Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 2011-08-24 05:44
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Momplex Stats
Money Spent So Far:
$25,000 + Cost of Property
Time Spent So Far:
460 Hours on Site + Planning What a frightening sight.
Winter on It's Way
I was already shivering, but the migrating geese flying over the Momplex was extra chilling. Even the birds know. That's why they are packing up and leaving. Winter is right around the corner.
Approaching Snowline
And our Momplex project is in danger of getting snowed on . . . without a roof overhead. And a snow line creeping closer by the day.
One Week Ago
Don't get me wrong, we've been working very hard and making lots of progress. It's hard to believe just last week the Momplex was only a footer in the ground.
Today
And now today, just seven days later, we've got blocks stacked 12 feet high. It is really amazing to stand back and consider that one family, in one week, with minimal prior building experience with ICFs, can get this far. Amazing really. Really amazing.
But there's no time to be amazed or to stand around today. With concrete on it's way later this week, there's much to do before these walls get set in stone.
Handrails
First up is adding the handrails to the scaffolding system that ties in with the support system that we rented from ARXX. The handrail pieces has slots perfect for two 2x4s. Knowing we would be using tons of 2x4s for interior wall framing, we went ahead and bought them now. We'll reuse them in the interior walls. No money wasted there. Those ARXX people think of everything!
The handrails and scaffolding go all the way around. Guess where we got the decking from?
Recycling Form Boards
And as spendy as it was to purchase these form boards for the footers, they've sure come in useful. We are using them as decking for the scaffolding system.
And to support the garage door openings for the pour. By the time I finally get to make furniture out of them, these boards are going to have quite a bit of history to them!
Today's Task
But the main task of the day is to put a system in place that will support the second story floor. There is a few different ways that you can support a floor with ICFs. We ended up choosing J Bolts. With J Bolts, you simply cut a square of foam out of the ARXX Blocks, and then cover the hole up with a piece of plywood with J Bolts positioned in them. The plywood is screwed to the black fastening strips.
When concrete is poured in the blocks, the J Bolts are secured inside the concrete, and there is no foam between the concrete and the ledger boards where the J Bolts are fastened. The spacing and number of J Bolts is per engineering requirements.
Then when you go to put your floor on, you simply remove the plywood pieces, and replace with a ledger board drilled for the J Bolts. This will all be much clearer when we blog the floor building step.
Building the Anchoring System
The Ram and I ripped plywood the night before into 12" widths. Then the plywood was cut into squares, followed by holes drilled in pattern in the plywood.
Our factory sets up shop out of the rain in the trailer to assemble the bolts into the plywood pieces. We purchased extra nuts to hold the J Bolts in place on the plywood.
Just like this.
Now we are talking.
And then a pattern is cut from a piece of scrap plywood.
And used to trace the location of the foam cutouts on the ARXX blocks.
A simply hand saw is used to cut a square out to the pattern as shown here. You bevel the top and bottom cuts so when you pour the concrete in the forms, air pockets don't form in the cutouts. Now imagine when the concrete is poured, and the plywood removed. You'll be looking at a J Bolt end sticking out of cured concrete - no foam in between. Sounds like a good spot to anchor a floor, doesn't it?
Family Photo
And here's one in the running for our Christmas card photo, a very "us" family picture. That's our Uncle Bill in there placing plywood. Sweet Gracie, picking up trash on her own, right? She is sweet, but she's actually not picking up trash. She's salvaging the foam cut outs and stockpiling them as "telelphones" to play with.
Loose Ends
There's still quite a few loose ends - literally - to tie IN and UP before the mud truck arrives, so we'll be staying busy. But now at least we can check tying in the floor off the list.
Thank you so much for reading. Your comments are keeping us motivated and excited about building and blogging the Momplex. We hope you are there for the concrete pour!
We are thrilled to be working with ARXX blocks to build the exterior walls of the Momplex. To learn more about ARXX, you can visit their extensive website here.
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Wow!!
So inspiring.. Everyone is doing a fantastic job, including your gorgeous daughter. I'm hooked on checking on the progress of the momplex now :) love it
Thank you so much for
Thank you so much for reading! Yesterday was actually one of those stressful days . . . and it's comments like yours that keep us going! We appreciate you taking your time to read and encourage us!
