After all the fun I had with “My Christmas Project”, I decided to up the ante a tad and take on a new and bigger one.
Affectionately known as My Summer Project.
This will be a chronological thread detailing the pitfalls, adventures, plusses, minuses, and overall what I am finding that is involved in a large DIY project (aka acting as a homeowner contractor).
Just think, you get to read and share in detail all my errors, mistakes, and even the occasional laugh.
Sit back, keep your arms and legs in the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride.
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{edit, you may notice long gaps in posting. As I found in the first two weeks, this can be a little time consuming. I am afterall still working FT at home, but also running My Summer Project}
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We decided to remodel (June 2004) , instead of demo’ing our current 1947 home, and moving out of the neighborhood was not an option.
With the baby (which at the time was in the early planning stage) and the lack of space we needed bigger. We decided on doubling our current sq footage (from 1100 to 2200 +/-). We hired a draftsman in October 2004.
We live in the city on a 50′ X 100′. EVERYTHING requires a variance($). Letters to neighbors, application fees, attending the VRB (variance review board–December 2004) just to get approval for a 2′ side yard set-back. We were approved.
We finalize our draft for the new addition/renovation (after 5 revisions which were either the draftsman($$) or our fault). This required wind load, elevations, window type, door type, anchor system, etc. All because of our flood/hurricane zone. Some stuff was provided by the architect,, some I had to contact the makers of the products myself (remember we are DIY and trying to save $$ where we can). Then onto the engineer($) for his stamp of approval (January 2005).
Now it’s permit($) time. We had to provide energy calculations ($), 2 complete sets of prints, the variance approval, site plan, and a few other odds and ends. We submit, and in early March we get them back-denied because of site (building was passed however on first try!) Apparently our NEIGHBORS have a A) Grand Oak on their property, b) we didn’t show adequate drainage and C) we had to provide for a sidewalk!!!
A) Required the city tree inspector to come out and look at the tree and advise us on options. –We opted to change our continuous footer to a series of piers hopping over the potential roots (not making this up) which require us to engage the engineer to redo and provide us with 2 new complete stamped sets.
B) We said we would put gutters on the new addition to the back of the house and place a collection device that would channel the water underground to the front of the house in a tube to drain in the street
C) We had the option of paying into the city sidewalk fund (extortion!) or put one in our already small lot. We paid ($$)
Late March the baby is born, everything is on hold. I did continue to work on my list of potential subs for various areas (Plumbing, gas, electric, concrete, and framing).
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“Have you seen my baseball?”
Edited 7/28/2005 12:12 am ET by sailfish
Replies
Let me begin to tell about interviewing potential subs.
First off, I had numerous contacts from a builder friend or two to get me started. I had a long list of all types. It went along these lines:
"I'm booked solid" <--these were the courteous ones.
"Sure, whats your number i'll call you right back."
"Whats your address i'll swing by."
"Do you have a set of plans? Ok. i'll look at these and come up with some numbers for ya and "call you back" / "swing by""
"I mailed you a quote"
"I'll mail it again"
etc etc.
When I did get a quote it went something like this:
"$16,000" for approx $2k of block and concrete.
"$11,000" for plumbing rough only . {I have already removed all cast iron pipes, installed new cpvc water (stubbed til needed) and replaced 4" pvc sewer all the way to the city line. I have less than $500 in materials and 3 days of labor
You get the idea how things were going. I go ALL out on my own.
The baby was born, we resubmitted the 2 new sets (April 2005). Waited, waited. 3 weeks later I call. We got lost in the shuffle. Next day approved! I pick up the plans and head home *.
By now, I decided that my BIL, nephew and friends will help me with the project.
I had begain to demo some things, siding, a deck, and I had to remove an old footer to lay the new footer 7 inches further out. I rent a J-hammer ($) and borrow a trailer and get to work.
I hit this right were the new footer is to go:
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I lost some time, but pressed on.
