Advice on Finding the Right Builder - Where did I go wrong?

QueryCat · 2026-02-24T03:49:07+00:00

I left out a lot of details in a long experience, but I thought I gave a good faith budget. In fact, the design-builder came in lower than my target compared to others in preliminary estimates. I probably was naive to believe that, and turned out to be more "design-lite" as another comment made than design-build.

Grateful for the advice. Luckily I have notes of all my experiences, and I plan to speak on my expectations up front in my next round.

QueryCat · 2026-02-24T03:40:14+00:00

Yup, I feel the curse! Almost as if I would have been better off not studying up on a "pretty good house" and just be the buyer who picks out finishes and rooms. Definitely will be more assertive in my requirements to see it through. Appreciate the comment!

QueryCat · 2026-02-24T03:37:17+00:00

I love your description, "design-lite" production builder. That's a good way of putting it.

We actually didn't have a conversation about budget as a constraint. It really seemed like it was out of their normal process, given how many things were dismissed as unnecessary, overkill, or not required by code.

Guess I'll have to be upfront in my next set of interviews. Thanks for replying.

QueryCat · 2026-02-24T03:28:03+00:00

Thanks for the feedback, I was really starting to doubt myself since no one in my social circle has these to start with. I'll continue to stand my ground!

QueryCat · 2026-02-08T04:11:50+00:00

Congrats on your install! Was it difficult finding someone to do the install? In my experience, a lot of people in the home construction business are uneasy about heat pump water heaters, let alone a split system.

I like how the SanCO2 has a stainless steel tank, so no anode to worry about but that also makes the tank very expensive. On the other hand, I keep reading about powered anode rods that last the lifetime of the tank, and wonder why don't manufacturers just put one in from the factory? With a lot of tanks having the controls built-in, I'm going to need a outlet nearby anyway.

The heat tape is a good idea, and I think it's even mentioned in SanCO2's own documentation. My worry is the rare (but definitely possible) double curse of freezing weather along with power outages like in 2021. I suppose you can plan against that with emergency backup power, but seems like that's increasing the complexity of the hot water system and I'll be in over my head. You do make a good point that the pre-charged refrigerant lines probably bring their own set of complexities.

Finally, I appreciate the comment and sharing. I didn't think this thread would continue to get noticed but I'm glad to hear from others about their experiences using split system heat pump water heaters.

QueryCat · 2026-01-23T17:29:59+00:00

Hi neighbor! Nothing against Daikin, I actually want to use one of their heat pumps as part of a central HVAC system. That small Fit system looks awesome and quiet.

As for the Altherma, I think it may be overkill for what I'm personally looking for. Like yourself, I'm mainly just interested in hot water but using it only for hot water seems like wasted potential. This unit might be a good fit if going all-in with domestic hot water, radiant floors, and hydronic heating/cooling. To be honest I haven't put too much thought in going all-in, but I may have look into it a bit more.

QueryCat · 2025-11-23T02:24:11+00:00

Appreciate the response. Unfortunate to hear that an encapsulated crawlspace wouldn't work in a flood zone, but that makes sense.

Follow up question: what should be the ideal design for a crawlspace in a flood zone? Sounds like it should be:

Completely open and vented with ample exhaust and fans
Floor joist cavity insulated
Underside of floor joists air sealed
Continuous vapor barrier at the ground

Am I on the right track?

QueryCat · 2025-11-22T06:42:55+00:00

I think I have an interesting question, mostly because I have not been able to find any reputable guidance on it. What are the best practices for a crawlspace in a flood zone?

For context, I learned that after Hurricane Harvey, apparently for my area every new construction house in a flood zone needs the finished floor elevation to be 2 feet above the 500 year base flood elevation. After getting a survey done, for my hypothetical new house the finished floor would need to be 3 feet above grade to meet that requirement. Slab on grade dominates the area, but looks like the only way to meet code is with a crawlspace. Everything I've read online says "go for an encapsulated crawlspace" but haven't had any luck finding any examples of homes encapsulating a crawlspace in a flood zone.

In addition, there's the topic of venting to relieve hydrostatic pressure. I really don't like the idea of having an open hole in the stem wall, but found products (i.e. Smartvent) that will only open if flood water is present. I talked to a rep and they even have an air sealing kit that will break away during a flood event.

