New House Build in the Country!!!

Billrog · Feb 12, 2016

Certainly looks like their doing a very good job so far.

justinramani · Feb 12, 2016

I appreciate all of the comments and advice. Please keep the suggestions coming. I need to talk to the builder about the crawl space. While I would love a skim coat - it just isnt going to be in the budget. At a minimum - there should be a vapor barrier laid down. The concrete that they poured in both garages looks good. Its quite a bit darker looking that what i'm used to seeing. I wonder if it 's because it was so cold when it was poured?? They kept blankets on the concrete for about two days after it was poured. Hopefully the sub 20 degree weather didn't have too much of an impact on the curing.

The framers are out in the snow today framing. Here are some updated pictures. I tried to take some pictures that how how they framed the floor, but its somewhat hard to get good angles.....

justinramani · Feb 12, 2016

Ok - so ive been having serious issues with uploading pictures from the website - any suggestions?

justinramani · Feb 12, 2016

justinramani · Feb 12, 2016

So - something that I didn't put too much thought into before framing started......

Some of the tract builders are framing with 2x6 dimensional lumber. I **assumed** that it must be the standard for our area - after all - why would a tract builder use anything above the bare minimum???? Well - looks like the are framing the house with 2x4's

It's my fault because I didnt ask the builder. A search on google leads me to believe that there are multiple different theories on what is better.

What is the norm in your areas?? Any thoughts on 2x4 vs. 2x6?

cat fever · Feb 12, 2016

My home is 2X6 on all outside walls and plumbing walls.
I did not read all the posts on here but here's my :2cents: If it's not to late add a urinal to your bathroom./s You don't need the big ugly ones just a small Kohler one. I have one in every bathroom, my wife would tell you it's the best money we spent on building our home.

justinramani · Feb 12, 2016

Cat Fever,

Your wife let you put in urinals?!?!? That pretty awesome. I can say with complete certainty that mine wont let that fly! Did you specifically request 2x6 exterior walls? If so - was it due to insulation?

Billrog · Feb 12, 2016

Here 2x6 is required and the sheeting would be installed horizontally for structural strength. OSB must also be nailed here now staples are no longer permitted. The 2x6 is for insulation R factor.

cat fever · Feb 12, 2016

justinramani said:
Cat Fever,

Your wife let you put in urinals?!?!? That pretty awesome. I can say with complete certainty that mine wont let that fly! Did you specifically request 2x6 exterior walls? If so - was it due to insulation?

First, my wife is the one who suggested the urinals. (keep in mind, by trade I am a plumber and have two sons, no daughters) Most women think of a urinal as the ones they have seen in public restrooms. Big and ugly. Check out the Kohler brand for homes, much smaller and if you have 24" of room on the side of a toilet it will fit and look nice. (so 30" for the toilet and 24" for the urinal) If I was home I would take a picture of mine to show you.
Yes, I did request 2X6 walls. Your plumber would really appreciate 2X6 plumbing walls.
I wanted the most insulation (blown in not fiberglass) I could get without going crazy. My home is really airtight, I have to crack a door open when we have a fire in the wood stove. Otherwise the fire pulls a vacuum on the house and wont burn.

I am very envious of the 40 acres, sure wish I had more.
Good luck, everything is looking good.