I try to order trusses/floor joists($$$).
"13 weeks"
"I can't help you if you don't have an account" etc.
Finally, I put the word out in the Forum and I get a referral from UbuildIt. He lives waaaaay out west and hooks me up here in Tampa! I get them ordered and have been told 5 weeks. We'll see.
We start demo on the house and find lots of termite and rot damage ($$) more wood. MULIPLE runs during the day to the lumber yard for #2 syp or PT or nails or whatever that keep coming up. I go so BIL can keep working.
I have to get a lumber package together. I go to 3 builder supplies and one big box. The big box was highest! I go with the medium price builder supply. He is closest, he has my anchor system (go-bolts), and has my siding. So I figure I can get a good price after all that. Which so far is true. I have notice now that I am putting out some $$$ I have moved up the price list.
Let me tell you, these guys have a price sheet on their PC's and have a WIDE range of flexibility in their pricing, depending on who you are and how much you spend. I figure I am a low B on the list now (maybe by the time siding comes i'll be an A)
So we get ready to dig the footers. Start looking at the plans (* apparently the city has put the redstamp on my OLD submissions and LOST the new ones, I go down there and we work out an arrangement, we'll see what happens)
Now the game is afoot!
Digging
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My buddy runs the new plumbing a little early because I put the jackhammer through the old clay sewer line.
I find my own concrete supply company that doesn't tell me it will be 3 weeks and $160 a yard. But one that does it in 2 day notice and $115 a yard. And a pump guy that has a flat rate, modest and 2 day notice.
However, the stress level is waaaaaaaaay high by now.
The BIL is saying where is your plumber buddy, we need this now to run the footer. Oh, did I mention that not only was the septic tank in the way of the new footer but the sewer line was too?? "Hey, we need more rebar" "we gotta go get ...."
Oh and we need footer inspection.
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I gotta have him come asap, but not too early, but it has to be before the pump guy shows up. And I have to have the termite sprayer guy come after inspection (which we hope we pass because we got all the other appointments lined up) but before the pump/concrete, but not the day before cuz if it rains it washes away, early AM it has to be.,
I have to also coordinate this: The footers are dug, steel run, we need concrete. We need the pump guy here at the same time. We need the block man (another great find on my own, dude charged me $1 a block!!!) to come lay the block so we can get the cells poured the following day, which required more coordination with pump/concrete people (which as you know are seperate entities). Meanwhile we miscalculated the block. Go get more.
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"Have you seen my baseball?"
Edited 7/27/2005 11:33 pm ET by sailfish
Edited 7/27/2005 11:43 pm ET by sailfish
Edited 7/28/2005 12:00 am ET by sailfish
Edited 7/29/2005 12:41 pm ET by sailfish
Now we have to calculate where to set the go-bolts, the windows. Oh crap, i have to get the RO for the windows. Not a big deal, i'll spend the next day going over the window package ($$$$$$) and get the RO measurements. Oh and the doors, gotta go over the door package ($$$$$$) verify those (RO) measurements. Did I order enough wood for all those headers? {just offhand the whole house is to be framed in #2 SYP ($$$)}
Have to run and get the bolts, they have to be set in the concrete when wet, so we have to make sure all this is in-line, set-up, no mistakes with the concrete.
You cannot even begin to imagine what can go wrong, what is needed, when and where unless you do it allllll the time, regularly. Mind you I am trying to hold down a FT job at the same time my BIL is reading the plans, coming into my office EVERY 30 minutes with a request for more stuff $$ or whats this on the plan? Whats this measurement? etc.
Well the footers were dug, the steel laid and pass inspection number one! Bug Sprayer sprays. Pump guy comes, concrete comes, pumps away. I am 1/2 yard short in my calcs. ALWAYS, ALWAYS figure high. We mix by hand, no biggie
Next day block guy comes out with his sister (to mix the mud) to lay the block (254 to be exact). It took him 10 hours!! We did more demo** while he laid away. We laid more steel and called for fill cell inspection, the next day. We pass!
