Home build

I'm a cheap o and have began the task of building my own house.

I designed it. Drew it up. Starting to look like a house now.

I'm trying I'm trying.

I'm having a steel roof only structure built. Then I will in fill the walls with wood framing then a hardy board finish. In the end it will look like a ranch style home with a metal roof. Conditioned sq footage is 1,575. Under the roof will be 3,375. I was going to just build an attached carport then a large shop. But the municipality that I am in requires a two car garage. So I just built a 3 car garage. That will be almost 30'x 40'. I start framing on Saturday.

Impressed.

Very nice The wife really wants to build something like that one day.

Going to be nice! I will try to run over this evening sometime and cut all those pipes off in the slab, those will only get in your way

have you ever framed before? done cornice and trim?


tons of little things that have to be done to make it right. just curious as I did this for about 30 yrs.

Always trying to be helpful

Nope but I did stay at a holiday inn express the year before last!

Just point and yell, you will be fine

If tex can do it anybody can

I didn’t learn it on YouTube...

That's mighty good of you Dennis. You're alright I don't care what they say.to think the plumber was mad that I withheld 10% because they were above the slab.

Now I know you're not qualified

dam, you be superintendent material!

bingo, LIKE A BOSS!

Glad you'll take free help. I was able to get all of them cut off except a gray one (blade broke), but bonus, I had some bagged concrete, so I went ahead and filled the pipe hole nice and smooth

On a less serious note, are you going to build a safe/storm room? My brother did, he said it sure gives you a feeling of security during storms, probably never need it, but...

No safe room. Thinking about one of those little rooms from home depot in the garage though. Probably hide in there when my two daughters get a bit older.

Shoot, your daughters will have it turned into a playhouse, who you kidding

Nice!

They sheeted the roof Tuesday.


Lumber was delivered Friday.



Started framing walls today in between my 2 daughters birthday parties. They turned 2 & 4.

The lumber is still banded....so you had them drive those fork lifts up on that semi-green slab with that much weight....

I guess inspector gadget missed that little bitty skytrak in the background

Just letting you know what I'm doing in 18 months.

With an open slab, I'll have weld plates installed in the field, right where I will put in the safe room. 3" square tubing as columns, 3" channel iron as purlins, 1/4" plate welded to the outter wall. I figure I'm a welder and can build that cheaper than hiring masons to build the typical cinder block filled wall.

Very. Gonna' be a sweet crib. Love my metal roof. 3 car garage is a must for me too. Looking good DnB

That looks great! Can't wait to see it finished.

I am fixing to do the same thing. The steel is going to run quite a bit more than CMU's
Using steel it's going to be about 6000 lbs while just the CMU's alone will weigh appx 11,000 lbs

Another weekend of fun.

Looking great. Keep us updated

Hop

I talked it over with 2 framers and my inspector all agreed no roof load no headers needed on Windows and doors

What say you?

Im digging how you're doing the walls, even a moron like me could prolly build that house that way

That's my hope!

Well actually my hope is that a moron like me could build it.. which may still be a stretch.

Moving right along

Let's not get carried away.

I'm gonna be the more mature, talented, and overall good looking person in this and calmly walk away

I dont know if you are planning on a vaulted ceiling,,, but I HIGHLY recommend it !!!! At least in the living room. Makes a huge difference .

If you are supporting the ceilings off that top plate I would atleast do 2x6 headers.

Man, I seriously thought you were going with “I’m going to be the taller man here and just walk away.”

They are both on the "vertically challenged" side.

2x6 min. just cuz. even no load you still have an opening to support with the short cripples.

only time I use flat headers is for interior no load doors, even pass thrus I put in a 2x6 (people seem to like to hang stuff above pass thrus).

Dumb question, forgetting load, wouldn't the headers still give the window frame more strength for when someone slams a door in the house, windows dont rattle?

they do keep jambs tighter (window openings are always considered load bearing though, exterior wall), also support top plate over the opening. joists, purlin cripples etc. could all end up over one. also not enough cost difference to add much for what you get in return.
I never did windows/exterior doors with less than a 2x10 header, 2x12 tight to plate preferred.

Interesting to say the least. Been DIY'ing my barndo and using headers over every opening regardless.
6632 lbs of steel was delivered yesterday for the safe room.

Hardy har har..... And that "little bitty skytrak" weighs how much compared to a loaded heavy duty fork lift?

