OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
Rixtrix1 - thanks for your comment and following along!
The Willows Barn Build (32x72x14 with loft)
- Thread starter Kubota Tee
- Start date
Rixtrix1 - thanks for your comment and following along!
a6hux
Well-known member
What was the code for having a drain in the garage that close to the water?
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
a6hux - that is a great question! My builder was very surprised that our zoning was silent on this topic. The only thing we were able to confirm for sure is that the drain was NOT allowed to connect to the septic system. When we presented the idea of it connecting to the downspouts and draining out to daylight, we received a positive response. Everything was inspected and green tagged along the way, so I think we are good.
Now - from a practical perspective, I will be taking great care in what I allow to go into those drains so as to not pollute our beautiful lake!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
jeepxj - Thanks for your suggestion. Let me give a bit more explanation. Our recreational area is an 11 acre spread directly to the east of us across the lake. It is split into 2 "parks" which are shared by our neighbors. I help in maintaining these by mowing, clearing downed trees and branches, etc. There is no power anywhere in these parks, so I'm not sure how I could create a wireless bridge over to that area.
I am hoping to use a long distance access point designed for outdoor mounting - I believe there is a secondary POE ethernet port that I am hoping to use from the NanoBeam to make the connection. Something like this . .
View media item 99811
Or . . . are you suggesting that the NanoBeam can also be used as an Access Point for long distance wifi? Sorry if my questions don't make sense - I'm quite a novice at all this networking stuff.
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OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
LET'S POUR SOME CONCRETE - PART 2 (SLOPED SECTION)
After a few days, the concrete guys were back to finish off the sloped portion of the shop floor. This was completed in 2 steps
Back Sloped Section First
View media item 99815
Then the Front Sloped Section
View media item 99814
Another view
View media item 99813
Can't wait to get moving on the electrical rough-in for the shop area!!
After a few days, the concrete guys were back to finish off the sloped portion of the shop floor. This was completed in 2 steps
Back Sloped Section First
View media item 99815
Then the Front Sloped Section
View media item 99814
Another view
View media item 99813
Can't wait to get moving on the electrical rough-in for the shop area!!
if you wanna PM me the locations of both I will get a suggestion together for you.
at the rec area can you put a pole in? even a 14' 4x4 would go a long ways. You can do a solar power setup no problem for a single access point.
tapout187
Well-known member
This is an amazing build, I’m very happy I’m following along. You’ve done a hell of a job!!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
tapout187 - your words are too kind! I appreciate you following along as I document my once in a life time build. I am excited to see how The Willows will be used in the years to come.
a6hux
Well-known member
Thanks for the info!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
DIGGING TRENCHES FOR ELECTRIC HOOKUP AND DOWNSPOUT DRAINS
After wrestling back and forth with the electric company (you can guess who won that fight
), we were told that a 3" (min) sleeve would need to be installed along the east side of the barn. This was due to the slope and proximity to the lake. Apparently, the electric company does not trust their trenching crews unless it's a clear shot and flat ground. 
Since we were getting the mini excavator back (same guy who did the rest of the excavating work), we decided to also tackle the downspouts and floor drain. It was a messy day, but the mission was accomplished!!
We left a pull rope inside the sleeve for the installation crew.
View media item 99820
The electrical sleeve had to be 2' deep which placed it below the downspout drains. Notice where the floor drain exits the building - hope it doesn't freeze in the winter
View media item 99816
Floor drain connected in with North side downspouts
View media item 99817
South side downspout drains piped in - hope we don't have any issues when gas and septic lines go in! At least we will know where they are at
View media item 99818
The ends where capped with a filter cover and then surrounded by stones that blended into the stone bank along this side of the lake.
View media item 99819
After wrestling back and forth with the electric company (you can guess who won that fight
), we were told that a 3" (min) sleeve would need to be installed along the east side of the barn. This was due to the slope and proximity to the lake. Apparently, the electric company does not trust their trenching crews unless it's a clear shot and flat ground. Since we were getting the mini excavator back (same guy who did the rest of the excavating work), we decided to also tackle the downspouts and floor drain. It was a messy day, but the mission was accomplished!!
We left a pull rope inside the sleeve for the installation crew.
