IMO (if you can afford it) the extra cost of high ceilings are well worth it. Maybe not the most 'efficient' way to design a home, but high ceilings can make even a small home feel like a palace.
My wife and I are currently about half way through a new build and are self contracting. I think your advice is spot on. Thanks for sharing your years of hard earned experience and wisdom.
My hubby and I built our own home. The only contractors we used were for the foundation, rough in plumbing, and sheetrock. My husband built the quarter dawn oak cabinets. We did a double walk-in tile shower and laid all the floor tile. We have solid red oak floors. Wrap around porch. Vaulted ceiling in the living area with 14 ft walls (best decision in the design ever) We did the electrical and finish plumbing and did the roofing. We did the framing (2X6), the roof trusses we had made by a company and delivered. Board and batten siding from the trees that were cut to clear the building site. Granite countertops. High end appliances. Pocket doors throughout. We had duct less HVAC installed. 3 years of work. Our cost $80 sq ft. What it boils down to is that labor costs a lot in the price of a home. If you can do a lot of the work yourself, you can really save.
Great comment. I agree with you 100%. It takes more time, though. I felt warm and excited with every word you wrote. More Americans need to experience this.
Big congratulations to you and your family.... May your new home bring many years of happiness..... Did you by any chance video the progress? I'm sure we would all learn if you can share...... Thank you. If you need help with the technology part of it then let me know.... Will get you set up and the files uploaded for the world to appreciate.....no charge....... Especially since countless of people will learn from your experience..... For decades to come
I'm retired now but I was a builder for over 50 years. This is a VERY good video with tons of solid advice! You own choice of exterior finishes and ultimately 'the look' are hard to deny to save money. No one wants to live in the 'tract' homes of the fifties. The materials used in creating the exterior walls can also be a factor which he addresses to some extent. Good video overall.
As soon as I heard ICF I was sold. I've been doing a lot of research into those and although they do cost a bit more they do save a lot of labor and eliminate some contractors and from close up onward are saving money. Live within your means and think about the value you are passing on and can charge for to the next owner. Research is your friend and is time well spent. Knowledge is critical from bottom to top. Thank you so much for sharing Keith.
That is a helpful way of thinking about it. You didn’t talk about the plumbing and electrical contractors that also contribute to the cost of that wall area. Maybe that’s less an expense per square foot though and more about how many switches and outlets you’re getting. Hempcrete would be a material that eliminates several contractors in this wall building- no painting, no insulation, no exterior or interior cladding required
True on the framing side, not so on the gable end for DIY labor that suddenly needs scaffolding to install siding and soffit/fascia. What is hard for one sub is easier and less cost for others. It’s hard to see all in context. But I do understand your point well. Thanks.
I've always used subs just for the stuff that didn't make sense for me to do. I've typically found that Insulation subs are almost free. If I compare the cost of what I can buy insulation for, compared to what they charge for it installed, it's a pretty minor difference.
Hi ✋my husband has a SIP business in East TX. We are on the verge of building our home and will be using the Structural Insulated Panels for our walls interior and exterior throughout.
I'm building 9' on both floors- but living room will be bumped up to 12' because no second floor above it- just roofing that extends over the back porch. I will use 2x6 on exterior- trying to find support on finishing out windows using a 2x6 frame- I know about jamb extensions- but want to see differences in finishing out windows compared to 2x4 exterior.
Glad someone referred me to your content! You obviously know what you're talking about and are willing to do something about it (looking for new ways to make things better using new technologies). Too many builders don't know or if they do are stuck in status quo.
Thanks for the trust. See howtobuildyourownhome.com for more info. I have a twelve-lesson course for free with videos to come, right now just PDF downloads. I also have mentoring programs for owner builders. A lot of general contractors should take theses courses. My builder site is at kelschconstruction.com.
We are in Florida. We just hire the termite, electrical, our friend that owns air conditioning company. Other ourselves. Plus remove & additional culvert pipes It costed us $57k Even upgraded all our appliances Now we are doing our swimming pool That will cost us $18k We we are saving tons of $$ and paid off . No mortgage payment
I've done painting and a bit of plastering now I'm planning on doing my apprenticeship in brick and blocklaying hopefully when i get qualified i would have saved enough to build my own home either way it should be a lot cheaper if do the plastering brick and painting work myself
The foundation for my 3200 dq ft house plus 4 car garage cost me $80,000. Don't forget electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and cabinetry. All of those trades are very expensive labor. If you are building a house or even having a custom home builder do it for you, start with a very large pile of money. We burned through $100,000 before we even closed on the mortgage.
@@robertfrapples2472 Yes $7 for a 2x4 and up to $15 for a 2x6. it is stupid expensive right now. It will get worse when the spring building season starts.
Where I live I can do it all without inspectors. The only thing that had to be certified was the septic. I’m just finishing a duplex living in a completed half. Nothing is cheap. I did double stud walls with R40 foam. Things I contracted out were foundation and drywall.
I had the same reaction initially, until I understood that the point of the video was to introduce the notion of ‘vertical’ structural costs vs ‘linear’ square footage. As an owner-builder, I too overlooked both the financial and the practical implications of building a structure with 12 foot ceilings. I could have easily achieved the same expansive feeling with 10 foot ceilings at a much lower cost. I would have also reduced off cuts and construction waste, again all of which come out of the budget = my pockets. Thanks for the informative video! Please keep them coming.
