Expensive Choices

If you are building a new house, you might have some great ideas...but think
carefully about them! House plan review: • Spec House: Final Draf...
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@twestgard2]

Some people get old. Some people think a lot. When someone does both, it’s well worth listening.

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

That’s wonderful

[@vanish85]

This should be shown as a lecture on software development for project managers and devs alike!

[@BayAreaMCs]

The software to design, manage, and foresee almost aspect of a project already exists and It’s called BIM, blue beam, and PlanGrid and I use it everyday it the field as a commercial carpenter.

[@Aitidina]

@@BayAreaMCs I don't think he was talkin about that

[@plsreleasethekraken]

@@BayAreaMCs planning/designing, developing, and maintaining software is analogous to building a house in quite a few ways--that's what he meant. Cute or novel approaches for the sake of it often has painful unintended consequences, so unless there is a compelling rationale for deviating, convention and standard practices are often followed for the same reasons Scott mentions in construction.

[@nat8843]

Yes It was worth it 100%! There's a popular Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Same goes for beautiful homes.

[@psidvicious]

I like that one.

[@mattjjacob]

Wonder if they'll add some new trees on that hillside before it's over

[@THEsourman00]

@@mattjjacob You're not a bright boy, are you Matt?

[@ImpulseAudioSpeakers]

THEsourman00 why? Trees are great. The site needs some green.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

I bought my home because it was obvious that the original owner paid attention to details and paid to have them done correctly. Not just the cosmetic things but the ones that pay off long term like clean outs at every sink. Using 2x6 studs in the outside walls for the extra insulation or going to joists that are 12 inches on center for the second floor area that’s the upstairs family area. It’s now built for a heavy pool table and kids can jump up and down like kangaroos and the floor doesn’t boom like a drum. He had them plumb for an outside kitchen and for a pool heater for the pool that he never built but he thought he might. I don’t think he got all his money out of the house because he didn’t get to stay here as long as he planned through no fault of his own, but I sure do appreciate the attention to details.

[@jpcoppock]

You are an absolute wealth of knowledge in so many areas that make me jealous... from music, to carpentry, to shop tools, to what brand of pants to buy :). You "keep up the good work", and I'll keep enjoying every moment of it. Thank you!

[@bob_frazier]

#7 Don't build a one of a kind custom home in a spec house neighborhood to sell as a spec house.

[@BarryHull]

So when my experienced honest contractor said “OMG!!! You want what??!!”, and then belly laughed, you’re telling me that was a bad sign?

[@markb.1259]

Scott... You are an A+++ Craftsman and an A+++++ Teacher!!! Totally love your kindness and personality! Thank you for teaching me some of what you know!!!

[@chrisbarr1359]

I think this home is beautiful, unique, with a desirable setting and obviously well built by great craftsman! In most areas the new units are mass produced, simple cookie cutter, poorly built houses crammed on a lot that has had all mature trees removed! The person who eventually buys this home should consider themselves very lucky! The lot, although difficult to build on, is a wonderful setting - I love the wild life that continue to visit. You've built a great home! KUTGW

[@danespen5772]

Yes, the house is beautiful but every time I see it from the garage side, I can't help thinking some giant came by, picked it up and pushed in the middle with his thumbs. Somehow, that adds to the beauty. I guess I just think that bend is unusual.

[@warrenmichael918]

i can not wait until it is finished and we get to see it ...

[@duggydo]

A Craftsman's style house...I would say that was an Essential choice for this channel 👍😉

[@jonathanconway7256]

I would call this "The cost of detail"

[@717UT]

Another fantastic discussion. You encapsulated so many thoughts and concepts that knock around in my brain when I'm usually cussing the designer or architect or client. A side note, it would be a sin if some homeowner down the road got tired of painting the overhangs and had it all covered up with metal soffit and fascia!

[@scottsmith2052]

We built our house on the cheap. It is a stack of four pre-manufactured modules (plus a garage on the side). The architectural interest comes from how we used inexpensive modern materials like identical rectangular windows and white vinyl to match the look of the real colonial mansions from the 1700's that exist in our area (NJ).

[@Adventure_Mike]

I think they look amazing!!!!! and want them on my next house! Great work!

