20x45 1 1/2 Story Home-TX

drbuilder · July 23, 2013, 04:06:29 PM

Austin,

My decisions have been influenced by my understanding of sound building practices, my skills and comfort levels, and costs (in that order). I did not initially choose the full 2 story because I wanted a less challenging project. While I wanted to build the 1 ½ story balloon framed, I was always concerned about having to build a 12/12 roof, and gusseted rafter ties (I did not want to order trusses), just to get half the headroom and living space that I wanted. After advice from Don P, I realized that a platform framed 1 ½ story with 6ft side walls, would give me what I wanted: more space, lower pitched roof, and standard rafter ties. I realized that I could have gone to the full 2 story making the walls taller, rafter ties longer, weight heavier, cost higher, etc. To accommodate the extra weight and height, I would have had to add more piers or even considered the perimeter block foundation. Above all, I believe I have the best of both designs. The overall size of the house gives us more than enough living space, and storage and attic space.

dablack · July 24, 2013, 07:15:41 AM

Outstanding explanation. I appreciate you explaining your thought process.

thanks
Austin

July 25, 2013, 10:15:12 AM

I did my upstairs with a 6ft side wall used trusses...........turned out so awsome we moved the main living quarters upstairs !

drbuilder · July 30, 2013, 12:25:43 PM

UK4X4, my point exactly! We were also pleasantly surprised with the space available with 6ft side walls.

drbuilder · February 05, 2014, 08:48:49 PM

An update:

After a much needed rest I got back to work, and a lot of work it was! Since my last post in 2013, I completed a long list of things that included adding a 14x22 addition off the back of the home, installed more windows, boxed in the eaves, and nailed up the wood siding. We are now in the process of enclosing the front porch. Check out the pics below.

February 13, 2014, 08:22:17 AM

Looks really sharp. Can't wait to see it finished.

What made you decide to enclose the front porch?

drbuilder · February 17, 2014, 12:09:15 PM

Thanks Austin for the kind words. We are very close to moving in. Below are the reasons for the enclosed porch in the order of importance:

1) My beautiful wife wanted it
2) Texas-size mosquitoes
3) Texas' blistering heat
4) More living space

drbuilder · April 21, 2014, 11:13:42 PM

Everything is moving along nicely. Framing is complete.

dablack · April 23, 2014, 07:27:58 AM

Looks great. I know you are ready to move to the next phase. Are you doing to be doing plumbing next?

April 23, 2014, 03:53:27 PM

Austin,

I actually completed the plumbing, and water a few months ago. I will post a picture or two regarding it later. I am currently working on the electricity and will have it inspected in the next few weeks. My septic will be installed this weekend. So things are really moving along.

dablack · April 24, 2014, 07:29:58 AM

Thats great! Well you are close to sheetrock then. Are you going to have it done or DIY? What about flooring? We need to SEE whats going on!

drbuilder · June 11, 2014, 02:02:26 PM

Our house is becoming a home. The septic is now installed and our master bedroom and bath is mostly complete. So we moved in a few weeks ago. I am now caulking and painting the house. I have done and will do all of the work myself (except the septic, of course). I have learned along this journey to take my time and invest in the right tools when working alone. For example, I purchased a drywall lift that makes drywalling very easy for one person. Attached are a couple pics of the DWV installation. I found it to be more challenging than electricity given the infinite design possibilities, though it is a lot less dangerous. The bad news is that the tax man found us!

dablack · June 13, 2014, 07:36:10 AM

Nice work. I know you are glad to be in there.

Is it an aerobic septic system?

So what is left to complete? Paint?

Also, whats going on with that fence? Do you have animals?

Austin

drbuilder · June 14, 2014, 12:18:44 PM

Quote from: dablack on June 13, 2014, 07:36:10 AM

1) Is it an aerobic septic system?

2) So what is left to complete? Paint?

3) Also, whats going on with that fence? Do you have animals?

1) Yes
2) All I have left to do on the outside are painting, window trimming, and skirting.
3) Just keeping out unwanted animals.

August 14, 2014, 03:27:37 PM

Update:

The skirting is complete. I used 1/2 inch exterior plywood supported every 4 feet. Vents were also added on all four sides. I am still completing the painting. Above all, we love the new look.

astidham · August 14, 2014, 04:15:34 PM

very nice!