Gibson HomeBuilders

I have had the best experience with a total encapsulation type constructed house. We built our last home that we plan to spend the rest of our lives in using this method of construction. It has been the best and most energy efficient home that I have ever lived in. It is a 2 story 2800 square foot home using a 3 ton HVAC with a variable speed air handler and a 4 zone damper controlled system. We have 3 zones on the lower part of the house and 1 zone up stairs. A totally encapsulated house is built like an ice chest with windows and doors, so it takes very little to heat and cool.

In Texas the TRCC had every builder get a registration number. With this number you were required to register every home you build through them. Each home was required to meet certain standards and codes required by the state no matter where the home was built. The state decided to abolish TRCC, which allows anyone who says they are a builder to be one. This is a major concern to me personally, for I have devoted my life to building the best homes possible that meet or exceed all local, state and national codes.

On October 22, 2009, Jim and I hosted the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce After Hours along with the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, for our ribbon cutting, all at our newly completed home. Our Total Encapsulation - Energy Efficient - Low Maintenance home was open for all to see. Jim can explain all the specifics of the house. All I know is the electric bill was $100 in July and August when we were having 100+ degree days. The house is comfortable, and for one whole day, clean. So far there is no construction miracle for dog hair, bird feathers and muddy boots.

Pictures from the Zion Hill home, completed August 2009.

--Photography by Jake Belanger

The exterior is deceptive because it appears to be a "finished house". Aw but not so. Now the detail work begins by running water, gas, sewer, heating and cooling plus all the electrical lines. Because we already have a garage and don't plan to build a new one for a while, the heating, cooling units, hot water heater and all other mechanical control points will be in a "mechanical room" on the second floor. I will take pictures as it develops. For today, the fireplace was installed. The water line has been trenched from our pump house (we have a well) and the plumbing lines are in.

Timing is everything. The crew is just finishing up the framing by putting in the windows and doors. The roofers will start tomorrow, all their materials were delivered today. The plumber has run his lines today and won't be back until the sheet rockers are done. It never ceases to amaze me that Jim can schedule the flow of materials and workers with such apparent ease. In his absence, the last few days (he is still at the International Builders Convention in Las Vegas) I have been the one on the phone confirming orders, getting extras delivered, and working with the framing crew.

It has been truly amazing to watch our dream home take form. As the rooms take shape we have been able to make minor changes to the plan and layout. Much to Jim's consternation I was able to get him to add a wood burning fireplace in the living room. It was left out of our original plan because of budget limitations. The budget will have to compensate somewhere else to make up for the additional materials and labor. Our framers are terrific and very precise. I told them I was hanging stripped wallpaper so the wall must be plumb and level :-). That is a bit of an inside joke.

Having allowed the slab to dry/cure for 28 days Jim is able to stain and seal the first floor slab, before any walls are in place. We have chosen to stain, color brown, and seal the front and back porches as well. In the attached photo, the extreme contrast in appearance is cause by concrete sealer after the floors have been stained twice and washed thoroughly. The sealer will dry for 24 hours.
The lumber package and the framers arrive tomorrow. We are using Hardie Planks for the siding so the framers will be doing the siding as well.

Jim is the guest Cohost on the Chris Miles' radio show House Talk on 660 AM, from 1 to 3 pm today Saturday January 10th. Jim has missed being on the air and was very honored when good friend Chris Miles asked him to be on the show. Will it continue? Unknown at this point. Jim is on his way to the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, next weekend. Jim will be taking classes to be a NHAB trainer.
We will keep you posted on up coming events.