SECTION 13: Framing 13.1 Wood or Metal Framed Walls Out of Plumb
13.2 Column or Post Bowed Columns and posts should not bow or be out of plumb in excess of ¼ inch per 4 feet. Tapered columns and posts should be plumb as measured from the centerline, not to exceed ¼ inch per 4 feet, and the tolerance for columns and posts made of rough-sawn lumber should be ¼ inch per 4 feet. Under the Limited Warranty, the Builder will straighten columns and posts that exceed the ¼-inch-per-4-foot standard for a period of ten years (structural). In cases where the defect is cosmetic, the Builder will repair for a period of one year. 13.3 Wood Beam Twisted or Bowed Subsequent to construction, beams, joists, and posts will sometimes twist or bow as they dry. Twisting or bowing of wood may be cosmetically unacceptable when visible in habitable spaces, but is rarely a structural problem. Bows and twists exceeding ¼ inch out of plane within a 4-foot section will be repaired for a period of one year if located within habitable space. Acceptable repair may include shimming, trimming, or grinding the wood beam or post. When located in garages, basements, attics, or crawl spaces, such bowing or cupping will not be repaired unless it causes unevenness to floors or roofs in excess of the Limited Warranty’s specifications. 13.4 Wood Beam Split Beams, joists, and posts will sometimes split as they dry. Parallel splitting is usually not a structural concern because such inconsistencies in wood are anticipated in the structural calculations of wood products. Diagonal splitting that extends from one side to another and is more than ½ inch deep may weaken the wood. Under the Limited Warranty, the Builder will fill or repair any structural component that exceeds this standard for a period of ten years. Cosmetic components will be repaired for a period of one year. Repairs may include additional wood framing to the existing beam/post secured with nails or bolts.
Interior walls should be straight and plumb within ¼ inch per 4 feet. Under the Limited Warranty, the Builder will repair, for a period of one year, any interior wall that is more than ¼ inch per 4 feet out of plumb.
HOME TIP
To ensure your basement stays dry, don’t change the drainage pattern on homesites designed for water retention. Always maintain a 6-inch minimum vertical space between the earth and any siding or stucco. If you don’t, water can enter the joint between the footing and the wall material, or deteriorate the siding, brick, or stucco. Keep drainage ditches and swales free of leaves, debris, plants, and other elements that may interfere with water flow. Reestablish the original grade of your homesite if the soil settles over time. Delay any major landscaping projects until your home is at least one year old. Most soil settlement occurs during the first year. Hire a licensed landscaper to install or modify your landscaping. Don’t plant new plants or grass too close to the house. Watering plants near the house can cause leaks into the interior and other water problems. Proper grading near window wells must be maintained by the Homeowner to prevent lateral pressure from water collecting in the area. Failure of a window well due to lack of Homeowner maintenance is not covered
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