installing wood floors for the parents

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The parents wanted me to install wood floors for their house. This was a new challenge for me since I have never done wood floors.Choose to install 3/4 inch by 4 rustic hickory found at Menards. So far it is looking pretty good. Purchased a Freeman nail gun for the floor. Was a little nervous because it was cheaper than the rest of them. I have to say it is holding up pretty good. Impressed so far and was half the price of other guns.

This is the link to the gun I used. It was a good deal at $159 so far.

 

Quartz counter tops

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I decided to save money by putting in Quartz counter tops in my parents house by my self. The general price in the ad seemed really reasonable at $30 per sq ft and was being sold at Mendard’s. What they never tell you is that there are multiple extra costs. There is a cost for the sink cut out, also a cost if you do not want to have extra seams at every corner, cost for seam glue for each seam, and costs for the templates they send you for sizes. Overall this was a horrible idea. By the time I was done with all the costs I could have hired a counter top place to do the work and take all the risk of it not fitting. I will NEVER do that again. All the work and worry over the counter tops saved me about $200 dollars… Not worth it!

Looking for land

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Went out looking for a lot this week. The lots that are in a good location always seem to get taken quickly by general contractors. I was hoping that I could score a walk out with a commons area in the back but these are looking like it is going to be difficult get. I really think for the resale I should get at least a walkout. hopefully this weekend I can lock down a location for this house building.

Thinking about energy cost

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Starting to plan out a few steps that need to be done for reducing my costs of energy. The first think I think that makes the most sense is to have 2×6 walls on the outside walls so that I have can have R-19 insulation. Also looking to put R-50 in the ceiling. With the insulation I am looking to seal all the can lights with the covers that look like small styrofoam coolers. More blog postings to come with the energy cost savings.

New project for the summer of 2014

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I am looking to start a new house this summer. I am currently looking for a building site. In the midwest we have the options for basements. So I am looking to get a walkout or daylight lot. It should be interesting since developers in this area are opening up multiple sections in my area. Usually more established general contractors get first choice of the good lots. I am looking for one with a commons area in the rear for privacy and seclusion.

home owner general contracting

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I get asked all the time about general contracting as a home owner. I am not currently a general contractor by trait, matter of fact I’m far from it. I also do not come from a construction background either. So general contracting for my last 3 houses was a learning experience. This blog is about understanding the building process for people not familar with construction. General contracting of your own house is very rewarding but can be very frustrating at times. But in the end if you stick to a process and budget you can save a tremendous amount of money.