OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Thanks guys.. And yes David, it has been crazy. About the next 2 months of finish out are going to wreck me!
Modern 36wx43dp with attached house
- Thread starter JordonMusser
- Start date
RustCollector
Well-known member
Jordan, I have over 30 years in the construction industry and have seen many custom homes.You have a fantastic design ( I an architecture fan as well) and a great home.Yes the devil is in the details, I wish those cats were not "afraid " to install the Fry reglet, because thats a cool small detail element.Hang tough and it will be over soon and you will be relaxing poolside on a nice day and talking about how great it really is. Best of luck!
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Rust- They tied to install it, but where unwilling/unable to terminate corners, transitions, etc with any of kind of quality. It would have required very careful shimming to compensate for wood / drywall variations but it just wasnt gonna happen. *sigh*
Thanks for the huge compliments.
Thanks for the huge compliments.
I showed my wife this thread and her exact quote was "Why aren't we building a house like that?".
Now I'm pondering that same question. I didn't reply "because the idea of you and an architect together with a clean sheet of paper scares me financially" , I think I muttered something about deed restrictions and slunk out to the garage.
That place looks awesome.
Now I'm pondering that same question. I didn't reply "because the idea of you and an architect together with a clean sheet of paper scares me financially" , I think I muttered something about deed restrictions and slunk out to the garage.
That place looks awesome.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
When I am done we can sit down over a beer when this is done and I can tell you the 29105809083 reasons why you dont want a house like this. HAHA.
Sounds great man--just to be clear....I do want a house like that! I wish we had been able to find a builder who was more willing to work with us on a contemporary exterior. My original drawing for the facade was very Frank Lloyd Wright but the builder flipped out....hence Hill Country style.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Yea, that tends to happen. Typical construction of a "modern" home like this can be 250+/sqft.. not because it is THAT much harder, but because builders dont know it.. and the ones that do, charge.
Fairness to them.. there is a lot more detail work that shows since there is virtually no trim.
If I was not capable of swinging a hammer, drafting, engineering, etc... this house simply probably never would have worked. My builder would have been in over his head.
Fairness to them.. there is a lot more detail work that shows since there is virtually no trim.
If I was not capable of swinging a hammer, drafting, engineering, etc... this house simply probably never would have worked. My builder would have been in over his head.
joshuaz223
Well-known member
Jordon another thing to look at is to check with your insurance carrier about your pool. A balcony that close to a pool is called an attractive nuisance and can be very expensive to insure. My step father installed very high end, in ground pools and I can remember three times where he had to move or fill in pools after the owners found that insurance would be 5+ digits a year. Hopefully things are different in your area.
Roy
Roy
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Interesting Josh. Its not a diving pool, so even jumping off a chair next to the pool would be bad. Ill at least call the insurance company before they shoot gunite.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Sorry no updates.. going around and around with the drywall guys.
I wanted a level 5 smooth finish. I am not getting it. My guess is they did not bid it correctly and are backing out.
May settle on a level 4 with some light texture.. trying to sort it out. (balance of cost vs looks)
I wanted a level 5 smooth finish. I am not getting it. My guess is they did not bid it correctly and are backing out.
May settle on a level 4 with some light texture.. trying to sort it out. (balance of cost vs looks)
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Josh-
BTW, insurance company said no issues.
BTW, insurance company said no issues.
Here in Canada every single wall is level 5 finish... Except in a garage if you leave it unfinished/unpainted. Nobody has stucco or textured walls (its considered ugly by most heheh).
In the US stucco and textured walls are kind of standard as well as carpet floor (here no one puts carpet anywhere its all wood and ceramic tiles).
I can't believe there is even talk about a level finish on the walls. It should be level 5 or nothing!!!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
In the US stucco and textured walls are kind of standard as well as carpet floor (here no one puts carpet anywhere its all wood and ceramic tiles).
I can't believe there is even talk about a level finish on the walls. It should be level 5 or nothing!!!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
I bet it has to do with housing prices though too. From what I have seen CA housing prices on average are quite a bit higher, so I bet people expect more..
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Wish I had a contract with that much detail with them.. but then I probably would be paying 2X as much 
It's strange hearing all this talk about smooth finish, I've never seen many homes where I live in Maryland without a smooth wall finish. To hell with textured finish, **** ***** to paint and just look terrible to me.
I understand you as I on the same situation.
In order to make a bigger/better house you make yourself the contractor. So we hire people and we search for the best cost/better quality ratio, then we make that people used to "better quality" go "best quality".
For me it has been hit and miss depending on people but the ones that are not up to my OCD have been repaired to my standards or removed completely.
