04-20-2009, 06:49 AM
Thank you Rob,
We have thought about light gage steel, however since I am still working on the plans I have not sent them out for a bid on either steel or wood, we have only very general estimates at this point. Almost all other materials I have gotten hard costs on. I know there are trade offs to anything we consider. One contractor we spoke with made us aware that steel is not forgiving, with regards to earthquakes, thus once tweaked it will obviously stay that way...so this became another consideration for us. I probably couldn’t live with a tweaked wall, given that I see details so easily.
As far as owner builder goes...we will be using a licenced contractor, however we will over see the project, purchasing most of the materials, handling the permit process, and finishing the interior, with the exception to that being hanging the Hardie Panel wall board, we will have that installed. Plus if we can have more done we would love to!
We had intended to go with all maintenance free exterior materials, or as close to that as possible, but of course when the costs add up so quickly, one starts to look at alternatives. So I have started juggling a few items, and doing the best we can. I can’t however do the best we can, unless I am aware of all the options that are available, so I appreciate the information!
I apologize for not calling you when we were there the beginning of March. Purchasing the property turned out to take more time and energy than I thought. We have not however stopped considering alternative building materials, if we end up being able to afford better quality, believe me we will! We are not trying to spend the least we can, but once the budget is depleted, it is not like there will be more money generated.
Thank you again,
Barbara Taylor
Hawaii Dreaming
We have thought about light gage steel, however since I am still working on the plans I have not sent them out for a bid on either steel or wood, we have only very general estimates at this point. Almost all other materials I have gotten hard costs on. I know there are trade offs to anything we consider. One contractor we spoke with made us aware that steel is not forgiving, with regards to earthquakes, thus once tweaked it will obviously stay that way...so this became another consideration for us. I probably couldn’t live with a tweaked wall, given that I see details so easily.
As far as owner builder goes...we will be using a licenced contractor, however we will over see the project, purchasing most of the materials, handling the permit process, and finishing the interior, with the exception to that being hanging the Hardie Panel wall board, we will have that installed. Plus if we can have more done we would love to!
We had intended to go with all maintenance free exterior materials, or as close to that as possible, but of course when the costs add up so quickly, one starts to look at alternatives. So I have started juggling a few items, and doing the best we can. I can’t however do the best we can, unless I am aware of all the options that are available, so I appreciate the information!
I apologize for not calling you when we were there the beginning of March. Purchasing the property turned out to take more time and energy than I thought. We have not however stopped considering alternative building materials, if we end up being able to afford better quality, believe me we will! We are not trying to spend the least we can, but once the budget is depleted, it is not like there will be more money generated.
Thank you again,
Barbara Taylor
Hawaii Dreaming
Hawaii Dreaming