How We Build
The method of construction and the materials used are the most important factors to consider when purchasing a site-built home. You want to be sure you are getting the best. With Demetri, you will.
Demetri Homes, located in Ocala, is a member of the Marion County Builder’s Association. Members of this organization are professionals in the construction industry with long standing reputations. Not only does James Arvanitis, the founder of Demetri Homes, meet these qualifications, he is also the license holder and qualifier for the company. Many firms use an employee as the license holder. This can be a problem for the home owner if that employee should ever leave the company. With Demetri Homes, that is never a concern. You can rest assured knowing the owner is the license holder.
To further strengthen your sense of confidence, Demetri Homes includes a 10 year structural warranty with every home, through the Bonded Builder’s Home Warranty Program. Upon completion of your home, you will receive a packet containing warranty information as well as maintenance instructions for the products used in your home.
You will receive a list of trade contractors and suppliers, along with a list of the selections in your home. A representative will perform a home owner orientation/walk through inspection with you prior to your move in date. At that time, you can inspect the quality of the home and receive instructions on the use of all the features.
What goes into a Demetri site-built home?
Click on any item below to link to a detailed description of that component.
The Foundation
There are typically two types of foundations, footers with concrete block walls (commonly called a stem wall foundation) and monolithic slabs. The typical footer is 8 inches deep and 16 inches wide with two reinforcing bars of steel. Demetri Homes’ standard footer is larger and stronger with 16 inches in depth and 20 inches in width and three bars of reinforcing steel. When the building lot is fairly level, a monolithic slab can be used. This is a slab that is poured the same time as the footer. A monolithic slab costs less than a three course stem wall foundation and saves a few days time in construction. Demetri Homes has no preference as to strength. ^TOP
Block Wall Construction
Block is the predominate type of construction in our area. Steel reinforcing bars extend up from the footer through the cells of the block walls at specific intervals. Additional reinforcing bars extend downward from the top course thru the same cells in the block walls and are tied to the bars extending up from the footer. The block is usually installed 48 to 72 hours after the slab is poured to allow the concrete to cure properly. The top course of block and every cell that has steel in it are then poured solid with concrete, forming a solid connection from the top of the walls to the foundation. The block walls are then allowed to dry properly prior to the installation of the engineered trusses. Timing is important so as to not compromise the strength of the walls. ^TOP
Stucco
The most common exterior finish used today in Florida is a textured cement finish called stucco. The stucco is applied over the block walls. The most common finish is a trowel finish which gives the home a nice textured look. Once the stucco is applied, it must be allowed to properly dry prior to the application of paint. Proper timing insures the best coverage and life of the paint. ^TOP
Exterior Doors
Our standard exterior pre-hung door is fiberglass as opposed to steel. A fiberglass door is stronger and more resistant to damage than a steel door. We also use a sturdy foam brick mold that has the same profile as a traditional wood brick molding but is more resistant to water damage. ^TOP
Windows
Our windows are manufactured in Ocala by Custom Window Systems. They are single hung, insulated aluminum frame windows available with, or without, internal colonial grids (muttons). They are quality windows with dependable locking mechanisms that will provide peace of mind. Our standard interior window sill is marble. ^TOP
Shingles
The standard roof shingle is a three –tab shingle that will appear flat when installed. These shingles are offered in different colors. Architectural shingles which have a dimensional look when installed are available and come with a 30 year warranty. We will always install roof shingles with a fungus-resistant rating at no additional charge. ^TOP
Insulation
Our ceiling insulation has a rating factor of R-30. Flat ceilings are typically blown while vaulted ceilings typically use batt insulation. The exterior block walls have a rating factor of approximately R-8. Frame walls will have a rating factor of R-11. We install an air infiltration package around all exterior wall penetrations and we fire caulk all openings in the top plates of frame walls. ^TOP
Electrical
All of our homes are wired according to the National Building Code. This code specifies the maximum spacing between outlets. The electrical contractor usually determines the size of the panel to properly service the home. We use rocker instead of toggle switches and we place TV and phone outlets in logical places to accommodate furniture placement. ^TOP
Air Conditioning
We use Carrier brand heat pumps with a 13 SEER rating for improved efficiency. Energy calculations and the size of the home will aid the Mechanical Contractor in determining the size of the unit required. We use digital thermostats for easy control. ^TOP
Drywall
Drywall is used for walls and ceilings, however; all drywall is not the same. We use a special ceiling board for our interior ceilings because it’s made stronger and is more resistant to sagging. Our favorite wall and ceiling finish is called knockdown which looks like a subtle lace finish. We will not install drywall on exterior ceilings because of excessive humidity. Our experience has shown that over time, humidity can affect the drywall and finish creating a problem area. We install vinyl ceilings on all our exterior ceilings. ^TOP
Most builders will use “greenboard” in the wet areas of your home. While this is the industry standard, we use either Denshield or Durarock which are superior products to the greenboard. ^TOP
Interior Doors and Trim
Our interior doors are Colonist 6 panel hollow core doors which are prettier than a standard flat panel door. Paint grade colonial casing and baseboard is our trim of choice in standard 3 1/4” or upgraded 5 1/4”. Crown molding is also available. Door hardware comes in standard antique brass finish or upgraded nickel. We will make sure the hinges match. ^TOP
Paint
We use only Porters’ best paint and it’s installed straight from the can which insures uniform quality and allows for easy touch up. It is never diluted. The interior walls and ceilings will be the same color with an accent color for the trim. ^TOP
Plumbing
For ease in cleaning we use a one piece fiberglass tub and shower unit. We also offer cultured marble wall panels as well as ceramic tile with acrylic tub. Our standard toilet is a two piece elongated china bowl. We use only CPVC plumbing piping because it does not corrode, is not affected by electrolysis or soil conditions and is far less prone to leaks. It is a far greater product than copper. ^TOP
Flooring
Ceramic tile is the floor of choice in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundry room and kitchens. Tile is installed over concrete slabs and these slabs are subject to cracking. We take every precaution to minimize the cracking but it still happens. To help compensate for this natural occurrence, we install a crack suppression underlayment product to protect the tile from cracking. Once your tile in installed, it is protected with paper runners for the remainder of the construction process. ^TOP
Our standard carpeting by Mohawk is well above builder grade and installed with 6 lb padding. Again, we take great care of the finishes in your home during the construction process. ^TOP
Cabinetry
Demetri Homes is pleased to offer Grandview Cabinetry which is a modular cabinet in white thermofoil as our standard. Oak or maple doors are available in a variety of colors, door style and heights. The Grandview finish is a conversion varnish, a hard durable finish that is non-yellowing and offers excellent chemical resistance. The drawers are the dovetail construction. ^TOP
Garage Door
We use a 16’ X 7’ overhead steel panel door as opposed to two smaller doors just to make it easier to enter and exit your garage. We install a garage door opener with each home including two remotes. We believe that our customers deserve these conveniences at no extra charge. ^TOP
The Bottom Line
Rest assured that Demetri Homes is committed to building each home with the highest attention to quality and craftsmanship. Every step of the way, Demetri strictly follows Florida’s building codes which are among the most stringent in the country. Each stage of construction is inspected by county officials before proceeding to the next step. Combining Demetri’s quality materials and methods with Florida’s great building codes makes purchasing a new Demetri site-built home in Wildwood Country Resort an intelligent and secure decision. ^TOP |