Home building tips please

Exterior insulation is generally 1" styrofoam on the exterior of the wood framing

Spray foam is 2lb foam sprayed into the wall cavities from the inside

 

cool, you said that before, I didn't ignore it, just thought maybe there was more to it. Thanks.

Ever see anyone do both? heh heh

 

Yes

 

i’d do this. even if you did not drink it. say use it for the dogs, or watering the grass when it goes a week or 2 with out rain. have seen farmers do this off of barns so they can give the cows/horses water.

 

Very much enjoying this thread. I will be buying/building my first home here in the next 6 months to a year and have many of the same ideas as you OP.

Keep the convo flowing, I like this.

I have been looking into ICF (insulated concrete forms) for the exterior walls with In-floor heating, and a wood stove. Slab on grade, no basement, with a loft. Very functional, and energy efficient. Ever consider that option. Obviously ICF has a higher upfront cost, but if you plan on staying in the home for 10+ years I think the benefit is there.

Alot of these insulation options are intriguing and something I'm going to look into a bit further.

 

My main concern with ICF's is waterproofing / bug proofing them below grade

 

I agree.

in the same way a 911 Carrera is a better performer than a VW Beetle.

 

To whom it may concern: I've been narrowing where I want to build (or buy and modify) and I'm leaning more and more toward South Western Wyoming, in the country, near the mountains and state parks . This is still quite a ways down the road but I am pretty excited to see things unfolding little by little. It is not the most likely that I will be able to, but I am hoping to get in on the WY meet this summer to check out the area.

 

As stead before,I bought a fix me upper. Been fixing it for ten years. I'm a plumber but had electricians upgrade all that's needed. Did everything else except for metal roof and well.
I got a great deal and the place is now worth 230k paid117k. Location has a lot to do with that. I'm in country but also close to civilization. Going off the grid is a cool idea,but can be expensive depending on route taken. Unless you plan on having candlelight thru the house.
As far as buying used,you're definitely not stuck with the floorplan.
As far as location,I'd love to be in the blue ridge mountains of Virginia with my relatives. But immediate family is here,my beat up bones don't like snow,and there's not much work around up there unless I move into a big city.
Have a little vision when looking at existing homes. Not always what it has but what you can do to it. Our realtor thought we were crazy when we got the place. But I've about doubled our investment. Yea I've spent alot fixing it up,but wouldn't be able to afford what I have now straight up. Research rainwatr harvesting. It's catching on around here with the drought. Somewithout a well,and have had to purchase water. That can add up if it doesn't rain.
Good thread OP ,thanks for reading.