Building Process

Streetman Homes are constructed with over 200 years combined experience in the fields of architecture, engineering, and building. Since the inception of Streetman Homes, it has been our mission to operate in our communities and environment in a responsible and ethical manner. We started right here in Austin and are committed to this city and it’s prosperity. We live and work here because we love Austin.

Stage 1

During stage one you should be introduced to the superintendent who will build your home. This meeting will take place at your lot to review the placement and orientation of your home's foundation. During this meeting you will have an opportunity to review your options and change orders as well as your color selections for the finishes to be used in your home. You should plan to be available for about 2 hours for this meeting.

Special attention is given to trees that may or may not be able to remain on the lot. Prior to the time that the superintendent receives the plans, we have engineers test the soils of your site and design your concrete foundation. The building site must be cleared of any brush, trees or rock that will affect the structural integrity of the foundation.

After clearing the site, wooden concrete forms are constructed and fill dirt is placed in the forms. Foundation beams are excavated and plastic vapor barrier is installed. Steel reinforcing bars and post-tensioned steel cables are placed in the foundation. Drain pipes and water supply pipes are installed as well as electrical grounding wires.

At this point the structural engineering company that designed your foundation inspects the foundation work. They monitor the corrections of any defects found and ultimately clear the foundation concrete to be poured. At Streetman Homes we use 3,000 P.S.I. concrete rather than the industry standard 2,500 P.S.I. concrete for added strength. Structural engineering personnel also monitor "stressing" the post tension reinforcement cables to be sure it is done per the design specifications.

Stage 2

At this stage the frame of the home is constructed. Our frames and roofs are hand built on site in accordance with an engineered framing design by one of Austin's premier structural engineering firms. The method of construction we use is commonly known as "stick built" framing. This is as opposed to other homes, which may be partly or completely built in factories by methods, which are called modular, panelized or truss-built.

We believe from our experience that "stick-built" construction provides a tremendous level of strength due to structural redundancy. It also offers us the flexibility to design homes with more beautiful architecture and superior energy efficiency than other, less costly methods of construction.

In addition, even though Austin is not a hurricane zone, we employ some of the techniques used by builders in hurricane zones such as securing the home to the foundation with steel bolts, rather than only the concrete nails commonly used by other builders. Of course, our frames are also fully inspected by applicable municipal authorities and outside third party inspectors in addition to our own personnel.

Stage 3

At the completion of this stage we consider the home to be "dried in". The framing, exterior siding, exterior trim detailing, windows, doors and roofing material are installed. The exterior painting process is also started at this time.

We install the rough plumbing, heating, air conditioning equipment, duct work, exhaust vents, electrical wiring and the phone and cable wiring also at this stage.

After these processes are completed but before wall insulation is installed you should be notified by your new home professional of a time for the second of three buyer orientations with your construction superintendent. It is important at this stage to verify that your selected options are properly installed. Especially important is checking phone, cable and stereo surround sound locations.

Attention to these details at this stage prevents costly and time consuming reworks after sheetrock has been installed. You will also be asked to re-verify all of your interior finish selections at this time. You should plan on being available for about an hour for this meeting.

Stage 4

The insulation process at Streetman Homes is a multi-stage process. It involves the use of Dow sill sealant under all exterior walls as well as poly-cell sealant at potential areas of air infiltration, and wall insulation, which exceeds industry standards.

We also use many other energy-saving items such as double pane Low-E² high performance windows. Also, we feature cement siding products with continuous soffit vents. We install 14 SEER Rheem® high efficiency heating and air conditioning units.

To seal thermal shorts we sheath all exterior walls with R-3 Dow® Styrofoam sheathing. For cooler attics we also deck all our homes with radiant barrier roof decking. All of this added together make our homes much more energy efficient than many of our competitors.

Stage 5

After the sheetrock is installed we verify proper fastening. We use both drywall screws and nails to fasten the materials to the walls and ceilings. All wet areas are installed using galvanized fasteners.

We install the corner beads, which are also secured with nails and screws. After installation of the corner beads the sheetrock seams are taped and floated smooth including all nail heads. After final float is completed our construction superintendent inspects the walls and ceilings for defects prior to the texture being applied.

During this stage the exterior brick, stone and/or stucco are also installed on your home. Also, at this time garage doors are installed and the tile installers generally start work on the tub and shower enclosures.

Stage 6

Trim carpenters start installing the interior doors and trim such as baseboards, window sills, closet shelving and other trim details. During this stage cabinets are also installed and the countertops are measured for installation. Ceramic tile flooring materials are placed, and ceramic tile wall coverings are installed in kitchens and baths where specified. Additionally, most of the interior painting is completed at this time.

Stage 7

The outdoor portions of your home's air conditioning system are installed at this time. The thermostats, registers, return air, exhaust vents and cooking ventilation systems are installed.

Also, at this stage the bathroom and kitchen countertops and plumbing fixtures are installed. Electrical switches, outlets, circuit breaker panels and lighting fixtures are all installed at this stage.

Also the security and home technology wiring panels and wall plates are completed.

Just before all of the mechanical and electrical trims are installed a second stage insulation process is performed sealing around penetrations through the exterior walls and ceilings.

Loose fill blown insulation is also installed in the attic areas over living spaces.

Stage 8

During stage eight our construction superintendent performs a 244-point inspection to identify defective or incomplete work.

After this inspection, subcontractors are called upon to make corrections and complete their work.

After the majority of the identified imperfections have been corrected carpet and wood flooring are installed inside the home while sod and landscaping are being installed outside. Interior and exterior painting of the home should be completed at this stage of the home.

When our superintendent has completed this stage of construction we schedule all the appropriate final municipal inspections.

Stage 9

During this stage, final inspections are performed by municipal and/or third party inspectors.

After the items identified on these final inspections are corrected and they are cleared, a certificate of occupancy is issued. We then schedule the establishment of permanent utility connections.

After the permanent utilities are connected, a final walk through of the home should be performed by the superintendent overseeing your home and the project manager in your community. This final checklist is completed and the home is prepared for your final orientation.

Any outside third party inspections you may wish to schedule should be completed at this time.

Stage 10

This is the final stage of construction for your home. The homebuilding process should be completed and any items of concern you noted at your final orientation should have been addressed. Your signature on an affidavit of acceptable completion is required before your new home warranty may be used.

After your home is closed and the loan is funded, your new home professional should deliver you the keys to your new Streetman home. At Streetman Homes, we take great pride in the quality built into each of our homes. Our expert staff of construction management professionals has guided your home through a rigorous series of internal inspections and a number of inspections performed by other entities such as city or county inspectors, engineers and other independent third party inspectors .

Your home carries a 10 year limited warranty. Any warranty concerns you may have should be directed to our customer service department by faxing a request to (512) 329-9928, emailing us at warranty@streetmanhomes.com, or by filling out our online warranty request form.