Build Notes (New Construction, Older Homes, Renovations, Interesting Finishing and Details)
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A lot of exterior detail finishing up this week.
On one of the houses I’m building, we had an old 20 x 40 carport that was probably close to 100 years old. We removed all of the old framing but kept the original stone foundation. We added deep foundation piers along the perimeter on the interior to support the new slab.
All of the trusses bear on the exterior walls, so there are no real interior loads. We poured the new slab over the old stone foundation, but rather than covering the old stone, we finished the concrete down to it with a three-coat European hardcoat stucco.
The whole idea was to keep that old stone exposed. Give it a few years, probably less, and I think it’ll look like it’s been this way for 100 years.
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The guys are about to wrap up the bluestone around this pool, just finishing up the little door well going into the garage.
Still shooting for end of October closing date, although waiting on cabinets for two areas above the garage and the bathroom cabinets for the gym bath.
I have a giant granite water(8’ x 5’) feature that’s about 7 inches too tall. Measured everything months ago, but I made the mistake of not making sure the siding guy started his first course at the correct height. So my mason is taking it back to the granite company to have 7 inches cut off the bottom.
They’re also going to cut it into thirds since the damn thing is way too heavy to set in place as one piece. Figured since it’s going back anyway, might as well let the professionals handle it. Once it’s reassembled, you’ll barely be able to see the seams. It’s going on the far end of the pool that backs up to the garage. There’s a PVC spout seen in pic that’s about 5 feet off the pool coping. Of we will have to adjust that pipe down 7 inches now but it’s OK. It’ll be covered by the Granite when complete and doesn’t need to look pretty.
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Door well is complete. The French pattern makes it a little tricky with the drain. There is possibly a better way to do it, but in this situation function far outweighs form.
Stone drain cap
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One thing I wanted to mention, and part of why I enjoy posting this stuff, is that all the bluestone work, the transitions, drain locations throughout the main patio and window well, and how everything ties together is figured out on site by my mason and me.
There are no architectural or engineered drawings for any of this. It’s all experience, a little trial and error, figuring out what we think is aesthetically pleasing, what’s going to function properly, and how to make it all come together. Mix all that together, and this is what you get. It’s one of the things I still really enjoy about building after all these years. -
@northsouthdenimguy that's interesting! That's a lot of liability to take on from a builder standpoint but sounds like you got it down
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Please don’t remind me and say that quietly next time as my General Liability carrier might hear you…
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@northsouthdenimguy LOL understood!
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@northsouthdenimguy I made my own DIY version about 5 years ago. It was nothing special, just burning some T&G cedar with a propane bottle and a weed torch. Looking back, I didn't do nearly as much of a char as I should have. I saw an exhibition probably a decade ago put on by Delta Millworks where they were doing their own version of Shou Sugi Ban. They've become quite a large distributor for it now if you're ever looking to source some:
Delta MillworksHere's the only picture I have handy:
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Very cool and thanks for the link!
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Still needs to be pressure wash and sealed but stone drain cover is in place, turned out pretty sweet
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Thanks man! It’s definitely a little easier at this price point when people are willing to spend the money on the finishes.
You’ll probably never see anything super slick or too modern from me. I like some good historical details, but nothing too over the top. It’s just almost impossible money wise to do things across the board the way they used to.
You can definitely take bits and pieces from older homes though. A lot of it also depends on where you are, not only in the US but around the world. It’s crazy how some things are considerably less expensive elsewhere and almost impossible to do here without spending a fortune.
These are two of my favorite books. I think they make such a difference in understanding how to use certain historical details in today’s homes without making them feel forced or overly traditional.
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@northsouthdenimguy I'll be reading the bottom one later today
The new girls house is a funky mix between 1840's build and 2017-2020 reno hell, it had been gutted and modernized really well but they left a lot of the finish work and second floor undone. She did a really nice job on the kitchen, pantry and first floor layout and materials, but we both agree it striped a little bit of the charm so we've been adding things back in like faux beams made from the original floor joists and stuff like that. I'll also admit I've definitely shown her the fit pics from HWD and here for inspo/motivation too 