I am struggling a little with how the use of the foam insulated studs can eliminate an insulation contractor.. or did I hear that wrong? All those do is provide a thermal break in the stud itself. You still need to apply insulations between the studs, right? I think a better option would be to go with a product like the Zip insulated R-sheathing.
Until Tstudds get into the market for greater adoption, they are a limited technology. The thermal break is part of an insulation factor but they do not entirely replace the insulation sub.
That was my thought too. Many custom homes are built on an acreage. In addition to buying a lot you may need to run underground electric, natural gas, drill a well, filter the water, negotiate easements with neighbors, build a driveway, build up a pad that's geo-engineered and properly compacted, build retaining walls, septic, landscaping, etc. Not cheap.
Building lots are insanely expensive and hard to find right now and if you can find a lot in most cases you are committed to use the builder/ developer which is like a monopoly. This makes it hard for an owner builder
Perhaps a low-wall, spread-out building with lots of roof is cheaper to build, but a taller (two-story) with less roof is cheaper to heat and cool and will have a smaller footprint (thus a cheaper foundation/cellar slab). It'd be interesting to see how many years' of lower heating bills in the taller home would recoup the extra cost of construction.
If you go ICF. you eliminate more. The Concrete contractor can do the foundation, the walls and it is already insulated. Much faster build and better cost efficient as per heating and cooling plus other incentives.
So you're saying a rambler (10 ft ceiling) with attic trusses and maybe a wall-out basement VS a 2 story with mono roof with walk out basement? (With ICF exterior)
SIPs are the best eliminators of contractors for the house envelope. They come with interior and exterior OSB and insulation, eliminating the framers (for the most part), and insulators.
The hard part is finding a crew that knows how to install them. There are a lot of great technologies out there but fewer skill sets able to employ them.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome I'm sure that's true. However, with the pre cut SIP panels, the skill sets appear to be roughly knowing how to attach the sill plate to the foundation, correctly applying foam into spline joints, installing opening headers, and following the fastener schedule. From my research reading spec manuals from SIP manufacturers, they are the simplest form of envelope construction there is. The manufacturer sends all the fasteners, seals, and moisture barrier materials needed. Lots of people are DIY'ing them for that reason. A 3 person team that has basic construction skills plus a good crane operator seems to be all that's needed. Properly supervised, of course. By the way, your channel is a MASSIVE value add to me, in my research in how to become an owner builder. Can't thank you enough for what you do.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome I am thinking of going with hempcrete blocks but as of yet it seems it may be too expensive and ICF is already up there cost wise, so imagine what hempcrete costs. At least with that you aren't supposed to need Tyvek, but you will use lime/sand/concrete tender.
That number is a moving target. I get asked a lot. Take the first steps course at Howtobuildyourownhome.com. It's the only way to find out real costs in your area.
Is it fair to deduce that with going with a post and beam and sip panels. Sip panels help reduce number of contractors involved in handiling thia type of project via framer,insulator, interior osb and exterior osb. In essence material cost would outway multiple contractors. Martin - Texas
Is there a reference to budgeting costs? Such as 5 percent for building plans, 5 percent for foundations, 5 percent for insulation, 6 percent for framing wood etc....?
How does using T-Studs eliminate an insulator contractor? Leave the wall cavities empty? What T-Studs can provide is the elimination of exterior insulation, which is primarily used to address wall stud thermal transfer. Window quality is also a consideration. Cheap windows can save a lot on that cost for a home but you get what you pay for.
you have forgotten two or three other contractors, Exterior painting contractor, Finish, woodworker, window and door installer and trim. Have to also consider your Electrical contractor.
I am about to build an ADU in California an I am trying to find people to help me with the construction. Some contractors say I can't let you do your moulding on your own because you might ruin the electrical or plumbing, or my flooring
You can mange the whole thing on your own. I have many students buildings homes and ADU additions as owner builders in Calif. See howtobuildyourownhome.com for help.
Just putting things into perspective as you did is fantastic. Of course there are other things one may add or different markets etc. But to look at it as a series of contractors for a given spot is invaluable. Thanks for opening up my eyes!
Another point about hip roofs is FAR better wind resistance. After a lifetime along the coast I think any house within 80(?) miles of Atlantic or Gulf Coast should have hip roof. Gable ends are nothing but big "sails" waiting for hurricane wind to topple.
if possible, could you have someone chalk draw this out, or chalkboard draw out the differences, so that people can see the differences between the 5 contractors for the wall and the 2 contractors for the roof. I also think people should realize that insurance and overhead are part of the 5 subcontractors, and the savings possible for having fewer contractors. Thanks for making this video- It is clear and helps see where the big costs come from.
Thanks for the comment. Believe it or not, many general contractors disagree with me, I guess it dismantles the mystery of their profession. I do not think there is a mystery any more.
Hello. I'm an architectural designer in PA. I am looking to help my clients figure out cost comparisons of technology to consolidate several layers or systems into one as you spoke of with the insulated stud walls. I was wondering what is the best way to compare the cost of these systems to conventional construction methods and is there a dramatic difference in cost between conventional framing and california framing?
