Recent content by AlabamaGuy

I'm planning on building a free standing 15x30 mezzanine in the back of my shop as a base for an apartment. I'm wanting to put the mezzanine up and then stud frame a bottom and top level as opposed to standard load bearing walls with 2x6 studs on bottom and 2x4 on top. My initial questions are...

I totally agree. That's why I'm seeking opinions here. Do I do a tyvek wrap and then traditional fiberglass insulation? I'm spit balling here. I have zero experience. Perhaps bubble wrap or thin fiberglass first and then traditional insulation over that? I'm closing in 3 sides of this building...

Is it safe to do the bubble wrap and go back later with fiberglass on top of it? I have heard stories of the bubble wrap breaking down over time, and I don't want to lose my vapor barrier and get wet fiberglass and mold down the road.

Hey guys, I had a 30x40 vertical roof all metal building put up a couple years back, now I'm having a slab poured inside it, expanding to 30x50 and enclosing the walls. My contractor wants to use the bubble wrap insulation and I'm hesitant on it. Is there a better option for extremely hot/humid...

Very good info, guys. I'll update my list to a 200 Amp box for sure. Is my major cost going to be in lighting and heavier gauge wire? I'm having trouble coming up with $4000 worth of supplies. But then again, I have no real experience on this front.

That's a good idea, I'm having a tank set hopefully in a few weeks. Would you mind elaborating on this?

I've read pretty good reviews on the tankless heaters, and it is more of a space saver than anything. a Washer running by itself or one person taking a shower is going to have that much of a draw? I'll look more into it, I suppose. I don't have a compressor yet, as I don't have a place to put...

I'm going to finish my 30x40 this spring and I am pricing out materials to make a budget before I get started. I've got nearly everything priced but have been procrastinating on the electrical side of things. I'm going to have a small apartment in the shop so my electrical demands will be as...

Something like Prodex is a good option. From what I read, I would do it between the poles and metal siding during construction.

Luckily I’m in one of the last counties that absolutely no kind of code. I have well water already ran and a septic tank put in. So basically I’m trying to build sometime g that’s going to be safe and last.

No, It's a square tube galvanized frame on 5ft centers with fabricated rafters. Set on compacted level ground with rebar driven into the ground and bolted to the base rail actually holding it down. My idea was to dig footers just inside the bottom rails, and then use 2x6 screwed to the uprights...

I could definitely build the apartment right now on a block foundation, and that was my original idea. but closing in those two sides of the building without concrete isn't ideal. I could stick build all 4 walls, but once again I'd be saving money now to spend it later. I guess I'm enamored...

Edit: What do you mean by building on a curb? That's correct, I am doing a ladder entry to second story from inside apartment and exterior staircase from shop. That way if I don't have any business on a ladder I can also get to bed via stairs. I've considered building bottom story at first and...

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've been living in a 35 ft 5th wheel for almost 2 years now. I have had it parked under a 30x40x14 metal "building" that hasn't had sides put on, so basically a giant carport. I'm looking for ideas on my best options to build an apartment and close in the...