommended spacing for common decking boards is as follows:
Decking
Joist Spacing
5/4x6
16" maximum
2 inch thick redwood, western red cedar, S-P-F, Hem-fir, Northern white cedar
24" maximum, 16" preferred
2-inch 24" maximum
·
Determining Joist Size–2x6s through 2x10s are the most common sizes used for joists. The beams that carry them are typically 4x6 through 4x10, often "built up" from doubled 2-inch lumber. Pressure-treated lumber is generally less expensive than redwood or cedar, and can be used for the substructure even when the decking and railing will be other species.
In most cases, you'll want to determine the spacing between beams first, then use a joist size appropriate to that spacing. If the deck will be no more than 6' off the ground, a common recommendation is to space the support beams no more than 12' apart. As a rule, you'll only need one beam along the outer edge of the deck (a ledger bolted to the house supports the other end of the deck).
Beam Spacing
Joist Size (joists 16" o.c.)
Up to 8 feet
2x6
8 to 10 feet
2x8 10 to 12 feet
2x8
Beam Spacing
Joist Size (joists 24" o.c.)
Up to 8 feet
2x6 (P.T.)
8 to 10 feet
2x8
10 to 12 feet
2x8 (pressure)
Determining Beam Size–Since support posts are often run through the decking to serve as railing posts, the specifications below are given for posts that will be spaced no more than 6' apart, with beams that are no more than 12' apart. With these spacing specifications, 4x4 posts are adequate for any deck less than 6' off the ground.
Beam Spacing (round down to nearest foot)
Miniumum Beam Size (doubled 2" material may be used in place of 4" thickness)
Up to 6 feet
4x6 Up to 7 feet
4x8 Up to 9 feet
4x10 Up to 11 feet
PREPARATION AND LAYOUT
Preparation–First, prepare the ground under the deck by removing the sod. Slope the ground away from the house a minimum of 1" every 15' to provide drainage. Once the deck is finished, the ground should be covered with 6 mil. black polyethylene to keep weeds from growing.
Measure and mark the position of the ledger along the wall. The height of the ledger should be 1" below the bottom of the door plus the thickness of the decking, plus the depth of the joists if you plan to set the joists on the ledger and beams rather than using joist hangers. It makes no difference which way you set the joists, as long as your layout is consistent.
Mount a 2x6 ledger to the wall with 1/2" lag screws. The ledger must be level, and the lag screws should be long enough to penetrate the studs at least 3". Use two lag screws at each end, and one at each wall stud (typically 16" on center) in between. Install a "Z"-shaped flashing above the ledger to shed water, or space the ledger away from the wall with washers.
Layout–To establish the outside perimeter of the deck, measure out from each end of the ledger about 18" beyond the outside edge of the deck. Set up batter-boards as shown, then run taut strings from each end of the ledger to the batter-boards to establish the sides of the deck.
Run a third string between the batter-boards to establish the outside edge of the deck. Square the layout by measuring the opposite diagonals, then adjusting the ledger-to-batter-board strings until both measurements are equal. Take care to maintain the correct distance between the strings.
BUILDING THE SUBSTRUCTURE
Footing and Piers–Use a plumb bob from the string to establish the location of the footings. The holes for the footings must be deeper than the maximum frost penetration in your area, and deep enough to rest on undisturbed soil. It's a good idea to dig 6" deeper and fill the bottom of the hole with gravel, to allow drainage.
Mix concrete and pour the footings. To find the number of 90# bags of ready-mixed concrete you'll need for each 12x12 footing, measure the depth of the footing in inches and divide by 8. As you finish each pour, set a pre-cast pier on the footing so it extends about 6" above the ground level. Use a thin cement mix to bond the piers to the footings.
Posts–After the concrete has set, stand the posts on the piers. Use temporary braces and a level to plumb the posts. Once the posts are set, run a mason's line from the top of the ledger to each post and use a line level to mark it for cutting. The height of the post should be equal to the height of the ledger minus the depth of the beam that will be set on it.