And to the window and door headers......Obviously the roof load is with the metal building. However, what about ceiling joists and ceiling sheetrock or other covering? That doesn't rate up there with the weight of traditional construction, but it isn't exactly weightless. I would think some kind of headers would be necessary. Or did "Inspector Gadget" miss something else?

Danny you should google how a skytrak works.........stay hot

Can you saw "Boom"....

I'm guessing Danny is not the equipment operator.

I know how a skytrack works. However, I don't guess I know what you are referring to, "stay hot" ? What does that mean?

And what does saw "Boom" mean? Is that a typo?

And finally, "I'm guessing Danny is not the equipment operator." >>>> I've run some tractors, skidloaders, and....ready....a skytrack. I actually owned one over thirty years ago. And I know that a skytrack is a lot lighter weight than a forklift with a full load of lumber. From where that lumber is sitting I just guessed that the forklift drove up on that fresh slab. Maybe I was wrong.

Actually after starting contracting around 1990 or so a cell phone is what I ran most.

Edit: I forgot about the computer. First draw plans on the computer and then use the phone.

I’m just bustin yer balls Danny, stay hot is a baseball term. I’m sure they extended the boom on the skytrak to set the bundles underneath the roof without driving on it.

Yeah, I was wondering if they did that with the forklift and freight pallets.

I know others have chimed in, but just to reiterate, please please add headers brotha. You may be surprised by how much strength they add after those top plates get some weight on 'em.

Looking good though - not sure where you're located, but if you're in DFW, feel free to give me a holler if you need a hand. It's what I do for a livin! lol

I'm going in reverse and adding headers. It's not too bad.

Need to get the plumber a new tape.








Long weekend was productive but as always never long enough. Got 90% of interior done by myself. Father in law came up yesterday and picked up all the little scrap pieces for kindling. That made it much easier to walk! Not too bad for a solo electrician. If I do say so myself.

Looking good!

Great work!

Looking great.

We built a camp house at our property very similar to this but with a loft(about 1400 sq.ft). It took us longer than its taking you because we didn't have the time to devote to it, but in 3 years we now have walls ceiling insulation, hvac, a finished kitchen and bathroom. Still working on the ceiling and floors but has been a lot of fun and a good learning experience. Hard to believe every board/nail/sheet of decking etc. we hauled down there on our 16 foot flatbed lol it took a few trips.

Looking good bud

Slab must have moved on the plumber

I think I see the problem....you seem to have put that wall in the wrong place.....

Besides, its easier to move the wall than it is to move the plumbing......

Looking good.....

Problem being there are two more stacks in the wall. Can't get em all in. Thats the second bath with a fiberglass shower/tub kit. Think I can set it and push that stack over as it goes up.

Just put a couple of 45's in it close to the floor to move it over into the wall.....1st 45 moves it into the wall....2nd 45 make it run vertical again....problem solved....

Just about got her joisted out Saturday.
Had an old running buddy suprised me Saturday. He grew up framing. Boy was he helpful. Very glad he showed up when he did. Besides just being good. Boy I had no idea how easy and useful a little 2x6 scaffold was compared to using ladders.
I did feel good though. When I told him I was framing it a while back he scoffed at me. He was complimentary of what I had done.

coming together fast.

boss doesn't think so.

At least she knows where yer at.

No time to sit around in bars with that kind of work to be done....house projects keep me out of trouble....

I learned years ago that what they say about idle hands are true.

Spent yesterday finishing up joist and setting purlin or "rat runs" took most of the day running solo. Up and down up and down. Also set all my. Well idk What they are called. Corner mailers. Just adding 2x's to corners for sheetrock to terminate To. Today I spent all day reworking my headers. I'm from the commercial world. Standard door in an office building is a 7-0. So we'll I framed all my doors and windows to have a 7' header. Realized that res doors are 6-8. At first I was like. Just two doors no biggie. Then Remembered all my windows had to be fixed...

Cut my cripplers down 4" ripped 2x6's built some additional header to sit under the existing header. Come on sheetrock.

So I take it that you had to lower the sill's by 4" on all the windows too? Man, that's no Bueno.

Yessir

Where you building at? Looks great and great idea

Tom Bean. Keep seeing you advertising sell items not too far. You give up on the beach life?

man..... we have been in 9 houses in 2 years....keep up

this one goes on the market friday.

Very nice build bud. Will keep watching your progress. I enjoy the process.

John prine! Always a winner

Guess your on Holiday.

No man just been lazy about posting pictures and the progress is not as visible in pictures.



Vaulted ceiling another job done with assistance of my framing buddy.






