Off grid senior solo wall framing for 16x40 cabin
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 เม.ย. 2024
- It's hard to believe it but the walls are going up!
For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is:
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
Please note: With large products Amazon will mention they cant deliver to me but that is not correct. They will fill the order anyway and any deliveries go to the main post office nearby!
Some folks choose paypal for support.
ibwonet1@gmail.com
For those who want to contact me:
affordabledesertliving@gmail.com
Thanks for watching!
Just think how satisfying it will be to live in a house you built from the ground up by yourself!
Yeah Chris I am stunned by this amazing opportunity.
As a tiny woman who built her own house, I appreciate your work and how hard it can be to get a framed wall module up. Braces and clamps are your friends when working alone. Nice work.
No question Pam. Braces and clamps literally make my day.
Good job! Flip the braces to the inside when you lift the wall... you can temporarily screw them to the floor. Attach them to the second stud in ... so they don't get in the way of setting the wall section in place.
Good suggestion gunny. In the next video I take on a more practical and better (I think) way of doing it.
As usual Don ,I`m very impressed with the quality of your precision workmanship and I have to say that it`s an absolute joy to watch the whole process from beginning to end. Keep up the good work and before you know it you will have an oasis in the desert.
Thanks as always for your delightful encouragement Graeme!
"I hate Wheaties," he said. I laughed so hard! Nice to see Murphy on the job too. Your approach is straightforward and direct. This is really great video for me. I hope you have a great week of building. No rush. Slow and steady. Fine weather too. Thanks Don!
So delighted you enjoyed the video! Another one coming soon!
Absolutely incredible what you accomplish on your own, Don!
I am so, so happy to see the walls of your home going up.
I will be praying that God gives you a double dose of strength and intelligence to complete this project in a timely manner.
😃
Thanks for your kind encouragement and prayers Helene. It means a lot.
"We're gonna turn this into a success"...if I ever get a tattoo... lol. I really respect how you do so many things yourself, how you figure out how to get things done without much help, that's one of the biggest take-aways for me from all your projects.. It's definitely beginning to look like a house
You know garegardner6782 this was one of the most fun comments I read today. Thank you so much for posting it.
All the preparation you did prior to installing the floor seemed to take forever. It's so satisfying to see you making solid progress. I bet you feel the same way.
You're doing a great job!
Thanks Joonyer77. Yes I was getting pretty weary of just staring at floor foundation work for months! This is much more fun!
Congrats on your progress! You should take some of those cinderblocks laying around and make some steps up to your house platform.
Not on film but I actually did.
Only problem with the screws is they are more brittle than nails and can literally break under stress, I would come back and add some galvanized nails here and there, other than that Don you’re the man enjoying the progress.🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
Are you certain about this brand of screw. I used a lot of them a few years ago, so I guess I'll find out.
Structural screws are meant to replace nails--they're more expensive than regular screws, and sooo nice to work with. :)
The screws I used were indeed expensive. As for the screws being brittle etc. Check out this revealing vid. th-cam.com/video/qmajKElnwfE/w-d-xo.html
This is the classic tortoise and hare story. Moving along at a steady pace you always get your projects done right and probably better than the "pros" who rush through things. As for construction screws, might be a good idea on the wall end studs and corners, but they are costly at about $0.15 per screw. Nails might be 1/5 the cost and easier and quicker for most stud fastening. Each to their own, at least screws will hold the cabin down better if a twister strikes!
I love the control I get with screws. Any misalignments of the 2 pieces of wood = easily corrected when you are using screws.
Exactly the opposite, screws have no shear strength and will break off if a lateral load is applied. Nails will bend but still hold and are code for this reason.
Don, Greetings from Orillia Ontario! I am a little older than you but recently built a house and KNOW how HEAVY sections of 2 by 6 wall can be to lift. What I did was 1) Make a section with just the top and bottom plates and end studs. much like a box. Add one stud situated close to the middle, wherever the closest stud on 16" lands up. 2) Now, lift the section up by the middle stud and put it in place. With only the end studs and one middle stud, the wall section will be much lighter and easier on the body to lift. 3) Once in place, get on a ladder and nail or screw the remaining studs that you have already marked through the top plate. 4) Toenail the bottom of the studs into the bottom plate and you're done.
This technique was a game changer for me, that enables us older fellas to lift a wall section. I was able to lift 12 foot sections using this technique. Sections with window or door frames can be inserted once the wall is up in the same way. HOPE THIS HELPS as you erect all the walls.
I did that on my walls, too. I was warping my walls trying (unsuccessfully) to stand them up. It doesn't help that I'm old and short! But you can always figure out a way to get 'er done.
