FHB#174 Smart Framing – savings?
ModernHomesInc
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Article “Smarter Framing” Issue 174.
I cannot see where the savings is. Can anybody else. Here in N.C. a 2×4 is $2.39 and a 2×6 is $4.27.
‘Dumb’ framing with 2×4’s the old way in the article will be about $88.43 for 37 studs.
‘Smart’ framing with 2×6’s 24″ O.C. will run about $93.94 on the 40ft. wall. More $!
Insulation is about the same. Where’s the savings? The article shows a saving of about half on a 2000 sq.ft. house. I didn’t include lack of top plate, but who can show me where all that saved money is coming from?
Replies
I also was not impressed by this article. Yes, removing every third joist could make the floors more boncy, but using thicker subfloor (1 1/8-in. panels will stiffen it back up. For example on a 1500 ft. ranch you will spend roughly $750 extra for 1 1/8 osb. but you will save about $480 for removing every third joist. A net loss of $270 for a weaker floor. (remember it does not matter how thick your osb is if you do not have enough strength in you joist to carry the weight.)! Even if the prices come out in a wash you still have a weaker floor! Smarter I think not!
That's the other thing I had difficulty believing. Bouncy floors, add more weight? I guess if they sag as low as they can go they won't bounce. :)