Lets start an owner/builder topic

[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