Cheering for you!
Although I don't imagine EVER building my own home, I find this fascinating! I can't wait to see how it all turns out and I'm so impressed at how your whole family is helping out. I will definitely stay tuned!
Hi Liara, thank you for
Hi Liara, thank you for cheering for us! We need it and we are so grateful! Ana
absolutely fascinating!
Ana and family. Ya'll are a walking talking testiment to what a family can do if they just work together. Everyone has their job, even darling Grace. I am absolutely fascinated watching your whole house project unfold. I live in southern Louisiana, and the storm resistance of that construction method is impressive. Maybe more people in this area should look into using them. Only problem is that some folks have to construct their homes 15 ft or more off the ground, because of storm surge ( and government regulations). An earth mound that high would be cost prohibitive, I'm sure. Still, for those on higher ground but still close enough to be prone to the wind effects of a hurricane (tornadoes), this kind of construction may be perfect. Thank you Ana and family, for bring this to folks to see.
Hi Bcubed, thank you and
Hi Bcubed, thank you and thank you for reading! In hindsight, we would have built our current house this way, only putting a floor in at four feet for a crawl space - instead of 11 feet up for a basement as done with the Momplex. Maybe something to consider?
Amazing
You are amazing. Your projects are amazing. This project is beyond amazing. You inspire all women!
Hi K, thank you! This has
Hi K, thank you! This has really been a family effort, but I tell you, there is something that just about anyone can do to help out on a project like this. You and your family can definitely do this!
Ana - i looks like in some of
Ana - i looks like in some of the plywood boards there are 2 j bolts and in some there are only 1. Will you explain this further?
Hi EEH, how observant of you!
Hi EEH, how observant of you! The J-Bolts on the two sides are to support the ledger boards and the floor. The J-Bolts on the front and back are to support the rim boards. Because the floor requires such a greater support system, per engineering requirements, we put two bolts in. This will all make more sense when we actually put the floor in - hopefully very very soon. Thanks for reading and asking - I'm sure others have the same question.
Your Job site looks amazingly
Your Job site looks amazingly clean! Are you cleaning before you take pictures or is or does ARXX really have that little waste?
Hi, with previous experience
Hi, with previous experience framing, I know what you are saying. There should be scraps everywhere. But with the ARXX blocks, there's really very little waste. I'll do a photo in the end of our scrap pile, but it's truly amazing how little waste this project is producing so far. Ana
Wow!
I can't believe your progress! It's going so quickly! You probably are more panicky than amazed at how fast it's going because you know what is in store for you weather-wise, but it's still jaw-dropping how fast you are getting this done. Do you think you'll be able to work on the interior while the snow is flying, or will you have to wait until spring to do the interior work?
Also do you have the conduit ran for exterior outlets/plumbing fixtures, or is that something that isn't really feasible in your climate?
J-Bolt Blocks
What holds the J-Bolt blocks to the wall? I understand how it stays once the concrete is in, but I didn't see how they stay in pre-pour.
Confused!
Hi Steve, the plywood pieces
Hi Steve, the plywood pieces are held in place with screws to the black fastening strips on the ICFs. That way they won't move when concrete is poured.
I'm feeling stressed just
I'm feeling stressed just reading all this!!! I can imagine how pressed you must all feel trying to get the Momplex enclosed before the snow flies. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy, busy, busy day to update us on how things are coming along.
Hi Pam, yesterday was one of
Hi Pam, yesterday was one of those stressful days, knowing snow is coming, and concrete too! But after writing this post, I was able to see how far we've come in such a short amount of time, and it really was therapeutic and encouraging to blog! And your encouraging comments are helping so much! Thank you for reading and encouraging!
Addicted to Momplex updates
I love all the updates. I'm not sure how I got hooked on your blog but I read each update and tell my husband all about your progress on the Momplex. Hope the weather holds out for you. You are moving along so well, I know you will make it!
Thank you so much for
Thank you so much for reading! We sure appreciate your encouragement!
I love these posts!
I love following along with the progress! Thanks for including us. :D
Thanks for reading, we really
Thanks for reading, we really appreciate you taking the time to encourage us!
