Learning About Building Science
Now that I’m moving more in the direction of building versus solely real estate (see my previous post here on Why I’m Retiring from Real Estate), I’d like to give you guys an update on some upcoming plans of mine.
This year, I’ll be building my first new construction home and have also purchased two other lots that I’ll be beginning building plans on later this year. One is a duplex lot in South Minneapolis, and the other is an apartment building lot in the same area that can be anywhere from a three unit to a 25 unit building. I’m excited to see how everything shapes out.
From the interior to the foundation and exterior, I’m really excited to learn about the process of building each step of the way. The science of building a house is so interesting to me – especially when you realize how each aspect affects the next and can really determine how well a house performs in the long run. That’s something many people overlook when searching to buy a home – they might not realize the effects of poor insulation or a damaged foundation. But over time, those issues can really wreak havoc on the house structure.
Gaining this knowledge isn’t just important for me on my own projects, but it’s also important for my clients as I work with them to help them find their homes. Knowing whether or not a repair is essential to a home’s health, or something that can be put off, can be a huge determining factor in whether or not a property is a good buy, and ultimately I want to do everything I can to help my buyers and sellers make the best decisions in the market.
I’ll keep you posted as I dive into my next project – I’ve got a lot to learn and I’m loving it already.
On one of our recent listings, our seller had specifically hired landscape architects to design his front and back yard over the course of several years - it's hard to tell from this picture (taken in early Spring), but the yard is sloped in a way that uses rainwater to water itself while simultaneously moving water away from the home. Plus, various plants that are local and environmentally friendly (and that help monarch butterflies thrive) were planted in the mix to encourage a self sustaining and positive ecosystem. This is a great example of the science of landscaping - an important element to a home's structure, especially when trying to avoid any water damage in the basement.