I sheeted 75% of the building solo. Had a friend come help with the wall that has the garage doors. I hung a bunch of electrical boxes when it was raining. Plan on hanging tyvec and installing Windows Saturday.

It's coming along.

Looking good!

Keep up the good work Ducknbass!

After Saturday she is starting to look like a house.

Sunday I just worked on porches.

Your work on the porches looks great.....I guess

I was thinking it looked like a "house" a few post back? I bet the fun discussions are yet to come too! Like interior "stuff", colors and finish and such lol .

Does your bride have a filling notebook too? Mine is usually good at lining out work for me to do on the days my back works.

Believe it or not she's been pretty un spoken. Sure it's coming though. Lol

Oh yeah, she's working on a list alright, but smart enough to not ruin your get it done mojo

Looking good!

You are likely correct.

What is the matter with my porches?

Coming right along!

That's a great job man

Looks really good. Keep up the good work.

Only got one question, I see you didn't insulate under the metal roofing panels. What kind of insulation are you going to use?

Spray foam

Looks great. Keep up the good work. I like the design.

I didn't see the photos

Must be done.....................

Saturday before last I spent the day installing my chimney. If anyone ever needs the right fireplace company I suggest north Texas chimney over in krum.

Sunday got it covered up

Took a photo of the wall rough going in. Should be done with the electrical rough this weekend and started good on the plumbing.

I subed out the hardi board and glad I did. They got started Last Wednesday and finished as far as they could yesterday.

Making good progress.....

Looks great!

What they said! ^^ Really coming around now, looks just like as house! Looks good young Jedi

Not sure if it was a space issue, potential leak or what, but I like the idea to bring the flue outside and then up.

Space issue. Cost over 1k extra to do it in chimney material. That double wall pipe ain't cheap.

Really coming along.

Is there going to be no roof overhang on the sides of the house?

No there won't be any soffit on the ends. Probably the only give away it a a steel structure once I'm done.

There are plenty of wood framed homes built the same way, at least in track home subdivisions around San Antonio, I was just curious.

Even better.

The home looks great.



That bunch has been very helpful. Great group.

Man you've come a long way in a shot time.

Any updates?

Update: I'm tired.

Just about out of the walls. Have to set my panel pull my condesor unit home run and finish up vent stacks.
Received my a.c. unit duct work etc yesterday. I'm going to run all of my duct work set units etc then pay for a start up. Going to play hooky from church Sunday in an attempt to get it all done depending on where I am Saturday.

How are you heating? got nat gas out there ??

Propane.

You mean no window units?!! Nice when those tedious things are done and in the rear view mirror tho.

ouch - hope you got an under $2 a gal source.

Maybe too late, but I'd put in a heatpump condenser instead of a straight-cool (same size); only a few bucks more and you could heat dual-fuel for about half the cost of straight propane. Plus, the heatpump never 'runs out'.
New heatpumps are ++ efficient down to 20 degrees (way cheaper than propane). Below 20 propane kicks in. Makes 1 tank last 2+ years!
Only suggesting this because I did exactly this on a home we recently moved into.

Ouch back at ya.

I believe propane is the way to go. I've got a friend that just built a home and his propane bills monthly through Trenton propane his home is 4200 sqft. Last month his electric bill was just north of 30 bucks his propane Bill was just south of 60 bucks.

huh? thats like $2 a day propane, or about 1 gallon(best price).
1 gallon = 92,000 btu (at 100% efficiency).
Even so, 92,000 btu / 24 hours = 3800 btu/hour (or enough heat to warm 10 gallons of water for a shower 50to90 degrees;

Even 'small buddy' puts out 9000/btu per hour;
I'd love to hear the details about this 4200 sqft house that is kept warm in a cold winter by 1/3 of a 'small buddy'.

I can give you his number and you can go inspect it if you'd like. He's never had a monthly propane Bill much over 60 this is winter number 2 in the house.
Heat hot water heater and stove on propane.

Correction his house is right at 3k feet. Still very impressive numbers.

The real question though... is does he run the heat? Before my child was born me and momma would just snuggle a little closer unless it was freezing your D*^k off cold and then we would only run it for a little while.

When an electrician terminatesa panel vs when an electrician terminates a plumbing manifold. Lol

Looks just like a professional did it......

Looks like you are making good progress.....

I'd have to scramble those wires up, that's just too damn organized

Figure out how to rodent proof the area where the pex runs. Had a customer that was flooded a couple of weeks ago when the pex in the attic was chewed.

Better buy a cat. Nope a flood would be better.