Next day pump guy shows up early and asks about the block work. we tell him this dude did it. He said I want his number! He said what an AWESOME job.
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We told him the guy was $1 a block and slow, he said "I don't care, that is awesome work." I couldn't stop patting myself on the back for my find. Concrete truck shows up, we fill cells, set bolts, some straps and watch it dry.
here's the pier/footer system around baclk we had to do because of the Grand Oak tree
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Speaking of demo work, I am now up to over 7 tons of demo, it costs me $51 a ton to dump. Lots of time loading and unloading too.
This was by far the largest part of the thread. I had two weeks of mishaps and busy-ness so i couldn't post in easier smaller blocks.
I have everything ordered now to get us 80% through framing. I'll try to keep up with pics faster.
I must say at this point the stress is VERY high, however most times it is very exciting. Also I am not on here to bash ANYONE. Not a real contractor, plumber, AC man, electrical. NO ONE. This is strictly going to be one man's DIY account of his process and progress. I want it to be informative, educational, humorous, and most of all, I want you guys to look forward to what is coming next in "My Summer Project".
Stay tuned!
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"Have you seen my baseball?"
Edited 7/27/2005 11:40 pm ET by sailfish
Edited 7/27/2005 11:52 pm ET by sailfish
Edited 7/28/2005 12:09 am ET by sailfish
LOL! You are priceless!
Most honest DYI post I've seen here!
I'm a working G/C with a small crew....do customs mostly w/some remodels/additions to keep everyone busy. (by "working G/C, I mean I'm lead carpenter, project manager, bookeeper, marriage counselor for customers :-), etc.)
I have a good stable of subs, but, since construction is booming here, there is always one or two who throw things off. The last home, it was the drywaller....set everyone back 5 weeks! With contracts and bank construction loans, I don't have the luxury of waiting on someone who overbooks himself and is not willing to put in the ours, like the rest of us, to get caught up.
Over the years, my crew and I have gotten proficient at everything from foundation to roofing....(still sub the elect., plumbing, and HVAC)....but nearly every new project presents a new bureaucratic curve....the last one was waiting for verification by one of the local Indian tribes that no artifacts were on the site and reassurance by Fish and Wildlife that we weren't obstructing a bald eagle flight path (the eagle checks us out a couple times a week to check our progress).
So it's especially tough when you're doing it one time as you are. Keep the posts coming....you have a way with words!
And best wishes!
Oh frick, I need a drywaller too? I'm sure someone is going to tell me that not only do I need a drywaller , but then a sheetrock finisher too!! LOL
Most honest DYI post I've seen here!
I'm trying to keep it honest.
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"Have you seen my baseball?"
"working G/C, I mean I'm lead carpenter, project manager, bookeeper, marriage counselor for customers"
LOL. I think I'm going to have that printed on my next batch of business cards.
I'm impressed & you're having fun too. Getting the blocks, inspections, concrete & the pumper scheduled and actually having everybody arrive and perform as promised is an impressive bit of work.
So, the post foundation is to clear the maybe roots of the neighbor's tree. They are re-engineered to clear the roots that might be there?
Have you seen any? Or is this for roots that are planned for future growth?
What a load of crap, you must have passed all your anger management classes with honors.....
Joe H
Thanks for the kind an encouraging words.
So, the post foundation is to clear the maybe roots of the neighbor's tree.
Have you seen any? Or is this for roots that are planned for future growth?
Actually I didn't mention where I had to dig a test hole for me and the inspector to check(we found none) . {The rule is a 20' radius} And the piers were to allow for future root expansion
What a load of crap, you must have passed all your anger management classes with honors.....
I dropped a WHOLE lot of F bombs I can assure you ;-)
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"Have you seen my baseball?"
Edited 7/29/2005 12:44 pm ET by sailfish
Maybe I missed it ... why do you have four concrete block columns in the back?
