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Post and Beam: A Homeowner’s Dream

8/11/2018

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Post and Beam 101--Post and beam construction is just what it sounds like: a heavy timber house framework comprised of vertical “posts” that support horizontal “beams.”

Though post and beam is arguably the oldest framing method, it is also a great construction technique for modern homes, as the heavy timber framing can support the roof load, eliminating the need for interior supporting walls.

That means post and beam is the ultimate technique for creating the open interiors that contemporary homebuyers crave. Further, exposed timbers serve as a visual showcase of the home, often resulting in high volume, light-filled spaces that are both inspiring and comfortable.

History--
Post and beam construction can be traced back to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman architecture. In fact, some medieval-era post and beam structures are still standing!

Post and beam framing was used by early American settlers, who used hand-hewn oak timbers fitted together with hardwood pegs or various types of joinery slots that were cut into the beams.

The sheer size and strength of the timbers used in post and beam construction made the early American buildings enduring. Many are still standing after hundreds of years.

The advent of Industrial Revolution-era machinery facilitated the mass production of “dimensional lumber,” (for example, the 2”x4”) and the popularity of heavy timber construction eventually yielded to the stud and joist type of construction so common today.

However, quality post and beam homes are still being constructed by discerning homeowners who shun the commonplace and who are willing to invest in the longevity, beauty, customization and openness associated with these homes.

Natural aesthetics--Wood is a beautiful, natural building material with innate warmth. People tend to instinctively love the look, smell and natural authenticity of wood, so it is natural that exposed timbers add perceived beauty, character and charm to a home, especially when they soar above open, light-filled spaces.

Post and beam homes also tend to have an appealing visual rhythm composed by alternating exposed beams and “bays,” the open spaces between the beams.

In my opinion, post and beam construction is a natural fit for New Hampshire, a state that is both rich in history and the second most forested state in the nation.

Customization--
A true post and beam structure does not rely on “load-bearing” walls as the timber frame does all the heavy lifting of the home’s weight. Accordingly, homeowners can enjoy maximum flexibility in the placement and materials of walls, doors and windows, allowing for expansive, breathtaking interiors, and interesting and dramatic features.

As you can see, while building methods come in and out of fashion, post and beam construction has demonstrated centuries-old staying power for many good reasons.

A Contemporary Post and Beam Home--My newest residential listing (MLS# 4712030) at 163 Eastman Shore Road North in Laconia is an excellent example of a contemporary post and beam home with modern conveniences and efficiencies complemented by timeless beauty and appeal.

Quality, thoughtfulness and attention to detail are evident from the tile and wide oak plank floors to the soaring exposed beam ceilings of this stunning three bed, two bath home.

This house takes clear advantage of post and beam construction flexibility, and features comfortable open spaces supplemented by an abundant amount of windows and sliders that allow for plentiful sunlight and even passive solar heat.

Situated on 3.28 forested acres, this unique property offers ultimate peace, privacy, nature and quiet... while being centrally located minutes from both downtown Meredith and Laconia.

This beautifully constructed home features a dine-in cook's kitchen with stainless appliances, central island, hand-laid granite tile countertops, attractive cabinetry, and a woodburning stove. There are three spacious bedrooms, two to-die-for bathrooms, and a gas fireplace in the sprawling living area.

Photos don’t do this gorgeous home justice—you've got to see it for yourself to fully appreciate the tasteful quality throughout.

This home also includes a deeded shared lake access lot with 150 feet of water frontage on Winnisquam, one of New Hampshire's largest lakes, just a short walk down a peaceful dirt road.

​Schedule a showing today if you value a superior construction and interior design, privacy and lake access proximal to all the Lakes Region has to offer… post and beam structures last a long time, but listings like this one don’t!

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Buying or selling, put first things first

8/4/2018

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For many of us, a home is the most expensive and valuable asset we will ever possess. This can make buying or selling a home feel like an overwhelming prospect full of big, potentially paralyzing decisions. As a result we may procrastinate, which can in turn result in regrettable missed real estate opportunities.

For example, what if someone else gets to buy the home of your dreams because you weren’t already prequalified for financing? Or what if today’s peaking prices correct before you list your home for sale?

But buying or selling a home is a process, not a single task. You can kick procrastination to the curb and take action by breaking things down into small steps and prioritizing first things first.

To illustrate, I’ll paraphrase a story by the late Dr. Stephen Covey, businessman, speaker and author of bestselling books including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, First Things First and Principle-Centered Leadership:
One day, while speaking to a group of business students, a business leader pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on the table in front of the class. He then produced numerous fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them into the jar.

When no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class said, "Yes." The businessman smiled and replied, "Really?"

Next he reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of aquarium gravel. He then dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.

He asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was beginning to catch on. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied.

He then produced a bucket of fine sand and began sifting it into all the tiny spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"

"No!" the class shouted. Once again the speaker said, "Good!" Then he pulled out a pitcher of water and began to slowly pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim.

Then he looked up at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager student raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things into it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "that’s not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all."

Buying or selling a home, potentially our most valuable asset, can feel like an overwhelming prospect. But buying or selling a home is just a big rock. You can get it done if you prioritize first things first, but not if you try to squeeze it in as an afterthought.

Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, once said: “The older I get the more wisdom I find in the ancient rule of taking first things first. A process which often reduces the most complex human problem to a manageable proportion.”

If you look at home buying or selling a home as a process rather than a singular event, you can break free from procrastination and avoid the heartbreak of regrettable missed real estate opportunities by putting this “big rock” in first and breaking things down into manageable actions.

Dr. Covey’s parable is simply another way of illustrating the famous saying based on a Chinese proverb: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

​If you’re contemplating buying or selling a home, why not take the first step today? Contact a qualified Realtor® who will help you with all the other steps in the process.

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    ​Copyright 2018

    Brent Metzger is actively licensed as a sales agent (# 072494) with the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure, Certification/NH Real Estate Commission, and is affiliated with brokerage Roche Realty Group / 97 Daniel Webster Highway Meredith, NH 03253 / office: (603) 279-7046
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