[@Rudy4759]

Since it’s been raining maybe you could do a video on how the water behaves when coming down against the retaining wall towards the house 🏡

[@ADVBear]

You know, there are great things in life, and this channel, this series, this craftsman, are some of them.

[@JohnComeOnMan]

I don't mean to be "that guy", but throughout this project I definitely got the sense that choices were made based on desire for craftsmanship over bang for your buck. Especially roof details on the back of the house where they'll never be seen. However, in my experience in the industry, the quality of the craftsmanship is something I would feel very comfortable owning. Well done.

[@cccpkingu]

Then how do you explain exactly what those overhangs are.

[@Virxo182]

Even if no one will ever notice it deserves to be done right.

[@oldguydoesstuff120]

I look at the overhangs and agree they look is wonderful. I love character like that in any building. My question is could the look be achieved in a less expensive way? Maybe a tongue and groove look on plywood? Perhaps the decorative supports could be strictly decorative rather than functions? On the other hand, I can't argue with your choices for this particular project. Part of the project is to demonstrate for a KZbin audience what can be done in a home. And on that measure, you are quite successful. I wouldn't have changed a thing, either.

[@Graveltrucking]

You’re house isn’t ugly like the modern homes built today you’re house has character. It’s the way houses used to be built.

[@zs7238]

The house looks good, but I beg to differ - any style, modern styles included, are not inherently devoid of character, or inherently beautiful. As an artist I believe it's all about the specific case and the execution. I've seen just as many ugly, character-less non-modern homes as modern homes, perhaps more. People simply tend to notice when modern homes are done wrong, when less becomes a bore, but forget how ugly traditional homes can look. I'm actually really into a more whimsical modern design, or the combination of bold geometries and traditional elements. They are the best of both worlds: great shape language, great textures and functionality; not boring at all.

[@calebmattix391]

Unique homes have unique problems. And that what makes them unique!

[@m3528i]

"Window Guy" here! Love the show.

[@keithparady2594]

I honestly think that there’s a pile of people who need to see this video some people just don’t know how much goes into the building process

[@robertn2813]

Keith , i wish EVERY customer i ever had , had seen this video

[@markdoumert4840]

I wish there was a way I could get all my future customers to watch this and take it to heart

[@kevinthompson4690]

Cant wait to see the rough in of electrical HVAC and plumbing.

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Outstanding list and points. I've made these types of mistakes, especially going through a lot of extra personal effort to achieve a specific look (tongue and groove porch ceiling as it happens) when a different choice of materials and construction would have saved me oodles of time in implementation. Great channel!

[@trawlertravels6376]

Yep...it was worth it..it a great house

[@r4-drz84]

I remember being asked if we could reverse the face of all the cabinets in a kitchen. As in they wanted the backside on the front. I'm pretty sure the husband thought - I'm gonna keep her happy & let the contractors tell her no. Can't blame him honestly it was pretty funny. Anyways I'm glad I found your channel, thanks for sharing all the great information you have. 🍻🖖

[@Ikantspell4]

I would prefer a craftsman style home if I had my choice but I have never had my choice. The number one consideration in a home for me has always been affordability. If I were given a budget I would love and probably choose the large overhangs but likely choose something less expensive than wood to finish off them with. Having large overhangs is ideal for controlling the sun and water but I wonder if there's a product other than wood that would look good way up high away from the ground that would also look good

[@christophergruenwald5054]

Well there is always a closed in soffit.

[@n3qdz]

When I was in the trades as a low voltage technician (smart home, home theater, automation guy) we were on a project 27k SF (huge house) they had a water feature that was mind blowing. It was a 3 story 16' tidewater fall within the center of the home. Mind blowing but, it was part of the HVAC (it added moisture to the dry forced air system) Not only did it add moisture to the entire home but, in the summer they ran it through the geothermal to COOL the water and in the winter they HEATED the water. We monitored the humidity in the air and in conjunction with the HVAC system we would regulate the flow of water. more humidity more water, less humidity left water. It worked (after de bugging it) flawlessly. The other thing it did was to keep the inside furnace mold free since there was no humidifier in the system. Sorry it was so long but I just remembered that job. It was filled with tons of detail covered up by spray foam insulation and sheetrock but all the tradesmen knows what is behind those walls. BTW the home theater complete with 14' screen dual Runco projectors and 3k watts was pretty badass! along with all the other cool stuff we did I sure hope you put automated Lutron lighting in the gorgeous home!