Also you have to deal with the arrogance of the people that really don't care about their work, since it isn't their home, they don't care the outcome.
I have learned A LOT. But I have saved A LOT MORE money too.
Being the "contractor" and most importantly sourcing all the materials I have saved more than $150k. The house is 70% done and I have used around 55% of the lowest quote from contractors.
Downside been the timings, as I have asked for "crazy" things, the build has slowed down a lot and I have missed my deadline way too long.
If you are patient and don't have to rush to live in the house, just take your time. There can be nothing worse than living in a house you "hate" because you could have done better. OCD
In order to make a bigger/better house you make yourself the contractor. So we hire people and we search for the best cost/better quality ratio, then we make that people used to "better quality" go "best quality".
For me it has been hit and miss depending on people but the ones that are not up to my OCD have been repaired to my standards or removed completely.
Also you have to deal with the arrogance of the people that really don't care about their work, since it isn't their home, they don't care the outcome.
I have learned A LOT. But I have saved A LOT MORE money too.
Being the "contractor" and most importantly sourcing all the materials I have saved more than $150k. The house is 70% done and I have used around 55% of the lowest quote from contractors.
Downside been the timings, as I have asked for "crazy" things, the build has slowed down a lot and I have missed my deadline way too long.
If you are patient and don't have to rush to live in the house, just take your time. There can be nothing worse than living in a house you "hate" because you could have done better. OCD
I hear you on that LCG, one of the big issues is that for too many contractors and subs the house is just another job to get done as quickly and cheaply as possible while to the person building the house it is a big investment and the home they want to keep their families safe and dry. There is a natural tension there as a result but it would be fair to say that I am often very disappointed with my experience with contractors (even with a few who had good Angie's List ratings). We have found a few exceptional trades people who really care about their work but we have also dealt with greedy hacks. I know this is like any other business but it seems (based on my observations) the "hack ratio" is higher in contracting. I think there is a big opportunity for someone who can really figure out how to make the homebuilding process rewarding for the customer every time.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Hindsight 20/20 if I had another 50-75K i wanted to spend, this would have been a lot smoother. I would have held the contractors feet to the fire and fired them if I didnt get what I want. But even if you have structured your payments carefully, it still end sup costing more.
In addition I am using a "builder" but doing a house like this is way outside of what he has done and he underestimates all the planning. If wasn't involved daily, the house would probably not get done!
In addition I am using a "builder" but doing a house like this is way outside of what he has done and he underestimates all the planning. If wasn't involved daily, the house would probably not get done!
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Spent all morning staying ahead of the painters fixing all the bull **** drywall.
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10150607_10104674512276804_1272115471378486703_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1621904_10104674513329694_9111238813246292798_n.jpg
meeting painters tomorrow, gonna finish sanding the last part of the second floor and first floor.
More pool: (gunite)
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/10259733_10104674513843664_4297096471036751561_n.jpg?oh=3c4654469e9dd272a7fd88eb7830231c&oe=53C0C580
GF helped paint the horizontal beams flat black
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10150607_10104674512276804_1272115471378486703_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1621904_10104674513329694_9111238813246292798_n.jpg
meeting painters tomorrow, gonna finish sanding the last part of the second floor and first floor.
More pool: (gunite)
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/10259733_10104674513843664_4297096471036751561_n.jpg?oh=3c4654469e9dd272a7fd88eb7830231c&oe=53C0C580
GF helped paint the horizontal beams flat black
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Actually yes.. pool guy has been awesome. Custom Outdoor Trends. PM me and ill send you a contact. Of all the folks I have worked with only a few I would recommend.. and so far, he is one of them.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
After another half day of sanding/fixing drywall Sunday I started on the wood that will go under all the overhangs, eaves, patios etc.
https://scontent-a-sjc.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1939748_10104679554631884_8879118812571242220_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-sjc.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1939748_10104679554631884_8879118812571242220_n.jpg
saceone
Well-known member
Awesome house man!!
GC from Montréal here and I was thinking the exact same thing..
GC from Montréal here and I was thinking the exact same thing..
Macgyver_ga
Well-known member
That actually depends on where in the US you live. For example, I live in a "starter" tract home here in GA that I had built in '07 and smooth finish drywall was standard. Every house I've ever lived in here in GA my whole life has had smooth finish walls. The only exception being a few rentals in college had those stupid stipple textured ceilings that were popular until the mid 90's around here... Barf!
My parents' house in Florida is all knock down texture on the drywall and they live in a $450k house.
I don't like anything except for smooth finish.
It seems texture is common out west.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Finally something happened. Tile is going in..
Saw some bow in the wall, betted that they didnt bolt the column per the IBC (and this is a heavily loaded one) so I ripped the drywall off. I was right.
