J.H. Fisher Construction

Controlling House Environment during Construction

2012-05-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

I learned early on that controlling the environment of a house under construction as soon as possible is key to a successful build and the structural integrity of a new home. While it can be more complicated and more expensive to expedite the necessary processes, it makes the kind of difference that is more than worth the sacrifice.

The first mission is to try to get the home under roof and dried in, preventing water from infiltrating the frame. The next is to bring power in right away to control interior conditions with a functioning HVAC system. This can be tricky because of the amount of red tape that sometimes exists in power companies, but a seasoned professional should know who to communicate with and what the decision makers need to see to expedite the process.

Controlling the environment inside the house is critical to the process of curing the wood in the frame and in features like hardwood flooring. The frame contains approximately 19% water and a properly running HVAC system can help pull that water out of it. This needs to be done early on to reduce shrinking and settling of the frame, which will help minimize nail pops, settling cracks, door rubbing and trim cracking. These are items that frequently require attention around the end of a one-year warranty, but many can be prevented by conditioning the wood from the start.

The National Organization of Flooring Materials regulations require that a home be environmentally controlled prior to the installation of hardwoods. An unseasoned contractor may be unaware, or unconcerned with this important rule, so before choosing your professional providers, make sure you do some research and ask pointed questions. If your contractor is installing hardwood flooring in a home that is not environmentally conditioned, he is making a mistake and you should address it as soon as possible.

Of course, choosing your professionals wisely from the beginning is the best way to avoid these kinds of devastating errors. If you are planning to build or remodel a home, contact JH Fisher Construction, Inc. today and we will be delighted to help!

JH Fisher Construction, Inc.

Wonderful World of Nails: Framing Nails

2012-03-09T06:31:00.002-08:00

A friend recently challenged us to make a fundamental element of construction sound fun: nails. We accepted the challenge and ended up filling so many pages of notes that we may just have to make The Wonderful World of Nails a series!

We start with framing nails – those little gems that when used correctly are a lot stronger than you probably realize. A true 16-penny cement coated sinker nail has the sheer strength of 300 pounds! The head of the nail is bigger and proper sinking gives it maximum strength.

With the advent of pneumatic fastening systems, or nail guns, we got away from the importance of sinking a nail correctly. These tools have been used to simply place as many nails as quickly as possible, assuming that the sum of the collective nails will be equal to or greater than the strength of one well-driven nail. However, this attitude has undermined the fundamental benefits of skilled nail application, and buildings suffer for it over the long term. Boards don’t cinch together properly allowing twisting and warping to occur and damage to result.

It is critical to know the right nail pattern to achieve the right alignment and optimum strength in framing. Other common mistakes including using the wrong nail for a project, using too few or too many nails, and not foreseeing which forces will impact the frame, a skill that requires experience and knowledge of engineering.

Manufacturers determine codes for nails and reputable builders know and adhere to these codes. The potential for problems as minor as floor squeaks to more major cracks in sheet rock, walls and corners, as well as movement that compromises strength increases as the builder’s attention to these codes and good practices decrease.

Would you rather choose the builder who understands the true significance of even the smallest facet of the building process, or the one who has yet to learn what he needs to know? Choose the best. Call JH Fisher Construction, Inc.today.

Recent JH Fisher Construction, Inc. Projects: A Grand Entrance

2012-02-29T06:49:00.003-08:00

An entry gate makes a statement about your property and your home. It says something about everything that is behind the gate and is a lasting first impression. We recently completed a gate on a river lot, and the results were better than even we expected (the photo accompanying this post is of the gate, partially finished):

Solar-powered with remote access capability, the gate was built for security as well as aesthetics. It is rustic, hardy and fits in well with its surroundings. Much care was taken during the selection of materials: rocks anchor the gate visually and structurally, with wood and rod-iron shape its silhouette. We wanted to design something that demonstrated old-world craftsmanship and quality. The finished product is welcoming and earthy, Old World and classic, and inspired by our deep love of the Adirondacks.

Is your home in need of a grand entrance? Contact JH Fisher Construction, Inc.today!

Adirondack-Inspired Boathouse in River’s Bend at Uncle’s Neck Creek: Toano, Virginia

2012-02-14T04:35:00.000-08:00

Take a vertical cliff that has been eroding for years and the dream of preserving the space and allowing for safe and respectful recreational use. Add to the equation a love of all things Adirondack and you arrive at a complicated yet successful boathouse project that JH Fisher Construction, Inc.recently completed in River’s Bend at Uncle’s Neck Creek in Toano, Virginia.