View media item 99820
The electrical sleeve had to be 2' deep which placed it below the downspout drains. Notice where the floor drain exits the building - hope it doesn't freeze in the winter
View media item 99816
Floor drain connected in with North side downspouts
View media item 99817
South side downspout drains piped in - hope we don't have any issues when gas and septic lines go in! At least we will know where they are at
View media item 99818
The ends where capped with a filter cover and then surrounded by stones that blended into the stone bank along this side of the lake.
View media item 99819
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
PICKING OUT THE STONE
When we built Sheldon House 10 years ago, we needed to make a stone selection for the fireplace chase as well as the upper and lower fireplace surrounds. One of our lake neighbors is a mason and he had suggested a 1" stone veneer that comes from Wisconsin. We visited a few job sites where it was applied and immediately fell in love with the stone. It is made up of 25% Farmington and 75% Chandler Flats.
http://www.nsvi.com/project-gallery/landscape/blend-chandler-farmington/
We will be using this same stone for the front of The Willows!
View media item 99841
When we built Sheldon House 10 years ago, we needed to make a stone selection for the fireplace chase as well as the upper and lower fireplace surrounds. One of our lake neighbors is a mason and he had suggested a 1" stone veneer that comes from Wisconsin. We visited a few job sites where it was applied and immediately fell in love with the stone. It is made up of 25% Farmington and 75% Chandler Flats.
http://www.nsvi.com/project-gallery/landscape/blend-chandler-farmington/
We will be using this same stone for the front of The Willows!
View media item 99841
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OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
RADIANT PEX INSTALL - PART 2
Now that the concrete floor is in, I can now setup the rolling scaffolding that will be needed to install the PEX tubing for the loft.
But first . . . . it's new tool time! During my last staple up adventure in Sheldon House, I constructed a home-made tube unwinder out of wood and a lazy-susan mechanism. It was less than ideal and it has gone missing over the years, so it was time to purchase a "real" unwinder for helping to manage the 300' coils that will be used.
Here is the unwinder
View media item 99846
Unwinder assembled
View media item 99847
Several years ago, I loaned my specialized PEX air stapler to a friend in Buffalo, NY who has been renovating a 100 year old home for his family. Since I will need the air stapler for this PEX install, I was looking to get the stapler back to Michigan. To my surprise and DELIGHT, he agreed to hand deliver the stapler and stay for the weekend to help me get this job done!
Supplies have been delivered and ready to install
View media item 99842
Similar to the floor loops, I started the first loop on the far north side of the loft area
View media item 99965
Getting the tubing installed
View media item 99845
Great surprise to have help for the weekend!! THANK YOU CHRIS!
View media item 99844
Now that the concrete floor is in, I can now setup the rolling scaffolding that will be needed to install the PEX tubing for the loft.
But first . . . . it's new tool time! During my last staple up adventure in Sheldon House, I constructed a home-made tube unwinder out of wood and a lazy-susan mechanism. It was less than ideal and it has gone missing over the years, so it was time to purchase a "real" unwinder for helping to manage the 300' coils that will be used.
Here is the unwinder
View media item 99846
Unwinder assembled
View media item 99847
Several years ago, I loaned my specialized PEX air stapler to a friend in Buffalo, NY who has been renovating a 100 year old home for his family. Since I will need the air stapler for this PEX install, I was looking to get the stapler back to Michigan. To my surprise and DELIGHT, he agreed to hand deliver the stapler and stay for the weekend to help me get this job done!
Supplies have been delivered and ready to install
View media item 99842
Similar to the floor loops, I started the first loop on the far north side of the loft area
View media item 99965
Getting the tubing installed
View media item 99845
Great surprise to have help for the weekend!! THANK YOU CHRIS!
View media item 99844
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cdecker
Well-known member
It was a pleasure to have a small hand in this amazing build. Great job with the thread! Although I had the benefit of getting real-time updates as The Willows was being built, I am thoroughly enjoying following along as you demonstrate it in detail for everyone else!
Your inspiring me to start a build thread of my own, and my garage / workshop was completed 10 years ago!
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Cdecker, I think lots of us would like to see a build thread for the garage / workshop in your avatar.Your inspiring me to start a build thread of my own, and my garage / workshop was completed 10 years ago!
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OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
It was a pleasure to have a small hand in this amazing build. Great job with the thread! Although I had the benefit of getting real-time updates as The Willows was being built, I am thoroughly enjoying following along as you demonstrate it in detail for everyone else!