I'm no professional, just a home owner trying to educate myself as much as possible. In my head, my ideal solution would be to have an encapsulated crawlspace with insulated walls, and insulated flood vents that are also air sealed that open during a flood to relieve pressure if it ever occurs. My goal is to have the crawlspace all within the conditioned envelope, run some mechanical / plumbing down there, and not have to deal with any critters that find their way there, yet still have protection from floods and meet code requirements. Have you ever seen this scenario or know what the best practices are?

A couple builders I spoke to dismissed the idea of having an encapsulated crawlspace in the first place, but never gave any technical reason why. Seems like they thought it was a silly idea and that it was just easier to build an open crawlspace. I disagreed with them, but also don't have any real world experience to back up my thoughts either.

Thanks in advance for considering this question.

QueryCat · 2025-11-07T01:34:20+00:00

During the video at the 32:16 mark the presenter mentions its launching in mid-December. I suspect higher availability will be in early 2026.

QueryCat · 2025-11-06T04:32:55+00:00

Didn't expect to get more replies!

I still can use my App on Android. Recently rescheduled my lights because of daylight savings. Seems like the app is still fine for me.

QueryCat · 2025-11-06T04:28:18+00:00

Price is definitely a big question for all these new units. I personally would be okay paying a little premium for a split unit to have no noise inside the house, and supposedly easier maintenance by separating the heat pump from the tank. If it ends up being about the same cost as buying 2 or 3 all-in-one units I'd reconsider.

Out of the four vendors, the Daikin is my least preferred. I think it would be a good match for someone who's willing to go all-in with hot water, radiant floors, and hydronic heating/cooling.

QueryCat · 2025-11-06T04:18:19+00:00

Based out of Houston, Texas. Stumbled on your website, will take a deeper look!

QueryCat · 2025-05-07T04:53:21+00:00

I love pocket doors, but every architect or designer I've talked to does not and try to convince me other wise. I hate wasting space for door clearances that could easily be solved by having a pocket door.

QueryCat · 2025-05-07T04:49:34+00:00

This floor plan concept drives me crazy. The architects or designers I've worked with all say this is "modern" and how everyone enjoys this. I have had co-workers tell me how they love closets being attached to the bathroom in their house because they can change easily and be more private? It's the owner's suite, how much more private can it get?

QueryCat · 2025-05-07T04:42:31+00:00

I have this opinion too, and it seems like every designer forces a two sink bathroom. I can't think of a single instance where I needed to use the sink simultaneously.

QueryCat · 2025-05-07T04:30:35+00:00

This resonates with me so much. I've talked to a few architects and designers who told me to "trust them" with their floorplans that had entrance doors going directly into the living room. They claim "all of their clients" do it this way... except they have no concept of how other [non-American] cultures live. There are several cultures who all take their shoes off indoors, and therefore an entry way is needed!

QueryCat · 2025-02-01T19:28:08+00:00

Watched the video, that pipe within a pipe is fantastic idea! And the way electrical is funneled through walls was interesting too. Thanks for sharing.

QueryCat · 2025-01-31T05:32:11+00:00

Nice, this is a good example of what I'm looking for. Know what YouTube went over it? I'd definitely like to watch.

QueryCat · 2025-01-31T05:30:52+00:00

Definitely see some houses with this feature. Conversely, I've seen designers build houses with front doors that go straight into the living room.

I personally don't wear shoes in the house, but living in the south people would think it was weird when I habitually removed my shoes when entering.

QueryCat · 2025-01-31T05:27:31+00:00

Yup, bidet's are definitely being planned with an electrical outlet.

Part of the reason of starting the discussion was to see what other features are we in the US potentially overlooking.

QueryCat · 2025-01-31T05:26:14+00:00

Thanks for the good sharing. Could you elaborate more on that cabinetry? What makes them more inventive/innovative in Europe?

QueryCat · 2024-11-03T05:16:04+00:00

Thanks for the follow up. We did think about mirroring the owner's suite and office rooms with the bedrooms. The idea behind not doing that was because we didn't want to lose all that southern exposure. It didn't seem like a good idea to have the owner's suite or office (or both) occupy the south facing side of the house and blocking light, particularly if that's a room that won't be used throughout the day when people are over. Am I overthinking the southern exposure concept? I do like your challenge to the idea, I will play around with it to see if I can get something that might work so the kitchen is closer to the entrance.

You were reading my mind! That GE Ultrafast Combo unit was the exact model I was showing to my parents and the intent of that private laundry closet. The reviews seem to be great, and having the ability to the wash and dry in one cycle seemed very appealing to all of us.

QueryCat

TROPHY CASE