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10336771_10104765738823074_9156469706530353169_n.jpg
Elec trim has started
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10273606_10104765738982754_5915659753567869815_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10276018_10104765738887944_7205533435920539197_n.jpg
and tile..
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10329273_10104765739132454_4151650123994592794_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10168202_10104765739322074_9034560826358555223_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10171216_10104765739441834_1358330368642009261_n.jpg
I built a steel structure to support the counter int he guest bath, this is 100% floating and only 4" "thick" (mitered front to look like the slab is thick).
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10167957_10104765739556604_6746279427022238548_n.jpg
Saw some bow in the wall, betted that they didnt bolt the column per the IBC (and this is a heavily loaded one) so I ripped the drywall off. I was right.
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10336771_10104765738823074_9156469706530353169_n.jpg
Elec trim has started
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10273606_10104765738982754_5915659753567869815_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10276018_10104765738887944_7205533435920539197_n.jpg
and tile..
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10329273_10104765739132454_4151650123994592794_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10168202_10104765739322074_9034560826358555223_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10171216_10104765739441834_1358330368642009261_n.jpg
I built a steel structure to support the counter int he guest bath, this is 100% floating and only 4" "thick" (mitered front to look like the slab is thick).
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10167957_10104765739556604_6746279427022238548_n.jpg
BBChevro
Well-known member
Nice garage/house Jordan, shame about the big hole in your drywall though 
(I know, it's better to fix it now... it would have been a lot worse if you didn't notice until after it was painted).
Will the builder be paying for repairs (because it wasn't done to spec)?
Great build thread - I'm subscribed.
Mark
(I know, it's better to fix it now... it would have been a lot worse if you didn't notice until after it was painted).
Will the builder be paying for repairs (because it wasn't done to spec)?
Great build thread - I'm subscribed.
Mark
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Unfortunately I pay for it. I dont really have a builder in the traditional sense. In theory the framer should fix it, but that 'aint happening!
Jim- We have the matching tile in 24x36 in our master bath.. its crazy cool looking. Going to take some pics today.
Jim- We have the matching tile in 24x36 in our master bath.. its crazy cool looking. Going to take some pics today.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
More tile and flatwork has started:
Trailer parking along north side (left side) of house
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10176164_10104781781822774_7540086133757868762_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10313352_10104781784746914_3212275757670043501_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1231421_10104781784632144_2512520497042357440_n.jpg
Driveway to garage from balcony
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10341939_10104781784472464_7177864826327550186_n.jpg
Front parking pad
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1010358_10104781782301814_8500123060801930049_n.jpg.
Subway tile in guest bath (no grout yet)
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10177974_10104781782561294_6402786695588489132_n.jpg
Guest bath floor:
master bath/shower:
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10270824_10104781782925564_8694258965232456457_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1533740_10104781783359694_8001425846052215775_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10171230_10104781783609194_7117484741987618492_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/l/t1.0-9/10269519_10104781784337734_1839194516311254704_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10345545_10104781783728954_3525375564387071521_n.jpg
Office bath/ shower
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10301200_10104781783050314_916332438035345527_n.jpg
Laundry room done:
and reminder of the concrete:
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/533703_10102740241610724_1980000569_n.jpg
Anybody have suggestions on sealer for all this grout?
Trailer parking along north side (left side) of house
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10176164_10104781781822774_7540086133757868762_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10313352_10104781784746914_3212275757670043501_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1231421_10104781784632144_2512520497042357440_n.jpg
Driveway to garage from balcony
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10341939_10104781784472464_7177864826327550186_n.jpg
Front parking pad
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1010358_10104781782301814_8500123060801930049_n.jpg.
Subway tile in guest bath (no grout yet)
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10177974_10104781782561294_6402786695588489132_n.jpg
Guest bath floor:
master bath/shower:
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10270824_10104781782925564_8694258965232456457_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1533740_10104781783359694_8001425846052215775_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10171230_10104781783609194_7117484741987618492_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/l/t1.0-9/10269519_10104781784337734_1839194516311254704_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10345545_10104781783728954_3525375564387071521_n.jpg
Office bath/ shower
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10301200_10104781783050314_916332438035345527_n.jpg
Laundry room done:
and reminder of the concrete:
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/533703_10102740241610724_1980000569_n.jpg
Anybody have suggestions on sealer for all this grout?
ConCretin
Well-known member
JM, the house is coming along beautifully. Love the stacked bond tile. You are definitely killing it with the build. Keep the updates coming - I can use the inspiration.
OP
JordonMusser
Well-known member
Thanks. Its no concrete underground, but it will have to do Your floating stairs are amazing...
Your floating stairs are amazing...