Building and Finish Standard Available?
Anyone aware of a finish standard that can be quoted for home construction. For example fo ball bearings, you have ABEC standards for the precision of the ball bearing. If the same exists for home construction you know what you are quoting or buying. The same sqft. house from different builders can vary hugely and there is nothing I’ve seen that prevents a normally meticulous builder from turning out sloppy home. The standard would protect both parties and reduce surprises. Hoping to minimize the amount of work I have to redo to customize an upcoming home.
As a representative example, I had a home in Houston that had mitered window trim lined up with 1/16″ gaps, 4 or 5 degrees and loads of sawdust varnished under the clear finish. Other than just objecting, what standard exists to prevent this kind of workmanship?
Replies
what standard exists to prevent this kind of workmanship
The reputation of the contractor, and whether or not he cares about repeat business.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Well, there is a Construction Specifications Institute that lays down some standards for most trades and materials, but it is usually used in commercial projects. Increasingly, I see big dollar residential projects use spec's along with the drawings, and they will reference ACM or ASTM standards.
Hope that helps.
Standard for drywall finish:
ASTM C 840: Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board. From American Society for Testing and Materials.
The Gypsum Association published a four page document, "Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish" that is very user friendly. I got my copy compliments of National Gypsum Company (Gold Bond line of finishing muds).
Thanks for the help. Standards go a long way to improving the communication of expectations. They don't obviously cover craftsmanship, the fine points of finishing and style, but they at least point out some minimums. There is another discussion in General Discussion "Help, book title for building standards" that covers this topic also.
Thanks a bunch,
Eric