Dear Reader,
I am planning to build exactly the same house in Federick MD, wondering if how complicated the framing of the tower is? hence the cost
Thanks in advance
Steve
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If you buy the lumber at Home Depot the framing will be simple, all their lumber is twisted already. :>)
Should make the tower simple.
Edited 1/17/2008 9:46 pm ET by MSA1
Not a framing contractor, but nothing looks too complicated. I could see those long chimneys costing a bundle. Beautiful house, good luck with the project.
Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
I don't think complicated but it will definitely take more time. The building has slowed quite in my area from where it was 3 or 4 years ago, so the framers will be much less apt to squeeze you for extras. You'll have extra cost in the frame, the siding and for whoever does that porch, and roofing (what material?). One thing to consider is the HVAC, some of those houses are not friendly to ductwork runs but you could always go with a unico high velocity too.
The house you've attached could be one that is located just around the corner from me. Almost identical, including the interior layout! Interesting.
I've been in the tower of that house and was surprised that the framing was not nearly as complex as I expected. To be sure it wasn't a McMansion box but with some thought it shouldn't be too difficult. As to the HVAC and other utilities you have the advantage here in that you're building new. The local house goes back about 100years or so and they upgraded to all the modern systems...with some concessions.
Best of luck. Keep us up to date!
ciao, ted
I've done them as octogons and as round as you show.
Octogon would be about 40 hours, the round would be about 80.
I don't like how that roof continues and just blends in with the roof behind the tower. I'd change the pitch of the house roof and make the tower stand proud.
Edit: the 80 hours was for the frame only: no porch, no siding on the tower.
Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Edited 1/18/2008 1:01 am by Jim_Allen
Looks like a great project. I agree with Jim in that I'm not crazy either about the way the tower roof just goes back at 45D to the main roof. Maybe raise the tower eave line up a few feet and get a true cone on the tower. QA towers where done this way often. That would also break up the eave line and allow you to get a transom above the upper tower windows.
Nice house though with a good floor plan. Just be true to the details (siding, sld's, railings, etc.) and it should look great.
Runnerguy
The way that house is designed improves the liklihood that there won't be roof leaks where tower and roof meet, at the expense of a more dramatic tower.
That's true. The way the roof was historically handled was to look on it much like that of a cricket shedding water around an exterior fireplace flue. In terms of shedding water, the tower was nothing more then a giant fireplace.
Good point though.
Runnerguy
I've reflashed several of these as you describe- it's more involved than the home as pictured, but perhaps the tower isn't as dramatic.
Hows come?
The tower end is framed round, and the left end is framed octagon?
Looks weird to me, but still a nice looking house.
Joe H
the only thing to know is that a framming crew that does the normal subdicisions are not the ones to frame this house. you need a custom house framming crew. yes, it will take more time, but with the downturn in new construction, now is the time to build.
by the way it is a gorgeous house
what I see it a combination of money wasting stuff and cheap-me-down stuff - which puzzles me.
I agree with Jim that the tower roof should stand free of the adjacent tie-in. What was done on this one makes it look like a modern cheap copy of nicer old designs.
But I see that this is a true curved wall with curved windows as well. Those windows will cost a pretty penny.
Or you could segment the wall instead of true curve and use normal windows.
Me - I'd keep the curve and do the roof right to match it.
now then
that door stepping out of the second floor onto the porch roof - How you gonna get that permitted and insured?
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I had the same question about the second floor door.