[@MrBigtime1986]

yeah but those overhangs look great

[@5eyes1294]

This guy is like the Grandpa that everyone should have. Love his videos.

[@SkylerKing]

Woah, I got here just 54 seconds after it was posted!

[@richardgraham65]

Can someone define exactly what is a "Craftsman House"? Some of those eaves look like a great nesting ground for the birds too.

[@rjtumble]

Wikipedia can: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Craftsman (among many other websites) but the "TL;DR" is that it's a response to Victorian homes where the point of the house is to show off craftsmanship vs "fancy".

[@xcalibertrekker6693]

Yea fancy or overly complex design and construction. This house is one of those as it has to many non-typical features making it look complex and out of place. IMO of course as some still like this style.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

In general, "Craftsman-style" is an object designed to allow the natural materials themselves to be the decoration. It was all about "honesty of construction" and showing off human craftsmanship.

[@MegaRawBerry]

Not a production home that looks like every house on the block

[@klmbuilders5385]

Craftsman originated in Great Britain and spread through California via Gustav Stickley and Greene & Greene. Craftsman was the answer to the gawdy and extravagant Victorian era. Craftsman homes showcased the expertise of the carpenters. Lots of built ins and wooden pegged joinery. All stained wood trim. I live in a Craftsman home circa 1930.

[@anthonypiligno7618]

100% correct..... thanks you.... A smart man learns from his own mistakes.... a wise man learns from other people's mistakes.... thanks again....... JJ....Jonjon...

[@johnwildermuth3136]

The birds are going to love those corbels.

[@tysleight]

We have them and zero birds on or in the corbels. We get the on everything else door jams over lapping roofs overnight in car wheel wells....

[@tallswede80]

...Lotta shit

[@bkoz319]

oh definitely hope they put bird spikes up

[@warrenmichael918]

@@bkoz319 haha , i have seen the spikes under a hotel awning with huge nests built right on top of the spikes! It looks like a great place to keep the nest suspended off the surface keeping it nice and dry on the bottom.

[@bkoz319]

it will be a total eyesore im interested to see what they try to do to prevent this

[@benjaminrhodes9611]

How many people have built really wonderful homes, would look back and think, "I should've slopped together a paper box the way most area builders would."? I hope very few. The headache and heartache comes, usually, at times of building, not upon reflection...except when it comes to budget. Life is a gamble. Build smaller but better, not bigger and cheaper.

[@SRMWorkshop]

I watched my brother build a house that I felt was way too big, and he sold it a couple years later. Now he is building one a more modest size. Better to build for ones needs not wants.

[@AjaxNixon]

It depends what youre building for. If youre building your own home then heck yes, if not, then go the big and cookie cutter route, youll make more money with less effort

[@SRMWorkshop]

@@AjaxNixon he intended to keep the last one, but 3,500 sqft was a lot to manage. the new house is almost done and only about 2,600 sqft.

[@FishFind3000]

TattooPyramidHead 3500 is a lot??? Lol my parents home is 4500 not including the basement.

[@SRMWorkshop]

@@FishFind3000 we have 6 people living in 1,700. If this house was laid out better it could be even smaller. Having more space is nice, but it's not a need and gives more opportunity to collect extra stuff. To each their own, just not my preference to have extra.

[@thesneak281]

I have not watched in a while but man did that house turn out looking amazing. It's all in the details

[@z06doc86]

Don’t second guess yourself, the home is awesome. The overhangs are perfect and well worth the expense and effort. Love the channel.

[@borys444]

So many nuggets in here, I had to watch it 2x back to back to pick up what u were putting down. Cheers EC!

[@johnsrabe]

A great list but I would have added a little more spending a little too much money up front v longtime satisfaction. Scott might enjoy looking at the tongue and groove in the overhangs, but will the owner? But the owner will definitely enjoy the benefits of the overhangs in general. You could get decades of joy from an outsized picture window, well worth the upfront cost and even replacement down the road … if you’re the type of person who enjoys a sunset view with a cup of coffee. So … I guess you need to find a contractor who understands this aspect of the project. Part contractor, part counselor.