Your inspiring me to start a build thread of my own, and my garage / workshop was completed 10 years ago!
Chris - your work is second to none and I agree with Bob that there would be a great interest in seeing your garage build. Hope to see your new thread soon!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
MINI-SPLIT ROUGH IN
Since we are using radiant heating, I needed a way to cool the building during our 3 days each summer when we get those really hot and muggy days
I connected with a local HVAC contractor who did some work for our business last year and he recommended we go with Mini-Split units. I am familiar with these as a user having lived abroad in both Europe and Singapore, but never had one installed before.
The "line-sets" as he referred to them are a combination of condensate drains, 220v wiring and insulated copper lines for coolant. The only design constraint we ran into was the condensate lines that needed to constantly run down hill. I really didn't want to drill through the beams and the loft units were all being installed on interior walls. This meant running a dedicated drain pipe (not allowed to share with domestic water drains) for the 3 units in the loft that will run north to south within the floor trusses and flow into a floor drain.
In total, I had him run 5 lines - 3 in the loft and 2 in the shop area.
View media item 99966
The kitchen unit will be above the upper cabinets and the exercise room unit will be high up on the wall.
View media item 99967
Notice the extra condensate drain tube extending up into the attic on the right hand unit. That is to help avoid a vacuum being created that may stop the drainage. It needed to be high enough in the attic to avoid the insulation layer.
View media item 99968
Here is the line set for the office area - same treatment for the condensate drain tube.
View media item 99969
I had pre-installed the power cutoffs - one for the loft units and one for the shop units.
View media item 99970
Here is another view of the exterior penetrations
View media item 99971
Since we are using radiant heating, I needed a way to cool the building during our 3 days each summer when we get those really hot and muggy days
I connected with a local HVAC contractor who did some work for our business last year and he recommended we go with Mini-Split units. I am familiar with these as a user having lived abroad in both Europe and Singapore, but never had one installed before.
The "line-sets" as he referred to them are a combination of condensate drains, 220v wiring and insulated copper lines for coolant. The only design constraint we ran into was the condensate lines that needed to constantly run down hill. I really didn't want to drill through the beams and the loft units were all being installed on interior walls. This meant running a dedicated drain pipe (not allowed to share with domestic water drains) for the 3 units in the loft that will run north to south within the floor trusses and flow into a floor drain.
In total, I had him run 5 lines - 3 in the loft and 2 in the shop area.
View media item 99966
The kitchen unit will be above the upper cabinets and the exercise room unit will be high up on the wall.
View media item 99967
Notice the extra condensate drain tube extending up into the attic on the right hand unit. That is to help avoid a vacuum being created that may stop the drainage. It needed to be high enough in the attic to avoid the insulation layer.
View media item 99968
Here is the line set for the office area - same treatment for the condensate drain tube.
View media item 99969
I had pre-installed the power cutoffs - one for the loft units and one for the shop units.
View media item 99970
Here is another view of the exterior penetrations
View media item 99971
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
SEPTIC INSTALL - ANOTHER BATTLE WITH ZONING
When we went in for all our permits, we were surprised to find out that the local drain commission was going to require us to install a full septic system (2 x 1000gal tanks) just for The Willows.
By way of background, when we built Sheldon House, I had them oversize the septic system and drain field knowing we would have future builds on the property. My existing system is 3 x 1000gal tanks with future Y's already installed for future hookups. My intention was to put a small tank (maybe 250gal) with a lift pump to support The Willows. Now I have 5 x 1000 gal tanks to maintain -
Site for new tank install
View media item 99972
Digging for the new tanks
View media item 99973
2 - 1000 gallon tanks added to my collection
View media item 99975
Main Septic line coming from Sheldon House with future stub in ready for our someday addition.
View media item 99974
Partially backfilled with riser installed
View media item 99976
I tried to get them to move the wiring post and warning device up against the building, but they were concerned with waterproofing the wiring. I'll definitely be moving this in the future!!
View media item 99977
When we went in for all our permits, we were surprised to find out that the local drain commission was going to require us to install a full septic system (2 x 1000gal tanks) just for The Willows.
