What goes into an Iron & Oak home.
Every item on this page represents a deliberate choice. Not the cheapest option, not the most expensive. The one that makes the most sense for a home that's built to last and built to perform. Where it matters, we've included the reasoning, not just the spec.
Built stronger than it needs to be.
2x6 exterior wall framing
Deeper wall cavities mean R-21 insulation instead of the R-13 you get with standard 2x4 framing. Better energy performance, better comfort, better structural rigidity.
Engineered floor systems
TJI joists or floor trusses allow longer spans without intermediate bearing walls. That gives you more flexibility in open-concept layouts and eliminates floor bounce and squeaks.
Poured concrete foundations with waterproofing
Not block. And not damp-proofing, which only slows moisture. We use a true waterproofing membrane on all below-grade walls, with interior and exterior drain tile and a battery backup sump pump.
Tight, efficient, and tested.
ZIP System sheathing
Integrated structural sheathing and weather barrier in one product. Taped seams eliminate the need for housewrap, reduce installation errors, and create a superior air barrier at the sheathing plane.
Closed-cell spray foam at rim joists
This is the single most impactful air sealing measure in a home. It's standard on every Iron & Oak build, not an upgrade.
R-49 attic insulation
Exceeds Michigan energy code minimums. In a heating-dominated climate like ours, the attic is where you get the biggest return on insulation investment.
Systems that are planned, not figured out in the field.
This is where our engineering background shows up the most. Ductwork routing, plumbing risers, electrical panel placement, and low-voltage pathways are all coordinated on paper during pre-construction. No conflicts. No reactive problem-solving on the job site.
Fresh air ventilation (ERV/HRV)
A tight home needs controlled ventilation. Every Iron & Oak home includes mechanical fresh air exchange that recovers heat from outgoing air. This is standard, because it should be.
200-amp service with surge protection
Sized for modern electrical demands including a potential EV charger, future solar, and high-draw appliances. Whole-home surge protection at the panel protects every circuit.
EV charger pre-wire
A 240V/50A circuit run to the garage, even if you don't install a charger at move-in. The cost to run this wire during construction is a fraction of what it costs to retrofit later.
Structured wiring
A centralized low-voltage panel with Cat6 ethernet to primary living areas, bedrooms, and office. Ready for smart home expansion without relying entirely on Wi-Fi.
Transparency means being honest about what we skip, too.
We don't use OSB for exterior wall sheathing.
ZIP System plywood-based sheathing costs more but performs dramatically better as both a structural panel and a weather barrier.
We don't use flex duct in unconditioned spaces.
Rigid or semi-rigid ductwork delivers more consistent airflow and is easier to seal properly.
We don't use builder-grade entry locksets.
Exterior hardware is a security and durability decision, not just a finish selection.
We don't use damp-proofing on foundations and call it waterproofing.
They are not the same thing. The cost difference is small compared to the cost of a wet basement.
We don't skip the blower door test.
If we don't test, we don't know. Every home gets tested.
We don't size HVAC equipment by square footage rules of thumb.
Manual J load calculations are the only way to get it right. Oversized equipment short-cycles, wastes energy, and fails to dehumidify.
Many of the specs above have premium alternatives available: triple-pane windows, heat pump systems, custom cabinetry, standing seam metal roofs, and more. We'll walk through all of those options during pre-construction with full cost visibility, so every upgrade decision is made with your budget in front of you, not as a surprise change order during framing.
Want to see how this comes together?
Our process page walks through every phase of a build, from first conversation to move-in day and beyond.