Talk with builder about helping with house
Q. I think I am pretty handy with tools. I am having a house built and I want to do some of the work myself. The builder does not mind, but I don't want to be in his way. What projects should I consider?
Alex N.
A. You must have an accommodating builder there because most of them do not want to have a noncraftsman working on the job. Most of the construction phases are interrelated, so the quality of the work you perform can impact the overall quality. Also, if you hinder the construction process, it may actually increase your building costs.
Discuss your level of building expertise so you can determine which tasks you might attempt yourself. If anything, err on the side of being conservative when evaluating your skills. Building your own house is no place to be learning new skills or honing some partially developed ones.
Once you have determined what you plan to do and about how long it will take, the builder can give you a schedule of when you are expected to begin and finish each task. Obviously this can change as the building progresses, but it is a good idea to have a tentative schedule. Always keep in mind, each day's delay in completing the house costs you money.
Even though the builder agreed to having you help build your house, the individual workers may not be as keen on idea of having a novice there. When the construction begins, arrive at the site before the first worker gets there and stay until the last one leaves. Let them know you are not afraid to put in the time. Ask many questions and they will respect your work ethic and interest in learning from them.
A simple task which you should be able to do is to install the blocking in the wall framing. Blocking is short pieces of lumber with are install between the wall joists wherever things, such as handrail, sinks, towel bars, cabinets, etc., will be attached to the finished wall. All you have to know if how to use a circular or table saw and nail the pieces in place.
Another task is to run the telephone and television cabling throughout the house before the walls are closed in. You need just a hammer and a cordless drill. With the money you save on the labor costs, install high-quality twisted cabling for the best communications.
Also, before the walls are closed in, install your security system. If this is done during the construction phase, it is easy to install a hardwired system. These are more reliable than a remote system with batteries. Run wiring to all the windows, doors and a wall in each room (for motion sensors) even if you don't now plan on that many sensors. At least the wiring will be in place if you plan to expand the system in the future.
Making your new house airtight is important. Once all the insulation is installed in the walls, the interior side should be covered with plastic film. It is stapled up to the wall studs and around the window and door openings. Plan on spending quite a lot of time taping all the joints and caulking all the edges at the wall openings, electrical and plumbing fixtures.
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