LandSmith Construction

120 Seale Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 328-4663
Fax: (650) 328-1833

info@landsmith.net

Outside Your New Home

by LandSmith Construction

Siding

The most common exterior wall coverings are T111 plywood type siding, lap siding composites, wood siding of various styles, and stucco plaster. These are also used in combination with each other, and at times with a rock facing, usually on the front of the house.

All of these exterior siding materials are installed over conventional wood framing, the overwhelming residential construction practice of choice here in California. In certain situations, when a home is on steep terrain with a raised foundation, block walls may be used. Commonly these are left unfinished though sometimes stucco or a rock face is applied.

T111 (Tee one eleven) is probably the least expensive siding type but the least appealing aesthetically. This plywood product typically has vertical grooves on 4, 8 or 12 inch centers to give some visual interest.

Both composite and natural lap siding are aesthetically appealing and attractive. Composites such as a Hardi-Plank concrete product, are much more durable and lower maintenance than a natural wood product. Other styles of natural wood siding are also relatively higher in long-term maintenance costs.

LandSmith recommends you use composite lap siding for the best of both worlds, durability and low maintenance, coupled with the aesthetics of natural wood.

Stucco is applied over a moisture barrier and lath (chicken wire like mesh) and is typically finished with a skip-trowel rough finish or a smoother sand finish.

As mentioned above, sometimes the front of the house (front elevation) will receive a rock facing in one of various styles to accent the front elevation, with a more conventional exterior treatment on the remaining sides.

Roofing

As with any construction, roofing type depends on a number of factors. LandSmith recommends an all around performer in the dimensional asphalt shingle that comes in an array of colors to match your design scheme.

You have available lesser quality asphalt shingles (not recommended) and much higher priced slate, tile, metal and other roofing materials. Each has its own benefits, aesthetics and longevity. The weight of roofing material can increase construction costs due to the higher roof load.

The dimensional asphalt shingle gives a wood-shingle like look without the cost and lack of fire resistance common in wood roofing materials. Here in the mountains, a wood roof can cost you in increased insurance costs and greater risk of fire.

Landscape and Lawns

LandSmith can recommend to you landscape designers and installers, or we can handle all of your landscaping for you.

Drip irrigation is a fantastic way for you to reduce maintenance headaches and also greatly lower your water consumption by only watering specific plants specific amounts. Seriously consider budgeting for a state-of-the-art irrigation installed by a licensed professional.

Water and Wastewater

Homes in rural areas commonly use well water sources and onsite wastewater treatment. This means drilling and/or maintaining a well along with a septic system and their associated install and maintenance costs. These are not a consideration for homes in Palo Alto and Menlo Park for the most part. Be sure to find out about water and wastewater treatment requirements and costs when purchasing your land.

LandSmith will help you with every step of your design/build dream home journey.

Conclusion

Being aware of these exterior considerations will help you make the best decisions possible and keep surprises to a minimum. LandSmith will take care of all of this for you, for a true set and forget building experience.

Ready to Build? With LandSmith It’s Easy!

Call, write, fax or email us:

LandSmith Construction

(650) 328-4663
(650) 328-1833 fax
Construction@LandSmith.net