Squerly and friends build a house...

[EastTexFrank]

I haven't posted on this thread in a long time because it's obvious to me that many (most) others are a lot more knowledgeable than I am. But Squerly, I wanted you to know that I am following it closely and am awestruck.

Please keep it coming.

 

[Mama]

I haven't posted on this thread in a long time because it's obvious to me that many (most) others are a lot more knowledgeable than I am. But Squerly, I wanted you to know that I am following it closely and am awestruck.

Please keep it coming.

ME TOO!

 

[squerly]

Squerly, what's the spacing on the floor trusses? As deep as they are, and as close as they are, that will be a very strong floor system.

Bob

Bob, these are 24" engineered web trusses set on 16" center. Very strong system indeed!

We finally got a break in the rain and today we are taking delivery of the second floor roof trusses. Hopefully they will be set by this evening. But in the meantime, here are some pictures of the jobsite this AM.

Video

 

[bczoom]

I look at that last picture and all I can think of is Noah's Ark with windows.

Spray some foam between your studs for floatation and you're all set should it rain for 40 days and 40 nights.

 

[squerly]

I look at that last picture and all I can think of is Noah's Ark with windows.

Yeah, but check out the (future) view!

 

[bczoom]

Sweet! I'm jealous. My last house I had a view like that but with this house (deep in a valley), I can't even see the back of the property which is about 1/4 mile away. The farthest I can see is about 500' and sunrise/sunset is cut short by about 2 hours on both ends.

What direction is that view? (N/S/E/W)

 

[squerly]

Sweet! I'm jealous. My last house I had a view like that but with this house (deep in a valley), I can't even see the back of the property which is about 1/4 mile away. The farthest I can see is about 500' and sunrise/sunset is cut short by about 2 hours on both ends.

What direction is that view? (N/S/E/W)

That would be due East BC. I'll see if I can get some decent pics of the sun coming up tomorrow, depending on the attitude of the rain Gods...

 

[Doc]

Yep, a beautiful view for sure. What a nice place you are going to have. Awesome. If you ever want to host a FF party there just say the word.
That is a huge boom on that truck. Has to be to get your trusses up there but wow. What a long boom. Good luck with getting them up there with no issues.

 

[squerly]

Got 2/3 of the trusses set, hope to finish tomorrow! I would also like to report that I've been working out lately and I'm now able to lift 20 tons...

 

[muleman]

You were only able to lift it cause the boom was all the way out in the back. I thought you had another story going on it yet?

 

[squerly]

It's actually easier when you put your back into it...

 

[squerly]

oops!

 

[squerly]

Today's progress...

 

[squerly]

Really starting to get green up here!

 

[Daxman]

Holy shit man, that house is coming along and looks awesome. I need to get on your exercise program too, damn.... lol

 

[squerly]

Hey Daxman! Whatzup???

 

[Daxman]

Hi bud, i've been dealing with a really hyper dog and this freaking heat. It was close to 90 today and the humidity is terrible, thats Florida weather.. Been awhile since i've been here and the house looks great, im really impressed.

 

[rlk]

Squerly, please help me understand something about the framing. I don't have a tremendous amount of experience, but have framed a few houses, and your house has something I have never seen before.

Please don't think I'm criticizing the framing, because I'm not. I am just not familiar with something and would like to understand it.

In the attached photo, see the yellow arrows. I have not seen the extra framing on top of the exterior walls. It looks like there is a short knee wall built on top of the exterior walls. I assume that was done to get additional ceiling height????

Since I have never seen that before, I'm curious as to whether it is more efficient to do it like that instead of using longer studs, or is there some other advantage I'm not familiar with.

Thanks for posting the photos of the house construction. I'm greatly enjoying following your progress.

Bob

 

[waybomb]

Looks like long studs, just added nailers in between for the sheathing?

 

[rlk]

Looks like long studs, just added nailers in between for the sheathing?

I think you are probably right. Looks like what I thought was a top plate may be a nailer turned on edge making it look like 2 top plates. Thanks.

Bob

 

[Kane]

Looks like long studs, just added nailers in between for the sheathing?

Yep. I know ya' can get 9' interior GWB, but I guess exterior sheathing is still all 8' long.

It's really coming along, squerly. You must be having a ball!

 

[squerly]

It's really coming along, squerly. You must be having a ball!

Thank you Kane. Having a ball? ummm, maybe...

Bob, what you are looking at are 9' 2X6's with nailers at 8'. Here are some pictures that will clarify.

 

[squerly]

Serious mathematics employed here...

 

[rlk]

Bob, what you are looking at are 9' 2X6's with nailers at 8'. Here are some pictures that will clarify.

Thanks Squerly. My old eyes couldn't tell, but these photos make it clear.

Bob

 

[rlk]

The last building I built, I was disappointed at the amount of wood waste we had to dispose of. I rented a dumpster and ended up loading all the waste myself. One of my subs and I guess-timated that we threw away about 20% of the wood we bought.

Most of the wood was very short pieces, but there were quite a few 4' - 7' pieces in the scrap pile. I'm sure we could have done a better job estimating and ordering the lumber, but you know what is said about hindsight.

Bob

 

[JEV]

When I was building back in the 70's & 80's, I was the only one allowed to cut when framing and trimming. Otherwise I ended up with a sinful amount of waste. I also did all my own takeoffs and ordering materials. If I let the lumber yard do it, I always ended up with overage that I ended up returning, via one of my laborers and my truck. Since I had to pay the laborer, I lost money on my materials when the assholes did that to me. I finally got the lumber yard to send a truck to pick up the overage on their nickle.

 

[squerly]

When I was building back in the 70's & 80's, I was the only one allowed to cut when framing and trimming. Otherwise I ended up with a sinful amount of waste. I also did all my own takeoffs and ordering materials. If I let the lumber yard do it, I always ended up with overage that I ended up returning, via one of my laborers and my truck. Since I had to pay the laborer, I lost money on my materials when the assholes did that to me. I finally got the lumber yard to send a truck to pick up the overage on their nickle.

Well guy's, I'm not in charge of ordering anything. We have a general contractor and he's the man in charge. He's really got his stuff together!

 

[squerly]

Got quite a bit done today.

 

[bczoom]

The more I see it finished, the more holes in walls I see for windows. Can you tell us which window mfgr. you're going to use? I'd like to buy some stock before you order your windows.

 

[squerly]

The more I see it finished, the more holes in walls I see for windows. Can you tell us which window mfgr. you're going to use? I'd like to buy some stock before you order your windows.

lol, yeah there's a lot of windows. That's part of the passive heat/cool design. Jeld-Wen for those future investors.

The answer to magic question #1 is $22K. A whole lot less than Anderson and Marvin. Their quote was in the $50K range and after some research I just couldn't see a $30K difference.