1st Build Thread

[AMSOILGUY]

Many other members have shared their beautiful home builds so I would like to share mine. I've never built a house before and have lined up all contractors and pulled the trigger. I have many good people to help along the way plus hiring professionals.

Back in 2007 my wife and I started planning to build a home. We were looking at land and putting together a blueprint. Those plans got sidetracked by a 2008 deployment to Iraq. While on that deployment I was sitting in a TV room watching the news and see a national disaster unfolding unbelievably in Iowa. Then to my amazement, I am watching a news broadcast from a boat filming a Napa Auto Parts store with water nearly over the roof and only the sign recognizable. I remember thinking that looks familiar and turned out to be 1 block from my house. The boat continues going and low and behold floats right by my house with water to the roof. Holy ****! I call home and ask my wife whats going on back there and she's like oh nothing much. I said are you sure I'm pretty sure I just saw our house on the TV with water to the roof. At that time she came clean and said yes we have massive flooding and I didn't want to bother you with it since you are dealing with lord knows what. A Red Cross message was sent and I found myself leaving Iraq and returning home to a different war zone. I went from being a Marc 19 gunner running patrols in Fallujah to home in 72 hours. That is the hardest thing I've ever dealt with in my life so far. Dealing with family life and the loss of everything that was home before leaving nearly cost my wife and me our lives. Thankfully someone at the VA stopped me from leaving that day. Initially, they didn't have any time that day and set me up an appointment to return the next. I was walking out and somebody that actually listened to what I was saying stopped me and made the time that day.

Its been nearly 10 years since that June and I remarkably am still married and have a wonderful family of 5. We put those house dreams behind us then and bought a house instead and called it home for the last 10 years. A new chapter is going to happen and seeing several beautiful homes built here on the site I figured I'd share ours. We bought land in November of 2017 and found an architect to help design our house.

Picture of flood house with all our stuff piled up on the curb.
https://s19.postimg.cc/n19u5ekv7/20180507_190617.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vwaofx9nj/)

Site map of lot 1.02 Acres
https://s19.postimg.cc/5b85ki4r7/0310454005.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Blueprint
https://s19.postimg.cc/6kyp656qr/20180112_211708_1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/gv145dwm7/)

Land layout/ pond is behind lot
https://s19.postimg.cc/9m7y7luir/20180121_115140.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/wnojdcu67/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/plqlr0do3/20171102_163812.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6gnch8yzz/)

Me clearing tree on lot
jy6J1cHOJ_o&feature=youtu.be

Grading has began
https://s19.postimg.cc/4c2zg2xcj/20180423_190549.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6teqnch8v/)

Excavation begins
https://s19.postimg.cc/3w6kvsj3n/20180424_192512.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/v6rw3pm0f/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/n4eujogw3/20180425_112033.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/woyh6k67z/)

Footings being framed
https://s19.postimg.cc/evrs7e1sz/20180427_120119.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/fy1ypxkm7/)

Footings Poured
https://s19.postimg.cc/63vyb1e5f/20180428_190538.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/pyhzx5tcv/)

Waterline trench
https://s19.postimg.cc/5ed5ypvmb/20180504_124409.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8xz3oiybz/)

This is where we are at now.

[AMSOILGUY]

We had rain for 2 weeks. Finally a break in the weather and baskets of forms are here and walls are going up!
https://s19.postimg.cc/5inm3esz7/20180516_192259.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/b6twuaxbj/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/6sq0wgc7n/20180516_192458.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3ymvj0a1b/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/hkizxo4tf/20180517_184114.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/lgwbtnpsv/)

Lower garage space. Well see how fast it fills up.

https://s19.postimg.cc/kz5rrn52b/20180517_183117.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/s2dn79ahr/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/jcbysdt9f/20180518_115747.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/tmedrmj4v/)

https://s19.postimg.cc/pxta65lpv/20180518_180232.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ysu4goai7/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/5vf09eo1v/20180518_180007.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/n8pao9jcv/)

[AMSOILGUY]

Wall forms removed and plumbing roughed in.
https://s19.postimg.cc/43hhogrur/20180522_191608.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/7ac183can/)[/IMG
[img]https://s19.postimg.cc/v1beq7k7n/20180525_175736.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jc7f28t8v/)

Happy Memorial Day.

