At Metzler / Hull , what lies behind the walls (the shell and core, framing and proper execution of the trades) is as important as what is installed after the drywall is complete. We have invested significant resources over the past fifteen years in perfecting our building strategies enabling us to provide our clients with a home that is both wonderfully livable and eminently valuable at resale. Please email or call us if you have any questions or are interested in investigating the process of building a custom home.

Framing – Our framing standards far exceed the marketplace.   We typically use two to three times the lumber amount required to insure tight, plumb and reinforced interior partition walls.  We use engineered trusses installed on sixteen inch centers with additional loading factored in for terraces, roofs and special conditions.   Our wall systems are constructed of premium grade studs with a full 3 1/2” insulated cavity at all perimeter walls.  Unique to our homes is our three layered flooring system consisting of 3/4” Douglas Fir plywood, 1/2” layer of homosote for sound deadening and another layer of 5/8” premium plywood.  At all tiled areas, we either mud set or install durock cement board prior to installing the finish material.  We carefully block between the studs for cabinetry installation, bath hardware, picture and mirror hanging and support systems for recessed or flush mount televisions. 

Plumbing – We view plumbing as one of the backbones of our homes.  As a commitment to quality we use no PVC for our domestic waste lines.  All waste lines are cast iron “quite pipe” which eliminates noise transmissions.  In each home, all water supply lines are insulated to prevent temperature loss and sweating.   We install only hi recovery, hi capacity Lochinvar hot water tanks.  We vary the size and quantity depending on the specific needs of each family.  Independent water lines are run to all terraces and outdoor areas for future irrigation requirements.  To insure maximum water volume, we provide dedicated 1” copper water supply lines to the master bath. Water pressure is increased from the city provided 35 lbs psi to 70lbs psi via a domestic booster pump.  Backup pump systems with alarms are provided for the sump, ejector and lower level mechanical rooms.  A conveniently located water filter provides filtered water to the kitchen and ice makers. 

HVAC – Our homes are zoned with at least one furnace per floor to allow for efficient and complete climate control.  Hot water radiant floor heat is provided in the lower level, breezeway and garage floors.  In the master bath, we provide radiant heat for the floors and the shower bench.  We provide a radiant based snowmelt system for the front entry steps and sidewalk.  Our humidification installation incorporates the industry best Nortec Steam Humidification System for each zone.   We use discreet temperature sensors that enable us to remotely locate the thermostats.  All return air ductwork is insulated for sound control and features return registers in each room.

Electric – Our relationship with our electrical subcontractor, AM&L Electric, dates back to our first project in 1991.  AM&L Electric is a family owned company with a superior depth of knowledge in the unique market of high-end custom homes.  Not only do they install all of the electrical components in our homes, they also work closely with our clients in meeting special electrical requirements.  Lutron brand screwless devices are standard throughout our homes. 

Audio / Video – Baumeister Electronic Architects has been our preferred vendor for all of our low voltage wiring requirements since 1996.  Their specialty is providing custom electronic solutions with an emphasis on simplicity and high quality componentry.  The systems they plan with our clients are designed to flawlessly integrate and operate the audio, video, phone, data, security and media systems of our homes.  At each television and telephone outlet location, a 3/4” blind stub is provided and run to the audio video closet to accommodate any future needs.

Sprinkler – As a standard feature, we provide a Simplex Grinnell Professional Sprinkler System. This system is nearly invisible but ensures superior coverage in case of a fire.  Potential property loss is substantially reduced which is reflected in reduced insurance premiums for our homeowners.  In case of an emergency, the system is designed to immediately notify the fire department and homeowner.

Insulation – Our insulation practices are above and beyond any typical installation.  We begin with a 1 1/2” R-7.5 rigid foam insulation that is installed around the exterior of the foundation wall and a 2” R-10 rigid foam insulation that is installed under all concrete slabs.  In addition to insulating all exterior perimeter walls, we insulate all interior partition walls between bedrooms, baths, laundry and mechanical rooms.  Ceilings between all floors are fully insulated, along with all domestic copper water supply lines.

Wall Systems – Each of our interior walls are stick built using premium lumber to insure a plumb and precise fit.  We use a drywall system that is state of the art.  Between all bedrooms, baths, laundry and mechanical rooms we install a 1/2” layer of soundboard prior to installing the 5/8” thick drywall.  We isolate the ceilings from the truss framing members to insure that sound and vibration is not transmitted from floor to floor.  This is accomplished with drop ceilings, R/C channel and 1/2” soundboard.  In our lower level playrooms, garages and gyms we use a hospital grade abuse board drywall to guard against wall damage.

Painting – Our painting work is provided by an in-house team of dedicated painters.  Our painting process utilizes a four-coat system that incorporates two primer coats and two finish coats. We begin with solid, non-finger-jointed pre-primed custom mouldings and add finish coats that leave our mouldings with a smooth rich finish.  Our custom staining for doors, millwork and mouldings is handled off site. All of our stained goods are finished in a climate controlled, dust free environment to insure the finest finish.