Lets start an owner/builder topic

[HADave]

Scott we've communicated a couple of times now and this is the second time that you have made us feel like we made a good choice with Hawaiian Acres. Nothing I'd like better than to think we didn't have to deal with that issue.

Ajit, good point, Scott what magic ingredient did you use? I'm guessing single wall= better ventilation.

Ajit what are you planning? We have not realy set any idea in stone yet but I'm thinking more and more like alot of open space might be easier all around.

Something someone else wrote to me with regards to permitting start out simple and small, which from the point of view that if one wants to keep the high costs of subs away.... I mean think about it... especially if you are a real DIY.....

Dave

[adias]

Anyone heard of these guys? Seems to have a nice selection of cabins...

http://www.greystokes.com/index1.htm

Hey HADave, not sure what I want yet...All of you seem to have so much experiance in building...I am a rookie, so I am asking a lot of questions and learning much as I can ;-)

Ajit

Edited by - adias on 11/10/2005 18:49:07

[HADave]

Hey Ajit, one thing for sure if one was looking for a plan and they couldn't find it from this company they'd be pretty fussy. Cool site some of the nicest I've seen. My first question to you is, are you looking for a plan or an actual package? How much of the work do you want to do yourself. If your like me, poor, than you probably want to do as much as you can. I'll tell you there is nothing in this world that you can do that compares with the accomplishment of building your own home all by yourself. When ever I found myself wondering I would always find some new construction somewhere where I could go and look make a note, take a picture. I never made a nuisance of myself by asking too many questions from people on the job. Thats what they make books for and over the years I bet I bought boat load. I encourage you to be bold I'm sure that you could do it, just be passionate and dedicated and when it's time for that last nail party don't forget to call me!

Dave

[adias]

I would like to build it myself, just for the experiance, although there is the whole time issue.

Besides, I think the whole cost of housing a sham, I would build only what I could afford, no 30 year morgage for me!!!

Not yet sure...package or not, I think the package does cost more, but probably better for the beginner.

Thanks for encouragement, I need lots ;-)

Ajit

Edited by - adias on 11/10/2005 20:28:19

[adias]

Dave,
What you think/know about timber frame type construction...I somehow like the idea of a structural frame bearing the load, I guess one could even use steel or aluminum frame.


Ajit

[HADave]

Well the next time your around some treated 6x6's 12 feet long put one on your shoulder and go for a 100foot walk. You use fewer of them but boy oh boy, then again if your into good old fashion sweat and muscle, timber frame could be for you. Also unless your considering a 2 story or building up on top of the mountain load factors shouldn't be a problem.

Layouts divisible by 4, stick built with 2x sheathed w/ material you can climb a ladder with is your easiest fastest and most affordable. Any of those in the forementioned sight would be your best bet. The plans were all under 500.00 for multiple sets thats cheap in todays world. If they offer a material list your golden if not Im sure which ever lumber company you decide to work with could develop one. Thats how I payed for all my tools by the money I saved by aquiring a material list and shopping around forcing a low price through competition. Another thing stick built 2x frame allow for is the extra funding for hurricane and seismic bracing all that little extra hardware gets expensive. Example if you are building on post&pier you should consider a partial perimeter foundation on all four corners i believe code says that a 15" wide L-shaped footing is permisable for up to 2 stories but don't quote me on that just yet thats something I plan on doing but haven't check the actual code requirement perhaps someone else knows. whoah I think I'm getting carried away here, But God I Love this stuff, "What One Man Can Do Another Can Do" Who said that?

Dave

[adias]

Yea, I realize the weight problem, what about using Aluminum for the structural beams? It's light, no termite problems or rot and really not that expensive, Check the article out below;

Also, you can get most the material online. If you create a free account, they show you the prices as well.
http://www.boschrexroth.com/country_unit.../index.jsp?



http://www.aluminum.org/ANTemplate.cfm?IssueDate=01/01/2004&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=7120



Ajit

[HADave]

Sorry for the slow reply, Some Old Mainers fall asleep without warning....... OK I'm up now. Here is my take on alternative framing solutions. Although Aluminum and steel are good alternatives they don't like each other and don't work well together from my experience. aluminum will be eaten away by a corrosive affect that occurs when mated with steel and steel as in thread fastners get this build up of corroded aluminum so they aren't worth reusing. Also through heating and cooling ergo expanding and contracting standard fastners will loosen with time unless more expensive locking materials are used. There in lies the new problems. One must always assume that nothing is for ever and that things need to be taken apart for repair or remodel and The fact that you must tool up differently simply makes an old woodworker like me just shake my head. I suppose an alternative interior framing could be user friendly in which case I would suggest steel as the alternative but even at that swapping fastning techniques, nails to screws back and forth special insulators for running wiring, wood framing between the studs for hanging stuff on the walls, and so-on. The process for the diy can really be slowed and confusing. Pick a simple technique and fly with it. It's hard to beat a nail gun and I would rather have a splinter then a sliced finger, work with wood. If I can give one piece of advise, Always put together like you will need to take apart. Don't bury things so you have to demolish to repair, thats defeats the diy savings every time not to mention what it does for the frustration level. One more thing, it's all, only my opinion and it and $1.00 will probably get you a good cup of coffee in the real world (~:|

Hey Mella you should check out those cabins Ajit found from Canada. Really Neat, right done to the how to inst.manual plus some come precut. Prob not borate treated though. Dang Bugs

HADave,

[HADave]

Those of you looking for cabin designs I found this one from Canada also and they are completely built from western red cedar which I believ them nasty little bugs don't much like the taste of. www.summerwood.com/index.jsp

They ship free to lower 48 states and will ship to Alaska & Hawaii extra They also ship precut and even preassembled if prefered. Very similar to Greystokes.

Dave

[adias]

Dave,
Appreciate very much your input, KISS (Keep it simple stupid) is always a good idea ;-)

These Canadian cabins are starting look really good. Anyone know how these prices compare to local prices or buying these would be a bad idea?

Ajit

Edited by - adias on 11/11/2005 11:26:25