Building a Dream House and Modern Shop on a Budget

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Framing the Workshop
   • Assembly of Walls
   • Building the Roof
   • Anchoring the Walls
   • Installing Joists and Sheathing
   • Adding Hardware and Strapping
3. Designing the Dream House
   • Hiring a Framing Crew
   • Constructing Exterior Walls
   • Installing the Second Floor
   • Applying Subfloor Adhesive
   • Shearing the Lower Walls
4. Roofing and Finishing Touches
   • Setting Trusses and Sheathing
   • Straightening Walls and Shaving Headers
   • Installing Unique Staircase
   • Dealing with Unexpected Budget Overruns
   • Saving Money with DIY Labor

Framing a Modern House: From Workshop to Dream Home

Building a house is an exciting but challenging endeavor, especially when it comes to framing. In this article, we will take You through the step-by-step process of framing a modern house, starting with the workshop and eventually transitioning to the main residence. We will discuss the techniques and considerations involved in assembling walls, constructing roofs, anchoring structures, installing joists and sheathing, and adding essential hardware. Additionally, we will touch on the design choices that make this house unique, the challenges of budget management, and the role of DIY labor in saving costs. So, let's dive in and explore the fascinating Journey of framing a modern house!

Framing the Workshop

Assembly of Walls

The first step in framing the workshop is assembling the walls. To save costs, the homeowners decided to do some of the labor themselves, with one of them having prior experience as a professional Framer. The walls were constructed flat on the slab, with precise measurements for window and door openings. Once the walls were fully framed, including the necessary load-bearing beams for large spans, they were stood up and attached to the stem wall.

Building the Roof

To achieve a sleek, contemporary look, the workshop's roof was designed with a single sloped mono pitch. Instead of using trusses, engineered TJI joists were employed. These joists were installed with hangers to ensure an even overhang on the sides and back. With the help of a forklift and careful maneuvering, the joists were lifted into place. Temporary bracing was added to secure the joists before moving on to the shearing process.

Anchoring the Walls

To ensure structural stability, the walls needed to be anchored to the concrete stem foundation. Screw anchors, specifically Simpson Strong Tie Tighten HD anchors, were chosen for this purpose. These post-installed anchors were drilled into the bottom plate and then attached to the stem using an impact wrench. Additional temporary braces were added to support the walls during this step.

Installing Joists and Sheathing

With the walls anchored, it was time to install the remaining joists and sheathing. The framing crew carefully squared up the walls and ensured everything was plumb. Half-inch OSB sheathing was then added to all the exterior walls, providing further rigidity. Moving to the roof, the homeowners climbed up to sheet the roof, using the necessary safety precautions. The low slope pitch of the roof made this task more manageable and safer for the DIY builders.

Adding Hardware and Strapping

To strengthen the overall structure, hardware and strapping were installed. STHD-Struct I hold downs were used to Create a robust connection between the concrete foundation and the wooden walls. H2.5 hurricane ties were placed at the intersections of the walls and Ceiling joists for added stability. In addition, straps were added above the garage door openings. These measures ensured that the workshop could withstand potential high winds and external forces.

Designing the Dream House

After successfully framing the workshop, Attention turned to the main house. While a framing crew was initially delayed in their arrival, the homeowners decided to proceed with framing the house themselves. However, due to the unique design of the house with taller interior walls, the exterior walls were initially set aside to make room for the larger sections.

Hiring a Framing Crew

Despite their best efforts, the homeowners recognized the need for additional help to efficiently tackle the house framing. They eventually hired a professional framing crew to speed up the process and provide expertise in handling the tall and complex walls of the interior. Although this decision added extra costs, it was deemed necessary to ensure the project stayed on track.

Constructing Exterior Walls

With the framing crew on board, the construction of the exterior walls began. Following the conventional approach, the crew focused on setting the exterior walls first. However, due to the design of the house, the interior walls were actually taller, necessitating their construction after the exterior walls. This strategic sequencing allowed for smoother progression and facilitated the installation of the taller walls later on.

Installing the Second Floor

The house design included a second floor that extended over the kitchen and dining room area. This crucial space required careful framing to ensure stability and minimize noise transfer. The framers applied DAP DynaGrip subfloor adhesive to the tops of the floor joists before placing the one and 1/8-inch thick sheets of decking. To further reduce noise, quick-drive screws were used instead of nails for securing the subfloor.

Shearing the Lower Walls

To strengthen the structure and provide lateral stability, the lower walls were sheared. This involved connecting multiple panels with plywood or OSB, forming a rigid assembly. The choice of material and proper installation techniques ensured that the structure could resist seismic and wind loads, enhancing its overall durability and safety.

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