[@Dream4Design]

2:58 and any other time, right side of his shoulder, I can not stop look over at curved roof line :) hope this is just optical effect.

[@markarita3]

Ok, it's not just me!

[@MandoFettOG]

Saw it too, threw me for a loop for a minute

[@jamiehalpin9921]

Yeah, how would you fix that?

[@jamiehalpin9921]

Dream4design? How would you fix that

[@Dream4Design]

@@jamiehalpin9921 nohow, just keep as it is and live forward. Can try place rain gutter straight, this will fix visual effects.

[@ILoveAnchovies334]

i should write the book on making expensive decisions for my aesthetic preferences. Im constantly doing free work just because it has to look a certain way and its always worth it😋

[@gibsonbuilds4841]

Guys..the house does look great! As a general contractor for 30+ years a big expensive detail like that on a spec home is pretty risky. I guess one could say this house is a little different because it's kinda made for the show, but in general a builder builds a spec home to sell and make money... nothing else! The house could be a little on the small square footage to get the high dollar to absorb that high level of craftsmanship. Again it looks great...but it's a much better feeling when the project is sold and you know your getting paid for your blood sweat and tears on details like that. I have had some Realtors walk away with more than me. Horrible! Keep up the good work!

[@robertn2813]

ACTUALLY.........a builder builds a spec house to sell and make money yes , AND also so there's no bitching in his ear constantly from you know who ! (client !.....client !)......sorry , i have a bad cough , (client !)....wow , gotta get something for this cough......

[@dieterjones4527]

I find it a bit ridiculous that people keep on squawking about birds (see what I did there). I live in a 1920’s craftsman with the same kind of eaves, tongue and groove with large corbels. They have held up excellently to weather and birds are a non issue. I live in the PNW where there is plenary of weather and wildlife and the birds seem to prefer the trees to my roof. We have a botanical style back yard with walking paths, a pond and a bird feeder which I keep constantly stocked with seed and I still can’t get them to nest in my eves. Maybe these people live in an area where all the trees have been cut down or something or maybe they just don’t know what they are talking about (there are plenty of those on the internet). Even if birds did prefer eves over trees as a homeowner you should be walking the perimeter of your house periodically to look for any of the other maintenance issues that can come up. Like landscaping growing to close to the side of the house, pest infiltrations etc. If you see a nest on one these perimeter walks and you think it’s an emergency level issue then do something about it. I’ll leave of with two pretty solid statements. There’s no such thing as a maintenance free house and you get what you pay for which in this case is an awesome craftsman with detail you probably won’t find in a house that was built as quickly as it could be for as cheaply as it could be so the developer could turn a quick profit because thats what they do when they churn out 20-50 track homes.

[@markpalmer5311]

Wisdom! It was worth it.

[@prototype3a]

I was talking with the wife a few weeks ago saying that I love Craftsman houses. However, one lesson I had already learned from your spec house was that if I was to build something new for us, I would rather keep it fairly simple and build it really air and water tight.

[@robertn2813]

air tight isn't good Drew . you burn through vacuum cleaners , trust me

[@clementcharlebois]

@@robertn2813 Please explain.

[@robertn2813]

​Clement if your home is too "air-tight" improper ventilation will cause a few problems . your gas appliances ( furnace , water heater ) will backdraft , and not allow carbon dioxide to exit the home , and too much humidity will cause mould and bacteria to grow which causes poor air quality . you can seal the house up , but you have to provide some mechanical ventilation . that's why we now install heat recovery ventilators . and as i mentioned , before , your vacuum needs to draw air from somewhere to operate efficiently or you create a vacuum in the house every time you use it. this over-taxes the vacuum , and the motor burns out more quickly . also , contrary to popular belief , your house doesn't " need to breathe " , lol , YOU do . so , go ahead seal your house up tight . THEN install an HRV , so you can intentionally bring in fresh air on YOUR terms . and while we're on the subject , make sure your a/c unit is sized properly too . an a/c unit that's too big will cause all of the problems we have just remedied . enjoy .

[@premhoonjan4141]

The Mr. McMahon killed me

[@RealRonSwanson]

Yep. It WAS worth it.

