"Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
#1
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"Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Does anyone know of any homebuilders in the northeast US who will actually build a house from bricks, with proper slate tiles on the roof? Me and the missus are thinking of building instead of buying (we've been offered a good deal on a piece of land), but I refuse to spend money building something that looks like a big garden shed - all wood framing, shingles and vinyl siding, like most of the houses here seem to be, and I can't find builders who'll build a house any other way.
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
#2
Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Does anyone know of any homebuilders in the northeast US who will actually build a house from bricks, with proper slate tiles on the roof? Me and the missus are thinking of building instead of buying (we've been offered a good deal on a piece of land), but I refuse to spend money building something that looks like a big garden shed - all wood framing, shingles and vinyl siding, like most of the houses here seem to be, and I can't find builders who'll build a house any other way.
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
I'm sure people like that exist, a friend of mine worked a construction job where the house was reroofed with slate tiles. This was in St. Louis, so I can't help where you are, but I'm sure that kind of thing is available if you've got the $$$$ to pay for it.
#3
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Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Does anyone know of any homebuilders in the northeast US who will actually build a house from bricks, with proper slate tiles on the roof? Me and the missus are thinking of building instead of buying (we've been offered a good deal on a piece of land), but I refuse to spend money building something that looks like a big garden shed - all wood framing, shingles and vinyl siding, like most of the houses here seem to be, and I can't find builders who'll build a house any other way.
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
Or call a local brick supplier and ask if they can refer you to someone.
#4
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Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Not sure about the situation in your location, but as someone who lived in the northeast for a long time,
I can tell you that homes with siding and shingled roofs tend to be the norm.
However, many people do like the look of brick homes so you will find some.
Bear, in mind that the cost could be significantly more. I am surprised that the builders you approached
would not do a brick home. Perhaps, you should try looking for a larger construction company.
Larger companies might have an internet presence, so you could try online.
I can tell you that homes with siding and shingled roofs tend to be the norm.
However, many people do like the look of brick homes so you will find some.
Bear, in mind that the cost could be significantly more. I am surprised that the builders you approached
would not do a brick home. Perhaps, you should try looking for a larger construction company.
Larger companies might have an internet presence, so you could try online.
#5
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Joined: Jul 2007
Location: London > NJ > PA > London > NJ.. whew.
Posts: 253
Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Not sure about the situation in your location, but as someone who lived in the northeast for a long time,
I can tell you that homes with siding and shingled roofs tend to be the norm.
However, many people do like the look of brick homes so you will find some.
Bear, in mind that the cost could be significantly more. I am surprised that the builders you approached
would not do a brick home. Perhaps, you should try looking for a larger construction company.
Larger companies might have an internet presence, so you could try online.
I can tell you that homes with siding and shingled roofs tend to be the norm.
However, many people do like the look of brick homes so you will find some.
Bear, in mind that the cost could be significantly more. I am surprised that the builders you approached
would not do a brick home. Perhaps, you should try looking for a larger construction company.
Larger companies might have an internet presence, so you could try online.
Also, is it just me, or is it hard to find decent glazing here? In the UK, you couldn't escape the people selling double glazing, and here you almost never see it, despite the energy-efficiency and security benefits.
#6
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Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,425
Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Also, is it just me, or is it hard to find decent glazing here? In the UK, you couldn't escape the people selling double glazing, and here you almost never see it, despite the energy-efficiency and security benefits.
#7
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Location: London > NJ > PA > London > NJ.. whew.
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Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Not sure what you're talking about. Almost every house built in the last 20 years will be double glazed. I don't think it's even possible to buy single glazed replacement windows anywhere, regardless of climate. This may be a semantics thing, some people might not called "double glazing" here. Commonly, people call it "double pane" here. I have triple pane windows from Preservation in my house.
#8
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Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Very strange, must be something specific to your neighborhood.
#9
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Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
What would worry me is the builders experience in building brick homes as they're not common, I'd want to see examples.
#10
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Joined: Jul 2008
Location: York, PA
Posts: 121
Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
The majority of new homes, are literally a "House in a box", they can throw them up quickly, and can be sold quick (well could before the economy took a dive). That seems to be the norm nowadays in America, and your house, could blow away at any time! or better still if theres a fire you can pretty much guarantee, you have a very expensive bombfire.
Personally I agree and prefer the look and materials of a brick home, and when we were looking to purchase a home, we did look and end up purchasing a fully breeze block/brick, split level home. They definately exist, but tend to be older properties (ie; ours is 20 years old) in older neighbourhoods.
My guess is building a brick home from scratch, requires more labor, time, and more expensive materials and probably skill many builders in the US dont have.
Personally I agree and prefer the look and materials of a brick home, and when we were looking to purchase a home, we did look and end up purchasing a fully breeze block/brick, split level home. They definately exist, but tend to be older properties (ie; ours is 20 years old) in older neighbourhoods.
My guess is building a brick home from scratch, requires more labor, time, and more expensive materials and probably skill many builders in the US dont have.
#12
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Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,425
Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
I thought about that before I posted. I've seen those cheapo aluminum framed windows in Florida, but I thought hurricane-proof windows are required on remodle? I'm probably wrong.
What a boring conversation.... I'd like to apologize. Let's discuss boobies.
What a boring conversation.... I'd like to apologize. Let's discuss boobies.
#14
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 274
Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Does anyone know of any homebuilders in the northeast US who will actually build a house from bricks, with proper slate tiles on the roof? Me and the missus are thinking of building instead of buying (we've been offered a good deal on a piece of land), but I refuse to spend money building something that looks like a big garden shed - all wood framing, shingles and vinyl siding, like most of the houses here seem to be, and I can't find builders who'll build a house any other way.
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
#15
Re: "Proper" house builders in the Northeast US
Does anyone know of any homebuilders in the northeast US who will actually build a house from bricks, with proper slate tiles on the roof? Me and the missus are thinking of building instead of buying (we've been offered a good deal on a piece of land), but I refuse to spend money building something that looks like a big garden shed - all wood framing, shingles and vinyl siding, like most of the houses here seem to be, and I can't find builders who'll build a house any other way.
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
I don't like the look - it looks cheap to my eyes, plus, I like the idea that the house I build will still be standing in 100 years... I guess my mother always told me to put my money in "bricks and mortar" and that's remained with me.
Any suggestions?
Regarding double glazed windows...most houses apart from old ones with the original frames have double glazed windows. Pella is one of the main suppliers...not far from you on Rt 10 Randolf.
Last edited by Jerseygirl; Jul 18th 2008 at 4:52 pm.