Great idea and many thanks for watching.
Stay tuned for more wall action coming up in a few days!
Super! I admire you greatly and can really appreciate your hard work and tenacity!
Very kind John. Many thanks.
Don, I am impress how you got the walls up by yourself and kept them in place until you could screw them down. I have one question when I watch professional builder’s put up their walls. They put a Layer of material between the floor and the frame material and a sealing for a couple of reason but one of reasons I remember they did it was to keep out air penetration, keep out the bugs and the critters and keep the moisture/weather out to avoid mold. You might want to look into that before you get too far? One builder in particular is Matt Risinger he got lots of TH-cam videos. He has bunch of videos on building science and best practices. He got a bunch on framing’s and keeping air tight seal, keeping bugs out and keeping moisture/weather out. I hope this helps. Good luck and keep it up.
Great points seaflower. So dry here that moisture in walls is rare for sure. Also what you are not privy too yet is that the whole structure will be spray foamed with open cell foam taking care of weather issues.
I am glad you’re keeping your home weather, moisture free and bug free. Enjoy your channel. Wish you most success.
Enjoy the videos. You inspire me. I'm 66 & am finishing a shed to house after clearing land in NW Alabama. You are doing a great job! One thing I'd do is mark your bottom & top plates at the same time, using a speed square, sitting right beside each other, (parallel/aligned). Less chance of misalaignment. I also agree w/ comment about having braces fold to the inside, temporarily screwed to blacks fastened to the floor, They will slide on the floor as you lift the wall and not get caught up on the dirt and bind you up. Keep up the good work & be safe.
Great point. I actually did just that. Aligned bottom & top plates. Check out the next video coming soon!
Enjoy seeing a youngster like yourself build his own house. Im a mear 78 and am envious of your skill
Thanks Elaine! Yes having a blast with this adventure.
Once again you prove that a person can do anything when they put their mind to it, Just remember to work safe. While you work alone.
Thanks Leprechaun. I do my best to make calculated safe moves. If it cant be done methodically and safely alone I get help. Stay tuned...
It's SO nice (and such an inspiration) to see you making such great progress Don! 🙂
Wow thanks so much for faithfully watching Michelle!
Fantastic progress, it's really taking shape !!
Super excited and thanks!
Hello Don, you've done such a great job, I admire you, and everything is looking so beautiful, your pond and birds are the most I love. Your're an example for many of us. I've seen all your videos and you're creating a great story. Hope to see you in a other video! Best wishes from México City.
Thanks for your lovely comments!
Hi Don, It's an amazing amount of work for a single man. It's looking great, exciting progress😊
Thanks Suzanne. Super fun.
Good job Don, I know the feeling. I built mine myself too and didn't want help. When I was done with my 1 1/2 story cabin in the woods, I did what I had dreamed of for years- I stood back aways and looked at what I built with my own 2 hands while I watched smoke come out of the stove pipe from my nice wood stove. Home sweet home.
Thanks for relating that Andy and thanks for watching.
I'm the same age as you Don and, I too like to build all my stuff on my own. People often ask how Ali am able to do what I do, they don't seem to understand that it is the challenge of working it all out and doing it that is the enjoyment. I have even built the crane to do the job, i could have gotten a crane in, but where's the fun in that!
Cheers from down under.
Wow your in another building league all together. Reminds me of my Dad who built his own 4 wheel drive vehicle right from the ground up.
Wow, the walls going up is very exciting!!! I was wondering how you were going to proceed with the support systems as you construct the wall. Very clever ideas Don, everything is looking fantastic! Looking forward to the progress, thanks for bringing us along too! 🥰 You're doing great!
Thanks ever so much for the encouragement Martha!
Bravo Don..more progress ! Everyday looking closer to a home 👍 Have to say this video was very entertaining.. your enthusiasm is infectious ! Take care my friend 😁
Glad you enjoyed it
I'm very excited too. It's always nice to see the results of work, but you don't always get that. Seeing the structure standing tall is something you can't miss. I look forward to seeing each new layer.
Great having you here and thanks for watching.
Way to go Don!!! All your planning is paying off.
thanks for that encouragement Peter.
So exciting! I love the way you think things through, so you can do it alone!
Thanks so much Marie!
Great job !! Keep it up just like you're doing !! Working alone is ALOT different build than with a crew . It's an art. For sure.
Yes I sure am not a fan of pressurized construction sites with some grumpy hard hat boss telling me what I did wrong and to hurry up etc. At this point the only boss is me which is so much more relaxing. After all it is my home and my construction adventure which is fantastic.
