With Lake Norman real estate, one will be able to find many different types of property. Most of them will be there to suit the budget and preferences of many individuals who are looking for their first or second home.

With Lake Norman real estate, one will be happy to find a number of different types of property, all depending on one’s individual needs and preferences. Condos and vacant lots, or even the likes of a waterfront mansion, are all available here for the choosing. Whether it be purchasing or renting, one needs to take a good look at this before making a decision.

This company is usually open to the public throughout the week, so there is really no excuse for people who are interested in moving to drop in and ask a few questions. Take a look at what kind of property are on offer beforehand as well. This will usually give one a better idea of what to get.

Be sure to check out the building in its entirety. Ask as many questions as possible. Agents will be more than happy to answer. Check out the infrastructure and make sure that it is safe and secure. Also be sure to inquire as to the price of the overall place.

Most of the time, individual will be sure as to whether or not they would like to buy or rent a property. Renting is usually done for a number of different reasons, depending on the people. Most will be looking for some kind of temporary accommodation, whilst others might find it to be more cost effective with regards to their current budget.

There are many opportunities out there, so it is a good idea to ring up Lake Norman real estate or drop an e-mail by. This way, one can organize to view a number of houses during different times of the day. Always be sure to look at the web site before and make sure that all the appropriate information is noted.

Since there are many people working during the day, it might be possible for someone to arrange a viewing on the weekend. Being open seven days a week makes this quite possible. Again, be sure to ask all questions before deciding to settle on a certain property. Making sure that everything is working in full order and check out the infrastructure.

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New Ideas and Materials are not quickly adopted in the construction industry. Folks tend to do things and to use that which they have become familiar. This, unfortunately, tends to slow down advancement and change in the industry.

The use of OSB as a sheathing material as opposed to the more traditional CDX plywood is one such area that some folks remain resistant to try. Even these days, 2011, I run across experienced builders who simply refuse to use OSB. Most, with such a mindset, have simply not looked and compared. OSB is confused, at times, with its distant cousin, particle board, and many of us have seen what particle board will do when exposed to moisture for any length of time. Some also question the strength of OSB.

I must admit that I was resistant a few years myself. Then I took a look at compared the two products. I want to handle of few myths that are out there regarding OSB. But, first, let\’s take a look at some definitions:

Sheathing is that action of stiffening a series of wood members by nailing a diaphragm to them (the sheathing is the diaphragm).

Traditional plywood is a flat sheet of layered veneers of wood. Each layer has a strong direction and a weak direction based upon the grains of the wood. The layers are alternated to achieve strength in all directions. We often see the term CDX plywood. This simply indicates the quality of the finish (C and D are pretty rough) and the X indicates its for exterior use.

OSB (meaning Oriented Strand Board) is produced by taking small fibers from smaller, low diameter trees and bonding them with a resin, heat and pressure. These panels achieve excellent strength in all directions.

Myths:

Myth 1 CDX plywood is stronger than OSB. Nope. Interestingly, all testing standards and building codes consider the two materials (OSB and Plywood) as structurally equivalent.

Myth 2 OSB will expand and deteriorate like particle board. This is not true. OSB and particle are not the same at all. OSB is actually better suited for longer periods of direct exposure to rain than CDX plywood. This can be important when we get the plywood installed and are not able to cover it in time for that early summer shower.

Myth 3 – I should use CDX as roof and wall sheathing because that is what my pappy used and it is a better product and better value. This, too, is factually false though all are welcome to their opinions. OSB is made from small diameter and relatively younger wood fibers. CDX plywood must be made from larger wood pieces and thus takes longer to produce, from seed to final product. OSB is more efficiently renewable. The manufacturing process is such that the fibers act together and average out to an exceedingly strong structural member from cheaper sources. It is consistence. It maintains its dimensions even when exposed to a few rain showers.

Today OSB is used in about 70% of the homes built in the U.S.. I specify it in my own designs and in my own building projects unless instructed otherwise by my client. When my client has such an opinion, I show him or her the facts but then let them make the final call.

Oh, and did I mention, that it can be about half the cost? Sometimes that really changes folk\’s minds.

I believe that all of us should be open to newer and better ways to build our homes and buildings. OSB is one of those methods that I readily endorse.

Ken Risley, the Engineer Designer, is author of many building and design articles. He provides expert help in planning, design, engineering and construction plans and can be reached through his website.

Should you build your own home without a contractor? There can be a strong incentive for the owner to take on the building project and hire the subcontractors and buy the materials directly.

Being your own contractor can be both rewarding and risky. There are potential downfalls that, if not properly managed, can eliminate any savings that you might obtain. Want to be your own contractor? Here are some pros and cons:

Pros

Saving Contractor Fees – A contractor tallies up the cost of materials and labor and adds 15% to 25% on top . This covers overhead costs and profit for his troubles. A viable markup is about 20%. You can save this markup by being your own contractor.

Control – Direct control of the many workman on the site can be a great advantage. One can control the means of work, the standard of quality and the Owner can often actually spend more time on site than a professional builder who is managing numerous other projects.

Changes can be easier to make – During the building process you will likely come across deals and opportunities for excellent purchases, possible design changes, etc. While under contract with a contractor these can be done but can be more of a hassle. As your own builder you will find that changes are easier to make.

Pride – I don’t know about you but for me I feel pretty good after finishing something big. Few projects we will undertake are as big as building our own home ourselves. That feeling can make the entire venture worth every drop of sweat.

Cons

Unless you are financing your own project or going through a private investor you will likely run into resistance with the bank if you are an Owner-Builder. The reasons are many. Inexperience as a builder can allow problems to be created, overlooked or ignored thus reducing the value of the home. Banks prefer to see homes built through licensed businesses who are more likely to deal with licensed workers, assure that taxes are paid and assure that the insurance requirements are met.

Lack of experience of an Owner-Builder can leave situations unnoticed which can cause later problems if undiscovered. Even if discovered later, it can expensive to fix the problem. Awareness of the details of an operation is one of the hallmarks of an experienced professional and having one aboard can save money and time in the long run.

Unexpected Extras – It is not uncommon that a subcontractor or material supplier will give you a contract that is incomplete. You may not be aware of this until you later discover that something vital is missing. The remedy for this is often may be an extra charge. This can cost extra funds. Also, subcontractors tend to find working with owner-builders more time consuming due to their inexperience. Additionally, there is a bit more “hand-holding” involved since owner-builders have much more of an emotional attachment to the project. While this is not bad, it can cost more in the long run.

Time is a factor. Contractors earn their fees. A well-run project requires lots of attention – including obtaining bids, managing subcontracts, creating material lists, monitoring the work, getting inspections and babysitting the inspectors. If you are retired or not working this may not be a problem. It is important to remember that the time you spend is valuable itself however only you can judge its true value.

Summary

In my opinion it is best to work with a licensed, experienced contractor. I say this after 30 years in this industry. Contractors, today, are lean and those surviving are good at what they do – and are honest. Good deals can be had these days and you are advised to partake. Bottom line is that any fees saved may well be lost in unforeseen ways – some of them named above. Unless you really know what you are getting into, you will value your working relationship with the competent contractor.

It is not a question if you CAN build a home yourself. The question is – SHOULD YOU? In my opinion, the answer is usually, “No”. A licensed and experienced contractor will prove worth his or her fees and will save you money and headaches in the long run.

Ken Risley, the Engineer Designer, is author of many building and design articles. An Engineer, designer, and builder, he produces Custom Residential Designs and construction plans.