Unfortunately I did not find your book in time for this house but we have it for the next one. It is a great book, full of useful information. Lots of it seems like common sense after you read it but I did not have the common sense to think of it before I read it. Jedda in Brighton, ON

William's Forum Posts: 6
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Commons

Posted to Commons by William in Atascocita, TX on 8/21/2010

Things slowed down right after my first post, due to two deaths in the family. But everything is finally geared back up. Picked up permits Monday, 8-16-10 (Residence, Culvert, Driveway, Septic). Submitted HOA application with permits on Friday. After all, the work now waits on permission from the HOA. They say to expect 30 days for approval. Gee, the slow county government only took three days!

Will insulate with open-cell foam in rafters and blown wet cellulose in walls; attic will be sealed conditioned area. Framing will be 2x6 and house wrapped with OSB for strength, and Tyvek for moisture. Wanted to go with metal roofing, but asphalt wins over, due to costs.

Going to take vacation next week and then start getting my final lumber and window bids. Land clearing and foundation bids are final. Will finalize electrical, HVAC and plumbing in two weeks. Still want to re-interview a couple of each trades before signing. I'm seriously considering doing all the plumbing except rough-in. Because I don't believe the work they are providing is worth what they want. The rough-in is critical, but the others are mundane tasks that anyone who can read a code book can do. I know it will take me four times as long to complete plumbing as them, but I have the time to give a week or two, and will save about $5-$6K. Also evaluating doing my own painting to save $$. Plus I enjoy learning new things.

Excited about getting started, and will try to keep my journal updated.

Commons

Posted to Commons by William in Atascocita, TX on 6/4/2010

Closed on the 1-1/4 ac. lot in May, and completed the plans for 2,334 sq. ft. single story and a four-car garage today. My designer was very pleasant to work with. Plans were done using 2x6 studs. Contacted a builder today to get his bid to build for me. Doing this just to get an estimate so I can see about what I can save building myself. He will need to really sharpen his pencil to get the job. I just can't see me not taking on this project myself. Been there, done that with the builders' attitudes and slow time-wasting progress. I also sent the plans to an SIP company for pricing. Still debating getting an ICF quote.

Picked up building permit forms from the county today. Still need the foundation stamped plans and framing stamped plans from the engineer working on them. I will get the septic engineered drawings and culvert application and then I can submit to the county for permit. My plan is to obtain permits before month's end and then submit everything to the HOA. Hope to start moving dirt by August 1st, and move in about Christmastime. Or will it be Easter! We will see if I can accomplish that schedule and stay on budget.