Learning from experienced hands
Another day of learning about construction techniques and the real world of home ownership. I’ve mentioned my long-term intention to exchange my current house for something newer, better and in a very different place. Better to be informed before rather than after the fact about what is involved.
And so, spotting a couple of trucks parked at a nearby construction site, we headed down and made ourselves welcome. I mean, a contractor eventually will need new clients, right? Therefore, it’s time to sell your skills to the potential bidder, meaning me.
The site was barely started. The foundation was poured, last week, and the main floor trusses were in place. A great chance to see what some of the vocabulary I’ve picked up actually refers to. Much better approach than depending on Wikipedia.
I know know (somewhat) more about ICF (insulated concrete forms), Bluskin (a trade name for a product used to seal and waterproof the foundation, about where and when rebar are inserted into a new concrete pour, and so on. I’ve seen what is involved in preparing agricultural drains, what exactly an “engineered floor” refers to, and how precise and detailed the actual plans of a house need to be (not very). The blueprints we received for our current house would be overkill in a rebuild situation with an experienced contractor.
Reassuring stuff. We then took a long drive through a new subdivision, where the tendency is to build houses that look like old factory buildings. Not exactly what I’m after. Do I really need to plan for three car garages? Better to put my money into triple-glazed windows.