That’s a good point on avoiding gable ends. Having just completed the exterior of a house with gable ends - it does add effort and time to the build. The extra height requires a lot of ladder and scaffolding work and therefore reduces safety. The siding for the upper gable has to be cut at an angle and it complicated the installation of the rain screen/Cor-a-Vent. The eave walls were relatively easy - working lower down also the siding is cut square. The hop roof adds a little bit more complexity - there are four ridges rather than one, however the drop off on all sides is lower and safer. Flashing details are the same all around.
@@patrickmelson4745 A hip roof will cost more than a gable roof as there will be four ridge lines. vs one on the gable. However rooting labor < rainscreen/exterior insulation/siding labor costs. Also those diagonal cuts on roofing shingles are dead easy compared to siding cuts which all have to be put through a miter saw. Probably a bigger factor in roofing costs than hip/gable is the number of architectural features in the roofline (dormers for example) and number of penetrations and skylights.
Exactly right. I see way too many of these videos talking about "building your own home" when they really mean be your own General Contractor and hire everything done. I'm currently building my own home for the 3rd time and have only hired what I had to due to new electrical codes prohibiting the owner doing the work. When I tell people how little I have into it they think I'm lying. Labor costs add up in a hurry.
2 years ago I built my sons hse for 60.00 a sq ft. Upscale ,oak floors, hickory cabinets w granite,premium vinyl siding, we still have to rock the foundation. This was before lumber prices got crazy. I did all the carpentry work on the inside,hung doors,oak floors,trimmed out,etc. I have a friend contractor that dried the structure in for me. What I couldn't do,I hired subs myself for elec,plumbing,hvac,and to install insulation, I want to build one more house for myself, but lumber prices and Biden have me scared to do anything. Hope prices for mail drop nxt summer or fall.
It may not be as much of a cost difference as a time and labor difference. With a hip roof, there is no scaffolding on the gabble end to install siding, and this a great if the home is a single level. Plus the roofing cost is always less than siding costs. So, if the framing is more, you make up for it in other areas where there is less cost. This is very hard to see in numbers, but as a builder I can see it in overall efficiency.
I have experience in rough in and finish carpentry and have build homes in past. Percentage wise owe much do you think I can save. Planning on hiring roof singles or tin , plumbing, electric , concrete slap and heating and air. Any thoughts.?
By eliminating the GC fee, that is a huge amount already, anywhere from 10-23%. I would suggest taking the First Steps course at howtobuildyourownhome.com, It will help a lot.
Why is it in America the carpenters job has been broken up into so many sub trades..in new Zealand and builder/carpenter does exactly that..they build your house...framing ,cladding/siding,roof trusses etc,finish work,I get that if ya do one thing all the time ya get quicker,but then same goes if ya do the lot all the time,ya get quicker at all of it,but having one trade broken down Into so many sub trades ya end up with so called carpenters that can’t even install trim properly because all they do is frame 🤦♂️makes no sense,
The biggest costs people don't take into account is the operating and maintenance costs. If you have a poorly insulated home with cheap exterior materials, you will have much higher utility bills plus you will be replacing your windows and siding at some point. Use high quality exterior materials and lifetime shingles on your roof along with excellent insulation. It will pay for itself each and every day.
OK, Great points. Several questions.. I see that Hip roofing is actually MORE expensive to install (odd geometries and such) than you seem to suggest? Next, Did you mention window contractors.. that IS an expensive item! Last, I'm not sure that you make a convincing case about 8 vs 10 ft (I get 12 ft, makes sense..), so is there a way to be able to estimate this difference? Great point on the 2x6 substitutions.. though I don't see how that eliminates a insulation contractor. Thanks for at least bringing the idea to my attention. We would like to build soon..
Hip roofs are more in labor but you make up for it by not have a gable end with scaffolding to reach the height on the exterior. I am still looking for the world class window contractor at better pricing. Correct on the insulation. I need to redo this video, it's an old one.
What a house is worth and what it cost to build are mostly unrelated. Too many people over-build for the area, especially when renovating. I looked at a house once where the owners wanted 150% of what houses in the neighborhood were selling for because they overspent on cabinets and flooring. Needless to say they wound up having to eat those costs.
It is pure metal with no thermal break in the walls, which means you still need to frame the inside and insulate. I am not a fan. I would rather build with new technology than be forced to create a living space in a narrow hall.
Have you had any new construction experience with the T-stud system? I know you mentioned in this clip that the product wasn’t available in your area at the time of recording…
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome that’s what I’m noticing. Seems to be catering to the higher end builders and architects. Ironically, I can source in Northern VA and have found that the cost is about 6-10% more than traditional framing lumber. The cool thing I’m noticing though is the additional cost is partially offset by the reduced amount of waste one would normally get from bowed/broken/damaged framing lumber. Cool stuff. I also love the fact you can get it without insulation, do all your electrical, plumbing and other supply runs, and then spray foam overtop everything; ensuring an air tight wall.
Not a fan of SIPS. They have been around d for a while but still have not taken a huge market. Labor requires knowledge, even if easy to install there are not enough who know how to install them.
