As the only residential builder in Hilton Head owned by an engineer, we continually evaluate new building materials and methods to build the best possible homes for our clients. Over our three decades, the technologies and approaches selected by McNair have often been replicated by other builders ---- years later. Below is a selection of our "firsts" that help us create the highest quality homes for our clients that stand the test of time. You can quickly see why McNair homes become the standard for today's discerning homeowner.
"Engineering is not merely knowledge or analytical thinking, it is the art of integrating technological advances and science into society improving our standards of living. An accomplished engineer is measured by their successful implementation of engineering art."
-- David McNairDesign Process
- Designing interior and exterior 3D models with the ability to select actual finishes, colors, spacial relationships, accessories, and produce from the 3D models, complete construction documents including engineered structural framing drawings for use during the building process. This process enables the client a full walk-through of each major element of the home before shovel touches earth, and provides a level of design confidence and familiarity found nowhere else in the area.
Heating, Cooling, and Air Quality
- McNair was the first to develop a whole house humidity control system integrating existing heat pump systems and Honeywell controls -- managing interior humidity in our coastal environment.
- McNair was the first area builder to design whole house hot water circulation systems.
- We introduced water heater energy reclamation from heat pumps in the early 1980s -- years before others.
- McNair was the first to specify and design air quality improvement systems within our homes (modular HVAC systems, humidity control, sealants, cleaners, fresh air supply, closed operating environments, etc.).
Electrical
- McNair built the first Smart Home in the Hilton Head Island area integrating HVAC, lighting, touch screens, and remote controls in the early 1990s, receiving training in Chicago to implement another first.
- We were the first to evaluate and introduce PowerLine Lighting with Leviton within the whole Smart Home Package locally.
Water
- We designed and installed the first residential water harvesting systems for landscaping purposes -- reducing a home's overall water consumption level.
- Among the first to install sewage backup flow preventers as a standard -- enabling homes to manage risk from public utilities.
Structural
- McNair was chosen to be the first company in the world to install the Andersen Windows Coastal Series windows. Also see Andersen Website for McNair 1st.
- McNair was the first to implement residential enhanced structural tie-downs and rigidity improvements with enhanced shear walls, footing designs, and attic structures even before Code requirements.
- McNair developed drainable exterior stucco systems long before to the stucco industry's introduction of the concept.
Building Process
- McNair introduced the concept of "Value Engineering" to the local community of home building enabling clients to make trade-offs based upon design, finishes, lifestyle, rate of return, and costs vs. life.
- McNair was the first builder providing a written and detailed Home Owner's Warranty and Home Maintenance Manual for each home owner .
- McNair was the first area builder to employ electronic communications with subcontractors and suppliers -- driving efficiency and schedule transparency and pushing the development locally.
- We were also among the first to provide real-time project and budget updates to clients via the World Wide Web.
UPDATE: McNair is currently implementing our "Enhanced Value Engineering" approach allowing our customers to evaluate not only costs of various systems, finishes, alternative designs, and "physical" costs, but allowing us to evaluate their overall energy consumption as it relates to monthly operational electrical costs . This approach helps quantify the payback and assess quality of life considerations.
We are also integrating the operation of home systems into "smart phone" apps -- making life easier and simpler to manage.
We are continually leveraging our engineering backgrounds to assess new technologies. Please inquire to learn which pass our strict evaluations.