Navigating life’s challenges, Mark Twain!
Thanks for watching Jim.
I noticed one of your distant neighbor's places, looks like a big place with a water tank on stilts and a couple of big trees. Maybe yours will rival it! Thanks for taking me along!
Thanks for watching Richard!
Hot Digity Dog, Don, you are nipping it in the bud and pushing onward! Weather looks like it's cooperating too! Veteran Charlie. :-)
Yeah gale force winds have subsided which is a nice treat.
Just an idea..
The wall braces...with the walls standing
Get a degree...
Then while the wall is on the ground...
Go a few more degrees and tighten the bolts...
That way you shouldnt be fighting the supports...
maybe
Jim in the next video my methodology for this takes a radical change.
Bravo Don. Looks great.
However, l am a bit surprised you are not painting the studs😅.
Joking.
I have been following you for 3 years now. Possibly you will have a flushing potty by December, and a real kitchen, all dried inside.
I am happy for my ADL friend!
Cheers!
LOL at painting the studs. You know I actually thought about it to preserve the wood until the wall sheathing happens.
Oh man l was guessing you out lol, and was right but jokingly. Surely l have been wstching you a long time on youtube! If you have time wait, but past summer may be a good idea. 2 days and 2 gallons of paint or sealer.......
Amazing Don❗Love the progress, and for you taking the time to share with us. I am excited, wish I lived closer to give you hand, but I am female,,,,doesn't mean I can't help, just not as strong as guys😊 Look forward to your next video~🌵🌻 🦋
Thanks so much. Actually lots of off grid couples find that 2 pair of hands is invaluable. Also gals do great work on projects of all types I find.
Great job, there was no failure, all success ❤
Thanks Fred. Super happy with everything.
Don, great work. So good. Consider looking into 'California Corners' for the framing. You will need a nailing surface in the corners of the walls on the inside for what ever material you are going to use on the interior of the walls.
Thanks Dirk. I will be using drywall and will make sure there is adequate material to attach it to. Delighted you are watching and hope you are keeping well in your own section of the desert.
Hi Don, good work young man!
Thanks Rick. Havent seen you for a bit. Welcome back.
Glad you are making progress on your cabin.
Yep me as well!
Coming along nicely, by the time I get moved down to my property in just 3 quick approaching weeks you should have all the walls up. You really have inspired me to make my move to my property that much faster. Although I have chosen no to build right off the bat I still can't wait to get moved.
Exciting stuff David, all the best.
Looking great! Very exciting to see the framing going up.
Thanks so much! Super exciting for sure!
Thank you! I enjoyed your video. Its great to see how much you enjoy doing this build.
Thanks Heidi. Having a blast.
I love your energy! This is an amazing build ❤
Wow thanks Sophia!
Hi Don! We are finally getting started with the walls. Getting them up alone is not easy. I think you have chosen a good solution. Looking forward to the next episode of Wall Street.
"Wall street" LOL. thanks for watching Morten!
Look at you😊What a joy to watch
Thanks for the delightful comment.
Enjoyed the video and song. I was hopeful I could be out in Az to help you with the walls but I’m still sick with more doctor appointments. Perhaps after June I might be able to come lend a hand. I’m a pensioner too.
Sorry to hear that. Get well soon.
Nice work Don! It's really coming together. I hope you got some decent Canadian SPF lumber 😊
Thanks Mark! I think it was all shipped from Oregon and Douglas Fir but I went with decent quality stuff.
Good stuff Don …great effort on your own ..all the best from outback Western Australia 👍
Thanks John. Fond memories of WA and traveling to outback areas like Cue and Gibson Desert in 2008.
Cool Macgyverism...:) Good work, Don!
Thanks so much Lese3824.
Thank you for being such an inspiration to us younger men who might not be doing as much as you, but are striving to be the best we can. We are also in Cochise, and are busy building out a bunch of agro infrastructure (new water tanks, irrigation, a high tunnel, raised beds, corn fields, and more). God bless you sir!
God bless you as well.
Another way to do layout
Is put top and bottom plate to gather and mark both at the same time
Yep did that later.
Enjoy seeing your progress
👍👍👍👍
Enjoy having you here Jim.
Looking good... well done...
Many thanks.
Looking good brother.....
Thanks so much Dan!
Fabulous work, Don. 😎
Thank you kindly
Good progress Mr. Don. Babysteps in the right direction.
Yep bit by bit is how its done.
