Early 2008, we started to get really slow. We ended up with 4 custom homes and this was the second one of the year.
It was very fun to frame, especially the roof and the specialty framing. The roof is all hand cut and features a blend of I-joists for the largest spans and then 2×12 for everything else.
My crew also was responsible for the siding which was more nicely detailed and fun to work on. I built the gable vents and cut the corbels and the guys installed the shingles and it turned out great.
Like all Mascord plans I’ve worked on, this one was very well drawn.
I-joists are great to use for rafters because the roof ends up nice and flat. They weren’t too heavy either. They do take some planning and some extra prep work. I prefer to cut a bevelled plate to nail on the walls to avoid a birdsmouth and I prefer to lower the gable rafters and run the lookouts over the top of them.
I have more pictures here http://picasaweb.google.com/TimothyUhler/Lot35Muirkirk?feat=directlink
I wouldn't say complex.
Have you tried using I-joists for rafters? I really like it. You have to have a structural ridge and either using hangers or run them over the ridge but then you have to block and strap.
I like it too because you have a wider flange for nailing.
Tim - a word to the wise. You can't get points for complex framing and problem solving if you keep making it look easy!