Calling all Carpenters/Structural Engineers. New home construction ???

If you notice the walls in the garage (in the right of the pic) they are 2x4s with spacing of 16" apart but the rest of the home is the 19.2" apart even the load bearing walls. The outer walls are using 2x6s while the interior walls is using 2x4s. Neighbors house is 2x6s using all same spacing of 16" apart but the interior walls are 2x4s with the same 16" span.
Neighbor could of very well paid for that but I didn't see it as an option for the build.

 

Interesting. I wouldn't have any concerns about the 19" spacing with 2x6's, but i would definitely ask the builder what the reasoning is. Are both houses the same size and similar designs? I'd most certainly say the neighbor paid quite a bit more to get 2x6 at 16" and 2x4 @ 16" throughout his house... When you talk with the builder, post his response here...i'm curious.

 

Ok so the wall studs are 16" or 19.2" OC.

I bet it is but, I'd search local building codes. I'm guessing you've got a construction loan (most do phased inspections) and I bet your local governing agency will do the same. Odds are, if the builder wants his draw, he'll meet code.

Not sure, if it's within code and not otherwise contractually stipulated what you could/would be willing to do anyway man....???

 

I go to the walk thru today with the inspector and builder and Ill post his response here. My house will be bigger as I did more upgrades and extended the kitchen and extend the loft 5ft and widened the basement 3ft to the side if the house. Its not totally custom but they give you quite a few options I can work with. The neighbors house is bare bones house with 8ft tall main walls on main floor vs. my 9ft tall walls and all the extensions I did. Hell I even made the front door 6" wider and its also 8ft tall. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

My wall stud spacing is 19.2" while neighbors is 16". Structural integrity is my concern.

 

Thanks, looking forward to the response. I'm sure there is a reason for the differences, as everything is inspected and has to be certified to meet local building codes...so i would not worry about any structural issues down the road.

Also, i did a search on google and found quite a few things saying up to 24" OC spacing with 2x6 is OK for exterior walls. There are many stories from people asking about it.

 

Your house isn't gonna fall down. I'd stop worrying.

 

As others have said I too think you should ask the builder. Floor joists / roof trusses are sometimes spaced more closely if there is going to be heavy tile or stone placed upon them. They wouldn't collapse under normal code spacing but may flex more than is desired and crack the tile. A flat roof in an area with heavy snow loads is another reason. As for the exterior walls - if you are looking to maximize insulation go for the widest stud spacing that code will allow. Less wood in the wall means more insulation.

 

I have contemporary roofing meaning my roof is flatter vs. neighbors traditional roofing (more pitch to it) not sure is that would affect it. My house will be mostly tile and quartz so I do have heavy upgrades coming. The only things I'm speculating is the insulation since I upgraded to blown in insulation R-23 vs standard R-19 batt insulation.

 

I know buddy I never thought Id worry about something like this until now lol

 

#1 ~ those are I joists

#2 ~ they are an engineered floor system and the joist spacing is determined by floor loading , span and the series of joists . Typical spacings include 12" OC , 16" OC , 19.2" OC and 24" OC

 

I did a little research also and people have questioned the spacing also because of structural integrity. Here's another shot of top floor in master bedroom...the spacing under the window is wide as hell

 

The beams in the walls are I joists or is that the flooring? So I can better understand terminology. Also what it "OC"

 

Studs

2x6 walls @ 24" OC is a standard framing assembly that generates less thermal bridging than studs @ 16" OC

 

Sure man, understand 100%. I'm guessing it is within code & it is ok. I bet you will sleep better tonight after a walk thru with your builder & inspector.

I got to participate in a home being built in where wet construction was the norm. However in the areas where dry was used they used ~24" OC. The place ended up being built very well...I'd prefer it's build quality over my own home (16" OC).

If it's within code & everyone is happy with it you could add in some extra wall studs if you felt better doing so...it wouldn't be that difficult.

I'll be watching for your update.

 

So its better? Could it be because I upgraded insulation to blown in insulation R-23. The ceilings also been upgraded to R-50 as well.

 

The floor joists are engineered "i-joists." The lumber in the walls are "studs." O.C. means "on-center" which is measuring from the center of one stud to the center of the next one.

 

I see, thanks Chris. Don't want to sound like a dumbass when I go do my walk thru in few hours

 

24" OC studs are better from a thermal efficiency standpoint and will support the same vertical loads as a 16" OC framed wall unless there is some specific point loading . The only advantage to a 16" OC wall is resistance to bending due to wind loading but that is generally only a consideration in taller rake walls

 

I'm sure the builder has had all the questions before...don't be afraid to ask. I moved into my first "custom" built home this year. Every time we had a walk through, i had a notebook with questions . Better to ask now, because later you will wish you had!