1. Understanding Construction
FID Unit 4

2. Chapter 12- Basics of Construction
Why are we learning this?
It is important to understand how a home is built in order to understand your designing options. The home is your canvas for design...all interior design starts with home construction!

3. Planning the Housing Site
Topography- slope of the land, influences architectural style options
-Poorly drained soil can cause cracking in concrete, limited horticulture, wet basements, etc.
-Buyers should visit the site when it is raining to see how water will affect the home before deciding to build

4. Using Sunlight Effectively
Generally, the more natural light used in the home...the better!
Sun rises in the East and sets in the West
Cold climate= living room and kitchen windows should face the West and South to warm up the home in the evenings
Warm climate= use overhanging roofs, porches, etc. to block sun from gathering areas

5. Architectural Drawings *Use in dream home project
Floor plans- shows the layout of the room, birds eye view
-Created by the architect or designer, then used by the construction team
Elevations- shows vertical surfaces, shows the back, sides, and front of the structure
CAD- 3D plans created by an architect, easily to change on the computer and alter plans as needed

6. Foundation Basement- portion of house is built partly underground
-least risk of having water protection issues
-allows owners to make alterations to wiring, plumbing, etc.
Crawl Space- open area between the ground and the first floor of the home
Slab- no basement or crawl space
-can not make any alterations

7. Finishing the Exterior- Walls
Frame- floor, wall, and ceiling and roof frames guide the entire setup of the house
Rough finish- moisture resistant foam put around the frame
Final finish- exterior walls; stone, wood, siding, painting

8. Finishing the Exterior- Roof
Shingle- most versatile and commonly used in all places, thin pieces of material laid and installed in overlapping rows
Slate and Tile- used in places with hot sun and little snow fall, usually chosen for design qualities, strongest roof material
Steel- excellent protection against weather, solid sheets of metal, highest initial cost but will last longer than other roofs

9. Finishing the Exterior- Insulation
R-value- measure of capacity to resist winter heat loss and summer heat gain
Vapor Barriers- materials used that help reduce drafts and prevent moisture from getting into a home
*Important to look into before buying a home, can have major repercussions if the insulation installed well!
-List 2 examples

10. Finishing the Exterior- Windows
-Wood is often used for window frames, more expensive than others but very durable, must be stained every few years
- Aluminum and vinyl window frames are lightweight and less expensive, do not have as much upkeep as wooden windows
*Must be installed professionally to avoid air leakage and draft
Glass/Window types- Double-hung, gliding sash, hinged, jalousie, bay, bow, etc.

11. Finishing the Exterior- Doors
-Solid doors are used for exterior doors, heavier and durable
-Storm door can be added to front door for stability
-Hollow doors are used for interior doors, lightweight
*Exterior doors swing inward toward house, interior doors swing inward to bedrooms rather than hallways or on blank wall depending on room

12. Check Your Knowledge
Give 3 reasons why a home should be oriented to use sunlight effectively.
What information does a floor plan show about a structure?
What function does footing have in construction?
Compare the different types of roofing materials using pros and cons of each.
Why is insulation so critical in construction?
What is the purpose of a vapor barrier?
Why should home owners spend money in order for construction processes to be done correctly before spending money on design elements?
Suppose you are a home buyer and you have narrowed down your search 2 3 homes- one with a crawl space, 1 with a basement, and 1 with a slab. What would be your first, second, and third choice? Why using the pros and cons of each?
Suppose you are a contractor and you are currently building 1 home in Colorado and 1 home in Texas for the same client. They want the homes to be basically look the same. Explain at list 5 things that you should do differently in each home based on their locations.

13. Chapter 13- Interior Construction
Contractor- person who oversees a construction project for the duration of the process, supervises all workers, and and coordinates the building schedule/boss
Subcontractor- workers hired by contractor to complete individual jobs in the construction of the home/ boss of specific task
Examples- bricklayers, electricians, drywall installers, plumbers, painters

14. Electric Wiring pg 282
Panel box (fuse box)- device that controls the distribution of wiring system throughout home
-Heavy duty appliances like refrigerators, dryers, entertainment systems etc. typically need their own box within the home to have enough power to operate
Circuit- circular flow of electricity
Circuit breaker- stops the flow of circuit in over loaded panel box, safety device
Surge Protector Device- stops the flow of electricity in case of lightning
-Will save equipment from being damaged if the home is struck by lightning
Receptacle (outlet)- place to plug electrical items into the
wiring system of the home

15. Plumbing pg 286
Pipes- supplies water to the home and carries it back out
Fixtures- what is placed around the plumbing pipes to make it accessible to owners
Examples- porcelain sink and tub, stainless steel sink, adds to design of home
Water Heaters- needed for all homes, usually a 50 gallon heater is located on the first floor or basement of the home, check for efficiency and recovery rate
Sewage Disposal- waste is carried through iron piping out of the home and into the towns sewage system
If out in the county, a septic tanks is needed

16. Heating the Home pg 288
Conductor- transfer of heat from a body of higher temp to lower temp by direct contact
Convection- transfer of heat through air flow
Radiation- transmission of heat by means of rays traveling in straight line from source
* Initial cost of purchase is less important that cost to run the system
Thermostat- controls the temperature of the home, several energy
efficient setting options that can lower your bills each month

17. Cooling and Ventilation
Cooling- helps air condition the home, 2 types: 1. Room AC- window units used for each individual room
2. Central AC- connected throughout the whole home, unit placed outside
Ventilation- supplying of fresh air into the home, essential for health
-Exhaust ducts must be installed in bathroom to prevent moisture buildup

18. Finishing the Interior
After all mechanical systems are in place, it is time to consider the design elements
Stairways- should..
Be limited and only used when necessary
- have uniform steps and odd numbers of steps to avoid falls
- handrails must be included in all homes

19. Walls Finishes pg 295
Fill in notes using figure 13-3

20. Ceilings pg 294 and 296
Fill in notes by describing the following type of ceilings:
-Shed:
-Gabled:
-Coved:
-Dropped:
-Tray:
-Beamed:

21. Floor Finishes pg
Fill in notes by describing the following types of floors:
-Wood:
-Ceramic-
-Concrete-
-Slate, stone, and brick-
-Carpet-
- Vinyl or laminate-
-Finish trim- molding-

22. Check your Knowledge
How do the roles or contractors and subcontractors differ?
Explain the significance of a circuit breaker box.
Describe how a surge protector works.
Compare and contrast the 3 different heating systems.What is most important to remember about choosing a heating system?
How can a programmable thermostat reduce energy bills?
Explain why ventilation systems are essential.
List 3 types of floor finishes and which areas they are suited for best.
Many homeowners are willing to pay more for better plumbing, heating and AC, etc. while economizing on furniture and accessories. Why is this a logical choice?