The drywaller will cost you about double. ICF walls are never completely straight. Wait until you pay the electrician too. SIP panels are much straighter and better insulated.
IMO (if you can afford it) the extra cost of high ceilings are well worth it. Maybe not the most 'efficient' way to design a home, but high ceilings can make even a small home feel like a palace.
Very true.
Igree my home ceiling catedral 17feets high that feeling is amazing
And more windows. I saw a very impressive bus that felt open on that account.
As a real estate agent in California, I can tell you that you'll get back the cost AND THEN SOME when you sell a home with high ceilings.
@@sidewalkhomes4936 Is 10 feet not high enough?
My wife and I are currently about half way through a new build and are self contracting. I think your advice is spot on. Thanks for sharing your years of hard earned experience and wisdom.
Thanks for the support.
Good for you guys! Thats awesome!
My hubby and I built our own home. The only contractors we used were for the foundation, rough in plumbing, and sheetrock. My husband built the quarter dawn oak cabinets. We did a double walk-in tile shower and laid all the floor tile. We have solid red oak floors. Wrap around porch. Vaulted ceiling in the living area with 14 ft walls (best decision in the design ever) We did the electrical and finish plumbing and did the roofing. We did the framing (2X6), the roof trusses we had made by a company and delivered. Board and batten siding from the trees that were cut to clear the building site. Granite countertops. High end appliances. Pocket doors throughout. We had duct less HVAC installed. 3 years of work. Our cost $80 sq ft.
What it boils down to is that labor costs a lot in the price of a home. If you can do a lot of the work yourself, you can really save.
Great comment. I agree with you 100%. It takes more time, though. I felt warm and excited with every word you wrote. More Americans need to experience this.
Thats impressive!!! How much did you save on the kitchen?
That is amazing! I'd love to build my own house. Not sure I have all those trade skill though.
Big congratulations to you and your family.... May your new home bring many years of happiness..... Did you by any chance video the progress? I'm sure we would all learn if you can share...... Thank you.
If you need help with the technology part of it then let me know.... Will get you set up and the files uploaded for the world to appreciate.....no charge....... Especially since countless of people will learn from your experience..... For decades to come
Congrats!!
I'm retired now but I was a builder for over 50 years. This is a VERY good video with tons of solid advice! You own choice of exterior finishes and ultimately 'the look' are hard to deny to save money. No one wants to live in the 'tract' homes of the fifties. The materials used in creating the exterior walls can also be a factor which he addresses to some extent. Good video overall.
Good point. Thanks
As soon as I heard ICF I was sold. I've been doing a lot of research into those and although they do cost a bit more they do save a lot of labor and eliminate some contractors and from close up onward are saving money. Live within your means and think about the value you are passing on and can charge for to the next owner.
Research is your friend and is time well spent. Knowledge is critical from bottom to top.
Thank you so much for sharing Keith.
Glad to help. I will keep it up.
ICF is the way.
That is a helpful way of thinking about it. You didn’t talk about the plumbing and electrical contractors that also contribute to the cost of that wall area. Maybe that’s less an expense per square foot though and more about how many switches and outlets you’re getting.
Hempcrete would be a material that eliminates several contractors in this wall building- no painting, no insulation, no exterior or interior cladding required
Great point!
Hip roofs costs more, framing roofing.
It's easier to vent with gable roofs ( bath vents, stove vents)
Hip roofs waste a lot of material.
True on the framing side, not so on the gable end for DIY labor that suddenly needs scaffolding to install siding and soffit/fascia. What is hard for one sub is easier and less cost for others. It’s hard to see all in context. But I do understand your point well. Thanks.
A good product to build the shell of the home is ICF - Insulated Concrete Forms. Works especially well in colder climates
I've always used subs just for the stuff that didn't make sense for me to do. I've typically found that Insulation subs are almost free. If I compare the cost of what I can buy insulation for, compared to what they charge for it installed, it's a pretty minor difference.
You get it, insulation labor is almost free and too often many try to save here and not in a more logical place.
Hi ✋my husband has a SIP business in East TX. We are on the verge of building our home and will be using the Structural Insulated Panels for our walls interior and exterior throughout.
That's cool
I'm building 9' on both floors- but living room will be bumped up to 12' because no second floor above it- just roofing that extends over the back porch. I will use 2x6 on exterior- trying to find support on finishing out windows using a 2x6 frame- I know about jamb extensions- but want to see differences in finishing out windows compared to 2x4 exterior.
Exterior finish on windows is always not well planned. Doing some advanced tricks on a build now with 1.5 inches of exterior insulation.
Glad someone referred me to your content! You obviously know what you're talking about and are willing to do something about it (looking for new ways to make things better using new technologies). Too many builders don't know or if they do are stuck in status quo.
Thanks for the trust. See howtobuildyourownhome.com for more info. I have a twelve-lesson course for free with videos to come, right now just PDF downloads. I also have mentoring programs for owner builders. A lot of general contractors should take theses courses. My builder site is at kelschconstruction.com.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome I was not able to see the free 12 lesson course. Has that morphed into the First Steps course?
We are in Florida. We just hire the termite, electrical, our friend that owns air conditioning company.