Beams–Fasten post-to-beam connectors on top of the posts with nails and 1/2"x5-1/2" hex bolts, then set the beams into the connector. Plumb and square the assembly, then secure the beams as you did the posts. If local building codes require it, install 2x6 diagonal cross braces and secure them with 1/2"x4-1/2" lag screws.
Joists–Mark the joist locations on both the beams and ledger, either 16" or 24" o.c., as per your design. Set the joists in place with the crowns up. If the deck is wide enough that you need two sets of joists (and if you set the joists over the beams rather than hanging them from joist hangers), splice the connections by overlapping each pair of joists at least 1' and nailing them together with 8d galvanized nails. Install blocking between the joists wherever required. Blocking requirements are determined by your local building codes. Finally, nail the rim joist across the ends of the joists.
Stairs–Build any stairs you will need. Instructions for building outdoor stairs are covered in an accompanying brochure.
DECKING AND RAILINGS
Decking–Deck boards should be laid with the bark side up, and with both ends centered over a joist. Stagger the joints of side-by-side deck boards so they don't line up. Notch the boards around posts or other obstructions, leaving 1/8" space for drainage.
2"-thick deck boards should be spaced approximately 1/8"; most builders set a 16d nail between the boards as they fasten them. 5/4"'x6" pressure-treated decking may be placed with each board flush against the next; natural shrinkage will provide the proper spacing.
Fasten the deck boards at each joist. Use two fasteners per support point for decking up to 6" wide, or three fasteners for wider boards. Deck screws or clips are generally better than nails, but all fasteners must be hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel. If you use nails, blunt the points by tapping them with your hammer, to avoid splitting the decking.
Let the decking run over the edge of the structure, then saw the ends off after all boards are laid.
Railings–Secure the railing posts at each corner of the deck, and on each side of the stairs. Then secure the field posts, spaced equally between the corners but no farther apart than allowed by local building codes (typically 6'). Nail the sub-railings and cap rail in place, then add the balusters.
TOOL AND MATERIAL CHECKLIST
Level and Line Level
Mason's Line
Ready-mixed Concrete, Gravel
Shovel
Structural Connectors
Adjustable Wrench
Chalk Line
8d and 16d Galvanized Common/Box Nails
Lumber for Posts, Ledger, Beams and Joists
Railing Material
Stain
6 mil. Black Polyethylene
Plumb Bob
2x2s and 1x4s for Batter Boards
Wheelbarrow
Concrete Piers
Lag Screws, Hex Bolts w/ Nuts and Washers
Hammer
Measuring Tape
Screws
Deck Boards
Framing Square
Brushes and Thinner
Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
ADU-Small house plan
Perhaps the number 1 clicked plan on our site are our 1002 sq ft home, the Anna Belle (to the right). As a result, we are coming up with a few more plans in this sq. ft range and price.
Several have asked if we can do a garage with the home. Yes we can. We can make it a detached or an attached garage. Please get with your Senior Sales Consultant to find out more.
In our future small home line, we are going to give you what you have come to expect from True Built Home with our beautifully layouts and our touch of class finish package.
We are constantly compared to other volume builders. There is no comparison. With our, without exception, “customer is right policy”, to our intelligent designs to our impeccable finish package, we can not be compared to other builders in our niche. It would be like comparing a crabapple to a Wenatchee Red Delicious!
If you would like to have the most educated session about our homes and our competitors, because most of us have worked for all of them or most of them, than call for an appointment and come visit us at our Gig Harbor location. Hope to hear from you soon.
Several have asked if we can do a garage with the home. Yes we can. We can make it a detached or an attached garage. Please get with your Senior Sales Consultant to find out more.
In our future small home line, we are going to give you what you have come to expect from True Built Home with our beautifully layouts and our touch of class finish package.
We are constantly compared to other volume builders. There is no comparison. With our, without exception, “customer is right policy”, to our intelligent designs to our impeccable finish package, we can not be compared to other builders in our niche. It would be like comparing a crabapple to a Wenatchee Red Delicious!
If you would like to have the most educated session about our homes and our competitors, because most of us have worked for all of them or most of them, than call for an appointment and come visit us at our Gig Harbor location. Hope to hear from you soon.
