Dumb question about materials choices

[cronenwett]

Hi all,
I've been lurking here for a while, and hopefully will be building next year (Victoria's cottage, or maybe the 20x30).  I love the support forum, it's what convinced me I could do this.

Anyway, my basic question is this:
How do you know what material to use where?  Is it marked on the plan, or will there be standards from the planning department?  I was trying to figure out what the Victoria's cottage might cost, and discovered there are 9 kinds of sheathing at Home Depot, in all sorts of thicknesses, styles and prices.   Is there a book that tells you where you need 5/8 sheetrock for fire protection (I assume most walls and ceilings) and where you can use something cheaper (built in closets if the wall behind the closet is 5/8 )?

I'm sure I'll have lots of questions when I actually buy plans and land, but right now I'm wondering if I need to start buying books and making up a self-study course.  

Thanks,
Liz

[John Raabe]

Go here: http://www.countryplans.com/books.html and get the first two books. This will give you a great deal of information on some of the questions you will have.

The plans will call out many of the specific materials but in a generic way that satisfies the inspector but lets you find the best local option. For instance the plans call for "1/2" structural sheathing" on the outside of the studs. There are many products that meet that standard and you should take your plans to the lumber yard and discuss your options and trade offs. Some builders will use OSB some plywood, some suppliers have 1/2" sheathing that is thinner than 1/2" but still meets local code for structural use.

Also, when your plans come back from the plan checker there will be local specs that they will add to the plans that will help determine some of these items as well.

[glenn kangiser]

Hi Liz,

Thanks for the kind words.  Now maybe John won't kick us out

The plans should tell the basics but many times there are options available - your choices as to which things - paneling -sheetrock etc you want to use.

Firewalls are usually required where occupancy changes such as house and attached garage.  

I sure others will have more to add.  Here is a link to a framing manual you can print out and study.

http://www.awc.org/pdf/WCD1-300.pdf

and a plan reading book link

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486421562/countryplans.com

[cronenwett]

Thanks guys.  I'm glad to know there is some guidance on the plans themselves, and I'll spend this winter reading up.  I also learned something new...I've been using 5/8 sheetrock while doing renovations on my current house...now I'm going to drop down to something cheaper!

Liz

[hobbiest]

Lids (drywaller speak for cielings) usually need to be 5/8 for firecode.