Other ourselves. Plus remove & additional culvert pipes
It costed us $57k
Even upgraded all our appliances
Now we are doing our swimming pool
That will cost us $18k
We we are saving tons of $$ and paid off . No mortgage payment
In the words of Bill and Ted, most excellent.
Wow. Congrats!
Thank you for your information. I have a large log home built with Canadian hemlocks. Trying to heat and cool this home is an absolute nightmare.
My pleasure. Thanks for your comment and being a part of the channel.
I've done painting and a bit of plastering now I'm planning on doing my apprenticeship in brick and blocklaying hopefully when i get qualified i would have saved enough to build my own home either way it should be a lot cheaper if do the plastering brick and painting work myself
you have a really impressive channel, this is all very helpful information. I hadn’t considered the issues with costs for gabble roofs before this
I’m looking to build my home next year. I already have the lot; I’m gonna need some advice.
Got to howtobuildyourownhome.com for a system to help you. I would take the first course.
The foundation for my 3200 dq ft house plus 4 car garage cost me $80,000. Don't forget electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and cabinetry. All of those trades are very expensive labor. If you are building a house or even having a custom home builder do it for you, start with a very large pile of money. We burned through $100,000 before we even closed on the mortgage.
I like that phrase "large pillow of money."
2021- The real cost is sky high lumber prices.
Haven't they gotten OBSCENE since COVID?
@@robertfrapples2472 Yes $7 for a 2x4 and up to $15 for a 2x6. it is stupid expensive right now. It will get worse when the spring building season starts.
No, zoning laws and labor (not to mention architects fees) eat up the majority.
@@FANGSTALKERNINJAMASTER99 Yikes!
ICF for the win!
Good tip about increasing roof area and decreasing wall area.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank God I can do everything myself or with a hired family member, 5th gen builder here
I waould love the information on that option to 2x6.
I wanted to go crazy on ceiling height too but this made me reconsider.
Glad to help.
Where I live I can do it all without inspectors. The only thing that had to be certified was the septic. I’m just finishing a duplex living in a completed half. Nothing is cheap. I did double stud walls with R40 foam. Things I contracted out were foundation and drywall.
Great. You are lucky to live in a less restricted area.
I had the same reaction initially, until I understood that the point of the video was to introduce the notion of ‘vertical’ structural costs vs ‘linear’ square footage. As an owner-builder, I too overlooked both the financial and the practical implications of building a structure with 12 foot ceilings. I could have easily achieved the same expansive feeling with 10 foot ceilings at a much lower cost. I would have also reduced off cuts and construction waste, again all of which come out of the budget = my pockets. Thanks for the informative video! Please keep them coming.
Thanks. I will keep it up.
I just did a quick search of local suppliers and no one has 10' drywall. I assume it's due to the pandemic.
Thank you, what is the new insulation technology you mentioned in this video? Thanks, JR
It is the rockwool product.
I am struggling a little with how the use of the foam insulated studs can eliminate an insulation contractor.. or did I hear that wrong? All those do is provide a thermal break in the stud itself. You still need to apply insulations between the studs, right? I think a better option would be to go with a product like the Zip insulated R-sheathing.
Until Tstudds get into the market for greater adoption, they are a limited technology. The thermal break is part of an insulation factor but they do not entirely replace the insulation sub.
The complete thermal blanket of zip is better.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome What is your opinion of SIPs compared to traditional construction methods?
Very usual info!! What is that framing you showed called? Any thoughts on Cross-Laminated Timber? Could that replace sheetrock & interior paint? TIA!
It could replace it but will it have a solid seal to keep out air flow.
The real real cost in building is the building lot in a good location.
That was my thought too. Many custom homes are built on an acreage. In addition to buying a lot you may need to run underground electric, natural gas, drill a well, filter the water, negotiate easements with neighbors, build a driveway, build up a pad that's geo-engineered and properly compacted, build retaining walls, septic, landscaping, etc. Not cheap.
Very true. When you add the cost of the lot to the home, the sq ft price jumps substantially in a lot of areas. .
Building lots are insanely expensive and hard to find right now and if you can find a lot in most cases you are committed to use the builder/ developer which is like a monopoly. This makes it hard for an owner builder
I'm interested in the options for walls that you ve found that are available on the east coast.
I will keep this in mind. Thanks for the suggestion.
I've built a single family home with just me the one contractor. took a little while but got it done
Excellent
👌👌
Good for you! I can't believe how few people have any sort of construction skills these days. A little sweat can save a LOT of cash!
I’m interested in the new tech wood. Thanks
Research tstudds online.
I would add electrical and plumbing could be in that wall layer. SIPS could reduce the contractor number...
True, I would like to see SIPS with rockwool and not rigid foam. It is being worked on by another manufacturer.
Thanks for the video, very insightful.
Try to build more of a square than a rectangle if possible. You get more square footage per perimeter wall.
Yes and less hallways and less wasted space.
May I plz have more info on that new framing technology
Search engine Tstuds to find out more. They are mostly back east.
Perhaps a low-wall, spread-out building with lots of roof is cheaper to build, but a taller (two-story) with less roof is cheaper to heat and cool and will have a smaller footprint (thus a cheaper foundation/cellar slab). It'd be interesting to see how many years' of lower heating bills in the taller home would recoup the extra cost of construction.
