07-15-2013, 05:17 PM
By the way, Kits are not Kits. They are Kits in the sense that they have a drawer full of ready to file plans. That's the kit. They don't send you pre-framed walls and such. You still get a truckload of 2x4s and you have to build. They call them kits cause they know the exact lumber needs for that plan and can just send "load 1" then "load 2" when you're ready.
Best advice I got was build in 8's and 4's. Everything divisible by 8 and 4 will allow for minimal scrap. "Don't build a spaceship" is what was said to me. Start adding angles and roof hips and you're gonna have issues.
Another thing, when dealing with a draftsman know as much about the code as you can. You will save a lot. They tend to over-design. By that I mean, they will have you pour (rather than drop ins) half your posts for the post/pier when you really only need the corners, center and maybe 1 or 2 more poured. They will design it with about 12 pours. More expensive and not needed (even by the code).
Knowing the load bearing codes helps too. I talked them out of using many 4x12s when I could use 4x8s or 10s. Stuff like that.
Best advice I got was build in 8's and 4's. Everything divisible by 8 and 4 will allow for minimal scrap. "Don't build a spaceship" is what was said to me. Start adding angles and roof hips and you're gonna have issues.
Another thing, when dealing with a draftsman know as much about the code as you can. You will save a lot. They tend to over-design. By that I mean, they will have you pour (rather than drop ins) half your posts for the post/pier when you really only need the corners, center and maybe 1 or 2 more poured. They will design it with about 12 pours. More expensive and not needed (even by the code).
Knowing the load bearing codes helps too. I talked them out of using many 4x12s when I could use 4x8s or 10s. Stuff like that.