We want to build a better house for less money. I'm a stay-at-home mom, but our youngest is almost in school. I'm taking this on as my next "job." I have previous professional experience as a manager and lots of budgeting and frugality experience as a "home manager" from these last years staying home. Plus, we have definite ideas of what we want for this next house and want to be in charge of the whole process. Lisa in Onalaska, WI

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Things are finally beginning

Posted to Loris by Loris in Tanunda, SA on 3/11/2010

Things are finally beginning:

1. Rainwater tank ordered 8th March
   
2. Steel-frame plans picked up on March 9th and delivered to my engineer, who needs to make slight modifications to the footings before we submit to Council for Development approval
3. Fence approval verbally given by neighbors 10th March
4. Paid deposit on steel framing
5. Pre-booked footings for end of March, and plumber for prelim work, septic tank and rainwater tank in-ground installation
   

Photos

About to begin building

RogerC's Forum Posts: 51 Interview Answers: 3 Average Forum Rating: 3.36 Randomly Selected Image 4/3/2010	Hi Loris, I'm curious... what made you decide to use steel framing?
Loris's Forum Posts: 0 Journal Entries: 1 Image from Loris's blog 4/3/2010	Steel frame is becoming popular in Australia, and we are in a white-ant-prone area (termites), which makes it a good decision.  I actually started out wanting to use treated pine framing, had the engineering done, but could only get one quotation, which was quite expensive.  I tried unsuccessfully for months to get more quotes, but trades here are still so busy because of the government stimulus package and ongoing building commitments, and as an owner-builder, I was a second priority to ongoing work. Finally I had the house re-engineered for steel, and we are finally moving ahead and about to start. Loris
RogerC's Forum Posts: 51 Interview Answers: 3 Average Forum Rating: 3.36 Randomly Selected Image 4/12/2010	I've heard many good things about building with steel frame. Congratulations on moving forward. Keep us posted.
Loris's Forum Posts: 0 Journal Entries: 1 Image from Loris's blog 4/12/2010	Well thanks for that. We wait with baited breath at the moment for our local council approval to begin, as we have a small delay due to an engineering query at present. I have all my trades poised to start. Unfortunately my plumber goes to the USA for a month in early May, and was worried about letting me down as we are delayed, but I have just found another who will do the first bit if he has already left on holiday. The first part of the project needs to be very carefully coordinated, as we are "down-sizing" on a block 15.66 metres wide x 38.4 deep, and will have limited access at the back once footings are down. I therefore need to do some groundwork for landscaping as soon as approval is through, plus have those holes for the tanks dug, and bring in some pavers and topsoil while we can. I just hope we can get the roof on before our winter rains come in around June. On paper, I can optimistically do this project in 19 weeks, but I am allowing 24 weeks.