Just in case you haven't caught this yet... the cavities that are less than 16" OC, usually butt up against the side walls--if you want your sheathing to go on properly. Think of it this way, 10.5" + 5.5" (The width of a 2x6) = 16" OC.
If you decide not to take it down, you could run your sheathing horizontally instead of vertically, and not have to add studs--just trim a few of the sheets of plywood. And that could work fine!
Thanks for the close observation Cheryl.
Keep one eye on the weather report or wind. Good job!
Thanks, will do!
That is a lot of work, wow.
Yes indeed and fantastic learning experience.
Great job Don .
looks fantastic.
Thanks a ton Bernie!
Good job Don you got a lot done was explaining and the work
Yep making vids slows everything down but well worth it in the end.
Great job *DON*. I know you like doing things alone , but if you ever need help please let us know . I used to be in Oregon kinda hard to help, but I’m in McNeal now. Both of us can go over anytime. I also have a good size trailer in case you need something hauled from the store . Please keep the videos coming !
Thanks for the kind offer Oscar and all the best.
the problem with using screws in the wall studs is nails allow for better expansion. Youll probably have some creaking walls in cold weather and strong wind. might not notice it if you end up doing closed cell spray foam insulation
The old nails vs screws scenario lives on LOL. I will be doing open cell foam insulation in this case. Shouldnt be any creaking but we shall see.
Yeah!!!! Walls going up❤
Yes indeed!
looking great Don, glad you went with the 6" walls, you going to use rock wool for insulation?
Hi Mark, yes love 6" walls. Super sturdy and not that much more expensive for what you obtain in quality. Will be using open cell foam just like the little cabin.
Advanced framing techniques. Fewer framing members, lighter wall assy, less thermal bridging and larger wall cavities for insulation.
Makes sense William. That said I am experienced with the open cell spray foam I will be using and it does a stellar job even with thermal bridging issues. But.. I totally agree with you in rough colder climates especially you would want to avoid every bit of thermal bridging you could. So I definitely see your point.
Thanks Don.. I shared you today so my friends may enjoy. And I'll reference when I build.. Although walls aren't so much a problem for me. More so the foundation.. Floor structure
Wow so delighted you shared stuff from my channel. Cheers!
I would consider buying or using a good chop saw for these walls and much other future construction. It makes square faster assembly. ... option is to use the speed square as a guide ... next best thing...
Thanks for the suggestions.
It's impressive, what you're doing. It also makes me wonder about a society where someone isn't there to help make certain things much safer and easier. Just my way of saying I worry about you and hope you're not really as alone out there as you seem to be.
Thanks for your concern Jason. Actually I prefer to work alone, just like painting, sculpting etc. For dangerous work I will have support. Coming up soon in a new video.
We noticed you didn't frame any windows yet. Kudos on doing the construction yourself.
Definitely best to frame for windows instead of having to cut standing studs and then frame in the window openings later.
Want to do final decisions on their placement later.
Will do my best to make it work.
Hay Sparky, well done for 1st day framing.
Thanks so much Dave.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 very welcome
Great work. Can't wait to see more
More to come!
Good progress.
slow and steady my friend
Thanks Lee. Appreciate that.
Just a thought .
When running electrical wires or I'm thinking pex pipe in walls. There's a new , to me, special wire smart shield..
Home depot has them...
Instead of using nail plates
Great input Jim. Thanks so much.
You big smartie!!!!! Excellent job.
Smartie? Fun candy that I grew up on in Canada actually.
Screws aren't "code" for wall construction because they have no shear strength. It's probably never going to be a problem but nails are code for a reason, they bend without breaking. You could use SDWS Framing screws and meet code. I'd go through after your walls are up and toenail some nails into the studs for shear. Also, please use nails for the sheathing where shear is most important.
Fortunately I do not have to build to code with my permit. Also I have researched this a lot and many folks say that the old fashioned view that screws will break and not be useful is incorrect with todays screws. I love being able to adjust things easily with screws. The versatility is worth it as far as I am concerned. Thanks for watching.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 LOL, I'm a carpenter and have been for 27 years, you're wrong. I've seen screws snapped off from a board twisting in the sun. Not having to build to code is a ridiculous argument lazy people use.
@@meateater4life551 my understanding from research is that the simpson strong-tie screws I used are the exception and will hold up well. Thanks for watching.
Enjoying this immensely Don!!! You GOT THIS!!!
Wow that really warms the heart to hear that. New video coming out in a few days with even more updates!
When I first started watching, I too wondered why you didn't have an extra hand. But, after seeing many of your videos, I get it. Take care, my Dude!
Yep something so serene and mentally enriching for me about solo work.
