Fix it Friday: Structural Integrity
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Updated: 10:10 AM Jun 13, 2011
Fix it Friday: Structural Integrity
Kenny Guffey Construction
Make sure your home is built with structural integrity! You can, when you chose Kenny Guffey Construction!
Posted: 11:00 PM Jun 2, 2011
Reporter: Kiley Yarbrough
Email Address: kiley.yarbrough@wvlt-tv.com

ET&Co: Fix it Friday: Structural Integrity
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Make sure your home is built with structural integrity! You can, when you chose Kenny Guffey Construction!

Even if you receive a free home in a neighborhood where homes sell for $50,000, it is not such a good deal when after you close the deal, you find out that repairs to the home are $100,000.

That is not such a good bargain after all.

Signs of Compromised Structural Integrity of a Home

1. Large cracks in foundations.

2. Separation of concrete or cracks greater than 1/4 inch horizontal displacement or greater than 1/4 inch in vertical displacement normally means an underlying problem.

3. Sags or bows in walls or floors.

4. Large openings such as overhead garage doors that bow or sag more than 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.

5. Retaining walls that are not built properly and stress to the point of failure.

These five major problems are just a few things that can really cost some big bucks when the have to be repaired.
 

Common sense says always beware of good deals.

Especially if there are underlying problems with some structural components of that home.

Kenny says there are reasons why some homes look better and last longer than others.

1. Homes normally last longer that are built to a building code standard and are inspected by a building official.

2. Homes that are properly engineered will stand the test of time better than those that are not.

3. Homes that are constructed by a contractor who is more interested in making money than protecting the largest investment that someone ever makes (their home), is more likely to cut corners on the home in order to make greater profits and raise their bottom line!

"What I have found many times during my career as a building contractor, is that some people are willing to take short cuts during the construction process, mainly to save short term money, meaning, "saving it now and spending much much more later," said Guffey.

"I learned early in my career there are some things that you never compromise when building a new home is the structural integrity of that home. There is a phrase that I learned from a prominent structural engineer, Todd Duncan. He said, "give me a good foundation, a good framing job and everything else is cosmetic"," said Guffey.

When you think about that statement it is very true.

Many of the everyday day problems that many of us encounter with our homes like: squeaks, sticking doors, nail pops in drywall, separation cracks in crown molding, movement in base mold, etc.

"Those are of cosmetic nature and are easily repaired. But then there are the" big problems" that stem from the integrity of the structure," said Guffey.

So how easily can structural problems be prevented?

Guffey says in the beginning stages of construction if the builder is experienced and knows what preventive methods to use in each of these areas, you really should not have any of these problems.

Chosen as one of the south's top 100 builders by Southern Living ®, Kenny Guffey has proven to be a highly reputable builder in Seymour and the surrounding areas.

Kenny Guffey Construction takes pride in every home it builds, giving each the same attention to budget, quality, and detail regardless of price or size.

To learn more about this exceptional builder, call (865) 577-3514 or visit online at www.KennyGuffeyConstruction.com.

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