The boathouse project required two main phases: stabilizing the embankment and constructing the structure over the water. Before we could start, however, we had to work with the Wetlands Board, proving that the reventment method of controlling the bank was environmentally prudent. We spent time surveying the property as well as observing the wave action from passing recreational boats and the natural tides to understand what was causing the instability. We concluded that pulling the earth back at a gentle slope, installing large riprap and preventing further erosion was the most logical, ecologically sound and safe way to address the problem.

Board approval and the completion of the cliff reventment weren’t the end of our approval process, however. To start the dock, we drew plans and submitted them to multiple oversight agencies including V.I.M.S., the Army Corps of Engineers and the county. We wanted to build a boat house on the water inspired by the ones you find in the Adirondacks. While we weren’t able to include a game room or suite over the house in that style, we did add an attic for storage, and ultimately the plans were approved.

Building something like a boathouse over the water was an adventure for an often-land-bound team. One of our favorite parts was pulling the pylons straight, which required some real creativity. The results are a gorgeous boathouse, a safer, more stable cliff and a lot of personal satisfaction.

The great news for all property owners is that there are solutions for even the most complex problems. If you have questions about your own project, contact the experts at JH Fisher Construction, Inc.today!

A Quiet Addition in Westray Downs

2012-01-19T18:15:00.001-08:00

We recently completed a great remodel in the Westray Downs neighborhood in Williamsburg. The project began when the owner decided to add a room with a full bath to her existing home. Adding a second level addition required removing the roof of the house, which was understandably a cause of concern for the highly selective homeowner. It was truly an honor to be chosen for this project after she conducted extensive interviews.

One of the main goals was to create a soundproofed room to accommodate her husband’s avid love of music. We used “Quiet Rock”, a special drywall product paired with the necessary acoustic caulk and the “Staggered Stud” framing method to lower sound transmission. Specialized carpet pad was installed to deaden noise and we selected laminate glass windows to enhance the sound containment properties of the addition.

A new stairwell and bathroom finished off this challenging and successful remodel. The soundproofing modifications we employed will allow both happy homeowners to enjoy their leisure time in their own comfort zone.

If you have a remodel, big or small, visit our new website and contact JH Fisher Construction, Inc. today!

JH Fisher Construction, Inc.

A Winter Kitchen Remodel

2012-01-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

In December, we had the opportunity to perform the first stages of a kitchen remodel on one of our own properties. These before and after photos illustrate the extent of the work and also give you an idea of where we’re going next. Enjoy!

The first phase of the remodel involved several steps. We

· Removed 14-feet of outside wall

· Reframed a wall to accept a new window and new door

· Rewired electrical for a new kitchen lamp

· Prepared to install refurbished kitchen cabinets which we purchased from client who recently remodeled their Williamsburg kitchen

The next stage of the remodel includes:

· Moving the kitchen sink

· Moving the refrigerator

· Installing the refurbished cabinets

· Moving the dishwasher

The result will be an updated, more efficient, chef-friendly kitchen.

What kind of remodeling are you considering in 2012? If you plan to make a small change, or a big one, or even hope to start a custom build in the near future, contact us at JH Fisher Construction, Inc. today!

JH Fisher Construction, Inc.

JH Fisher Construction, Inc. in the New Year

2012-01-11T17:07:00.001-08:00

We’re just over a week in but at JH Fisher Construction, Inc., we haven’t stopped reflecting on a new year full of new possibilities. Like you, we’re setting our sights on 2012!

· Today, we officially launched our new website! You’ll find updated photos and more insight into our services and of course, this new blog. We’ve been anticipating this new site for a while now, so it’s hard to believe it’s here!

· We want to get to know you better, so you’ll find us hanging out a bit more on Facebook and Twitter (when we’re not on a Bobcat of course!). Please tell us what you would like us to share. Do you love before and after photos? Are you hoping to get some great advice? How can we best meet your building and remodeling needs?

· In 2012, we plan to continue strengthening our relationships with our community partners. We hope to bring our passion and our unparalleled services to an even larger audience. Simultaneously, we remain committed to helping improve the lives of struggling residents in The Grove.

With new relationships and great partners on the horizon, we hope that his year will offer creative fulfillment for JH Fisher Construction, and health and prosperity for you and your families. You can follow along on this year of growth and giving by following “Jeff’s Blog”. Happy New Year!