And dumping the trash ... are you using a dumpster or a trailer oir what? You said that it has taken a lot of unloading time so I'm guessing you didn't use a dumpster.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Maybe I missed it ... why do you have four concrete block columns in the back?
Those are our piers. We'll run the floor joists off them hopping from one to the other with (3) 2x10's. I'll get a better ic for ya once we run the bands.
And dumping the trash ... are you using a dumpster or a trailer oir what? You said that it has taken a lot of unloading time so I'm guessing you didn't use a dumpster.
I'm loading a trailer. A dumpster would block our narrow street. It was also $250, plus $50 permit, plus the weight we load onto it. Since we are doing demo in phases, it seemed prudent to just load the trailer and dump it as needed. The dump is like 15 minutes away.
Speaking of trailers. If your a DIY you HAVE to get one. I've used this one soooo many times. And used trailers are such a hot commodity that you will have no problem reselling it after your through.
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"Have you seen my baseball?"
Edited 7/28/2005 2:36 pm ET by sailfish
Those piers look a lot higher that the existing floor.
Where I am, I pay a flat rate for the dumpster, plus a weekly rental charge which is only about $30, so I park a dumpster and pack it tight.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
The piers are approx 12" below the current finished floor.
Pics maybe Teusday of the joists-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Have you seen my baseball?"
Next time you will be better at ordering the correct stuff ahead. My compliments on your accomplishements.
As to "Speaking of trailers. If your a DIY you HAVE to get one" -- au contrair, but
IMnsHO, a regular trailer is a hassle, any REAL DIY needs a couple of dozers, backhoe/loaders, equipment trailer, and dump truck <G>. Not to mention machine shop, auto repair electronics/diagnostics, cabinet shop, forge, casting setup, > 3 cuft concrete mixer, at least 3 pickup trucks, multiple compressors, etc, etc. <G>. Secret to buying toys is if DW ever asks for anything done, do that at the top of your list.
Oh yeah, as you get older and cannot manhandle stuff, a forklift attachment for the front loader looks to be a must - think this is what I'll get DW for her next birthday present. And a bucket truck is also on the 'toys to buy' list as those ladders start to get hard to climb. .
I respect you for all you are doing, and all the trouble you are going through. And it's great that you can shop around and get the best deals. But ...
I have less than $500 in materials and 3 days of labor
But you are not paying yourself a wage, nor taxes, insurance, etc. And you've already admitted that you make too many trips to the supply house cuz you don't get the right stuff and/or right amoiunt if stuff the first time. That's part of why a contractor charges more than you can do it for yourself.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
"And you've already admitted that you make too many trips to the supply house cuz you don't get the right stuff and/or right amoiunt if stuff the first time. That's part of why a contractor charges more than you can do it for yourself."
So I get a rebate from any sub or supplier who has this happen to them, right! After all I am paying top dollar for this never to happen according to you. What about over-scheduled subs? Isn't part of what I am paying for the expertise to be able to schedule your time efficiently and accurately? So when my project falls behind three weeks because a sub over extended and delays everyone I suppose I get a rebate then, too?
Why do you feel you have to minimize the sizable accomplishments of this project by an admitted DIY'er?
You mis-read and/or mis-understood what I said. Sailfish didn't respond like you did, so I assume he took it the way it was intended. Read my opening line ... something about I respect what he has accomplished. He has a big task ahead of him, and it seems like he is doing well, although it is a big learning experience. I did not intend to make any degrading remarks about him or his project.
My point was ... and read closely here ... he made the comment that the plumber wanted a lot of money to do a portion of the work, and he commented that he had already completed a portion of it for only $500 in material and XX hours work. My point was that it was not entiurely fair to compare his own expenses and time with what a professional tradesman would incur, because the professional has a lot of overhead that Sailfish does not have, and some of the overhead is related to carrying an inventory of parts. That's one of the big misunderstandings between HO's, DIY's and professionals ... they don't charge their salary against the project so they don't understand why we can't do it for the same amount they can.
