Bought Land, Tractor and then got Stupid

[IXLR8]

I am enjoying reading of your efforts, I am in the process of putting up a steel building. Like you, building it myself and I can relate to your experiences. I recently moved from Mass to Maine, in Mass I needed to get 2 permits, (electrical and plumbing) totaling $85.00 just to replace my dishwasher!!! Here in Maine, since I am not in shoreland zoning, I only need permits if it attaches to the septic or the well, no permits or zoning laws for the building, electrical or heating.

 

[cmmac]

Thanks Eddie.

I agree it is nice to be able to work at one's own pace and do things the way you want them done.

As an example, for the cost of a couple extra 2x4s - I can really beef this thing up. Not that it needs it, but thats the way I am trying to build it.

I remember going to the beach growing up and staying in some of the rental properties (the ones that you always see getting crushed by hurricanes hitting the coast of NC). - and having the whole structure shake or windows rattle when someone shut the door. I would think - who built this piece of crap.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the second floor joists.

These were fairly easy to put up. They are 16in OC and rest on the first floor top plate. Mostly this was just ladder work.

The plans also called for a double LVL/GlueLam. Getting this thing up was another story. I basically rested one end on the top plate and then went up the ladder with the other end on my shoulder.

I was concerned for a few minutes that the 6ft fiberglass ladder did not want to cooperate, but it held for the few minutes I needed it to.

By far the hardest part of the build so far, was getting the subflooring installed on the second floor. The second floor was too tall for me to lift the panels up with the tractor bucket, so I was forced to carry the Advantech sheets one-by-one up a ladder.

Maybe I am a wuss, but I think Advantech is **** heavy - especially when trying to sling it on to a second floor while balancing on a ladder. In hindsight, this was probably my biggest area of not working smart so far.

However, it was nice to stand on the second floor and look out into the field as I worked.

These will be the last pictures for awhile. I will post some more as I get the second floor complete.

 

[cmmac]

Jim -

Sounds like a need to move to Maine! I have always liked that part of the country. The winters would take some getting used to though........

 

[IXLR8]

Jim -
Sounds like a need to move to Maine! I have always liked that part of the country. The winters would take some getting used to though........

There are +'s and -'s to Maine, some of the highest taxes in New England. My misses is from the North Carolina coast, she acclimated the first winter here and LOVES it, she is now anxiously awaiting the first snow of the season.

 

[3RRL]

Looks like a fun project.
I'm always amazed at you guys who build their own stuff like that. You should be proud of yourself, especially doing it all yourself too. I wish I could be more helpful, but all I can do is admire what you've done. Everything looks very professional to me.
You have a lot of land too that is diverse. I'm sure there will be many projects coming from you. I can't wait to see this finish up.
Keep up the interesting posts!

 

[2manyrocks]

Sort of makes it impossible to build an authentic looking barn when the codes inspectors continually force you to overbuild a structure in ways that the originals were never built.

I bought a trailer load of 2x material a man had carefully salvaged from an old house in the county to reuse, but couldn't because his city codes inspector wouldn't allow it because it wasn't graded and stamped. Never mind that it's old growth lumber and stronger than the new material. I suggested he run for mayor in the next election and fire the codes inspector.

If you live in an area without codes , but your local government is about to adopt them, you need to get out and fight it.

 

[cmmac]

2ManyRocks -

I agree. The code process was a new experience for me - It has been an eye opener. Had I known about getting my property classified as a "working farm" in the beginning - I would have gone that route.

In my neck of the woods, working farm status gives you much greater leeway.

To be fair, I understand the logic of trying to ensure people put up safe structures that are zoned properly. I even recognize that a good bit of these processes are just ways to collect local government fees.

I would have just liked an option that let me pay any fees up front and then sign a waiver stating that I assume all liability for what I build on my property - It really shouldn't be any more complicated than that.

The one thing that makes me laugh when I think about it - I could start a hog farm on my property and drain everything into the existing creek and swamp, kill off the wetlands and be well within the local code - Crazy.

 

[scgargoyle]

cmmac- Great job so far! I'm planning a similar project- except I'm going to build an entire house. I have the advantage of time, since I can't start for a couple years yet, so I've been studying the local (SC) codes, and have met with the Building Dept. Supervisor twice. In SC, I can get away with building a barn without permits or inspection, as long as I state that it's for 'agricultural use' only. As for the house- in my county (Greenville) they have NO PLANS REVIEW! I can build whatever I want- they just want to know square footage, number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and it must meet building code. Basically, they're going to come out and measure the spacing on my studs, etc. He even encouraged me to do my own electrical and plumbing. I'll probably use trusses, which come with the engineering. Keep up the good work- looking forward to watching your progress.

 

[john_bud]

My only question is how you are having time to do the work and write about it? I barely have the time to read about it!

jb

 

[rox]

CMMAC- I am very much enjoying your project. Only one suggestion and that would be to cobnsider investing in scaffolding. I don't think the price is that high and it will really be an improvement over jsut the ladder. Others jump in if I am not making a good suggestion. Don't forget you still have a roof to put on etc. Probably if you don't want to keep the scaffolding after you project you can sell it and recover some of the cost. Again I am really enjoying your project thank you very much for sharing.