New Guy Introduction

RainDog · October 19, 2009, 12:02:18 PM

I'm in NE Oklahoma, and plan on starting construction of a house soon outside of Tahlequah along the lines of the 20x30 one story cottage, expanded to 20x44. Wanted to introduce myself, as I've been lurking here for some time and thought it was time to join in.

I've got a little residential construction experience from back when I was younger (48 now), did a extensive structural and cosmetic renovation of an earthquake damaged stucco home in Berkeley, CA about ten years back, but mostly have been working offshore, so I've got considerable holes in my knowledge of home building.

One quick question... why are there so few of you building on slab foundations? This is probably a really dumb question, but at least illustrates my incomplete understanding of residential construction.

Looking forward to joining y'all's discussions, both to ask questions and to hopefully contribute as well.

Have a great day,
Parks

ScottA · October 19, 2009, 12:18:51 PM

Raindog. I'm also in NE OK north of you a little near Salina. I think the reason most don't do slabs is the fact that they can't do it themself and the cost. Pier and beam is cheaper to build and most owner builder can do the work themselves.

October 19, 2009, 01:15:23 PM

Quote from: ScottA on October 19, 2009, 12:18:51 PM
Raindog. I'm also in NE OK north of you a little near Salina. I think the reason most don't do slabs is the fact that they can't do it themself and the cost. Pier and beam is cheaper to build and most owner builder can do the work themselves.

Thanks for the welcome, Scott. I'm a big fan of yours. Your project has been the primary driver in my decision to build. I'm in the process of selling a property that I co-own with my brother here in Tahlequah, and am looking at some property outside of Kansas, OK at the Illinois River Ranch, who my wife does the books for.

What I've got in mind is, as I mentioned before, a 20x44 one story with a reasonably low pitched roof. Sort of a cross between the projects I've seen here and those Noble Homes I'm sure you've seen on the web.

Anyway, thanks again. We'll probably cross paths, if we haven't already, at one of the local big box stores. I'm the guy with the puzzled expression.

Talk to you soon, I'm sure.

Parks

MountainDon · October 19, 2009, 04:54:25 PM

Quote from: RainDog on October 19, 2009, 12:02:18 PM

One quick question... why are there so few of you building on slab foundations? This is probably a really dumb question, but at least illustrates my incomplete understanding of residential construction.

We built our cabin on piers as there was absolutely no possibility of getting a concrete transit mixer up the last mile or two of road. Also the amount of winter snow was better served with a raised floor.

On the other hand our in the suburbs home is on a slab and once we got used to not having a basememt like back home it was fine.

Bobmarlon · October 19, 2009, 08:27:27 PM

Building on piers was very cost effective and easy thats why we did it.

October 19, 2009, 08:49:06 PM

Thanks, MountainDon & Bobmarlon. I wouldn't anticipate access problems for a truck, but "cost effective and easy" sounds like it's right up my alley.

I'm going into this on a shoestring budget, so keeping costs down will be as much a concern of mine as anything.

Take care,
Parks

RainDog · October 19, 2009, 09:46:25 PM

Oh, ScottA? I don't know if you'll see this post, but if so may I ask what your approximate costs so far on your fantastic 16x26 build are to date?

The reason I ask is that I'm using your project vicariously to loosely help in budgeting my own, as I figure that I'll be putting in all the labor myself, as you did.

Thanks a lot,
Parks

Bobmarlon · October 22, 2009, 01:08:15 AM

our cabin is a 16 X 26 and we our at about 4000 with Foundation, Framing, Building paper, Doors and Windows. Some extra costs not included were the purchase of a generator and random tools we didnt have. We hope to have 5000 to be dried in which were close to and 5000 for finishing and plumbing.

Another benefit to not having a cement truck come is if your not a pro and you make a stupid mistake you dont have to pay by the hour for it.

ScottA · October 22, 2009, 07:20:32 AM

QuoteOh, ScottA? I don't know if you'll see this post, but if so may I ask what your approximate costs so far on your fantastic 16x26 build are to date?

The reason I ask is that I'm using your project vicariously to loosely help in budgeting my own, as I figure that I'll be putting in all the labor myself, as you did.

Thanks a lot,
Parks

I didn't add it up lately but it's around 12,500 for the cabin and I've spent another 6500 so far on utilities(water, power, septic). Add to that the cost of the land.

October 22, 2009, 07:40:59 AM

That's so encouraging. You've obviously got a good deal more building knowledge and experience than I do, but I like to pretend I'm a fast learner. So... if I could possibly complete my build for just under twice that, with about the same utility install costs, I might POSSIBLY make it.

Thanks, things look brighter every day with the help of this forum.

Parks

ScottA · October 22, 2009, 08:05:06 AM

QuoteSo... if I could possibly complete my build for just under twice that, with about the same utility install costs, I might POSSIBLY make it.

Keep in mind I'm not finished yet. I expect to spend another 3500 or so plus appliances.

RainDog · October 22, 2009, 08:26:37 AM

Well, that added info sure didn't make the birds stop singing for me, Scott.

The skies turn black and bruised when I start hearing figures like that for the framing alone, though.

Seeya,
Parks

RainDog · October 22, 2009, 12:34:54 PM

Building on piers, eh?

I just got done talking to a local company about a slab for my build. The price he gave me (roughly 8 bucks per sq ft) wasn't terrible in and of itself, but it sure lowers my margin of error for other cost overruns, and gives me second thoughts. Looks like I'll be considering piers, or perhaps building up instead of out as I'd been planning.

Y'know, I don't think I've ever lived in a house that wasn't either build over a basement or on a slab. For some reason I find the pier foundation scheme kind of daunting, though I'd be hard pressed to tell you why.

Talk to y'all again in a bit,
Parks

ScottA · October 22, 2009, 03:57:25 PM

Is that for a rasied slab or slab on grade? Slab on grade is a bad deal around here cause you'll have termites and water damage if you are not real careful with building your pad. The floor should be a minimum of 6" above the ground and 18" is better.

October 22, 2009, 05:04:20 PM

That was for a slab on grade, yes. It sure is good to know about the potential for damage at lower heights. Looks like it's going to be post and beam after all, unless something completely unanticipated comes up.

I look around the town and I see that everyone, nearly, has built on either post and beam or raised slab, and now you've explained why. I learn something new every single time I open this site up. Invaluable.

I've been resisting post and beam for a while, primarily because I was looking forward to the acid stained floor treatment, but waking up and smelling the coffee is a good thing.

Well... 'cept early Sunday morning.

I've needed a concrete (sorry) reason to accept piers, and you've graciously provided it. Thank you.

Until next time,
Parks

glenn kangiser · October 23, 2009, 09:07:39 AM

You could still use concrete as your final finished floor. They did that in some apartments I am contracted on. Maybe you could even use the India light duty concrete floor with Jute reinforcement if you feel like experimenting. It is only 1/2 to 3/4 thick. I am working on one now at my place and have done several here before.

RainDog · October 23, 2009, 09:34:32 AM

Interesting you should say that. As you were typing that out I was searching on the forum and the web for just such a possibility.

I don't really understand it right now, though. Looks to be one of those think-about-it-later things.

I do hate to give up the concrete floor. Love that look and acid staining concrete is very DIY and inexpensive, if that appearance floats your boat. I mean... except for the concrete part.

Another pot of coffee is in order. Can't get out of low gear this morning.

Parks