Construction Tour: JLH Stonetree Manor

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OakCreekRenter_IHB

New member
Hey all...just got back from my construction tour. There were a few interesting notes that I'd like to get some input on...





1. Most of the water piping is made out of PEX versus copper. General consensus from the builder (and the internet) is that PEX is better. Anyone had any disasters or issues with piping made out of PEX?





2. The entire exterior is coated with (from outside to in): stucco, chicken wire, 2 coats of Jumbo-Tex 60 minute paper, plywood, studs. Since it often rains longer than 120 minutes, am I at risk for mold? Also, are there any benefits from covering the entire exterior with plywood? I seem to recall my old home being studs, paper, chicken wire, stucco...





I have lots of pictures I'll post. More later...





-OCR
 
<i>"are there any benefits from covering the entire exterior with plywood?"</i><p>


earthquake sheer wall, it's code
 
More interesting things from the construction tour:





1. Fluorescent can lighting in the kitchen, which I don't care for. I was told this was a legal requirement.





2. My circuit breakers are on the outside! I can lock them, but I'm used to having them inside. Does anyone else have outside breakers? And if so, do you consider it a problem?





3. bkshopr's house rating checklist came in real handy here. Without it, I wouldn't have noticed the 4 return-air vents for the A/C. Also, the A/C has three overflow valves (one puts condensation in the front bathroom, a second overflow goes to the 2ndbathroom, the third goes on the garage floor).





4. The walls seem awfully thick compared to older homes. It seems like they're wasting space. Then again, maybe it's an energy saving thing...





-OCR
 
bk: What's wrong with multiple air returns (I was absent class that day), and what's your take on the newer daylight-balanced high-CRI flourescents?
 
The past two places I've lived in Irvine have had outside breakers. The previous place was built in 1971 and my current place was built a couple of years ago. I've never really experienced any problems with having the circuit breakers on the outside. It can be a bit of a hassle to check in the middle of the night but oh well it is what it is.
 
<p>OCR...I had all old piping replaced with PEX. I watched in fascination as it went in, it's very simple and flexible... my plumber swears by it and has it in his own home (that's what sold me on it). With the price of copper and the man hours it takes to weld the *rigid* pieces together, not to mention it can only go in straight lines and 90 degree angles (unless you weld ALOT) I think puts PEX head and shoulders above it. </p>

<p>It's big on the East Coast because in case of power outage in the winter, when typical copper pipes might freeze and burst, PEX can swell to three times it's size without a problem. Amazing product. (Effen.....I already KNOW where your mind went on that one....) </p>
 
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