True Built Home-Office Location
We are opening a new office in Gig Harbor at the Gateway Pointe Business Park located just above the toll bridges. Our office is Suite A3 right beside Hodge Engineering. It will be a little messy as we built a few walls and set up our samples. However, we would love to meet and discuss your project so please just call a head of time to make an appointment. The address is 2605 Jahn Ave NW, Gig Harbor WA 98335. Please call 253-272-5300 to visit us. Soon our 3D viewing room will be ready for viewing your home in real time.
I'm happy with my True Built Home
When clients repeat a phase over and over again, we start to think it’s genetically encoded! “I’m happy” is the one our clients seem to gravitate too. Why? The simple truth is we want you to get a house with a few bells and whistles and a great experience to boot. When we are willing to listen to your concerns without reservation, where you can just speak your mind and we can solve any issues, that leads to a triumphant, “I’m Happy”, which of course circles back to where True Built Home started with a “Better Way” leads to a “Better Home” or in this case a better home building experience. Could it be the right time to build for you?
Of course the obvious is, as the builder we would love the business. However the fact of the matter is, when things are really good, we often miss the opportunity to “cash in”. Even though things may not appear that way for many, we still need a place to live and a way to protect our investments. Had someone told you a year ago that you could either loose 4% on your real-estate investments or take up to a 50% decline on your stock investments, where would you have preferred to shelter your money? The wonderful truth about a True Built Home is, you have so much walk in equity, or what we call “Instant Savings Account” that it is hard to loose because you have so much equity to start with.
Let us put it to you another way. If the local new car dealership advertized new cars at 20-40% discount, wouldn’t that get your attention? However, with a car you are still buying a diminishing return. With a True Built Home you are buying the hope of increased value at a 20-40% discount to other homes in your area and when or if you sell it after 2 years, you don’t have to pay taxes on the gains up to 250k individually or 500k per household. (Always consult with a licensed accountant when your investments and taxes are concerned)
Top 6 reason why building now is the right time;
· The cream of contractors are available
· Prices are stable
· Counties are slower , quicker permitting times
· Interest rates are low and may go down
· Land prices are down, a trend we have never seen!
· Washington State, still a great place to live
Few really good opportunities come along that take the fear and risk out of making big choices in life along with serendipity of land coming down in price. Now appears to be one of those times. We sincerely hope you will think about your “golden opportunity” to build a True Built Home.
Of course the obvious is, as the builder we would love the business. However the fact of the matter is, when things are really good, we often miss the opportunity to “cash in”. Even though things may not appear that way for many, we still need a place to live and a way to protect our investments. Had someone told you a year ago that you could either loose 4% on your real-estate investments or take up to a 50% decline on your stock investments, where would you have preferred to shelter your money? The wonderful truth about a True Built Home is, you have so much walk in equity, or what we call “Instant Savings Account” that it is hard to loose because you have so much equity to start with.
Let us put it to you another way. If the local new car dealership advertized new cars at 20-40% discount, wouldn’t that get your attention? However, with a car you are still buying a diminishing return. With a True Built Home you are buying the hope of increased value at a 20-40% discount to other homes in your area and when or if you sell it after 2 years, you don’t have to pay taxes on the gains up to 250k individually or 500k per household. (Always consult with a licensed accountant when your investments and taxes are concerned)
Top 6 reason why building now is the right time;
· The cream of contractors are available
· Prices are stable
· Counties are slower , quicker permitting times
· Interest rates are low and may go down
· Land prices are down, a trend we have never seen!
· Washington State, still a great place to live
Few really good opportunities come along that take the fear and risk out of making big choices in life along with serendipity of land coming down in price. Now appears to be one of those times. We sincerely hope you will think about your “golden opportunity” to build a True Built Home.
Do you really want to build a home cheap?
What would you prefer-cheap priced home or a quality home? If you are one of the many that have submitted a contact form to us through our website, we ask the question at the end, “What’s most important to you?” Time and time again the most important thing is quality. Yet, if you were to peer into some of the bigger on your lot builders, you would find out that cheap is what they think is the most important thing to potential buyers. They advertize $38 dollars a sq. ft!!! In all my years of working with both companies, nearly a 1000 home sold never did I sell a house at that price. They feel the public is that gullible! Are you?
