As another construction year comes to an end, the SALA gang would like to thank our amazing builder community, whether carpenter, stone mason, electrician or plumber, these dedicated craftspeople bring our ideas to reality.
Our architects at SALA can create some incredibly inventive structures which would remain as paper architecture if not for our region’s amazingly talented building community. We truly have a bevy of smart, diligent and rigorous craftspeople who are capable of realizing our creations through wood, concrete, steel, tile and other materials. From rough framing of superstructures occasionally hoisted in place in rain or snow, to the fine detailing of finish materials, their performance deserves robust applause.
I took this level of craftsmanship as commonplace until I began attending national gatherings of residential architects from across the country. Whether from California, Texas, or Maryland, they often lamented as to the challenges in securing craft in their construction communities. Whereas they often spoke of the litigious issues with contractors, I focused on the high level of craft, to their bewilderment and envy. They highlighted conflict where I exalted teamwork.
Projects begin from the ground up and our region’s concrete crews know how to commence a project with square and level foundations.
Quality lumber and exacting roof trusses are just part of the beginning of the framing process. Windows and door openings must be precisely framed along with structural componentry which might later be exposed to living spaces.
In our cold region special care in sheathing and insulation are imperative in assuring a draft free and energy conscious home. Our contractors employ blower door tests to identify draft leaks that might be the result of mechanical or electrical installations.
The messy business of fireplace masonry needs to occur before other finishes are considered.
Occasionally our homeowners jump into the prepping of materials for installation. Locally harvested hardwoods and softwoods can also be applied to interior surfaces.
Our region has a plethora of fine cabinet companies making both stock cabinets and unique tailored items.
The builders we choose are always up for unique and interesting challenges to meet the creativity and imagination of us designers and our clients.
Since we often have projects in faraway places where we have no builder contacts, here are a few methods I use to secure an honest and talented builder
- Ask at the local lumber yard for the names of a few builders. This will yield builders who are honest and pay their material supply invoices.
- Check references. Did the homeowner have a good experience? Did the builder respnd to warranty items?
- See their work for craft abilities.
- Are they knowledgeable as to energy and environmental issues?
- Do they subscribe to Fine Homebuilding and contribute to “Keep Craft Alive”?
We look forward to the new year with our cache of new and exciting projects currently on our drawing boards or computer screens. We’ll once again task our amazing builders to realize our creations through the teamwork we’ve come to enjoy. Should you seek to view a handful of our recent projects, ask us to send you our 2025 calendar!
