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Even during times of sluggish economy, new construction in America is something that always seems to be booming. Whether new home construction in Miami or a new high rise building in Manhattan, reliable building contractors have more opportunity for work than they can handle.

New concepts formulated by architect engineer firms are more innovative than ever before, with lower cost, more developed specifications, and the environment in mind. Even simple new residential construction involves new technology in a wide range of common materials used; such as engineered construction frame timber or LED lighting concepts.

Engineered construction frame timber is made using a lamination process to make larger timbers out of smaller pieces of wood at a lower cost. Laminate engineered timbers are actually stronger than same size solid wood timbers, and require fewer large trees to make them.

Manufacturers such as Boise Cascade have engineering and design staff to produce custom timbers made-to-order for individual project specifications. A local architect or building contractor only needs to supply the design and dimensions of a new structure; they formulate what is necessary to support the structure, and then manufacture it.

In the last few years, new concepts for ambient room lighting have produced room lighting systems utilizing LED (light emitting diodes) which light the entire room with attractive mood lighting; for only a fraction of the power consumption and cost of traditional light fixtures.

Innovations in technology have brought the homeowner new options in a pre-fabricated building, ranging from a barn to a steel building; or a backyard gazebo to an entire modular home. Pre fabricated building options can include a steel barn package; shipped with all of the components which will need to be assembled on the job site.

Prefabricated building options include entirely assembled modular home designs; transported right to the site on its own axles, and then set on a pre-constructed foundation. Contractor services are still usually required to one extent or the other.

Modular homes are becoming a popular option. Mainly because of the constantly updated features being offered in the design, and the affordable cost – making it more attractive to some homeowners than traditional construction options.

When opting for a modular home, considerable preparation to the site is necessary. An excavation contractor is required to dig the foundation excavation to necessary specifications. While a cinder block foundation may be adequate, most manufacturers recommend that a foundation contractor prepare a poured concrete foundation to set the structure on. Of course, utility hook–ups for electrical, water, sewer, and gas will need to be incorporated into the foundation.

Modern day buildings for agricultural purposes are widely pre-fabricated metal building packages. A steel barn or metal post and beam building can be constructed in a very short time span by an expert pole barn building contractor. It is also becoming increasingly popular to include a horse barn plan or living space into a barn plan for multi purpose usage.

Convenience and cost are two big factors for this trend. Metal post and beam buildings, when erected on a concrete foundation, can provide enormous floor spaces. Easily insulated and finished off to provide economical, comfortable living space; a concept that offers convenience like never before. Imagine waking up in the morning and doing chores such as tending livestock or repairing large machinery without ever leaving the building!

Many homeowners find that another good way to increase property value and market appeal, or just acquire needed extra space, is to add a garage or carport. A garage or carport can provide workshop space or extra storage in addition to sheltering family vehicles.

Regular frame construction for a garage addition utilizes the same construction methods as typical home construction; commonly provided by a garage builder or building contractor for about $45 per square foot of floor space. This price includes labor cost and standard building materials. A typical 12X24 foot single car garage would cost about $12,960. An 18X24 double car garage would run about $19,440.

Using high-end materials would raise the cost to about $55 per square foot; additional factors such as exterior finish selection, matching existing roofing and architectural details, the inclusion of utilities, (electric, heat, and water) or driveway paving would all raise the price beyond $55 per square foot.

Of course, a particular area may vary from this average cost. A Boston garage builder, for instance, might charge $50 to $55 per square foot using just standard building materials.

Attached or free standing carports offer another option for providing basic shelter for vehicles. There are countless manufacturers and retailers of nearly endless sizes, types, shapes, and models from which to select. Kits start at about $623 for a very basic 10X10 attached model, to $11,000 and up for larger, more elaborate, free standing styles.

Homeowners who have just purchased or are planning to purchase property may want to consider the services of a professional building inspector. Home inspection services provide the owner with an accurate assessment of what condition the structure is in, and whether any major renovation work or repairs will be needed immediately or in the near future. A building inspector can also assess if any parts of the structure do not meet local building code requirements.

Home inspection services offer basic inspection of heating, cooling, and electrical services, as well as the foundation and roof systems. Costs range from $200 to $300 for a very basic inspection to around $850 for one more thorough. Intensive inspection, testing, and evaluation in specific areas of the structure usually involve additional fees or charges. This includes such things as:

• Air sampling to detect biological hazards such as mold, or toxic contaminants
• Electrical wiring
• Electromagnetic fields
• Exterior siding and paint failures
• Exterior and interior stairs, railing, decks, walks, and trip hazards
• Foundation crack and damage
• HVAC system
• Roofing failures
• Septic system
• Underground oil storage tanks
• Water testing

Home inspection is not to be confused with home appraisal services. While home appraisal services also do an inspection, it is for the purpose of valuation, real estate listing, and mortgage information. Experienced, licensed, professional home inspection service provides valuable, unbiased information for the benefit of the homeowner or prospective buyer.

No matter what type of new construction or renovation work is being planned, one great new way to locate a reliable local contractor that specializes in a particular type of project is at HandyAmerican.com

It has never been easier to post your new construction or renovation project online. Absolutely free, and without obligation! Project owners all over America are turning to HandyAmerican. Whether you need a new construction Chicago framing carpenter or a San Francisco gazebo builder; or a Texas land clearing contractor so work can begin on your new log cabin or log cabin home. Just sign up and post your project at HandyAmerican.com.

Reliable experienced contractors in your community can view your project guidelines and provide competitive bid information. And project owners maintain total control of how, if any, contact is made with prospective candidates.

HandyAmerican provides project owner-to-contractor matchmaking services for any type or aspect of new home construction or renovation. From an Arkansas metal building contractor to a Florida land surveyor, HandyAmerican fills the need.

Services are FREE! Whether you are a new home construction contractor, or project owner requiring a contractor, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. Have you signed up today? Post your project online now, then sit back and let the contractors come to you.