Built Smart™ Construction
Built Smart™ Construction
From foundation to chimney our team utilizes the best building methods and state of the art building materials to assure long term structural integrity and lowest cost of operation for the homeowner.
Built Smart™ Construction by Graf emphasizes a robust foundation using Certainteed Form-a-Drain and Integraspec ICF, ensuring durability, moisture control, and superior insulation. The process includes a meticulous approach to floor framing, employing Weyerhaeuser I joists and Edge Gold sub-flooring for a sturdy, noise-reduced base. This foundation system, managed by Graf’s own skilled team, provides a high ROI and exceptional long-term stability.
In the construction of walls, roofs, and exteriors, Graf prioritizes structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. They recommend 2×6 exterior wall framing for better insulation and noise reduction, complemented by custom stick-framed roofs with substantial overhangs. High-quality Andersen windows and a range of siding and stone veneer options ensure both functionality and visual elegance, adhering to Graf’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Foundations
Every home must sit on a good foundation. Seneca Foundations is a part of the Graf Family of Companies allowing us to cut out the need to subcontract the most important part of your home, the foundation. Graf starts by using a Form-a-Drain system to form our footers and provide an integrated french drain and passive radon evacuation. When built properly and to adequate width, a footer will spread the weight of the house across a larger surface area than the foundation wall alone will, reducing the chance for foundation settlement or sinking.
We primarily use Cast in Place (CIP) walls. We own our own aluminum wall forms which allow us to tackle any foundation regardless of its complexity. All foundations (on the exterior) are waterproofed with a bituminous waterproofing spray with an application of minimum 1’’ insulation to grade. We also can do Integraspec Brand Insulated concrete forms, otherwise known as ICF, if requested.
Floor Framing
Have you ever been in a home and noticed that when you walk the fancy china in the cupboard rattles? This is due to poor floor deflection of conventional lumber over the live load structure of the floor. We take care of this issue by utilizing an iJoist-engineered manufactured floor system (TJI). The first-floor system receives a fire-resistant coating to increase safety and durability in an unfinished basement application. The floor is sheathed with Edge Gold sub-flooring which is glued and nailed with ring shank nails to help eliminate the potential floor squeaks. The combination of these components provides the ultimate finished experience with a quiet and strong floor.