By way of background, when we built Sheldon House, I had them oversize the septic system and drain field knowing we would have future builds on the property. My existing system is 3 x 1000gal tanks with future Y's already installed for future hookups. My intention was to put a small tank (maybe 250gal) with a lift pump to support The Willows. Now I have 5 x 1000 gal tanks to maintain -
Site for new tank install
View media item 99972
Digging for the new tanks
View media item 99973
2 - 1000 gallon tanks added to my collection
View media item 99975
Main Septic line coming from Sheldon House with future stub in ready for our someday addition.
View media item 99974
Partially backfilled with riser installed
View media item 99976
I tried to get them to move the wiring post and warning device up against the building, but they were concerned with waterproofing the wiring. I'll definitely be moving this in the future!!
View media item 99977
cdaiscool
Well-known member
Hey there sorta old neighbor! I used to live in Hudsonville, but that was more than a dozen years ago. Place is looking real good! I like.
I look forward to reading more updates!
I look forward to reading more updates!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
cdaiscool - Thanks for following along! Sounds like you have been away from Hudsonville for awhile - you might not recognize it. They recently built a 3 story building in the downtown area with restaurants on the ground floor and apartments above. Who would've thought!!
View media item 99990
Stay tuned as I continue to document my build.
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cdaiscool
Well-known member
I have been back once in a while - folks still live in Zeeland, where we moved after Hudsonville. Funny story, I was at the ribbon cutting for Kroger. My parents thought I had some sort of suspension that I had to be at school early for.
That building definitely doesn't look like anything I've seen yet!
That building definitely doesn't look like anything I've seen yet!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
SHOW ME THE POWER!! - ELECTRICAL SERVICE HOOKUP
Up until this point, we have been utilizing power from Sheldon House via the irrigation pump located behind The Willows. I have a 2hp pump running off of a 30amp, 220v circuit brought over using buried cable. This has worked well for temporary power, but I'm excited to get The Willows on its own 200amp service.
Besides the 3" sleeve that we had to install on the sloped area in the back, the rest of the distance was relatively free of obstacles. The two known obstacles were the concrete driveway and the main 1.5" trunk line for the irrigation system which also includes the valve wires.
For the concrete driveway, I was prepared!! Thinking ahead 8 years ago, I had installed two 3" sleeves near the end of the driveway in anticipation for needing to run utilities, sprinkler lines, etc. I had marked the location with a thumb print on either side of the driveway, so I started the search for my mark. It's amazing how what appeared to be an easily identifiable mark 8 years ago, now seemed like an insignificant scratch in the concrete. After spending some time on my hands and knees and doing test digs, I found the sleeve!! Obstacle 1 taken care of!!
View media item 100005
Marked and ready for the installation crew
View media item 100004
The 1.5" irrigation trunk line was easier to locate as I had several zone valves in the area and I knew how it was installed since I did it myself!!
I was ready for the heavy equipment to install the power cables
View media item 99995
If you've never experienced seeing one of these machines in action, it is really quite impressive. I was amazed at how much the ground shook when this machine was operating.
View media item 99996
I often see the vertical sleeves that run up to electric meters installed without regard to making sure they are plumb - I made sure ours was!!
View media item 99997
I was able to capture the meter reading before we racked up any charges!!
View media item 99998
Up until this point, we have been utilizing power from Sheldon House via the irrigation pump located behind The Willows. I have a 2hp pump running off of a 30amp, 220v circuit brought over using buried cable. This has worked well for temporary power, but I'm excited to get The Willows on its own 200amp service.
Besides the 3" sleeve that we had to install on the sloped area in the back, the rest of the distance was relatively free of obstacles. The two known obstacles were the concrete driveway and the main 1.5" trunk line for the irrigation system which also includes the valve wires.
For the concrete driveway, I was prepared!! Thinking ahead 8 years ago, I had installed two 3" sleeves near the end of the driveway in anticipation for needing to run utilities, sprinkler lines, etc. I had marked the location with a thumb print on either side of the driveway, so I started the search for my mark. It's amazing how what appeared to be an easily identifiable mark 8 years ago, now seemed like an insignificant scratch in the concrete. After spending some time on my hands and knees and doing test digs, I found the sleeve!! Obstacle 1 taken care of!!
View media item 100005
Marked and ready for the installation crew
View media item 100004
The 1.5" irrigation trunk line was easier to locate as I had several zone valves in the area and I knew how it was installed since I did it myself!!