Interesting question I will keep in my pocket. Thanks
If you go ICF. you eliminate more. The Concrete contractor can do the foundation, the walls and it is already insulated. Much faster build and better cost efficient as per heating and cooling plus other incentives.
Possibly, I prefer SIPS over ICF, but then again it all depends on if you have access to labor for one over the other.
He neglected to include the electrician and plumber inside those walls.
Those were my thoughts exactly!
I did not add them because they are not part of the structural separation, but yes they are added costs.
Well electricians are cheaper in walls than through foundation or ceiling
We also have to add the pest control distribution tubes on the walls
Those insulated pieces are called T-studs, by the way. Not sure why he was unable to same what they were
thanks for the comment, yes I forgot the name, that is an old video just getting started.
Please share where to buy the insulated framing on the house.
There are all kinds of thermal wraps for a new home. Research exterior insulation and you will see a lot of info out there.
So you're saying a rambler (10 ft ceiling) with attic trusses and maybe a wall-out basement VS a 2 story with mono roof with walk out basement? (With ICF exterior)
Sounds about right. Use the roof system to incorporate a room.
Do you have any sites I could visit that shows new technology, insulation, framing etc…
In the fall
SIPs are the best eliminators of contractors for the house envelope. They come with interior and exterior OSB and insulation, eliminating the framers (for the most part), and insulators.
The hard part is finding a crew that knows how to install them. There are a lot of great technologies out there but fewer skill sets able to employ them.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome I'm sure that's true. However, with the pre cut SIP panels, the skill sets appear to be roughly knowing how to attach the sill plate to the foundation, correctly applying foam into spline joints, installing opening headers, and following the fastener schedule. From my research reading spec manuals from SIP manufacturers, they are the simplest form of envelope construction there is. The manufacturer sends all the fasteners, seals, and moisture barrier materials needed. Lots of people are DIY'ing them for that reason. A 3 person team that has basic construction skills plus a good crane operator seems to be all that's needed. Properly supervised, of course. By the way, your channel is a MASSIVE value add to me, in my research in how to become an owner builder. Can't thank you enough for what you do.
What about ICF walled build for outside fascia? What are some alternatives for that?
I have not found anything I like that fixes to the wall like I want. ICF is not a technology I like.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome I am thinking of going with hempcrete blocks but as of yet it seems it may be too expensive and ICF is already up there cost wise, so imagine what hempcrete costs. At least with that you aren't supposed to need Tyvek, but you will use lime/sand/concrete tender.
GREAT advice! Thank you.
glad to help. I will keep it up
Whats the ballpark price per sqft to self build an average "starter" home. Size would be around 1000-1200 sqft. Thanks for the videos
That number is a moving target. I get asked a lot. Take the first steps course at Howtobuildyourownhome.com. It's the only way to find out real costs in your area.
This confirms my thoughts about the potential cost savings of Rammed Earth walls. Thought?
I'm interested in the framing with insulating you mentioned. Can it be used in a hot humid climate like south mississippi? Also where can I find it
There is a link in the description below the video I belief. I would push to make sure your wall assembly can breath in your climate.
Very well put.
Is it fair to deduce that with going with a post and beam and sip panels. Sip panels help reduce number of contractors involved in handiling thia type of project via framer,insulator, interior osb and exterior osb. In essence material cost would outway multiple contractors. Martin - Texas
Possible, but the real issue is finding the skills or labor to install. In some areas it is more well known, in others not at all.
Is there a reference to budgeting costs? Such as 5 percent for building plans, 5 percent for foundations, 5 percent for insulation, 6 percent for framing wood etc....?
Not really. There are too many variables in each area to nail this down, however you can do it once you have a full line item budget.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome ty
How does using T-Studs eliminate an insulator contractor? Leave the wall cavities empty? What T-Studs can provide is the elimination of exterior insulation, which is primarily used to address wall stud thermal transfer. Window quality is also a consideration. Cheap windows can save a lot on that cost for a home but you get what you pay for.
I does not, it just ads a thermal break that regular studs do not offer.
What is cheapest or best to use for the exterior finish??
Would stucco be the most expensive? What is a better alternative instead of using stucco??
I need to talk about this more. I get asked at least several times a week.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome please discuss this 👍
you have forgotten two or three other contractors, Exterior painting contractor, Finish, woodworker, window and door installer and trim. Have to also consider your Electrical contractor.
It can range up and down in numbers based on the material selection. Framers install the windows in my area so I count windows with framers.
you don eliminate insulation sub with those walls-they still have to do the roof/attic and probably the basement foundation insulation
Correct, but insulation is the least labor intensive and the lowest cost sub-contractor.
The engineered 2X6 was actually designed to conduct less heat in order to save on cooling and heating cost.
Plus 2X6 homes rattle less when doors shut. Just something I have noticed after building both.
I am about to build an ADU in California an I am trying to find people to help me with the construction. Some contractors say I can't let you do your moulding on your own because you might ruin the electrical or plumbing, or my flooring
You can mange the whole thing on your own. I have many students buildings homes and ADU additions as owner builders in Calif. See howtobuildyourownhome.com for help.
