Building a House Really Isn't That Hard--At Least Not Yet

We started building yesterday. I was very enthusiastic, even with the winter blizzard. Ironically it was very sunny and warm for most of the week, but terrible yesterday. We started with blanketing our neighbor's concrete, then tried to sweep the water off the line where our basement walls would be. It was hard because it was snowing faster than we could get the water to drain. Plus, it took us 20 minutes to realize that the basement drain was plugged.

My husband did a great job helping us chalkline the walls in the basement and we started laying out greenboard and 2x4's, while the rest of our group worked on the greenplate, porch cap and rim joists. I was happy he seemed to know what he was doing and most of us just followed his lead. We did have a supervisor to answer questions and direct us, but he also had to train and oversee 11 other people. I am happy that I am starting to understand this stuff. After only a few mistakes, we had our bearing wall up before we had to quit for a lunch meeting.

We all worked really hard, unfortunately, the snow drove most of our group home a little earlier than usual. But after a quick lunch break, a few of us continued on the basement. To maximize our numbers, my sister in law and I decided to work on the floor joists. Normally I would be a little uneasy about jumping into this sort of thing and the saws and stuff, but I don't really have any option to be sheepish. With about 2 minutes of instruction, we were off laying floor joists, just the two of us. I am pretty sure neither of us ever imagined ourselves putting in floor joists--nail guns, saws, muscles, and all.

After we hoisted and I drug all of the floor joists for the opposite side of the home across the whole yard, we called it a day. The others were able to complete an additional wall where the stairs will be in the basement.

I enjoyed myself and realize that building a house is pretty simple, afterall. I had a good day and look forward to building more on Tuesday. We all worked hard, but I am feeling rushed to push forward. Too bad everyone had to leave early--we probably could have gotten the floor down.

If anyone wants to try building, we'd love to have you. I know a lot of people like to do service over the holidays, right? ;) We would like to finish all 7homes by April so we can qualify for the home buyer tax credit, but that will be quite the feat. The group that is 3 houses ahead of us is worried about meeting the deadline. So I wonder where that leaves us.

I'll have to post pictures soon. Happy building.