Maybe the plumber in question was overcharging ... we don't know. And I used the word 'professional tradesman' in the context of one who makes his living byu doing that type of work ... it was not intended to be a indicator of the quality of the work.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
That's one of the big misunderstandings between HO's, DIY's and professionals ... they don't charge their salary against the project so they don't understand why we can't do it for the same amount they can.
It should have read "most HO's, DIY's and professionals" right? ;-)
I don't mind paying, but not for the guys immediate retirement, ya know?
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"Have you seen my baseball?"
Hey! This guy's a fake.
Checked his profile & that's no sailfish.
Joe H
they don't charge their salary against the project
Ok, let me try again. You said you had $500 in material and 3 days labor. Assume you worked alone. 3 days x 8 hrs x $25 = $600 labor; assume you and a helper, that's $1200 not including taxes, insurance, etc and not including milegae for the truck. Yeah, that's a lot less than the plumber quoted, but do you consider that total value when you compare his guestimate against your cost?
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Maybe the plumber in question was overcharging ... we don't know.
Little birdies tell me that, after four hurricanes last year, there's so much insurance work available, that even the bad (if FLA licensed) contractors are booked solid.
Add in the 'normal' FLA growth, and that's a lot of contracting to be done. The supply of contractors being finite, and the demand remaining high, the prices will tend to be high, too.
Sounds to me that SF is coping quite well, juggling the speed-quality-price triangle, especially given the tough regulatory going he's in.
Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Well we lost 1/2 day of good framing. Apparently you can't go to the local sheet metal shop and get some termite shield the day you need it. And most shops wouldn't accept a small order (100'). Drove a couple miles out of the way and found a mom and pop who made it up ($1.25 ft) in a half day.
Lumber package arrived.
Starting on the porch so we have access into our house again. Walking thorugh the garage is becoming a bore.
The port o let was FINALLY sucked out. I figured 12 days in the FL sun was waaaaay to long. Called twice to get it cleaned out. I'm thinking since I am a small account I don't hold high priority in getting the crapper cleaned out???
Onto the framing (my favorite part)!
Here's the BIL fitting one of the bands:
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"Have you seen my baseball?"
BIL must enjoy filing his chain! :-)
Ok, I'm going to re-ask a question cuz the chainsaw pictures makes you previous answer unclear. That block column at the tip of the sawbar ... what is it for? The piece mof pt lumber that is being trimmed is the sill plate, right?
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Ok, I'm going to re-ask a question cuz the chainsaw pictures makes you previous answer unclear. That block column at the tip of the sawbar ... what is it for?
there are 4 of them, they will support the porch roof beam (there is a PB44 set in the concrete for the 4x4's that will support the beam) trimmed out with either thin, round colonial columns, or boxed. haven't decided yet.
Something along these lines:
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The piece mof pt lumber that is being trimmed is the sill plate, right?
Sill is already down, thats a band or rim joist.
I guess I haven't been fully clear on the whole renovation/addition design/plan.
Back of the house there is going an 18x28 two story addition (thats where we had to make the piers) and an 8x14 one story bath/closet addition
Front (where you see the 4 high columns columns will be the 9 X 19 porch.
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WWPD
Edited 7/29/2005 12:56 pm ET by sailfish
Edited 7/29/2005 12:58 pm ET by sailfish
Edited 7/29/2005 1:02 pm ET by sailfish
Edited 7/29/2005 1:27 pm ET by sailfish
Ok that makes sense now. The first time i asked the Q I was referring to those same columns, but you didn't catch that, so you said they were for the floor joists and that didn't make sense to me.
Is that a picture of the front of your house?
My grandparents liven on Taliaferro Ave in tampa for a long time, and their house looked similar to that.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Ha, my old orthodontist was on Taliafero!
yes that is the front (where the columns are).
