From Jim:

As the (former) chief nail pounder I've been watching home construction details for 25 years. The first home I built was for ourselves in Spencer, Iowa, in 1977. That winter there was a stretch where it stayed at 30 below zero for a month. After that year I said I'd never build another house with 2 X 4 walls, and I haven't. So after building a few houses now, I've taken the philosophy that there are differences in the way I want to build compared to others. Other companies build good homes also and I admire certain aspects of things I see and try to incorporate them into my building. But,...

Here's the difference:

1. I love to build. I hire people to help me that love to build. Each home is an art work.

2. I use great subcontractors. It starts with the foundation - getting straight walls. My concrete guys (H & S Concrete) have been working together for over 15 years. They take pride in the look of every job. Look at the edging of my sidewalks and driveways. I frame some of the houses myself. I like the little details - and I'll know it's done right. But I like working with Brad, a framer who has been framing since he was 18. He's very good and he likes to suggest details like window seats, tray ceilings, and display nooks. My electrician, Bob, from Eagle Electric, makes the inside of the electric panel look like a,..., well it's very neat. Take a look at the screws on the switch plates and outlets on my homes and then look at other homes. You'll understand.

3. 2 X 6 walls. Stronger, quieter. A little warmer. Or maybe now it will be 2 X 4's with spray foam insulation.

4. Advantech flooring. OSB and plywood are okay but Advantech doesn't flake or swell if it gets wet - even if it gets rained on for a week. With glue, nails, and screws, it's a great sturdy floor. Fewer squeeks.

5. 9 inch or 12 inch I joists. Makes for a basement without poles in the middle of where you'd like to have a room. Less bounce upstairs.

6. Hurricane clips hold the roof on (I was doing it before they were required).

7. Large garages. I hate to see 20' wide garages with cars sitting in the driveway because there isn't room for a mower and a couple of bicycles. I like to build at least 24 X 24 garages if I've got a wide enough lot. And I'd want mine insulated (walls and ceiling) so I do it for yours also. Check out my garage doors - my favorite are 2" thick with metal interiors.

8. Energy star construction. Blower door tested for air leakage. High efficiency furnace, A/C, and water heater. Extra insulation. Some say this will save 30% on energy bills. I'm not sure about that, but the homes feel warm in the winter.

9. High quality cabinets. They cost more. You can tell they're better - open the drawer and see the solid wood drawers with dovetails.

10. Fixtures. You're getting a new house. You're going to live in it for a while. Do you want bargain faucets, shower faucets, towel racks, light fixtures? I spend more here also.

11. Street appeal. I've built the "Des Moines 2 Story" plan. There's X number of ways you can arrange the front elevation. They're okay but it's fun building to a style - such as a Craftsman or French Country or American Traditional.

12. A good written warranty.

Jim