Do you recommend natural wool used as insulation?
No. Wood is actually a terrible insulator.
Just putting things into perspective as you did is fantastic. Of course there are other things one may add or different markets etc. But to look at it as a series of contractors for a given spot is invaluable. Thanks for opening up my eyes!
Glad to help. I will keep it up.
Another point about hip roofs is FAR better wind resistance.
After a lifetime along the coast I think any house within 80(?) miles of Atlantic or Gulf Coast should have hip roof. Gable ends are nothing but big "sails" waiting for hurricane wind to topple.
That's a good point.
Roof/ceiling has insulation, gypsum, taping and painting, too
Hip roof less maintenance
Sounds like a-frames should be cheaper to build by cutting on work on walls and increasing roof surface at the same time. Am I right?
I would always choose more roof over more exterior wall. Although I do not like the look, an A frame is actually not a bad design for affordability.
Is there any modular companies who can do an add on to your current home by following plans and building at a factory to lowering costs?
I do not know of modular manufactures for add ons. That is an interesting question.
Is that possible to build walls with reinforced concrete and bricks instead of wood?
Yes, many commercial buildings are built that way. I would not recommend it for homes.
I’d love to know where to acquire the wood with built in insulation!
These are T-studs, but I'm not sure where they are available. You might be able to find out on their website.
if possible, could you have someone chalk draw this out, or chalkboard draw out the differences, so that people can see the differences between the 5 contractors for the wall and the 2 contractors for the roof. I also think people should realize that insurance and overhead are part of the 5 subcontractors, and the savings possible for having fewer contractors.
Thanks for making this video- It is clear and helps see where the big costs come from.
Thanks for the comment. Believe it or not, many general contractors disagree with me, I guess it dismantles the mystery of their profession. I do not think there is a mystery any more.
Excellent, easy to understand concept. Build your own tiny home and you can eliminate, oh, say 10 subcontractors!?
Hello. I'm an architectural designer in PA. I am looking to help my clients figure out cost comparisons of technology to consolidate several layers or systems into one as you spoke of with the insulated stud walls. I was wondering what is the best way to compare the cost of these systems to conventional construction methods and is there a dramatic difference in cost between conventional framing and california framing?
what is your opinion on "the perfect block"?
I am still wavering.
So on the cross section of the wall you have
1. Framers
2. Siding
3. Insulation
4. Drywall
5. Paint
Yes. I would add tape and texture on drywall as that is often a separate crew.
He didn't mention the electrician and possibly the plumber
That’s a good point on avoiding gable ends. Having just completed the exterior of a house with gable ends - it does add effort and time to the build. The extra height requires a lot of ladder and scaffolding work and therefore reduces safety. The siding for the upper gable has to be cut at an angle and it complicated the installation of the rain screen/Cor-a-Vent. The eave walls were relatively easy - working lower down also the siding is cut square.
The hop roof adds a little bit more complexity - there are four ridges rather than one, however the drop off on all sides is lower and safer. Flashing details are the same all around.
Yup. You go it. Thanks for the comment.
You save on the gable end siding. But the roof cost extra right?
@@patrickmelson4745 A hip roof will cost more than a gable roof as there will be four ridge lines. vs one on the gable. However rooting labor < rainscreen/exterior insulation/siding labor costs. Also those diagonal cuts on roofing shingles are dead easy compared to siding cuts which all have to be put through a miter saw.
Probably a bigger factor in roofing costs than hip/gable is the number of architectural features in the roofline (dormers for example) and number of penetrations and skylights.
Also hip roofs are more resilient against hurricanes/ tornados than gable roofs
@@lostlakeOR Very true...
Learn and build it yourself, one step at a time. Save bundles.
Exactly right. I see way too many of these videos talking about "building your own home" when they really mean be your own General Contractor and hire everything done. I'm currently building my own home for the 3rd time and have only hired what I had to due to new electrical codes prohibiting the owner doing the work. When I tell people how little I have into it they think I'm lying. Labor costs add up in a hurry.
@@darinvee4980 with the price of Wire, wood, and PVC, you have to build your own haha. Material cost is up so much right now.
@@darinvee4980 whats your projected cost per SQFT?
May I have more info on the framing?
What would you like to know?
Going to build in about a year on a lot that I already own. I appreciate your info.
Glad to help. See howtobuildyourownhome.com for more help if you need.
Thanks for the video..will the budget sheet and other forms from your self management course work on an iPad?
If you can open Microsoft office products like Excel and Word yes, and there are a lot of PDF files as well.
Please provide information about composite walls. Thank you.
2 years ago I built my sons hse for 60.00 a sq ft. Upscale ,oak floors, hickory cabinets w granite,premium vinyl siding, we still have to rock the foundation. This was before lumber prices got crazy. I did all the carpentry work on the inside,hung doors,oak floors,trimmed out,etc. I have a friend contractor that dried the structure in for me. What I couldn't do,I hired subs myself for elec,plumbing,hvac,and to install insulation, I want to build one more house for myself, but lumber prices and Biden have me scared to do anything. Hope prices for mail drop nxt summer or fall.
Be patient the right time to build for you will come.
