Housewrap

[RPK]

There really is no such thing as a house built "to tight" . Most people that think this way do not understand how important it is to have a vapor barrier properly installed on the warm sides of insulated walls and ceilings.

Vapor barriers stop the warm moist interior air from penetrating into the insulated wall cavity and condensing on the cooler exterior surfaces.

House wraps are moisture barriers. They help stop rain and other outside moisture from damaging the structure when it gets behind the siding. And water will get behind the siding.

RPK

 

[rox]

Nissan197,
Chwcked out your houe plans. Here si the link
DesignBasics.com | Design 5003- | Traditional Style Home Plan

Really looks like a great home. Lot of roon on that one! FWIW, I think I would consider moving the washer and dryer over to the wall with the sink and in the space of the washer and dryer have a huge back hall closet. There is nothing better than a nice big junk closet. A place for the laundry baskets, ironingboard, etc. etc. I had a big "junk" closet in our last hme and i just loved it.

 

[sr160009]

Back to the questions of exterior wall thickness, It is recommended to use 2x6 walls if you are going to have 10' ceilings. 2x4 wall are not as strong when you have taller walls. I am also in the process of building a house and I am opting for the 2x6 exterior wall because I like the idea of having a little stronger house and more insulation as well. My ceiling is going to be 9' tall as well.

 

[Kendall69]

The very first thing I would build or have room for would be a safe room. Safe from tornadoes, bad guys etc. Full Block wall with steel reinforced, and a heavy duty steel door.

The system is only 12k more, amortized over 25 years, and the fact that it pays for itself, it's a no brainer, get the best. My pappy always said you can never go wrong buying the best.

I purchased a Trane system, and they advertised 25% drop in utility bills. I had documented proof that I was saving 50% in utility bills by going with the best ser rating. The system paid for itself in three years, after that I made money for the next 5 years, so my system became a profit center.

Remember if you don't have to give it to the utility company, then it's profit in your pocket.

 

[Diesel-ME]

Back to the questions of exterior wall thickness, It is recommended to use 2x6 walls if you are going to have 10' ceilings. 2x4 wall are not as strong when you have taller walls. I am also in the process of building a house and I am opting for the 2x6 exterior wall because I like the idea of having a little stronger house and more insulation as well. My ceiling is going to be 9' tall as well.

Also 2x6 walls give you more insulation behind your outlet boxes - essential in the colder climates, nice to have elsewhere no doubt.

~paul