I was ready for the heavy equipment to install the power cables
View media item 99995
If you've never experienced seeing one of these machines in action, it is really quite impressive. I was amazed at how much the ground shook when this machine was operating.
View media item 99996
I often see the vertical sleeves that run up to electric meters installed without regard to making sure they are plumb - I made sure ours was!!
View media item 99997
I was able to capture the meter reading before we racked up any charges!!
View media item 99998
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polexican23
Banned
one lucky fella. beautiful space, great building...i have been thru hudsonville before. Looked at property near grandrapids for a job, but job offer fell thru so stayied in Illinois. Shoulda moved when i had a chance, job or not. ohwell, stuck here until the MIL dies.
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
polexican23 - We made the move from Illinois in 1989 and never looked back. My parents are still in the northern suburbs and we have been trying to get them to move as the taxes are really starting to eat into their retirement income.
View media item 100008
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OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
jeepxj - we are definitely in the snow band here in West Michigan!! The lake effect generally produces 40-60% more now than non-Lake Effect. Anything West of Grand Rapids usually gets the brunt of the Lake Effect.
We have been fortunate so far this season, but fear not - it will come!!
View media item 100009
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
A FEW GOOD FINDS ALONG THE WAY!
During any build, there are those unexpected "finds" that pop up and make the project that much more enjoyable. Here are just a few that will be incorporated into The Willows:
I saw this product on Mike Risinger's YouTube channel called The Build Show. If you are interested in Building Science, I would highly recommend his channel. I really liked the way this looked on the outside of the building as well as how it functions.
View media item 100011
While I knew we would be incorporating barn doors into the loft area, I certainly did not expect to source them from Costco! But they fit the decor quite well and I was impressed that they offered a soft close mechanism! I even managed to get them at an additional $50 savings. We bought three of them!!
View media item 100010
During any build, there are those unexpected "finds" that pop up and make the project that much more enjoyable. Here are just a few that will be incorporated into The Willows:
I saw this product on Mike Risinger's YouTube channel called The Build Show. If you are interested in Building Science, I would highly recommend his channel. I really liked the way this looked on the outside of the building as well as how it functions.
View media item 100011
While I knew we would be incorporating barn doors into the loft area, I certainly did not expect to source them from Costco! But they fit the decor quite well and I was impressed that they offered a soft close mechanism! I even managed to get them at an additional $50 savings. We bought three of them!!
View media item 100010
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
STONE INSTALLATION GETTING STARTED
Our lake neighbor contacted me to see if we were ready for him to get started with the stone installation on the front of The Willows. The process started with the installation of a thin cement board that gets screwed to the exterior, then 2 coats of waterproofing. This was left to cure over a few days before the stone started going up.
I'm always impressed with how this stuff gets installed. Very labor intense!
View media item 100020
Working from the bottom to the top, using small wooden wedge spacers
View media item 100021
Our mason recommended split faced limestone ledges - note the area being left open for the ledges.
View media item 100022
Can't wait to see it completed. Going to look great!!
View media item 100019
Our lake neighbor contacted me to see if we were ready for him to get started with the stone installation on the front of The Willows. The process started with the installation of a thin cement board that gets screwed to the exterior, then 2 coats of waterproofing. This was left to cure over a few days before the stone started going up.
I'm always impressed with how this stuff gets installed. Very labor intense!
View media item 100020
Working from the bottom to the top, using small wooden wedge spacers
View media item 100021
Our mason recommended split faced limestone ledges - note the area being left open for the ledges.
View media item 100022
Can't wait to see it completed. Going to look great!!
View media item 100019
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
CABINETS HAVE ARRIVED!
We were able to take advantage of a cabinet sale a few months earlier, so the order got placed and we had to provide a delivery date - hmmmm, that's always tricky, especially when the home owner is self performing some of the work!
This order of cabinets was for:
- Kitchen
- Kitchen Island
- Drop zone Base, Bench w/drawers, Upper
- Laundry closet
The saving grace of these showing up long before we need them is that the staple up PEX is complete and I won't have to worry about maneuvering around all these boxes with the scaffolding.
View media item 100035
We were able to take advantage of a cabinet sale a few months earlier, so the order got placed and we had to provide a delivery date - hmmmm, that's always tricky, especially when the home owner is self performing some of the work!
