When Larry Schneider submitted his home for ”Best Built“ consideration, one characteristic immediately stood out: it’s 328 years old! Built in 1679, well before the Revolutionary War, the Clement Weaver House could very well be the oldest private residence in Rhode Island – and it is 90% original.
When it comes to durability, consider the following: no power tools, all beams and floors were cut and fit by hand; all fasteners were supplied by a blacksmith, not by a store; the wood used was likely over 500 years old and traditional mortar was unavailable (the stone, sand and crushed seashell foundation has endured for more than three centuries).
And energy-efficiency? How can homes that depended on wool, newspaper – even straw – for insulation be efficient? Settlers building practices combined low ceilings, multiple fireplaces, fewer and smaller windows and site placement to gain maximum benefit from the sun to create homes that could endure and allow families to survive and grow.
Jena Hedrick-Walker knew her home was a perfect ”Best Built“ fit when she received the DIY newsletter solicitation. “We built it to last 100 years,” said Walker. Starting with a cablelock foundation, pillars were drilled 10 feet deep and filled with concrete; the slab will never move.
The house has ½inch OSB and ¾inch roof decking for strength against Texas tornadoes. The trim is Hardy plank that will never rot in the Texas sun. Insulated Low-e windows, spray foam insulation, wiring beyond code, an HVAC system with the highest SEER rating available and an on-demand water heater are just some of the efficiency features.
Beautiful eight-foot-tall mahogany arched doors, load-bearing front columns, huge whirlpool bath, hand-hammered copper kitchen sink, hand-scraped vinyl plank floors (that Jena loves), gas lanterns, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace (with an efficient gas insert), solid oak staircase and library-style paneling (that Jena built herself) and even a small recording studio make the house feel like home – the Walkers' dream home.
When Michael Forte recently finished a 2½ year remodel, his home had been transformed from a 1957 Ranch to a 99.9% new Craftsman. Lauded by an interior design expert for its significant detail, his home also exemplifies the “Best Built” standard in several aspects.
250 cubic yards of concrete anchor the foundation to the bedrock six feet below, along with steel I-beam structures for durability that lasts. For efficiency, Forte called for double-paned windows and doors, a tankless water heater and built a library that doubles as a guest room with a Murphy bed. He even recycled leftover materials into a playhouse that mirrors the home design.
Comfort comes in the form of Honduran Mahogany cabinets, American and Brazilian Cherry floors, stairs and handrails, two indoor fireplaces (with one outdoors), a home office, exercise room, spa, koi pond, built-in BBQ, soapstone kitchen countertops and even built-in surround. It’s an incredible home that combines classic design with hardy durability.
DIY Network's Best Built Home exceeds the standards in five key construction areas, but Lynn Thresher is another homeowner who insists that they don't build houses like they used to. Her 1867 Greek Revival stands as an example. Site selection that never considered modern air conditioning allows her home to stay cool in the summer.
The solid chestnut and hardwood frame is nearly impervious to rot, inside or out, while the granite foundation is second-to-none. An underground basement was built leading to the carriage house so that the owners could traverse underneath the New England snow.
Lynn loves being surrounded by the gorgeous woodwork inside – a constant reminder of the sturdy construction of the era. A standout feature is the cherry banister that was built on site, along with the hardwood clapboard that sheathes the house.
Did you look at these homes and think, my home could be there. Well, we'd love to see it! If you'd like to show off your home and think it meets or exceeds the standard in any of the Best Built areas of durability, comfort, safety, health and efficiency – drop us a line: bestbuilthome@diynetwork.com. You might see your home here next!