Weather
Okay, I think I read your blog now just to see the long sleeves and coats. We (in Dallas) are on day 58 of 100+ degree temps this summer, and fall is nowhere in sight, much less winter! The building is quite fascinating, but really, you've got me pining for cooler weather now instead of pining for something to build. :)
I know, it's August! And
I know, it's August! And we've got full winter gear on. Maybe we can borrow some of your weather! Wouldn't that be nice!
first snow
When does snow usually start flying up there?
Hi Leah, this is a scary
Hi Leah, this is a scary thought! It's not uncommon to see snow in September, and you can pretty much guarantee it's sticking around for eight months or so by October. Hopefully we can get this roof on by then and be able to continue working on the interior of the Momplex over the winter!
NICE!
Ana, aren't ARXX amazing? They make building so much easier and faster. We got ours from Phil S. gosh 7 years ago now. I wish we had used them for the whole house, but they work wonderfully for our basement. We don't have to heat it or air condition it unless we want to. Stays at a nice 50-degrees all year.
Heidi
(Fairbanks)
labor of love...
an amazing labor of love. hope the snow holds off till the roof is on. ;o)
i just finished a headboard - i feel pretty good about it. always inspired by what i see here. thanks for sharing it!
Oh my gosh,
These photos are cooling me off! MITTENS AND GLOVES?! ALREADY!? We're looking at 116 today, and extreme heat warnings all week.
So... Stay warm, my friend! I have no doubt you'll get a roof on in time. :-)
Wow... just Wow
It's amazing to see things come together. Part of me is thinking:
"I can't wait to see what happens next"
and another part of me is thinking:
"My goodness, woman! Snow line approaching? dropping temperatures? How do you have time to work and blog it all? Get the roof on before the snow gets there!"
I'd love to learn more about
I'd love to learn more about this project. From what I've seen this is being built in Alaska? I live in Anchorage & love that you guys are not going mainstream for your building methods- & from the little research I've done- that this will be very stable & warm for the Alaskan climate up here.
Exciting to see this happening in my "backyard"
Thanks for the updates!
Amazing.
I am so loving being able to watch the transformation of this piece of land into a momplex built out of love. This is seriously the coolest thing ever! Thanks for taking us all along for the adventure!
Jos
It's very cool...
to see how this ARXX system works! This system is beyond fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing this process with us!
Keep it the great work!
As a 5 yr. old growing up while my parents took off the roof of their ranch and added a second floor over the house and the garage, I am thoroughly enjoying watching your progress.
So much has changed since the 70's. My parents did have a freak snow storm in April (in Virginia) when the roof was removed, which caused the ceiling and insulation to collapse. I still remember standing in the hall and being witness to the ceiling fall and open a huge window to the sky. Luckily no one was hurt. I'm sure my parents second guessed the wisdom of living in a house that was under construction that day.
I'm hoping the snow holds off for y'all. I'll blow some of this 90F weather your way from NC.
Wow!
I can't believe how fast this seems to be going up! It looks amazing and I hope that one day Matt and I can build our own home!
Great job! Looking forward to seeing all the steps along the way!
Seriously, send some weather
Seriously, send some weather my way! Thank you everyone for reading and following along, and especially, taking your time to encourage us.
@ Brittany so glad no one was hurt and so glad your parents raised you in a construction zone - selfish of me, but I love reading your blog and having you as a DIY buddy.
@ Loni you and Matt certainly can do this! This Momplex is massive - two homes with garages in one - can't imagine how much easier a single story single family home would be!
The ARXX system is really making this build much easier than it should be, can't take all the credit here! If we can do this, you can too! Thanks everyone for encouraging us and following along.
Impressed and Hooked
I don't know if we will ever build a house ourselves, but if we did, I really think this is the route I'd want to take. You are proving it is very doable, and the rate of speed it goes up is astounding!
Will be praying all is in place that needs to be before the snow falls. You guys are doing fabulous. Thanks for letting us share the adventure. :)
Loving this blog....
I don't always comment, but I see your blogs show up on facebook and I can't wait to click and read about your progress. Funny that we are suffering from 105 degrees here in Texas and little Gracie is wearing a coat and mittens in these photos and you are racing against the decending snowline.
