Re: Jim Walter Homes
Been to many plants Big Dee (Wausau Homes, Wick Homes are just a stones throw from me). Been in the building industry the majority of my professional career and hold certifications in both civil and structural engineering with product manufacturers certifications in the likes of Trus-Joist, Weyehauser (they've owned trus-joist since '97 when they purchased MacMillian/Blodel - originators of the 'Silent Floor Syetem' and engineered I-Joists), Georgia Pacific, USG, Owens Corning and several more.<br /><br /> I'll be breaking ground next Monday 2/7/05 on the first of 4 homes I'm building this winter so I tend to have an understanding of whats what. <br /><br />I've got a few opinions, yes! ... but, I don't openly type crap on here to read my own words or lead folks in the wrong direction. - Never had, never will. <br /><br />re-evaluate what you've said/typed so far .. you sound like you're the proud owner of one of these homes.. and good for you if you're happy with it. But, don't list things that are so debateable its silly. I've had guys on crew that have worked for these places and I've heard fisrt hand what goes on in them from central Florida to here and in-between outside of plant tours. I've set some also.<br /><br />Here in my area in Wisconsin with a four man crew thats been working together for at least a year can build the average 1600-2000sqft home - dried in (floor system/walls/ roof system+papered w/exterior doors and windows installed) in a week (up to two dependant on many variables) - stick built. w/o the aid of much heavy machinery (cranes and lifts). Face it this stuff ain't rocket science. If you're worried about your home blowing away, USP and Simpson hardware companys have the solutions for this from strapping and diagnal wind bracing to truss ties etc.,.<br /><br />As 'per joist' testing is concerned (SPF/Dimensional members are what your talking about).. don't need it - point blank. They (joists) shouldn't be pushed or stressed to their 'potential' in ANY application.. sales spoof at best. "20-30% more lumber?".. ummm .. waste! in a typical house now days there are roughly 200LF of exterior wall. Within this are a normal 16"o.c. spacing. Calculating corners and partition junctures roughly 210-220 precut studs will be used. In the same home you can assume roughly 140-180LF of interior wall .. which will cause close to 160-200 interior pre-cuts to be burned up. plate material will run @ 800lnf exterior and slightly less for interor. Floor systems can get slightly complex but for this example assume a single stairwell to the basement and midspan support beams with solid blocking assumed at bearing points. .... no changes.<br /><br />exterior sheething and floor sheathing is a sqft covering dependant design, layout and waste. so thats moot. <br /><br />the only reason these houses could/would have more lumber is becase they need extra for strength being bounced around and hoisted.<br /><br />I'm tired ... need lunch