We're going for the Key West/Bungalow look
Stay tuned-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWPD
I feel as if a ton of pressure is off my shoulders. We're into early framing (the stuff I like and know the most of). No more coordination outside subs and such.
I believe I have averaged only one run a day this week for supplies.
I previewed the truss design at the truss plant (the sales chic failed to contact me to let me know it was ready for my approval) good thing I called to check on the progress. Talked to the plant manager he said he'd try to get me the floor joists this week and the trusses the end of next, "Since it's not that big a job" That would be a big-time help in keeping progress
Finished the last window I forgot to order. Has ANYONE priced a 24" round window? Yikes!!!! $850 with trim. Sorry, just a bit to rich for my salary(but it was beautiful). I went with octagon instead.
Well here's the progress. We got the metal on, the sills, bands and floor joists on the 18x28 GR, tomorrow we strap, deck, and hopefully start the bathroom/closet joists off to the right of the picture.
And if you look at the multi=paned glass door in the background, you will see my office. That where I try to work my regular job while doing the renovation project
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WWPD
Edited 8/2/2005 11:52 pm ET by sailfish
Nice project!
Hope it all works out in the long run!
You need somebody to remind you of Job site Safety!
So I will be the Guy.
Get some gear , safety glasses , ear plugs & such!
Keep up the Good work & Be SAFE!
Believe it or not we actually all have eyewear, masks (when doing the asbestos demo and such), and I have ear -plugs. We use all of it, maybe not 100% of the time but definetly do use them.
Thanks!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWPD
Looks good so far. Did I miss the 'before' pics? Always makes a nice contrast. And the 'in progress' shots are great.
jt8
The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers.-- Walter Percy Chrysler
JohnT8
I am still trying to find the front before pictures. Here's the back "before" with another one of my BIL's and I removing the old deck. Underneath it is where we found the old concrete slab that I removed.
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WWPD
Things are still going smoothly. The past week was uneventful. Other than watching my nephew forget he can't walk on the insulation batts in the floor joists and do a face plant into a mound of dirt (why does one never have the camera when its really needed)
The truss plant said they would try to deliver my floor joists this week, it didn't happen. I do hope they come through this coming week (which is what the original scheduled date is for the wholee package. If not, ????? what to do, what to do.
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WWPD
Edited 8/6/2005 10:32 am ET by sailfish
Trusses and floor joists have arrived!!
Which is great in our hood.
Around here folks have been waiting 10-14 weeks! The plant told me 5-6 weeks, everyone said "Good luck"
They dropped them off at 5 weeks!
Gosh I hope everything continues to go smoothly.
more pics to follow-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWPD
Thanks for the great posts. I'm starting framing on my own DIY project...an 1800 square foot shop (1500 sf main floor, 300 sf 2nd floor office). Started excavation in April, and after uncharacteristic torrential rains for Boise, finally got around to getting the slab poured in late July.
I've encountered many of the issues you have in trying to get scheduling done. Primarily here for concrete. "No account, sorry." "No COD sales." "No pre-paid COD sales." "We're booked at least three weeks out." And this is for the ready-mix suppliers......I never even got a quote back from the foundation contractors (I was willing to pay to have the foundation done; I sort of wanted to do the slab pour myself....).
The one very notable exception to being treated like dirt or worse by most of the "professional" suppliers is a local business "Concrete Construction Supply" where I bought the snap ties and rented clips, got my rebar delivered, got chairs, etc.....they've been unbelievably outstanding.....
If I can get enough of my digital pictures together, you may have inspired me to do my own similar post.....
--Ken
Thanks for the kind words.
I gotta tell ya, the concrete stuff was a bear. I think there has been some luck to way things have worked out for myself in that arena. Glad its over.
I'll look forward to your post. From one rookie to another, if you have any questions or anything on anything i'll try to help.
Oh and also I want to thank UBuildit once again, wherever he is-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWPD
Fell off the wet roof last night. Man that hurt. Nothing broke.
