Getting close...added an 8' X 8' utility room on the back to eliminate putting the washer/dryer/water heater inside (gained 10% more floor space)...got 2 of the 3 doors on and all three windows in...finished trim, and will be starting on siding next couple days...wife is finalizing interior layout (not too many ways with only 640sf!) and narrowing down paint colors.
You are going to have a really nice place. Smart idea about the additional utility room. What sort of siding will go on the outside?
Wasn't totally convinced I could do it...but after making some mistakes on the shed, I learned. The process isn't all that hard, but there are a million little things that you encounter along the way!
We have the engineered siding...didn't want the hassle of the cement board stuff, lots of dust and very heavy.
Actually this is going to be our permanent home...even got our DLs changed and received our voter reg cards the other day!
Not bad for not being a carpenter, eh? I credit the knowledge to my Uncle and my late FIL (my Dad was never a handyman!)
A lot of people are going smaller. I don't see a need for a huge bedroom when most of the time you are sleeping and not seeing it; better to use that space elsewhere.. This house I am in does have a fairly big kitchen but Mum wanted the room when we all would gather at the holidays and such. There might be five or six people in the kitchen at a time working and it was nice not bumping into each other and pushing pass each other. Now it is just me and I would rather have the room somewhere else. There is also a good size breakfast table area beside the dinning table area; really, I don't need both but it was nice when there were huge crowds here as it meant less people having to use fold out tables in the lounge. Now it is just me. Of course you can always add on a room as needed later down the road.
The life we lead, we don't need to have a lot of room...I love to grill and we will spend most of our time outside. As for people coming over, we are 75 miles from our daughter..our son is in CT..other relatives are in Dallas and Boston/NE so we don't see them all that much. That being said, the long term plan is to build another cabin next to ours with a deck attaching them (with a hot tub!) so people can come and visit. And this fall I expect to spend ALOT of time in the woods..already identified 3 or 4 large oaks that need to come down...can't wait to be self sufficient with firewood, no more Craigslist surfing!
Started the siding today! We went with the engineered wood siding..about $7 per 12ft piece...got 103 to start, figured around 140 initially, so we will see how far we get, then get the balance. Anyone that is considering re-siding, you need to invest in the holder tool...I got the "Solo-Sider" brand and can't imagine doing it without them. Fully adjustable (reveal) and if you are not so square you can slowly adjust one side or the other to hide the mistake over 5 or 6 courses and you don't notice it. About $60 per set, but well worth it. Also put the door hardware on 2 of the 3 doors. First pic shows the tools on the siding on the saw horses.
Looks good but I'm sure you know that painting the window trim after the siding is up means a lot more work masking it.
That is going to look great. Do you caulk at the butts or is there some overlap thingy so water can't get in?
The window trim will be stained and sealed...paint, of course, will be latex and then stain for all trim. At least that's the plan..till the boss changes her mind!
All gaps will be caulked prior to painting...and there is housewrap behind that now to stop any water infiltration in the meantime. I tend to over-think everything!
Been back at it...got all the siding up and painted. Started on the cedar shake for the top of the sides...will be on both sides and along the very top of the front...wanted something to break up the look of siding. Next is the top of the front with plywood and non-opening windows for extra light..and then trim out with the cedar. Also my wife built and put up the walls for the bathroom...I'm pretty proud of her!
Nice job. It is nice having someone around to help. I am going to have to figure out how to lift a 200+ lb transmission onto a floor jack.
Can you get a transmission jack from one of the Auto parts stores, that have loan a tool? Do you know anyone that has a motorcycle lift you can borrow. Block each end up until you get it high enough Use leverage, pry bar, 2 x 4, 3" oak branch Not sure exactly what you're trying to do, if it's in the car or sitting on the floor