The best way is always the way that works for you. Well Dun!
Thanks Geezer. Those cardinals and Tufted titmice in your forest must be singing nicely now.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 I Hear a lot of Birds but don't know one from the other, I can tell Squirrel and Crow about it.😇
Sure hope you get help doing the roof!!!!😊
Stay tuned Richard...!
Love it Don!
Thanks Judy!
"Come dancin'!" :-) I was surprised at your "barn raising" process: I think one props up as one goes, all on the same side at which one is standing on and lifting at. The braces on the other side can be put on afterward to keep things solid, but you can lift and set plumb all from your side, I would think... provided there's no wind, I s'pose! WALLS going up, congratulations, so happy for you!
Thanks so much Mareesa. Appreciate your observations and of course your kind interaction and support.
Your in inspiration to us all
How kind. Many thanks.
Good job, but don't get in such a hurry that you forget to pre-frame your doors and windows. It is much more difficult to frame windows and doors after the fact. I am also afan of Simpson Strong Ties but don't forget to add some screws and toenails because the screws do indeed shear off and proper nailing is a nice insurance policy. (It is very different than using screws for decks, where no nails are needed). Good use of physics and proper body mechanics. Remember to take a day off berween efforts because fatigue=clumsiness and clumsiness=injury. Baby that knee a little ;)...looking good
Great all around advice Sheridan. Thanks for your support!
Good to see you boss
Thanks for stopping by to watch Jim.
Great job!
Thanks Rhonda.
Look at you,so inspiring 😊
Thanks so much Louise.
Great job, brother! Looking good!
Thank you! Cheers!
I see a lot of walls going up, but no openings for windows.
Nope. Thats cause I want to make sure they are where they should be for best views, placement etc. Getting it sorted now actually. Doesnt create problems from an engineering perspective so I will add later.
thumbs up
Thank you Tom!
Good Stuff.
Thanks for watching Alex!
Another way of framing walls ... of raised foundations..
Stand on the ground ..easier on your body...
Screw a 2x4 on opposite side to push against...
Thanks Jim. I am too short for that and building is too far off the ground. Only 5'6" tall here.
I appreciate and enjoy your videos, but makes my head hurt sometimes watching your construction methods. I'm a retired 72 yr. old construction worker and have an off grid cabin in far west Texas recently completed. Not criticizing you because I've made many building errors and made necessary corrections and learned from them. Overall it is a passion to work on a project by your self for the most part and completely understand and satisfying. On the framing walls, we use to cut in 1"x4" wood sway braces from the low corner bottom plate to the top plate at 45 degrees before standing the walls as standard framing method, but surely metal banding used in building modular homes could also be used for wind bracing. Anyhow keep it up and making more videos.
Yes I always am aware that construction professionals are going to find these vids hair pulling. I should put a disclaimer at the beginning. Bring 2 buckets. One for popcorn, the other for all the hair the viewer will pull out.
Thanks!
Thanks for the thoughtful donation.
Don, screws lack sufficient shear load strength. Walls, are subjected to tremendous shear loads. ???
And only two screws on a 2x6 stud, yeah add some nails. Not bagging on Don, totally impressed.
Nope. Check out this video debunking that old time construction myth. th-cam.com/video/qmajKElnwfE/w-d-xo.html
All screws at 3.5 " long so I figured that would work. By the way it didnt get caught on film but confession time. I dumped a whole 8x8 section of wall off the end of the floor Ka-thrash onto the ground 2ft below. Not only did it not come apart it didnt even go out of alignment. I wrestled it back onto the floor deck and put it up like nothing happened LOL. What that told me is that screwing 2x6 together with those screws seemed like a winner.
As always the phrase " good enough for Government work" is not a part of your lexicon. You are a perfectionist and a craftsman. No house is build as perfect as you are doing. Some years ago I helped my next door neighbor build a shed with scraps from houses being built in our sub division. A house builder came by and measured the shed and it was so square that he was amazed. I also like that you built with 2by6's/ That will let you have more insulation!. Good job.
Thanks so much Jose. Love building this home.
Since the beginning of your channel, very video showed, You look lounger, healthier, an happier. What is your secrete.
Just really blessed Ken. Thats all I can tell you. That and living a dream I have had since a kid.
@@affordabledesertliving3487living your dream & keeping busy. If you just sit you get fat & dead in the head 😵💫😵💫
Much admiration to you Don💖👵🏻👩🌾❣️
❤❤❤
On my comment I forgot to add I hope you pulled from the outside of the 1st wall to lay out studs for the 2nd wall
Yep been there done that.