This order of cabinets was for:
- Kitchen
- Kitchen Island
- Drop zone Base, Bench w/drawers, Upper
- Laundry closet
The saving grace of these showing up long before we need them is that the staple up PEX is complete and I won't have to worry about maneuvering around all these boxes with the scaffolding.
View media item 100035
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY!
As the mechanical rough ins were wrapping up and we were getting ready for insulation and drywall in the loft area, I started contemplating how the stairway would look and feel once it was closed in. It's a very long stairway and I kept thinking about how to make it feel less like a tunnel.
I asked our builder about the possibility of installing a few windows looking into the shop area. He thought that would be a great idea and offered up a couple of 2x3 Andersen fixed pane windows he happened to have in his barn - something left over from a previous build that couldn't be returned. He agreed to frame them in at no cost and asked me to write a check for $150 to a local charity he supports. How could I say no??
First step was to figure out where we would want the windows - used a couple of cardboard cutouts to get a visual
View media item 100066
Then, some minor adjustments to the non-bearing stairway wall
View media item 100064
An now we have a couple of windows overlooking the shop area - providing a more open feel to the long stairway.
View media item 100067
As the mechanical rough ins were wrapping up and we were getting ready for insulation and drywall in the loft area, I started contemplating how the stairway would look and feel once it was closed in. It's a very long stairway and I kept thinking about how to make it feel less like a tunnel.
I asked our builder about the possibility of installing a few windows looking into the shop area. He thought that would be a great idea and offered up a couple of 2x3 Andersen fixed pane windows he happened to have in his barn - something left over from a previous build that couldn't be returned. He agreed to frame them in at no cost and asked me to write a check for $150 to a local charity he supports. How could I say no??
First step was to figure out where we would want the windows - used a couple of cardboard cutouts to get a visual
View media item 100066
Then, some minor adjustments to the non-bearing stairway wall
View media item 100064
An now we have a couple of windows overlooking the shop area - providing a more open feel to the long stairway.
View media item 100067
Swanny1953
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Just stumbled across this (now subscribed!) and am enjoying seeing you document your build in retrospect. I had good intentions to document my build when we expanded my shop 2 years ago, and did for awhile. Then, got behind and just gave up!! You have inspired me to get my build pics organized and resume my good intentions!
Great build!
Great build!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
Gary - Thanks for subscribing and LOVE that car you have in your avatar - very nice!! It would have been great to document the build as it was happening, but with working full time and then spending most evenings working on The Willows, I just couldn't find the time. I did collect (and organize by date) a ton of photos along the way. I definitely recommend documenting your build in retrospect. Hope to see if soon!
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
davo727 - thanks for taking a look at my build thread. I hardly remembered about the thumb, but went back and looked at the pictures again as a reminder. It was bad at the time, but like many painful experiences, they tend to fade quickly.
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
ITS GETTING PRETTY QUIET AROUND HERE - LOFT INSULATION
I had debated about tackling the insulation myself using fiberglass batts for the walls and then renting a machine to blow in the ceilings. After many discussions with our builder and comparing / contrasting the alternative methods, I was convinced to go with a professional. The cost was already in the builders budget, so it didn't end up being an added cost and I'm 100% convinced I received a superior product in the end.
The professional used a combination of spray foam for shallow roof areas and eaves, blown in wool for the walls and blown in cellulose for the ceilings.
First the netting went up on the walls
View media item 100092
East kitchen wall showing both forms of insulation
View media item 100095
The ceiling above the stairway required all foam as it was inaccessible from the attic space.
View media item 100093
The area around the stairway closet required both types of insulation
View media item 100094
The bathroom ceiling was framed flat, but the little knee walls required insulation.
View media item 100096
I had debated about tackling the insulation myself using fiberglass batts for the walls and then renting a machine to blow in the ceilings. After many discussions with our builder and comparing / contrasting the alternative methods, I was convinced to go with a professional. The cost was already in the builders budget, so it didn't end up being an added cost and I'm 100% convinced I received a superior product in the end.
The professional used a combination of spray foam for shallow roof areas and eaves, blown in wool for the walls and blown in cellulose for the ceilings.
First the netting went up on the walls
View media item 100092
East kitchen wall showing both forms of insulation
View media item 100095
The ceiling above the stairway required all foam as it was inaccessible from the attic space.