I should have more pics today if all goes well-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWPD
Oh and also I want to thank UBuildit once again, wherever he is
If you mean the UBuildit on BT, I think 'he' is a 'she'.
Is that sealant you're using on the decking? Is it safeguard against rain, or are you trying to lock in all the chemicals?
jt8
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hmmm I guess his/her name could have been Chris or Pat or Jessie and I assumed it was a he. Either case Ubuildit did me good.
That is sealant. Help keep our daily 1-2 inches of rain out of the 3/4 t&g. It works, we had minimal swelling water beads up pretty good.
I checked Ubuildit's profile, it does appear that it could be female (or a sensitive dude).
I sent Ubuildit and e-mail to verify and or apologize. I'll explain how I erred once I get confirmation.
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WWPD
Edited 8/16/2005 3:20 pm ET by Sailfish
I be she. No big thing though!
So did your trusses work out? I hope the guys in Tampa took good care of you. It's a good bunch of vendors and subs we've got down there.
Christi
Christi, you might holler at one of the BT powers that be and get your old signon back.
And by the by, I noticed the pocket calculator I brought home said UBuildIt. Was that one of your contributions?
jt8
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Edited 8/16/2005 4:06 pm ET by JohnT8
We passed sheathing today. We called the inspector out for a pre-sheathing inspection. Showing him our nail pattern. Since we have demo work and new construction at different phases we want to dry in when we can and not call all the time. He approved our ways, and signed off on the sheathing!! We'll still give him a call as we get up to the second floor and its roof (give him the option to check again if he wants)
As of today. There are a few things you may notice incomplete. We will be tending to those shortly. And depsite the appearance in the pic, the front proch is square and all columns plumb
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WWPD
Still plugging away after falling off the roof?
Hey Sailfish;
Didn't somebody warn you at the beginning of this about jobsite safety?
That means don't fly off the roof.
Hope you are doing okay, and BE CAREFUL!
Don
No really here are the pics:
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WWPD
DoI count up four cripple studs below that header?
Yeah, its a 9' header and we wanted to be sure we had something to nail the drywall too. ;-)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWPD
Jeez! On my shop, with a 12" header over the garage doors, I'm only planning on using two cripples, probably with a plate on top......I feel so inadequate....
--Ken
It has been some time since I made an update. We haven't made drastic physical changes to the exterior (most of the work has been on the inside). But finally did get a chance to start running some siding. We have had just rotten luck with the weather. For 2-3 months we have been limited to w/e work only and have just had a run of rainy, snotty days. Currently the pollen sacks off the oak trees are falling in such numbers that it is a risky endeavor to walk on the roof(seriously) . I literally could have shoveled them off yesterday.
Anyways, most of the evenings have been spent wiring, or prepainting/backpriming trim, and piping. We have some creative piping in our master bath/shower that we took our time to make sure we got it right.
Here's the latest pics, enjoy.
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WWPD
Holly Cr$p--I've seen car washes with less piping---that is some kinda shower----Thanks for the tour--Mike"Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while" Mitremike c. 1990" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
My first thought is this: that looks like 1/2 inch supply lines you've got installed into one of the "whole body" showers now coming into fashion. They require at least 3/4 inch water lines to supply sufficient flow to feed all the heads. I've been reading quite a few forum posts to another "all plumbing" web site where the common question/complaint has been in regard to insufficient pressure/flow to these newer showers. The problem always is related to pipe sizing and not pressure. If I were you, I would run 1 inch from whole house supply to the shower then go with the 3/4 stuff when you begin to branch off at the shower. It would truly be a shame if you got everything buttoned up and found you couldn't get the required flow to all those shower heads. Just my two cents worth!
They are 3/4" supply lines.
Overall the the thing is the valves. They accept a 1/2" pipe.
Only so much water can pass through them. We felt that the 3/4" supply lines would be suffice for adequate pressure and water delivery.
But your right, hopefully we don't find out AFTER the fact it is not enough.