Celebrating the Holidays JH Fisher Style

2011-12-24T03:24:00.000-08:00

Turn Your Next Remodel into an Opportunity

2011-12-07T04:48:00.001-08:00

You might hear the world “remodel” and envision a kitchen or bathroom upgrade, or tacking an addition on to your home. Sometimes they are cosmetic and sometimes they indicate that you have reached a milestone in your life and are ready for something new.

Remodeling is more than keeping up with the neighbors, though. In some cases, it can save or extend the life your home. Here are some common issues associated with older homes that can be addressed during your remodel:

- Prevent fires and eliminate a recognized hazard by replacing aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring with copper.

- Add value and safety to an addition by adding a window that allows proper egress in case of emergency.

- Some older homes are still on fuses. Update to a newer and safer circuit box.

- If you still have galvanized piping, you probably don’t want to know what the water that you drink and wash in is really traveling through. Update to newer, long-lasting and cleaner plumbing.

- Other hazards: due to decades of improved building standards, today’s homeowner might forget that there are still many homes that require improvements like asbestos abatement. Your scheduled remodel could be the perfect opportunity to square away such concerns once and for all. You’ll improve the value of your home and the safety of your family.

Take the remodeling opportunity to make smart choices for your home. Protect your family, your investment and your future. Contact JH Fisher Construction, Inc.with your remodeling questions today!

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hiring a Custom Builder? Top Questions You Should Ask (Part 2)

2011-12-05T07:04:00.001-08:00

In Part 1 of this feature, we discussed 6 basic questions you should ask a prospective builder before contracting him to construct your custom home. The last eight questions are more complicated or sensitive and may require additional research and verification on your part. They are also critical for establishing ability, preparedness and credibility, so don’t take these lightly, and don’t be afraid to ask.

1. Have you ever had a lien filed against one of your jobs, and if so, why?

A forthcoming answer is a good sign. Every business runs the risk of entanglement in litigation (fair or not) and financial issues. You want verifiable explanations that indicate that the builder is responsible, knowledgeable and responsive during even the most trying exchanges.

2. Are you currently in a lawsuit or litigation?

There are two sides to every story. Is your builder willing to be open with you about litigation situations and refer you to his counsel for further information on the matter? Is he in a position to withstand exposures whether or not he is at fault? What risk does he run that might put your project ultimately at risk?

3. Are you willing to disclose your financials?

Can your builder back up his ability to handle the significant transactions involved in new construction? The economy has hit every sector hard, and you may be sympathetic, but at the end of the day, your money needs to be invested sensibly in the material and labor that will get your house built.

4. Do we have your permission to contact city and county business officials about your work?

Officials will generally be limited to matters of public record, but there should be no egregious instances of failure to perform or failure to comply that are on their radars.

5. Do you have a relationship or experience with the Architectural Review Board of our subdivision?

The Board is usually made up of current homeowners in each subdivision. What is your prospective builder’s reputation? Do they comply to standards, act responsibly and keep the streets clean? Have there been any nightmare experiences you need to know more about?

6. Do you work with a designer or architect?

Most builders are not designers or architects. Who do they work with and why?

7. How does the beginning of your building process work?

You want to know what you’re getting yourself into. A defined process for a successful start should be explained and you should be clear on your responsibilities as well as the builder’s.

8. How do you get paid? How do you obtain draws?

You will be making an investment in your future home – establish with the prospective builder what the payment timing and methods are. Determine how much the initial deposit will be and whether or not it is in line with the local industry standard.

The key is to ask tough questions and expect truthful, forthcoming answers. If you ever feel uncomfortable with a response, it is your duty as a buyer to investigate and as in many transactions, to trust your instincts. Be an informed consumer instead of a victim.

If you would like more insight into your own custom building or remodeling questions, contact JH Fisher Construction, Inc. today.

Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hiring a Custom Builder? Top Questions You Should Ask (Part 1)

2011-12-01T03:44:00.001-08:00

Most people are lucky to have just one custom home built in their lifetimes. Since you probably don’t get a chance to do something on this scale over and over, how are you supposed to choose the right expert custom home builder for you?

We’ll start with the “obvious” questions that you might not have included on your interview list. These questions establish general background, specific experience, local expertise and client satisfaction. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions – your rapport with your builder is going to be critical over the life of your construction or remodeling project and you need to start with basic trust and open communication:

1. How long have you been in business?

Clearly, you’re looking for experience and an answer that is verifiable and non-evasive.

