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FIRST ANSWER
My experience with Pulte homes tells me that they have never met a shortcut they don't love.
Most builders use standard lumber. Pulte uses finger jointed studs, made from remanufactured scrap pieces of cut studs, finger jointed together.
Most builders frame all walls 16 inches on center. At every opportunity possible, Pulte frames 24 inches on center.
Builders use all varieties of windows. I have never encountered a Pulte home with anything but Patriot windows (search Google for Patriot windows and you will be astounded by the sheer volume of comsumer complaints).
Pulte has also flatly refused to install proper flashing on these Patriot windowws because they feel they are "self flashing," even when it has been shown to them in teh manufacturer's own installation guidelines that proper flashing methods are required.
It's only one inspector's opinion, but you may be able to tell that Pulte is not my favorite builder. There is a reason their homes are priced where they are.
Thu Jan 10 2008, 18:29