That's something to consider though. Thanks may spray foam between studs in every place I've got pex. Hmmmm

Pretty, but

I woulda put a Square-D brand Whole House Surge Breaker CLOSEST to the main breaker - $50 and it provides primary protection $10,000 to ALL electronics in home (tv's, computers, and all NEW appliances have microcontrollers - HVAC, dishwasher, washer/dryer -
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-QO-...175SB/100202111

Where are the GFCI breakers for bathrooms/kitchen and AFCI breakers for bedrooms ?? thought required NEC 2014+ for all new construction ??

The 3 missing breakers on the right are for arc flash required for the bedrooms. I'm installing gfci receptacles in bathrooms and kitchen.

I've never seen a surge protector do anything against lightening but cost another 50 to add to the insurance claim.

the panel surge protector saves things like led bulbs, furnace control boards, digital oven & dishwasher timers etc that have little if any built-in surge protection - I know I've made plenty $ fixing these - no direct lightning strike needed the whole grid surges any thunderstorm within 100 miles and bill averages below your deductible each time.

ducknbass you screwed up man, looks like you should have consulted with oldoak2000 about your plans

Garret he's never even drawn a plan clean as that panel. But yes I clearly needed some engineering assistance.

I just hope that place doesn't fall down and you can afford your propane bill

Ducknbass, my new sig sir

Few very minor loose ends and plumbing is done. Much to my surprise not one leak in all my pex crimps. Tankless hot water heater just needs the propane ran to it and exhaust stacked out.


This garage door opener is the bees knees. Super quiet. If you are building I'd look at them.

I cut and stood those stairs solo last Sunday after church. My back is still not right.

Passed inspection this morning. Spray foam contractor will be there in the morning. Sheetrock delivers on Friday.

Moving right along.

You doing the sheetrock yourself also?

Was buy some guy that must be good or broke said he'd hang it for 6 bucks a sheet.

does that include tape & floating?

Nope. Just hanging the rock

$6 a sheet sounds high to me but I've always done my own so really don't know the going price.....I do pay for float and bedding...I've tried it time and again and really, really suck at it....don't care what it cost, it's worth it to pay someone else to do it!

Unless you set that thermostat at 60 during the winter, you’re going to be in for a shock. We went propane heater and propane tankless water heater in our new house, 3300sq ft with spray foam insulation. We moved in just before December, had tank filled to 200 gallons, and had to refill it Janurary 1 with another 200 gallons. Just refilled it yesterday with 100 gallons. That’s over $1000 for 4 months. My dad is on chemo right now and it makes him very sensitive to the cold, might be one reason we are using so much propane, I keep it at 68-70 and he keeps it around 74.

Also, the water heater has a recirculator feature to provide faster hot water, this uses constant propane, and it can be turned off but will take a few more seconds to get hot water.

I have always has gas heat, always been natural ga though. My in-laws have electric heat and they averaged $250 a month over the past 4 months and were on brand new units in a 2400 sq ft home.

They started hanging rock on Monday and finished yesterday.

I'm thinking I'll be finished with the house mid may. Not sure how long it will take to close with the bank.

I'll be starting a go fund me account to fill the 500 gallon propane tank bi-monthly

man you messed up, looks like you used type X on that ceiling, you really should have used type C, it would have helped your utility bills and over all quality of life.

Dang it was your guys that did it while billing your job. Think they would have done it right.

you get what you pay for

I'll work up a quote to have it taken down and redone the right way

Hey it's always cheaper on the second go round.

It will be around $900-$1000. They can’t completely fill it, only to about 400 gallons to allow for expansion

you're over paying bigpig, I got 400 gallons lass week for $675

Through who? We pay $2.28 per gallon I believe

Its been a month! Where's the updates?!

I honestly did not think anyone looked at it much.

Been steady at it. I've been busy as can be took on a side job rewiring an entire old house. Figured it might buy the fence.

Ive been looking, think its a pretty cool project. I would love to do something similar but my better half doesn't have the adventurous spirit, she wouldn't even let me build my shop

Oh yeah cabinets were built and installed by a thfer. He was quick responsive in my budget and makes great cabinets.

Does not post much but he goes by cabinetman. If anyone is in Grayson Cooke
Probably Denton Collin county I would suggest you give him a chance at your business.

He makes most of my cabinets now, couldn’t agree with your assessment more

Are those doors pecan? They look nice.

Looking good DnB

No snake oil. Those are just pine.

Looking great!

They look awesome! Excellent choice.

