The recent post on the Huf Haus got me thinking a lot about my own building techniques. Then seeing Kregs encouraging post to share i figured i would post up.
I am constantly trying to become more efficient and streamlined in my building. Always looking for ways to build with less manpower, less wast and less resources. I think 24" on center and advanced framing should be the norm not the exception. Ceiling strapping and occasionally floor joists are the only 16" centers i use. Building my own house out of pocket on a ridiculously small budget really got me to start thinking outside the box. I could not afford to hire help and could only rely on the occasional help from a friend on the weekend. My solution was to build the house in stages. I built a temporary roof system that could be removed and replaced when i had time and money to work on it. Most of the house was build in components or sections laying flat in the driveway. When i was ready to go up a story i would have a crane come, remove the temp roof, spend a day setting the premade walls then replace the roof. It took me two years and three visits from the crane.
I think this technique has its place in some circumstances. Prefabricating components for time sensitive projects (large additions, dormers to existing homes) could really change the scope of a project for a homeowner. Just be darn sure you are well planed and have your measurements right. I am however not yet convinced that i could build a new construction home in pieces on site and assemble it faster than i could conventionally frame it.
Here is a video i made of the assembly of my roof system. After building the walls and cutting all the parts days before it took a friend and i six hours with the help of a crane to put it together and sheath one side.
I am constantly trying to become more efficient and streamlined in my building. Always looking for ways to build with less manpower, less wast and less resources. I think 24" on center and advanced framing should be the norm not the exception. Ceiling strapping and occasionally floor joists are the only 16" centers i use. Building my own house out of pocket on a ridiculously small budget really got me to start thinking outside the box. I could not afford to hire help and could only rely on the occasional help from a friend on the weekend. My solution was to build the house in stages. I built a temporary roof system that could be removed and replaced when i had time and money to work on it. Most of the house was build in components or sections laying flat in the driveway. When i was ready to go up a story i would have a crane come, remove the temp roof, spend a day setting the premade walls then replace the roof. It took me two years and three visits from the crane.
I think this technique has its place in some circumstances. Prefabricating components for time sensitive projects (large additions, dormers to existing homes) could really change the scope of a project for a homeowner. Just be darn sure you are well planed and have your measurements right. I am however not yet convinced that i could build a new construction home in pieces on site and assemble it faster than i could conventionally frame it.
Here is a video i made of the assembly of my roof system. After building the walls and cutting all the parts days before it took a friend and i six hours with the help of a crane to put it together and sheath one side.