[waynieZ]

It looks good.

[AMSOILGUY]

Thanks, we are super excited! Things seem to be flowing smoothly so far. So many things to come together it's been fun choosing things.

[waynieZ]

It's going to be a beautiful house.

[jarhead]

thank you for your service!

Also reminds of something my Mom used to say, GOD is good, all the time...

[AMSOILGUY]

Wow time goes fast when your having fun. As I figured before I began this project there would be challenges. The weather really made for some interesting framing conditions. We have what looks like a house. Rough inspection is next week.
https://s19.postimg.cc/4356m5qmr/IMG956361.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/hk25518o3/IMG954454.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/5i6rawev7/IMG959026.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/5i6rawmkz/IMG957013.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/pcssx1h83/IMG950092.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/ppk737rs3/IMG957138.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/dnot92xz7/IMG955122.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)

[AMSOILGUY]

https://s19.postimg.cc/3qdsg1syb/IMG952401.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/9mcbhoan7/IMG954185.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/dnot93l4j/IMG952612.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/4fwksels3/IMG956248.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/qrudlt0bn/IMG954900.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/nxr88dt0j/20180622_080717.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/epyzroly7/)https://s19.postimg.cc/6kgxtiak3/IMG953519.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)

[AMSOILGUY]

Doing my best at sheeting out of the skid loader.
https://s19.postimg.cc/i9kxhh98j/IMG959940.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/r4lrs2imb/20180628_193439.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/jbv403cn3/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/za3tqdz77/20180630_152807.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sjncgyc1b/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/yxcfk8yxv/20180709_204205.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/6kgxtsd7j/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/vqhw0fjkz/20180628_192431.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9rbhd82qn/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/5uy5hf4yb/20180709_203901.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/rhd5yg3in/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/8c9wop4ab/20180710_170301.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/w39a6t4hb/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/vqhw0n1n7/20180711_195000.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/4fwkspyq7/)

[AMSOILGUY]

https://s19.postimg.cc/ed7llt177/20180713_090703.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/kqwop2633/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/67pjno03n/20180713_124118.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/sweqn8hhb/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/iz3pu6pb7/20180713_202258.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/55fd54wpr/)
Yes I did help shingle the roof. Just 3 dudes knocking it out.https://s19.postimg.cc/uj8jm561f/20180630_133243.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/50g794mhb/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/dnot9hy3n/20180716_103552.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/iz3pu7k67/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/85w7lofqr/20180713_202347.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/ye7cb1zu7/)

[AMSOILGUY]

https://s19.postimg.cc/tlxizgkk3/20180629_135556.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3qdsg9iq7/)
We had tried digging the lift out with the skid loader nearly all morning.
https://s19.postimg.cc/bvvue8c2b/IMG956121.jpg (https://postimages.cc/)
Eventually the lift broke because the starter wire got pushed into the exhaust from the mud and started on fire. That caused a lot of people including myself to move for extinguishers. Luckily we got the batteries disconnected before to much damage was done. By the way the tow truck didn't move the lift at all and drove home with a broken wench. Crane wouldn't hook up to it in fear of pulling it over. We ended up digging it out with a little backhoe and pushing it out with my excavators bulldozer. Don't mention the many inches of rain that fell while it was in the hole. https://s19.postimg.cc/7ujcmor9f/20180701_132143.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/8k24z1rsv/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/oyw2b6esj/20180702_151249.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/66k77lie7/)

This week Thursday we poured the garage floor. I can't wait to use the extra space. https://s19.postimg.cc/8vezy05zn/20180824_154158.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/isq0r2dlb/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/56pay7bar/20180824_154307.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/56pay7ban/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/crsbu06er/20180824_154125.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/49ivpnzvz/)
https://s19.postimg.cc/oojye5fyb/20180824_154232.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/vf0fnl33z/)

[waynieZ]

Wow, going to be a beautiful house, and moving along now.

[camcojb]

Wow, going to be a beautiful house, and moving along now.

X 1000!!!:thumbsup:

[572Camaro]

Thank you for serving our country.
Thank you for sharing all the pics.
You have to be excited!
We built our home in central Missouri in 1993. That was the big flood locally and I got sick and tired of renting sump pumps to keep our footing trench dry.
My point is.., hang in there!