2. What did you do before you started in the custom building business?

Was your prospective builder in a related business previously, or is he starting a second career based on limited knowledge of the industry?

3. How and why did you decide to become a custom builder?

4. How many homes have you built in this area?

You might have identified a wonderful, talented builder – but do you really want to be his first client in your region? Unlike many professions, local expertise in homebuilding is critical. An experienced local builder understands everything from weather conditions to local ordinances to the complete histories of the various subcontractors available to complete your home.

5. How many homes do you build per year, average?

6. Do you have a list of 3 past references and all of your current clients for the past two years that you would be willing to share?

A reputable builder should be willing to share a list of current and recent clients for referral purposes. Look for a consistent positive response and for evidence of any recent major slips in service or product that may require further investigation.

In Part 2 of this post we’ll help you dive into more sensitive and complicated questions like establishing financial credibility, asking about liens and litigation and understanding what the process of working with your builder will be. If you’re considering building a custom home in the greater-Williamsburg region and surrounding areas, call JH Fisher Construction, Inc.today.

Art Feeds the Need

2011-11-30T04:18:00.001-08:00

One of our custom homes, 112 Eaglescliffe, in the exclusive Eaglescliffe neighborhood of Ford's Colony will host a very special event this Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 4 - 8 PM. Local fine artists will display their works at the "Art Feeds the Need" event benefiting the Grove Christian Outreach Center. Enjoy holiday shopping in a luxury custom home, wine and cheese sampling along with great company.

The timing is perfect - stop in on your way to Grand Illumination!

You can find all of the event details on the Williamsburg Home Guide website.

We hope to see you there!

2011-11-22T04:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered on a cold winter night if it was possible to add the deck of your summer dreams in time for a warm weather barbecue? Do you have a home you want to sell or rent, but need to repair significantly? Scared that you’ll have to wait out the cold and rain before you can make progress?

Nearly Anything is Possible

The reality of winter remodeling in this region of the mid-Atlantic is that nearly everything is possible no matter what the time of year happens to be, as long as an expert is driving the process. Additions to existing homes, including those like enclosed sunrooms, are framed, finished, and equipped with climate controls all before the “envelope” of the house is pierced and the door is punched through.

New Home Construction Any Time of Year

You can even start new construction in what many consider “off months”. Far from being prohibitive, we actually often recommend that owners begin a custom build in winter. Framing materials are temperature and environmentally sensitive. Especially during the first year, they twist, breathe and contract as degrees rise and drop and humidity levels fluctuate. When you begin building in winter, the frame of your home will usually be complete in spring. Hot weather can then dry it out in summer and by the time fall comes it’s done all of the twisting it’s going to do.

By starting a building winter you can avoid a plethora of common first-year complications arising from the natural curing process of your framing materials.

Using Good Sense

Some remodels are certainly less invasive than others, and there are a limited number of projects that are so temperature sensitive that they may require more careful timing. For example, external painting isn’t generally appropriate in the dead of winter, but Sherwin-Williams duration paints do allow exterior painting down to 38-degrees. If outdoor paint is necessary to accomplish your winter renovation goals, there may be a way. Full weeks of freezing temperatures are rare in this part of Virginia, so consult an experienced, professional builder if your remodel or construction plans involve the coldest months of the year.

When it comes to coping with weather during your building or remodeling, success equals adapting to and planning for current and potential conditions. The best chance you have at success is to hire an expert versed in the necessary preparation and materials. If you have questions about your own project, contact JH Fisher Construction, Inc. today.

Mark of the Artist

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Every artist has a unique signature. Aficionados learn to recognize the mark of their favorite craftsmen – they covet what others aren’t sophisticated enough to understand.

The JH Fisher Construction Medallion is thecoveted mark of an artiste of custom building: Jeff Fisher.

Jeff remembers what was on his mind when he created his very first medallion. He began his career as a woodworker before learning custom framing, and when he built his first spec home, Jeff wanted to honor those origins. From that vision was born the JH Fisher medallion, installed in the floor of every one of his custom built homes. While he has a favorite design, he did once create a custom medallion featuring that most welcoming of Williamsburg symbols, the pineapple, a special request of his client.

What do you want from your next home, or from your remodel? The best that a standard builder can do, or the best that an artist can deliver? Get to know JH Fisher Construction and the passion and expertise that makes the difference. If you’re dreaming of your own medallion, contact JH Fisher Construction today.