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Additions & Corrections
Additions & Corrections
Here's a listing of new pages,
or old pages with some new content.
Make sure to always check out the Small House Blog section of our website for a variety of information we run across, from interesting websites to home building events to responses to reader comments to book reviews.
Jan 4, 2011, new layout and design
The new layout and design of Small House Building is nearly completely implemented. New logo, more color, and much more content! So far 5 new sections have been created: 1) Electrical, 2) Framing, 3) Plumbing, 4) Sustainable Building, and 5) Energy.
It was high time a new, original (copyrighted!) logo was created for SHB. The original one was borrowed from a prominent website template a long time ago. The new one is actually based on an oil painting I'm working on that's a landscape of an agricultural countryside.
Aug 24, 2010, New pictures of well drilling.
Added photos of our well drilling process to Installing a Water Well. This shows you just how big a typical well drilling rig is. Drilling a well is a necessity when you build away from municipal water sources. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for this service!
June 22, 2010, Another Small House For Sale
This listing is for a cute little house of just under 700 square feet in Telluride, CO (see small houses for sale).
May 27, 2010, Roof Framing, More Basic Concepts
Roof framing is indeed sometimes quite complicated. However it helps to be able to organize the different types of roofs mentally before approaching this skill for the first time. Read more about roof framing ...
Interior Wall Framing
The normal interior wall is made of a frame of vertical two by four studs. These rest atop a base made of 2 by 4 and a top plate. Walls which will contain a lot of plumbing (a "wet wall") should be made of 2 by 6 lumber. Read more about interior wall framing ...
Metal Wall Framing
Metal wall framing consists of U-shaped galvanized sheet metal studs instead. There are benefits and drawbacks but on the whole, metal studs are very worth considering when planning an expansion or remodeling of the home. Read more about metal wall framing ...
April 13, 2010, Conventional Septic Systems
Conventional septic systems are probably the most common type of septic system in areas that are out of reach of municipal water and sewer systems. This page has a quick overview of how a conventional septic system is set up, plus some pointers on how to properly maintain one for years of worry-free use. Read more about conventional septic systems ...
Alternative Waste Systems & Handling
Not too keen on putting in a conventional or mound septic system? You're not alone. There's a variety of high tech and low tech ways to handle both "grey
water" (water effluent from sinks and showers) and "black water" (the pathogen laden stuff from the toilet, also known in the industry as "waste solids"). Read more about alternative waste handling ...
March 11, 2010, Mound Septic Systems
Mound septic systems are becoming more popular these days. Sometimes they're the only option for putting in a septic system in the country when you're soil doesn't drain very well. Look on the bright side: that long mound of dirt in your yard will give you a unique landscaping opportunity. Read more about mound septic systems ...
Feb. 12, 2010, What To Expect From Building Inspectors
Are you afraid of the building inspector? Don't be! They're really there to help you build a safe and sound house. They have a deep knowledge base that is a real help when you have questions about how to build something right the first time. Read more about building inspectors ...
Jan. 26, 2010, How To Pick Good Lumber
If you have the chance to individually pick out the best lumber for your home building project JUMP at it. Here's some guidelines on how to pick out good lumber. Read more about choosing good lumber ...
Jan. 8, 2010, Structural Wall Sheathing
If you live in an area that is subjected to high-velocity winds or is rocked by frequent earthquakes then you should pay special heed to the exterior walls of your house. Read more about structural sheathing ...
Dec 14, 2009, More pictures of truss types.
Room-in-attic trusses are a great way to build very usable attic space into a house. If the pitch of the roof is high enough this space can even become a very servicable extra bedroom or studio. The RIA (room in attic) truss picture is courtesy of Google 3D Warehouse.
Truss Types
Dec 1, 2009, Small Houses for Sale
We have a new house listing! If you're in the Cincinnati, OH, area-- or are planning to move there-- make sure to check out a nice little home with 3 bedrooms and under 1000 square feet.
Small Houses for Sale
Aug 2, 2009, Subcontractor Agreements
Are you looking for good subcontractors to help with your homebuilding project? Some guidelines before setting up your subcontractor agreements.
Subcontractor Agreements
Jul 21, 2009, Planning a House
Planning a house may seem like a waste of time. You may think because you've helped a friend for a day or two on their house building that you're ready to do your own. Wrong!
Planning a House
Jul 17, 2009, Affordable Small House Plans
Affordable Small House Plans. What is your criteria for 'affordable'? $50, $500, free? The more complex your plan, especially one that requires an architect's editing, the more you'll pay.
Affordable Small House Plans
Jul 16, 2009, Truss Types, Small House Building
Truss types can be as varied as the type of house plan you put them on. Here are the more common truss types that you can build or order.
Truss Types
Jun 23, 2009, Basic Electrical Safety
Basic electrical safety is nothing to scoff at. Here's some shocking information to scare you into hiring an electrician.
Basic Electrical Safety
Jun 19, 2009, Basic Electrical Wiring
Things to Consider With Small House Basic Electrical Wiring
Basic Electrical Wiring
Jun 19, 2009, Basement Construction For Your Small House
Are you considering full basement construction for your small house? If your soil type allows it, a full basement can be a nice space to put mechanicals, storage, or a rec room.
Basement Construction For Your Small House
Jun 17, 2009, Estimating a Building Materials List
Estimating your building materials list can be a nightmare... but it doesn't have to be! Just take a deep breath and take your time. You'll be rewarded by an accurate estimate of your final cost.
Estimating a Building Materials List
Jun 17, 2009, Wall Framing Basics
Apart from actually hands-on framing of a wall (highly recommended), here's some things to consider in wall framing basics.
Wall Framing Basics
Jun 13, 2009, Small Houses for Sale
A listing of a few small houses for sale. We'd be happy to list yours here, too, at no charge. Just inquire through the contact page.
Small Houses for Sale
Jun 13, 2009, Small House Building, build a small house
Would you like to build a small house? There's a lot of appeal in building and owning small houses. Great beginner resources for those that plan on building their own small house.
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