Have you ever tried to plan a project that seemed completely above your level of skill without knowing all of the parameters? I try this all the time with knitting (eg. Jon's sweater- I'm frustrated with decreasing the yoke right now, therefore it is sitting in a bag in the corner). The house project doesn't quite work like that.
We have now not only met with the electrician, but a plumber, a timber framing consultant, the interim building inspector, the energy code people, a bank loan manager, and tonight we will meet with a roofer.
Each time, a new issue comes up or we need to alter the plans...again. We had a big scare last night after we met with the energy people. We are now required to seal the house up so tightly that we will need at least one mechanical blower system running 24/7. This can be a bathroom blower, but it will need a special box with computerized dials and speeds that will be set specifically for our house. We must also be extremely careful about humidity, because it will be SO TIGHT that it could get up to 80% humidity. The guy estimated that we would have a usual humidity of 50-60%. That does not quite work for a timber frame, where we use green wood in lots of places that will slowly dry over time. He also said we would need to be extremely careful of mold. *shudder*
This is because the town we will build in has opted to mandate the Stretch Energy Codes. No town vote or anything, the town council decided this. Jon's parents didn't even know.
So this information caused a subsequent panic attack for the both of us, that we could die of mold, lack of oxygen (especially in the case of a long-term power outage!!!!), OR of toxic fumes in the case of fire, because the foam board that they recommend to line the house with is extremely toxic and highly flammable.
I do not understand how any of this makes sense. We can only hope that we can find ways of working around these codes that will allow us to stay healthy and afford to actually build this house. At least we had good news at the bank. As long as things check out and we can provide an estimate for absolutely everything needed to build the house, we should get the money to build it.
Thing have a way of working out, and the power of prayer cannot be underestimated. We have pages of plans to re-draw, heating systems to reconsider, and joinery to research. We might even consult a structural engineer to make sure that we can defend our timber sizing. At least we found out that as long as we get a 'species letter', we can mill and hew our own wood. For anyone out there considering building a house in Massachusetts yourself, it can be done!
We have now not only met with the electrician, but a plumber, a timber framing consultant, the interim building inspector, the energy code people, a bank loan manager, and tonight we will meet with a roofer.
Each time, a new issue comes up or we need to alter the plans...again. We had a big scare last night after we met with the energy people. We are now required to seal the house up so tightly that we will need at least one mechanical blower system running 24/7. This can be a bathroom blower, but it will need a special box with computerized dials and speeds that will be set specifically for our house. We must also be extremely careful about humidity, because it will be SO TIGHT that it could get up to 80% humidity. The guy estimated that we would have a usual humidity of 50-60%. That does not quite work for a timber frame, where we use green wood in lots of places that will slowly dry over time. He also said we would need to be extremely careful of mold. *shudder*
This is because the town we will build in has opted to mandate the Stretch Energy Codes. No town vote or anything, the town council decided this. Jon's parents didn't even know.
So this information caused a subsequent panic attack for the both of us, that we could die of mold, lack of oxygen (especially in the case of a long-term power outage!!!!), OR of toxic fumes in the case of fire, because the foam board that they recommend to line the house with is extremely toxic and highly flammable.
I do not understand how any of this makes sense. We can only hope that we can find ways of working around these codes that will allow us to stay healthy and afford to actually build this house. At least we had good news at the bank. As long as things check out and we can provide an estimate for absolutely everything needed to build the house, we should get the money to build it.
Thing have a way of working out, and the power of prayer cannot be underestimated. We have pages of plans to re-draw, heating systems to reconsider, and joinery to research. We might even consult a structural engineer to make sure that we can defend our timber sizing. At least we found out that as long as we get a 'species letter', we can mill and hew our own wood. For anyone out there considering building a house in Massachusetts yourself, it can be done!
Picture from the VT barn raising, but close to what our ceiling would look like.
Beautiful.
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