Construction Techniques

I had planned to side the upper windows with Gavalume, but due to the success of the staining of my exterior beams and planks, I decided to do cedar siding at front and back doors. Everyone says I should do more, but I’m happy with the balance.
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It was difficult finding the right stove to fit in the corner of my living room by the patio window. I asked advice from quite a few people and decided on a stove that quite frankly looks “pretty.” It has a very nice fire through the glass, but doesn’t burn as long as I hoped. […]
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The sun room was an inspiration after my niece visited and sat in the sun where I had planned to put a window. Of course this sun room only gets sun during the summer but you can see the stars at night all year round.
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I put 30 tons of gravel and dirt up on the roof. Seems like a lot, but the roof is very strong. It feels like ground up there. Eventually, I hope to have a garden on the roof and grow potatoes, tomatoes, what not.  
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It was a frustrating ordeal buying doors, not only figuring out door design, but also dealing with suppliers. It was probably the toughest time I had trying to get quotes. I settled on a local supplier and was happy with the final product. But putting them in was lots of fun, as usual. And painting […]
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I poured the concrete floor in 25 sections. Five section per room and hallway. The concrete mix is about 4000 PSI and it’s heavily rebarred. After 8 months, no cracking whatsoever. I only wish I would’ve kept it wet longer. Concrete likes a little bit of moisture as it cures. The longer you keep it […]
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I decided on a 200 amp service and a big panel to give myself options when installing outlets. Installing an electric panel seems to be a scary proposition, but it’s really quite satisfying. When you turn on power for the first time, it really is electric.
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I used R20 insulation for the floor, as well as R10 up the sides to keep the walls from creating a thermal bridge and sucking out heat from electric floor heating. The insulation has a high compression rating at 40 PSI.
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It took me a few months to get all the windows in. I had to figure out a good flashing design and although waterproof, wasn’t exactly pretty. Nevertheless, no leaks and performing great.
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I had quite a bit of advice on how to frame for the upper windows and lower. In the end, I did it my own way. Obstacles I had to overcome were complicated by Rammed Earth Walls a 1/2 inch or so out of line due to shifting of forms while compacting. I had to […]
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