[SSLance]

Wow!! Looks like you've had your share of challenges in getting the build this far. Hopefully now that it's dried in and final grade done things will go smoother from here on out.

Looks like a great house on a great lot. Good luck finishing it out. Please keep us posted as it goes along.

[AMSOILGUY]

Thanks and yes its exciting. I can't deny some stress but for the most part I'm still on the having fun side. The whole reason this started was schooling and now that the kids have started we are 100% right on the change. The school dynamics are much more about success then just completion. I said I wanted a larger garage if I'm moving and this what we ended up with.

[jarhead]

Thanks for the update!

BTW I love that garage design, My wife likes the house part too.

[AMSOILGUY]

Since we are finally to the point where its relevant to the site I have decided to go with a Rotary 2 post 10,000lbs. I originally was looking at the BendPak but after talking to a local Rotary dealer who had a used one I decided to go that route. Any reason to stay away from Rotary? Something i've never had before. Can't wait to change my oil.

[Vegas69]

It's looking great... It rains every other day once you decide to build a house. :D

How long has it been since you broke ground and approximate finish date? I'm right at 8 months on mine and my GC is telling my Sept 30th, but I'm not buying it. :headspin:

[clill]

Great group of pics. Congrats on what looks to be a cool house.

[GregWeld]

Since we are finally to the point where its relevant to the site I have decided to go with a Rotary 2 post 10,000lbs. I originally was looking at the BendPak but after talking to a local Rotary dealer who had a used one I decided to go that route. Any reason to stay away from Rotary? Something i've never had before. Can't wait to change my oil.



Rotary lifts are top notch - I'm on my third one! Not ever a single issue. And American Made.... I'm always willing to "pay up" for that.

HOUSE IS STELLAR!! Don't know how I missed the thread!! And sorry --- not sorry -- I got a good belly laugh out of the stuck machinery! I can only imagine the effort all of that took!

[AMSOILGUY]

We broke ground April 23rd. Having never GC a project like this but I have been saying Thanksgiving. The bank only extended a 6 month construction loan. I'm glad I jumped the gun on breaking ground almost a month before closing otherwise I don't think I'd stay in that time frame.

Greg thanks for chiming in on the lift.

Thanks to everybody else for checking it out.

[Vegas69]

You better turn on the afterburners! :Tomcat:

[Flash68]

Great looking project!

[BMR Sales]

Rotary lifts are top notch - I'm on my third one! Not ever a single issue. And American Made.... I'm always willing to "pay up" for that.



I'll back that up - my Rotary is 10 years Old and never a problem!

[AMSOILGUY]

I could/should have been updating but everything went to **** once I was supposed to have cabinets. Cabinets were supposed to be ready the first week of November I didnt get anything until the 3rd week of december. We finally got a temp occupancy the second week of Jan with folding tables for counters in the kitchen and using only a single burner and a pazzaz pizza maker for nearly all meals. That lasted for 2 months until March when I finally got kitchen cabinets. I am done minus landscaping. It turned out well!
https://i.postimg.cc/3Nhj02sW/20180907_113214.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ph05g5Xt)
https://i.postimg.cc/02QMWt0P/20180907_180458.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Yj5CjzPs)
https://i.postimg.cc/GhrTFLH8/20180915-130223.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hhyGgq8c)
https://i.postimg.cc/P5SDfgfL/20180915-130325.jpg (https://postimg.cc/LJZ5N01R)
https://i.postimg.cc/4NL4YstT/20180912-191231.jpg (https://postimg.cc/fJdQF4BH)
https://i.postimg.cc/Qxb9S2T6/20180831-085633.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dLhVVSnd)
https://i.postimg.cc/j2YwkKc1/20180907-111547.jpg (https://postimg.cc/phkLpwgQ)
https://i.postimg.cc/qvNJnSX6/20180911-113600.jpg (https://postimg.cc/sMRCCnL3)
https://i.postimg.cc/zf9VV5sf/20181023-181548.jpg (https://postimg.cc/8Fm1Y8P8)
https://i.postimg.cc/VLcnK9HN/20181114-152129.jpg (https://postimg.cc/14J8tFSx)
https://i.postimg.cc/43MhVp9s/20181222_105130.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3yXRH41c)
https://i.postimg.cc/wB3m1w3w/20180915-185157.jpg (https://postimg.cc/mcfDqNY9)
https://i.postimg.cc/9z34K2BS/20180929-180838.jpg (https://postimg.cc/YL3qLJZf)
https://i.postimg.cc/65556y80/20181119-162542.jpg (https://postimg.cc/142ZJRcn)
https://i.postimg.cc/WpxXTJYR/20181215_163950.jpg (https://postimg.cc/NL71xLwb)