I thought this was finely going to be a picture of that Mayflower truck.

Place is looking killer. Beautiful cabinetry and doors.

Nice tile too.

Build the entire house. Frame from framers scaffold. Walk joist etc etc etc And I think I broke a rib today installing the vent a hood.

Wife came in. I said Jana is there a bruise on my back? She about fainted. We don't have mirror hanging yet so it was a sincere question. Lol



I'll take a full video tomorrow.

You did all that to yourself from installing the vent-a-hood?

Did you go to the Doc?

Really enjoy seeing your progress....awesome thread!

That’s one heck of a mark! Ouch!

How much weight have you lost doing this project?

Well it feels a bit better today so I'm thinking no break.

No I did not go to Dr.

Snake did not lose weight, gained a few pounds eating hamburgers and fried chicken from the gas station too much.

Was this vent hood 20 feet high? That’s a hell of a bruise

I was standing on the counter to the left with the plastic jug. Think I actually hit the sink. Not 20 foot. Fekt like it though.

Glad your better even gladder you didn't crack you head open.

Glad your okay. Did someone steal your ladder?

SMH, kids should not be on the job site

Glad you didn't break a rib, if you did, I bet you would have 10 step stools laying around by Friday and a Safety Coordinator

House is looking great tho Sir

I don't think your Walker could make it up a ladder Dennis.

You're right!, this is where experience comes to play, I'd cut a wall out and bring in the scissor lift! Go big or go home, without a hicky!

Slick looking grill hood btw

Just went through this start to today July 12, 2018.

Congrats on the project coming together!


My front door is going to be 4' wide, and I will have a scissor lift on site, until the entire house is 100%. Hell, I may have to buy one, and then sell it when I'm done. Learned my lesson years ago, on steel structures, ladders I'm not scared of, but damn they are slow! And working alone, they are less than safe.

Rolling scaffolding works great also

Dayum. That is painful just to look at. Glad it didn't break anything. I had a similar accident a while back. Fell face down ( alcohol was consumed but didn't cause the fall) could have easily killed me. Be careful DnB... I had to check on your progress. Kitchen looks stellar.

been following since you started, just not every day or every week. Very interesting and fun to watch progress. I'm sure others are too. Just don't get injured again. Makes me thinks: Are you going to finish? Can't wait to see it done. Stay safe.

I'm betting he already has curtains hung and mowing the lawn

Yep I know he/her did a great job. Hope to see the finished home also.

That pilgrim came far

Ordered 300 gallons this week. 2.10 a gallon.

Did you ever finish this dump or are you still crying about the scratch on your back?

Yea

He actually finished it, lost his job and lost it in a foreclosure....nice job Ramball, you happy now?

No it's been finished since late June. There was like one day of clean and finished the. It was occupied by 2 little girls.

As far as the back scratch I can barely walk going to back doctor tomorrow hopefully he can get me feeling better.

Glad you got it done hope you Feel better soon.

you should vote for beto, he'd pay for your back

Any finished pictures of the house?

Update on my utility bills.many were concerned about.

I filled up my propane tank in August or September can't recall for sure spent around 550 when I did. It appears it will last a full year. My electric bill is set up through a tiered set up. Use under x kwh it's this amount, steps up. Our electric bill was 158 for 4 months then 42 for 8 months.

Sure hope I don't lose the farm.

I’m guessing you have a 250 tank? We were able to keep it to 300 gallons for the winter and 100 for the rest of the year, this year.

500 gallon. But I'm told that only takes 400 gallons.

How many pounds in a gallon? I’m filling hundred pound tanks for 55 bucks.

A 20 pound tank holds about 4.5 gallons. But you can only fill any propane tank to about 80% capacity.

Tanks without a liguid level indicator are filled not to exceed 80% of designated weight.

What company is filling 400 gallons for $550???

The cheapest I can find that services Forney is $2.58 a gallon

Sorry did not mean to imply it was empty. But I just looked it up it took 263 gallons at 1.90 a gallon so right at 500 bucks.

We use red River co-op our of gainsville don't know of they service the metroplex. Know my fil uses them in Collin county so maybe. They run a special is the fall that's when it's best to fill up

"You're statistically more likely to be killed by Hillary Clinton than an NRA member. - PolitiDiva

"You Cannot Simultaneously Be Politically Correct And Intellectually Honest!"

I’ve been hacked....

Just refilled my propane tank. I used 250 gallons in a year.


Bigpig, redriver coop is doing their special. 1.85 a gallon

Sounds like a good deal.