First and foremost, True Built Home prides itself on customer service. Talk to any one of our clients and ask them about the experience. We encourage them to tell the good the bad and the ugly. We would prefer an educated buyer than a gullible one. For that reason, our site is packed with information that can help you to make an educated decision about the building process. The others would prefer to keep you in the dark. After the sell, over and over again service is lacking. True Built Home feels as if you are our greatest form of advertisement. Build a great home at an affordable price in a timely manner and people are bound to say good things. Wouldn't’ you agree?
First and foremost, True Built Home prides itself on customer service. Talk to any one of our clients and ask them about the experience. We encourage them to tell the good the bad and the ugly. We would prefer an educated buyer than a gullible one. For that reason, our site is packed with information that can help you to make an educated decision about the building process. The others would prefer to keep you in the dark. After the sell, over and over again service is lacking. True Built Home feels as if you are our greatest form of advertisement. Build a great home at an affordable price in a timely manner and people are bound to say good things. Wouldn't’ you agree?
True Built Home-A Better Way- A Better Home
It has been said that everyone is waiting for the election to get over before they make a major purchase. While this seems to be the cautious thing to do, remember that it is also the crowd mentality. Most people are disappointed to find out that after an election interest rates typically rise. This in turns puts pressure on vendors and retailers, along with builders that forces us to sometimes move pricing up. If you are thinking of waiting, why not beat the crowd, still get affordable rates and prices on our homes? How about an incentive?
We fully wire our garages. That means that you will get four outlets, two to four lights depending on garage configurations, a Man door, and a garage door opener. Our homes come standard with HD Wilsonart counter tops, higher grade birch cabinets, wired for garbage disposal and microwave outlet. Ice maker rough. 36’’ cabs in master and kitchen, and a true 8ft ceiling, better lighting, better door hardware and better lighting choices. Why buy from the others when you can order our standard home, our floor plans and talk with current clients to see how True Built Home is a better way.
If you’d like to see a home during construction, just let us know.
We fully wire our garages. That means that you will get four outlets, two to four lights depending on garage configurations, a Man door, and a garage door opener. Our homes come standard with HD Wilsonart counter tops, higher grade birch cabinets, wired for garbage disposal and microwave outlet. Ice maker rough. 36’’ cabs in master and kitchen, and a true 8ft ceiling, better lighting, better door hardware and better lighting choices. Why buy from the others when you can order our standard home, our floor plans and talk with current clients to see how True Built Home is a better way.
If you’d like to see a home during construction, just let us know.
Build a home-build wealth and peace of mind
With a True Built Home you can have walk in equity. Better yet, look at walk in equity as a savings account on steroids. How so? It is not un-heard of to see 40,50 or as much as 124k dollars worth of walk in equity with our homes in 4-6 months. That creates instant wealth, peace of mind because you can lean on the equity in the event that times get lean and when the market decides to go back up, which it should, you’ll be sitting happy and wise. How can you do it? Click here for more details.
As a “on your lot” builder, we offer the best bang for your buck. While others are trying to figure out how to build a cheaper house, we here at True Built Home think that affordable and cheap do not have to be synonymous. That’s why are standard is our competitions upgrades. From cabinets, doors, faucets and counter tops we simply beat our competitors hands down. In fact the majority of our clients unanimously choose us over others nearly 70% of the time. Here is what the Bohlmans of Tacoma had to say about True Built Home.
As a “on your lot” builder, we offer the best bang for your buck. While others are trying to figure out how to build a cheaper house, we here at True Built Home think that affordable and cheap do not have to be synonymous. That’s why are standard is our competitions upgrades. From cabinets, doors, faucets and counter tops we simply beat our competitors hands down. In fact the majority of our clients unanimously choose us over others nearly 70% of the time. Here is what the Bohlmans of Tacoma had to say about True Built Home.
On Your Lot builder-Big house, less payment
If you have been looking into the purchase of a new or larger home, then you have likely heard of PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance. What is it - and the bigger question - how can you avoid paying it?
