My barn build

[ac2520]

The barn looks great. I'd be interested in hearing about the house too since we are about to embark on our modest build and welcome all ideas

 

[scgargoyle]

The house is small (1400 sq ft) but very well built and energy efficient. I built it with ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) for both the basement and main floor. I can link you to a couple of build threads I posted on other forums if you're interested. I did most of the work myself, only hiring out excavation, concrete, and drywall. I did everything else single-handed, including framing, roofing, flooring plumbing, electric, HVAC, and cabinets. No, I'm not in the business; I did a lot of research, as many of these things I had never done before!

 

[ac2520]

Sounds very interesting. I would definitely be interested in seeing the links to the build threads. The ICF route sounds like you have a very quiet, strong and termite 'proof' structure. Looking forward to seeing those links. Thanks!

P.S. I PM'ed you my email address

 

[MGH PA]

First thing I said to myself when I saw your home was "That's mushcreek's place from Houzz!" Haha, small world. Great looking place!

 

[scgargoyle]

Here's a link to my build thread on another site. BTW- it's a good site for those planning to build small structures.

33 X 43 ICF home in South Carolina

 

[EddieWalker]

Thanks for the link!!! I've never done ICF's, so it's interesting to see it done. I've also never seen a sheetrock lift like yours. That's genius!!!!

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Love the house build, thanks for sharing the link. That's the kind of house I'd like for retirement, small, simple, well built, energy efficient.

Looks like the first floor deck sits on a concrete ledge from the basement wall. Is the basement wall thicker than the first floor walls?

 

[ac2520]

Thanks for the link. Very impressive build. I like it a lot!

 

[coralhead]

Looking at your thread, what did you use for your deck railing panels? Is that cattle/hog panels?

 

[scgargoyle]

Sorry it took so long to answer- been away. The basement is 8" ICF; the main floor 6", so there is a 2" ledge, although it is just foam. The ledger sits about 3" above the step, and is bolted to the wall with J-bolts set in the concrete during the pour. That little gap gives me room to run wiring down from upstairs behind the ledger.

Yes, the deck rail has goat panels with 4" wire spacing, courtesy of TSC. They are strong, and don't block your view like wood balusters.

My home made drywall lift worked well. I wasn't about to buy one for a small job, and I already have an engine hoist.