Hello – I’m going to be building a house this fall and currently working on getting my budget completed. I plan to live in this house (2,500 ft2, 2-storey) for a long time, but as all of you know, you never know what’s going to happen. I would love to put the “best” materials for everything, but obviously the budget won’t allow that. My question is this, I have a quote for a reputable vinyl window co. which I sure would be fine, or I can go with Marvin Integrity Windows for an additional $4.5K for the whole house. My question is this – is the extra $4.5K really worth it, or should I spend this on other areas (like going to ICF’s in the basement, or maybe upgrading shingles, etc, etc.). I’m trying to figure out where to best spend my money, and although I am planning on living here for a long-time (20 years), you never know, so I want to make sure that if I spend extra money, I would spend them in areas that a potential buyer would want to avoid losing my shirt if I have to sell.
Again, I would love to put the best of everything, everywhere, but the budget obviously doesn’t allow for that. Thanks again everyone for your help, and patience in reading my long-winded posts.
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Can you look at both types of windows in person? It's easier to judge quality from real window rather than just brochures.
I can highly recommend ICF's for the basement. You'll have the coziest basement you can imagine if you use ICF's for the walls and proper waterproofing and drainage on the exterior.
Wayne - thanks for the input. I've heard some people don't like installing the sheetrock over the ICF's in the basement - any input on this matter? Also, this will add some costs b/c I will have to finish the basement (according to Canadian building code you need to finish the basement). I wasn't planning on finishing the basement, but some extra sheetrock for the walls and ceiling shouldn't be that big of a deal.
Thanks again.
My builder had no trouble at all applying the drywall. It came out nice and smooth.
As for finishing the basement, it probably is that you need to cover the foam for fire resistance, which means one layer of drywall with the joints mudded and taped, not necessarily sanded to a finished smoothness nor painted. The ceilings shouldn't need to be done on account of ICFs, though codes may require it in your area anyway regardless of whether ICFs are used. Definitely a question for you code official.