Building Standards & The Building Process

Taking the First Steps

The first step in any major project is to learn as much as possible about the subject at hand. Building a custom home is no exception. However, a surprisingly-large number of people seem to think that anyone can design and build the home of their dreams, without first spending the time to thoroughly learn about what is involved. This is all-too-often a recipe for disaster.

Designing and constructing an appealing, comfortable, safe and well-built structure that fits the needs and wants of you and your family is not an easy task. Yet for those who take the time to familiarize themselves with the entire process, the construction of a new home is a memorable and very gratifying experience. You will need to ask and answer many of the same questions before you build.

Of course, these are only a few of the things you will need to consider as you first start thinking about building a new home. As part of the early stages of your research, we highly recommend that you head to your local library and read a few books about planning your new home and the homebuilding process. Then, ask as many other people as you can about their experiences. Almost everyone who has built a new home has a few stories, which they are more than happy to share with others. In addition to to the testimonials on our website, we can connect you with past customers directly, and you'll be able to ask them any questions about the process.

The more you know about the task you are about to undertake, the better your homebuilding experience will be. Depending upon the size of your project and the degree to which you want to be involved, building a new home can consume a major portion of your time for several months or several years. If your expectations are unrealistic, you will almost certainly be unhappy with the results. Building a new home should be part of the "American dream" — not a nightmare.

Where?

We'll build anywhere in the Greater Rochester, NY area, but most Matco Homes are now being built in the All-Seasons Subdivision, in the town of Hilton, NY. Located just minutes outside Rochester, in a rural setting, the All-Seasons Subdivision is the perfect place to build your dream home.

The All-Seasons Subdivision is also the future home of Gabriella's Garden. In 2010, after a courageous battle, Gabriella A. Mattioli, daughter of Matco-owner Marco Mattioli, passed away at the age of 10. Gabriella was very thoughtful, kind hearted and strong willed. She was high spirited and had a great sense of humor. In her memory, the Matco family is building a community garden in the All-Seasons subdivision for all to enjoy.

Matco's Professional Standards

Foundation and Site Work

Before the home is built, the site must be cleared and graded. Once this is done, trenches for the foundation are dug. All standard foundations are built on block, although basements can also be poured concrete as an option.

Foundation being poured

Included in Matco's Homes: Subdivision and Lot

Framing

Photograph of Framing

Once the foundation is set, the floor, walls, stairs and roof are built. The frame is the shell of the home that provides the shape of the structure. Make sure you take into consideration the placement of all your windows, (is there going to be enough light in the room? is there going to be sufficient air flow?) These are things to change now on the drawings because they cannot be changed later.

Included in Matco's Homes: Framing

Exterior Finishes

Matco worker installing a roof

This stage finishes the outside of the home and protects the inside from the elements. From the outside, at least, your home looks almost done. When selecting your façade (siding color & trim) and roof covering, consider the maintenance costs and requirements, and how long the product will last. Remember that the cheapest product out-of-the-box will not necessarily be the least expensive long-term. If we try to sell you something more expensive, odds are pretty good that we're not just trying to make a buck; we want your home to last!

Included in Matco's Homes: Exterior Construction

Mechanical Rough-Ins

Electrician installing wiring in a home.

Once the interior of the house is properly protected from the elements, the plumbing, electricity, water heating, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are installed.

You will meet with the electrician to place the electrical outlets and fixtures throughout your home. You will also have an opportunity to add additional outlets and also decide if you would like ceiling lights in bedrooms (for an additional cost). Remember, it will cost more later and will be more inconvenient when the walls are dry walled and your furniture is in — So now is the time to do it!

Included in Matco's Homes: Plumbing/Electric/HVAC

Plumbing
Electric
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning

Insulation

Insulation installed in the ceiling

Included in Matco's Homes: Insulation

Interior Finishes

Once everything behind the walls is complete, the flooring, drywall, tiles and cabinetry are installed, and the home is painted. This is the longest phase, for good reason. Unlike the mechanical rough-in step, subcontractors in the interior finish steps usually cannot do work at the same time.

Included in Matco's Homes: Finishing

Kitchen
Copyright © 2012 Matco Builders and Developers, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Web Design and Development by Steven Smith Enterprises.