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20's temp here today with snow and salfish posts pics with sunshine and palms.
be somebody outta...:o)
'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity
Who in the he11 was your plumber...it looks awsome...neatest plumbing I've ever seen! (now watch it leak like he11 (only after sheetrock of course)...just kidding...no way with as carefully as it was obviously done!).Jay
I am fine. The worst bruise I have ever had in my entire life. Now just the edges of my ankle bones are a little tender if I bump them other than that doing great. Thanks.
The storm (Katrina) had me worried. I started running my go-bolts (all-threads) in fear that I would lose the addition if she came by. We put a tarp over the structure since the existing roof line is exposed now. Gotta get this thing dried in, fast.
We got the roof on. We've been doing a little tidying up here and there. Going back finishing a few minor things that seemed to accumulate real fast on us.
I found out when you don't have a large order of lumber, they'll try to deliver you the worst crap in boards. I actually couldn't use two of the boards for even blocking they were so bad. How someone can handpick and load these on a truck to deliver is beyond me.
A few things with the design have comeup. I need to have the HVAC installer come out and re-evaluate our plan for the new air handler. I may not work where its designed to go (girders in the floor joists). ANd the stairs are bothering me a bit. I want to cut them, but need to figure out how I am going to mount them on the double floor girders. Nail a stringer to the girders, or put blocking in the webbing and then a 3/4" hangerboard, or ?
Here's a couple pics.
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"I found out when you don't have a large order of lumber, they'll try to deliver you the worst crap in boards. I actually couldn't use two of the boards for even blocking they were so bad."Same experience here. Now I always hand pick lumber myself and then have them deliver it. Even studs. Kind of a pain, but at least I'm not working with wood that looks like it should be lacing a boot.
Yeah! That was me. We sent up a box of hats, a box of coffee cups, banks, calculators, leather tool kit thingy, and misc stuff. Also sent up a bosch jig saw, a Kreg Pro Pack pocket hole system, a Frued 10'' 60 tooth saw blade and a Whiteside Machine router bit set .
Hope the goodies were enjoyed!
Well, sounds like UBuildIt's donations covered the top 3 things on my 'drool' list... The jigsaw and Kreg were my top two choices on the prize table, but by the time my name was drawn, I was down to #3 item on my list... the Whiteside bits. Very happy they were still on the table :)
Many thanks! Made for the icing on the cake of a great trip.
I think DanT got the jigsaw, but didn't see who got the Kreg.
Your clients, KC and dh made it down. Very nice people. I've been enjoying their thread in the photo gallery and it was nice to connect real people to the story.jt8
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hmmm I guess his/her name could have been Chris or Pat or Jessie and I assumed it was a he. Either case Ubuildit did me good.
If you are hanging with dudes names, Christi, you are hanging with a WHOLE different crowd than me ;)
That is sealant. Help keep our daily 1-2 inches of rain out of the 3/4 t&g. It works, we had minimal swelling water beads up pretty good.
Nice touch. Better than letting the ply bloat up with all that moisture. Did you have some fresh pics for us?
jt8
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
FYI - I called Thompson's Water Seal a few years back and was told by the techies that their product ceases to off-gas in 21 days.
The local HfH chapter tends to start building a new house as soon as the last one is closed in. This leads to some projects being started at very inopportune seasons and therefore being exposed to weather for rather long periods. We use 3/4" t&g OSB for subfloors and it used to swell and buckle, only shrinking back slightly upon drying, problems with ridges, etc........
We started sealing the OSB with Thompson's the same day as the OSB was installed and ceased to have any problems. Subfloor perimeters are usually trimmed after installation and you need to seal the cut edges in addition to the "face".
The 21 day "open" period required to let the sealant cease to produce fumes has never been a problem.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Just one comment, about: >>a series of piers hopping over the potential roots (not making this up)<<
It's incredible that you would have to accomodate what would normally be considered an encroachment.