[AMSOILGUY]

This is exciting!!
https://i.postimg.cc/RZZ3Yg1v/20181029-164423.jpg (https://postimg.cc/SJHN27tP)
1900sqft of Brazilian cherry hardwood!!!
https://i.postimg.cc/5yf9Ctnf/20181003-114033.jpg (https://postimg.cc/vgSdRbJK)
First step https://i.postimg.cc/TwghbFxJ/20181003-161033.jpg (https://postimg.cc/vg8QFPc4)

Here is a half bath that I did non traditional I think it also turned out well. Probably because of my good help. 40hrs of just gluing lol.
https://i.postimg.cc/k5V2JDhZ/20181203-170850.jpg (https://postimg.cc/SXhSVQ47)
https://i.postimg.cc/hjdQrhLx/20181204_190259.jpg (https://postimg.cc/G8bp3LSh)
https://i.postimg.cc/6QHfS74m/20181216_012604.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xkzmN1Rv)
https://i.postimg.cc/x8gfyS4M/20181221_212401.jpg (https://postimg.cc/fStQD1ZR)
https://i.postimg.cc/Z5SHyzhV/20190219_130445.jpg (https://postimg.cc/rKfxvbsr)
https://i.postimg.cc/MHfM9H1V/20181222_105507.jpg (https://postimg.cc/kR9g4n1g)
https://i.postimg.cc/yd487jRg/20181228_224540.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hJsBr9pc)
https://i.postimg.cc/0QY2jSGt/20190411_180811.jpg (https://postimg.cc/VrNcHdVM)
https://i.postimg.cc/wM5tCPbj/20190410_171533.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ctH4YDSp)

Excuse the mess but I did use my lift for the first time and its amazing!https://i.postimg.cc/htZJRVMT/20190417_140429.jpg (https://postimg.cc/v498WgJZ)

[BMR Sales]

I did my mancave floor with Pennies like you did. It took for ever and I didn't think I could get up.

[GregWeld]

Looks great!!! Glad it’s almost done....

Love the “coin floor” !! Great idea!

Once you have a lift — you’ll never be without one.

[waynieZ]

Beautiful! I love the coin floor, your workers are the best help you'll ever have. I love the house, the stone work looks great.

[jarhead]

That place is awesome, and the house isn't bad either :-)

Love all of it, nice work!

[AMSOILGUY]

https://i.postimg.cc/qRgjN1rw/20190423-135103.jpg (https://postimg.cc/phbD7Yp5)
I did a small pattern with the pennys and all the heads are 2018 year we built house.
Thanks everybody!

[BigBronco]

Can't wait to see the final photos!

Beautiful home!

[Vegas69]

It's turning out great! A little behind schedule I see. :D

[Roscoe03]

Awesome home and I really like the finishes you chose. I've never seen a coin floor before and it looks sweet.:relax:

[AMSOILGUY]

It's turning out great! A little behind schedule I see. :D

Yes, Being completely new at home building I was able to keep all the subs on schedule except the cabinets guys. They just straight lied to me and I didn't have a detailed enough contract with them to really do anything about it. I learned a lot and feel like I have another one of these in my future. I'm sure that one will have delays as well. Seems like if you want custom wood work you end up at their mercy. Didn't like it.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Beautiful house! Congrats on it!

[89 RS]

Great looking home! That coin floor is insane, awesome idea. What part of Cedar Rapids? I have family in Cedar Rapids and Fairfax.

[AMSOILGUY]

great looking home! That coin floor is insane, awesome idea. What part of cedar rapids? I have family in cedar rapids and fairfax.


sw cr

[Jimbo1367]

Great looking house $$$$$$ yikes. I really dig the penny floor. You could use $1000.oo bills for another floor. LOL Very cool idea. What did you seal the pennys with?

Jim