What Is PMI?
PMI is extra insurance that lenders require from most homebuyers who obtain loans that are more than 80 percent of their new home's value. In other words, buyers with less than a 20 percent down payment are normally required to pay PMI. How much extra will this insurance cost each month? You’ll need a masters degree in mathematics to figure that out, but basically, it's around $72-200 each month on a $300,000 loan!
How do I avoid paying PMI?
Let’s face it - if you're given the option of 1) owning a larger house with 20 percent equity thus avoiding PMI or 2) having a smaller home with 5 percent equity, but stuck paying PMI, which would you take? Silly, right?! Think about this though: if you can borrow $220,000 for a new home but could avoid the PMI because the new home you build could have over 20 percent equity, you could actually afford $20-25,000 more for the same monthly payment and have 500 square feet more, would you do that? Very silly, right?!!
It’s your choice: 1) buy a 1,500 square foot home with no equity and pay $150 dollars a month for PMI or 2) build a 2,000 square foot home for the same monthly payment, no PMI, and have 500 square foot more. Five hundred square feet is the equivalent to having five more 100 square feet bedrooms or a BIG MEDIA room for next year's Super Bowl where the Seahawks will win it all and…. Ok, I lost my train of thought there. Buy the bigger house. That is not silly, just smart.
What Is PMI?
PMI is extra insurance that lenders require from most homebuyers who obtain loans that are more than 80 percent of their new home's value. In other words, buyers with less than a 20 percent down payment are normally required to pay PMI. How much extra will this insurance cost each month? You’ll need a masters degree in mathematics to figure that out, but basically, it's around $72-200 each month on a $300,000 loan!
How do I avoid paying PMI?
Let’s face it - if you're given the option of 1) owning a larger house with 20 percent equity thus avoiding PMI or 2) having a smaller home with 5 percent equity, but stuck paying PMI, which would you take? Silly, right?! Think about this though: if you can borrow $220,000 for a new home but could avoid the PMI because the new home you build could have over 20 percent equity, you could actually afford $20-25,000 more for the same monthly payment and have 500 square feet more, would you do that? Very silly, right?!!
It’s your choice: 1) buy a 1,500 square foot home with no equity and pay $150 dollars a month for PMI or 2) build a 2,000 square foot home for the same monthly payment, no PMI, and have 500 square foot more. Five hundred square feet is the equivalent to having five more 100 square feet bedrooms or a BIG MEDIA room for next year's Super Bowl where the Seahawks will win it all and…. Ok, I lost my train of thought there. Buy the bigger house. That is not silly, just smart.
Washington Home Builder-If it sounds to good to be true, you’ll be disappointed.
A few years ago when the first voice over internet phone service became available (ViOP) I jumped on board with a company called Bazillion.com. Ever heard of them? $49 dollars a month included all long distance and internet till the hearts content. It was too good to be true. YES it was. One morning I woke up and tried to get on line and you guessed it, it did not work. Made a few calls and no answer at the “corp” office. The part that really made me upset was they had debited my account the... day before. Never heard of them again.
Some builders right now are making similar promises. A client of ours called us the other day and he said he just didn't want to build with a competitor of ours. One reason was, “they sounded like used car salesmen, just agreeing with everything, it sounded suspicious”. He mentioned they call every week desiring to know “what are you going to do”. Sounds desperate right?
As one of our vendors said a couple of days ago, “True Built Home seems to be the only builder building homes right now”. He also supplies for my competitors, so he would know. Perhaps you’d like to find our why True Built Home is truly a better choice among the other on your lot builders? We know this might sound cliché but the client is simply the most important element to our program. Why not ask to speak with clients past, current and those who have met and talked and visited us personally? We know once you do that, the choice will become crystal clear. No gimmicks or pressure.
www.truebuilthome.com
Some builders right now are making similar promises. A client of ours called us the other day and he said he just didn't want to build with a competitor of ours. One reason was, “they sounded like used car salesmen, just agreeing with everything, it sounded suspicious”. He mentioned they call every week desiring to know “what are you going to do”. Sounds desperate right?