Do some of the work yourself. Such as insulation. Some of the easier wiring. Installing windows. Appliances. Painting.
👍👍👍
I would like to see the cost comparison of a hip roof and a gable roof on a house to see the total cost difference
It may not be as much of a cost difference as a time and labor difference. With a hip roof, there is no scaffolding on the gabble end to install siding, and this a great if the home is a single level. Plus the roofing cost is always less than siding costs. So, if the framing is more, you make up for it in other areas where there is less cost. This is very hard to see in numbers, but as a builder I can see it in overall efficiency.
You are taking my thoughts and opinions, and you are putting them into words!!!!! haha I love this video
Great. I will keep it up.
Liked and subscribed. Good stuff, thanks.
Thanks. I will keep it up.
Same on the wood technology. I'm in Florida
I hired the well drilled, and the water run into the house. I WAS the sub who did everything else. I was the true 'owner builder'.
That’s excellent
Can you explain it with visuals? I don’t get the roof savings
It all has to do with layers, I roof has three layers, a wall has a lot more layers. The more layers, the greater the cost.
Helpful information! Thanks
I've found Hvac,plumbing,elec to be more expensive in ny srea
How can i reduce cost on building made of natural stone
I would need for info to answer that. It is a new build or an existing structure with natural stone?
I have experience in rough in and finish carpentry and have build homes in past. Percentage wise owe much do you think I can save. Planning on hiring roof singles or tin , plumbing, electric , concrete slap and heating and air. Any thoughts.?
By eliminating the GC fee, that is a huge amount already, anywhere from 10-23%. I would suggest taking the First Steps course at howtobuildyourownhome.com, It will help a lot.
Why is it in America the carpenters job has been broken up into so many sub trades..in new Zealand and builder/carpenter does exactly that..they build your house...framing ,cladding/siding,roof trusses etc,finish work,I get that if ya do one thing all the time ya get quicker,but then same goes if ya do the lot all the time,ya get quicker at all of it,but having one trade broken down Into so many sub trades ya end up with so called carpenters that can’t even install trim properly because all they do is frame 🤦♂️makes no sense,
true, the carpenter used to be the full service skill, we will get back to that in time, especially with economic constraints heading our way.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome I enjoyed your video..thanks for sharing your time!
The biggest costs people don't take into account is the operating and maintenance costs. If you have a poorly insulated home with cheap exterior materials, you will have much higher utility bills plus you will be replacing your windows and siding at some point. Use high quality exterior materials and lifetime shingles on your roof along with excellent insulation. It will pay for itself each and every day.
Singing my song. Thanks
OK, Great points. Several questions.. I see that Hip roofing is actually MORE expensive to install (odd geometries and such) than you seem to suggest? Next, Did you mention window contractors.. that IS an expensive item! Last, I'm not sure that you make a convincing case about 8 vs 10 ft (I get 12 ft, makes sense..), so is there a way to be able to estimate this difference? Great point on the 2x6 substitutions.. though I don't see how that eliminates a insulation contractor. Thanks for at least bringing the idea to my attention. We would like to build soon..
Hip roofs are more in labor but you make up for it by not have a gable end with scaffolding to reach the height on the exterior.
I am still looking for the world class window contractor at better pricing.
Correct on the insulation.
I need to redo this video, it's an old one.
I can do the foundation myself. I'm a concrete finisher by trade. That's a huge savings.
That's great. Best of luck.
What a house is worth and what it cost to build are mostly unrelated. Too many people over-build for the area, especially when renovating. I looked at a house once where the owners wanted 150% of what houses in the neighborhood were selling for because they overspent on cabinets and flooring. Needless to say they wound up having to eat those costs.
Very true.
What do you think about shipping container homes…as far as cost?
It is pure metal with no thermal break in the walls, which means you still need to frame the inside and insulate. I am not a fan. I would rather build with new technology than be forced to create a living space in a narrow hall.
They should be melted down and made into I beams and metal studs.
Have you had any new construction experience with the T-stud system? I know you mentioned in this clip that the product wasn’t available in your area at the time of recording…
No experience as of yet. It may take a while for it to move in a lot of areas.
@@HowToBuildYourOwnHome that’s what I’m noticing. Seems to be catering to the higher end builders and architects. Ironically, I can source in Northern VA and have found that the cost is about 6-10% more than traditional framing lumber. The cool thing I’m noticing though is the additional cost is partially offset by the reduced amount of waste one would normally get from bowed/broken/damaged framing lumber. Cool stuff. I also love the fact you can get it without insulation, do all your electrical, plumbing and other supply runs, and then spray foam overtop everything; ensuring an air tight wall.
Pls I’m interested to give me more information
what about SIP for walls? structural insulated panels for walls. labor cost is much lower i am told..
Not a fan of SIPS. They have been around d for a while but still have not taken a huge market. Labor requires knowledge, even if easy to install there are not enough who know how to install them.
Going to build ICF home ticks a lot of the boxes on eliminating trades and with the price of lumber skyrocketing I think it makes a lot of sense,
The drywaller will cost you about double. ICF walls are never completely straight. Wait until you pay the electrician too. SIP panels are much straighter and better insulated.
Gerald makes a good point, which is why I have stayed away from ICF.