View media item 100093
The area around the stairway closet required both types of insulation
View media item 100094
The bathroom ceiling was framed flat, but the little knee walls required insulation.
View media item 100096
Awesome build!
I hope you don’t regret how they ran your condensate drains for your minisplits. I always ran 1 1/2” drains when I had to go very far. Those small hoses tend to plug up with dirt that washes down the drains. With them all tied together you can’t blow them out very easy without plugging all the others.
I hope you don’t regret how they ran your condensate drains for your minisplits. I always ran 1 1/2” drains when I had to go very far. Those small hoses tend to plug up with dirt that washes down the drains. With them all tied together you can’t blow them out very easy without plugging all the others.
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
JimL - Thanks for your note and yes, I agree with your recommendation and it appears that my HVAC guy did as well! Once the lines (from the loft units) penetrated the floor (going from vertical to horizontal), they merged into a dedicated 1.5" drain line that was then sloped as a normal drain line through the floor webbing and eventually down into the floor drain of the mechanical room.
The smaller drain line is for the mini-splits, the larger is for plumbing
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The shop units have a straight vertical drop along the back wall and then pop through to the exterior. I don't think those should be any trouble.
polexican23
Banned
All that room under the stairs, did you utilize it for a compressor room or plan on it?
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
Great minds think alike! Yes, the area under the stairs is designated as the Mechanical room and will contain the hot water heater (for both radiant and domestic use), the radiant panel (pumps, valves, manifolds, etc), the network panel and eventually a stand up air compressor. I would like to find a nice used 2 stage compressor - so keeping my eyes open.
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OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
LOFT DRYWALL INSTALLATION
It was such a relief to get to this stage of the build! I never even considered doing this part by myself - not that I couldn't, but more that I shouldn't!
I once did my own drywall work on a large lower level exercise room with lots of bulk heads, wall angles, etc. I learned that this is a job best left to the professionals. The taping, the mudding, the sanding, the MESS!! Hats off to all the drywallers out there who do this on a daily basis!!
As I suspected the stairway has now become a long tunnel! Thank goodness we added the extra windows!!
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The top of the stairway looks great! Lots of natural light and views from the office area
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Here's a view of the office from inside - going to enjoy the lake view!!
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The kitchen area is quite busy with all the necessary infrastructure
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Here you can see the stand up shower area and part of the vanity wall
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Toilet privacy wall and other end of the vanity
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It was such a relief to get to this stage of the build! I never even considered doing this part by myself - not that I couldn't, but more that I shouldn't!
I once did my own drywall work on a large lower level exercise room with lots of bulk heads, wall angles, etc. I learned that this is a job best left to the professionals. The taping, the mudding, the sanding, the MESS!! Hats off to all the drywallers out there who do this on a daily basis!!
As I suspected the stairway has now become a long tunnel! Thank goodness we added the extra windows!!
View media item 100206
The top of the stairway looks great! Lots of natural light and views from the office area
View media item 100205
Here's a view of the office from inside - going to enjoy the lake view!!
View media item 100208
The kitchen area is quite busy with all the necessary infrastructure
View media item 100209
Here you can see the stand up shower area and part of the vanity wall
View media item 100213
Toilet privacy wall and other end of the vanity
View media item 100214
OP
Kubota Tee
Well-known member
STONE WORK (CONTINUED)
Since the stone work is being done on trade, the work is spread out over multiple weekends - weather permitting. This arrangement is a win-win for both of us and doesn't hold up anything else on The Willows construction timeline.
The last of the front entry stone is up and will be ready for grouting within the next few days.
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Since almost every stone is cut to fit, it's handy to have the saw within easy reaching distance.
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Scaffolding removed and grout completed - looks awesome! Many thanks to Tod Moelker for his excellent craftsmanship!!
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Since the stone work is being done on trade, the work is spread out over multiple weekends - weather permitting. This arrangement is a win-win for both of us and doesn't hold up anything else on The Willows construction timeline.
The last of the front entry stone is up and will be ready for grouting within the next few days.
View media item 100220
Since almost every stone is cut to fit, it's handy to have the saw within easy reaching distance.
View media item 100221
Scaffolding removed and grout completed - looks awesome! Many thanks to Tod Moelker for his excellent craftsmanship!!
View media item 100222