As one of our vendors said a couple of days ago, “True Built Home seems to be the only builder building homes right now”. He also supplies for my competitors, so he would know. Perhaps you’d like to find our why True Built Home is truly a better choice among the other on your lot builders? We know this might sound cliché but the client is simply the most important element to our program. Why not ask to speak with clients past, current and those who have met and talked and visited us personally? We know once you do that, the choice will become crystal clear. No gimmicks or pressure.
www.truebuilthome.com
New Home Builder
If any of you have had the opportunity to travel, it can be a real eye opener seeing how others live outside the borders of the United States. My wife and I did some volunteer work in Columbia, Ecuador and Antigua. What I saw permanently change the way I perceive information about life. One of the things I came to appreciate was that no matter how bad conditions are, they can get worse and no matter how worse they become, people survive. Let me give you an example.
While in Ecuador we saw the inflation rate over the course of three years go up annually 30-60%! The unemployment rate for adult men hovered at 40%.
In this country we have come to view the news skeptically because the media likes to take the most emotional story and flame it until ratings slip and then off to something new. That’s how they sell ads and make their money. So, a story that may impact very few people in the past before mass media, now impacts a nation and even sometimes a globe.
Why bring this up in a house building newsletter? Well, if you have watched the news, you may feel the sky is falling, your job is daily on the chopping block and the money you need to survive will evaporate! And although the news of late is definitely “different” than what we have been used to in the past, and I certainly don’t posses a crystal ball, I can definitely say that things are nowhere near what other people have lived with, survived and enjoyed a measure of happiness in their own lives in countries that have far less to offer and condition are WAY worse than what we here have experienced. Perhaps you’d agree?
True Built Home experienced our best sales month in January and February is on track to beat January. Perhaps because we have the best product among our competitors? Maybe our customer service is the blood of our company? Maybe it’s because we are one of the few builders that can still obtain %100 financing for our borrows? Personally, we believe all of those things are true and the “X” factor. What’s the “X” factor? It’s a philosophy that is inherent or part of the True Built Home DNA. We don’t cut corners to find ways to build cheaper homes to “fatten” our corporate wallet. We encourage clients to listen to present, past and current clients to get to know our company, not ads and slick websites. If you do any research and come across credible sources that either speak favorably of a building company or gives you less than favorable report, than we call that the “X” factor. Or, it simply could be that there are people who still know the ring of truth when their hear it, and see it. We invite you to come by one of our office, appointment only for a look at our standard and upgrade products. We may have a home being built close by to take a look at as well.
Besides our incredible floor plans, what’s the number #1 reason clients order a True Built Home over others?
Our Standard Features!
While in Ecuador we saw the inflation rate over the course of three years go up annually 30-60%! The unemployment rate for adult men hovered at 40%.
In this country we have come to view the news skeptically because the media likes to take the most emotional story and flame it until ratings slip and then off to something new. That’s how they sell ads and make their money. So, a story that may impact very few people in the past before mass media, now impacts a nation and even sometimes a globe.
Why bring this up in a house building newsletter? Well, if you have watched the news, you may feel the sky is falling, your job is daily on the chopping block and the money you need to survive will evaporate! And although the news of late is definitely “different” than what we have been used to in the past, and I certainly don’t posses a crystal ball, I can definitely say that things are nowhere near what other people have lived with, survived and enjoyed a measure of happiness in their own lives in countries that have far less to offer and condition are WAY worse than what we here have experienced. Perhaps you’d agree?
True Built Home experienced our best sales month in January and February is on track to beat January. Perhaps because we have the best product among our competitors? Maybe our customer service is the blood of our company? Maybe it’s because we are one of the few builders that can still obtain %100 financing for our borrows? Personally, we believe all of those things are true and the “X” factor. What’s the “X” factor? It’s a philosophy that is inherent or part of the True Built Home DNA. We don’t cut corners to find ways to build cheaper homes to “fatten” our corporate wallet. We encourage clients to listen to present, past and current clients to get to know our company, not ads and slick websites. If you do any research and come across credible sources that either speak favorably of a building company or gives you less than favorable report, than we call that the “X” factor. Or, it simply could be that there are people who still know the ring of truth when their hear it, and see it. We invite you to come by one of our office, appointment only for a look at our standard and upgrade products. We may have a home being built close by to take a look at as well.