Teaching US to fish!
When you first posted about Phil from ARXX 'teaching you to fish', that has stuck in my mind. You know, that's exactly what you're doing for all of us! By sharing your skills and ideas and creativity with us, you are giving us something that will last a lifetime. I'm on the site every day to watch the Momplex progress and also to see all the wonderful plans, and things the folks in this community are building because of your inspiration. Way to go Ana!
You've Got This!
I am so amazed by your tenacity! What a blessing to your moms. And what a legacy for your beautiful daughter! It is so cool that she gets to play beside you while you work!
I actually thought of you and said a prayer the other day when I saw some geese near my house (I live in WA). Hopefully this won't be an early winter!
Thank you so much for letting us into your world!
You can do this!!!
You guys are amazing! I'm enjoying so much watching you build the Momplex! what an awesome project~ I'm rooting for you that you can get the cement poured and a roof over your head before the snow sticks. We can wish can't we? Good luck!! And keep happy! And enjoy the little things! And thanks for blogging so we can see the progress!
ICF is the way to go
Hi I went thought the ICF building process two years ago. I love my house. It is the only way to build. My husband and a few friends did most of the work "framing the house".It was like building with Lego pieces. Our home is in R.I. Enjoy the process!
Totally cheering you on (and
Totally cheering you on (and figured out how to log in after my last 2 comments--apparently, using the wrong password doesn't work LOL). Keep posting your updates. I love them!
THANK YOU everyone for so
THANK YOU everyone for so much encouragement and cheering us on! We are trying to get over this huge hurdle - this first floor pour - and really appreciate your support! Thanks so much, love hearing your positive experiences with ICFs and knowing you are reading is keeping us motivated. Love you all! Ana
Alternate Footer Framing
Anyone considering a DIY could investigate this ... CLOTH footer forms! It looks faster and more shippable than wood. (sorry Ana, fewer scraps for furniture).
http://www.fab-form.com
http://www.fab-form.com/fastfoot/fastfootProjectDannyEpp.php
Wow, this is very
Wow, this is very interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Weather
Sounds like your a month ahead of us for winter here in MN. It's not often I hear of someone who has it colder than us in the US. I guess it's a good motivator though!
Ana, you guys are doing an
Ana, you guys are doing an amazing job! I cannot believe that in just two weeks or so you will go from footers to a complete closed structure! My dad built a 2,000 sq ft extension (mother in law apt) on to his house for us and it took ages to get that far. I wish I had known then about ICFs what I have learned since you started this adventure! Keep up the great work. I love checking in every few days to see how its going!
Wow, I'm totally inspired!
I have had plans for a simple house on my computer for YEARS! I built the plans myself, have taken careful consideration for every square foot of my "dream house". I put that in quote because most people who see the plans would think they are very plain, but my house serves all the functions that I need it too for my family and I love it.
I had put those plans away for the longest time (like I said before, years!) and then when I started reading about your ICF's, I pulled those plans out, made a few tweaks (to update our needs) and have been thinking a lot about how I could raise the money to have this house built. I KNOW that my family could build it because I've been watching you build this with your family.
I've said it before but you are amazing - you ALL are! I hope that you know just how much that your followers appreciate you. You inspire us everyday to keep doing what we love and keep trying new things. I think back to our life BA (Before Ana) and how humdrum it was - now we are doing something we love and it all started with a chance encounter on your website. You have changed my family's life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Inspired by your Momplex
I've been looking at a number of ideas for a few years now, and have settled on this plan for my retirement ... freegreen.com's Passive-Shed-1
I will do it in insulated, radiant-heated slab-on-grade with 10-foot ceilings to allow for air circulation by ceiling fans.
I won't need all the bedroom space so will re-work things to have 2 BR and the bath at the East end, with the kitchen sink closer to the bath to keep the water lines short.
The current 2 bedrooms at the West end will become one large library/study/music room.
I had been thinking of using the ARXX system [or our local equivalent by whatever name], and your blog has convinced me that is the way to go ...
All blessings as you complete the Momplex!<
Brian
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