Besides our incredible floor plans, what’s the number #1 reason clients order a True Built Home over others?
Our Standard Features!
Why buy a mobile?
Why you need to avoid buying a mobile home and build a stick framed home on your lot!
Years ago when I was just in my teens, my dad was stationed outside a city in Illinois where he was attending school for advancement in the military. We lived there only 6 months. With three sisters mom and dad and a 14x60 mobile home it was tight.
I tell that story because I think some feel that there is a negative aspect to mobile homes. I can tell you though that I was grateful to have a roof over my head. That winter in Illinois was bad.
Are you thinking purchasing a mobile home or a modular home? It’s true that they have come a long way, except in perhaps the one area that makes the biggest reason not to buy one.
Mobile homes consistently loose their value as they age while built “on your lot” homes, homes that are built with a foundation, typically gain in value. The problem is that most of us feel that we may not be able to afford them. Is that true of you?
True Built Home was born of the philosophy that anyone can afford a real home, built on a foundation and have quality. From the design of the homes to the finishing door stop, you’ll be happy that you took the time to consider the affordability of a stick framed home. The greatest return on your real estate investment is that over time you’ll be making money in the form of appraised value. Many have learned that buying a mobile has not been the best return on their investment (ROI). What is the truth regarding mobile home investments?
You may hear sales people tell you that “mobile home properties increase in value.” What they don’t tell you is that often the increase is only in the value of the land. When the county sends out the property taxes for the year it is broken into two categories. Land value and structure value. The best world is to have both growing in value at the same time.
Over the course of helping hundreds of families build their homes, our team of seasoned staff has witnessed first hand that by means of walk-in-equity the average joe, hard working blue collar families can put 20 to $100,000 in their home equity account. Not so “average joe” anymore. Just down right smart!
I don’t know of any other means to jump start a savings account, retirement account or college fund than this. Do you?
So, if you are pursuing the purchase of a mobile or modular home at least take the time to consider having a home built 100% on your lot that will return the investment that others have realized. True Built Home. True equity you can bank on.
Years ago when I was just in my teens, my dad was stationed outside a city in Illinois where he was attending school for advancement in the military. We lived there only 6 months. With three sisters mom and dad and a 14x60 mobile home it was tight.
I tell that story because I think some feel that there is a negative aspect to mobile homes. I can tell you though that I was grateful to have a roof over my head. That winter in Illinois was bad.
Are you thinking purchasing a mobile home or a modular home? It’s true that they have come a long way, except in perhaps the one area that makes the biggest reason not to buy one.
Mobile homes consistently loose their value as they age while built “on your lot” homes, homes that are built with a foundation, typically gain in value. The problem is that most of us feel that we may not be able to afford them. Is that true of you?
True Built Home was born of the philosophy that anyone can afford a real home, built on a foundation and have quality. From the design of the homes to the finishing door stop, you’ll be happy that you took the time to consider the affordability of a stick framed home. The greatest return on your real estate investment is that over time you’ll be making money in the form of appraised value. Many have learned that buying a mobile has not been the best return on their investment (ROI). What is the truth regarding mobile home investments?
You may hear sales people tell you that “mobile home properties increase in value.” What they don’t tell you is that often the increase is only in the value of the land. When the county sends out the property taxes for the year it is broken into two categories. Land value and structure value. The best world is to have both growing in value at the same time.
Over the course of helping hundreds of families build their homes, our team of seasoned staff has witnessed first hand that by means of walk-in-equity the average joe, hard working blue collar families can put 20 to $100,000 in their home equity account. Not so “average joe” anymore. Just down right smart!
I don’t know of any other means to jump start a savings account, retirement account or college fund than this. Do you?
So, if you are pursuing the purchase of a mobile or modular home at least take the time to consider having a home built 100% on your lot that will return the investment that others have realized. True Built Home. True equity you can bank on.
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