[@marklyon3071]

Sometimes as a craftsman I do things for no other reason than I like the way it feels when I turn out a product that I know is better than expected.. even if I’m the only one that notices or appreciates it.. Great job on your piece of art!!

[@larrydugan1441]

Great advice. Also don't change the plans after you start. That's what really costs.

[@Xiph1980]

Solution: don't plan. 😂

[@robertbeirne9813]

“Everybody has a plan, til they get punched in the mouth”

[@larrydugan1441]

@@robertbeirne9813 punching your contractor implies you made a bad choice

[@tysleight]

We have a $150 change order price plus time and materials.

[@psidvicious]

Totally agree. Review, review and review the plans again before you start the build. Then - Stick to the Plan!

[@TheDasbull]

You have dreamed of and built a beautiful home. The craftsman era of home building may have passed, however the style and beauty is timeless. In my (old) neighborhood, there is a mix of craftsman and other styles of home, and as I age, the craftsman style is my favorite. Most people today can't or won't spend the money for the style and elegance found in "pre-war" homes. Enduring quality is expensive... Thank You for great videos!

[@JeremyGilbrech]

Would almost be worth it to buy that adjoining lot to prevent someone from messing up that view.

[@andrewalexander9492]

The next lot down is a *lot* lower in elevation. They'd have to build a really tall building to obstruct the view from the house.

[@Andy-rp3ee]

Seems like every “mountain home” here in CO has odd custom sized windows lol. I think our bathroom windows are about the only normal off the shelf sizes.

[@henrywest7217]

A very compelling "stream of consciousness" kind of topic today. As the son of a man who was a builder for some 50yrs. I'm very familiar with these same dilemmas. I don't know whether I've ever heard of the complications expressed quite so succinctly. I enjoyed it. p.s. Beautiful House!

[@jatomo]

Good one as usual. Are there any plans to do a blower door test and thermal imaging?

[@chuckmiller5763]

We built a 5500 SF 1 BEDROOM home for a couple with no kids in Tucson AZ, when it was done, they could not get it appraised because of its size and being only 1 bedroom. We went back about a year later and added 2 bedrooms in one of the garages, then it appraised easily. There was some work involved to make sure those bedrooms looked like they belonged there.

[@ryanthelionful]

Inspirational to say the least! I want to apprentice with you!!

[@tommcluckie6034]

is it an optical illusion or does the roof-line over your left shoulder have a wow in it at the second/third rafter in from the end another great video take care

[@essentialcraftsman]

Good eyes! It’s not the rafter, the drip edge was not placed tight to the edge of the sheathing and so the first course of shingles is not straight. Makes it look like the corner dips. Freaked me out the first time I saw it though!

[@tommcluckie6034]

@@essentialcraftsman well am old but can still spot a cock-eyed door jamb at 30 paces lol house looks great nice to know my eyes still work

[@makemyday1477]

Saving money on building a house.. start a great KZbin channel and get sponsors to give you stuff. Haha,

[@Railtech_63.]

Great sound advice and it can apply to a lot of things in life. Not just home building, keep up the great work.

[@louvaniste]

I think the four big columns on the porch are a bit too heavy looking, and out of proportion, aesthetically. Seems a bit too bulky in my eyes. Besides, their base take unnecessary floor space. They are not yet constructed: maybe you should think about it again. Reducing their cross section would give your porch a more balanced (elegant) look. Anyway, your videos are great looking at.

[@blacken700]

Thats a craftsmen porch looks great, better than those 4x4 looking toothpick you see most of the time

[@bertbergers9171]

@@blacken700 why go so overboard to go to the next extreme :( They do look better then a 4x4 but hey, that is a butt ugly look you are comparing to. i agree with iouvaniste. They are (to me) not pleasing to the eye, they take away sunlight from windows, narrow them down a bit, where they are still magnificant, but more elegant.

[@psidvicious]

I must confess, I was never a fan of the tapered columns either. Having said that, I would also say, I understand they are part of the ‘look’ trying to be achieved.

[@andrewalexander9492]

@@psidvicious You and me both. When I saw the first elevation drawings my first thought was "ugh". there are more subtly tapered columns on Craftsman style homes which I think are attractive, but the exaggerated taper shown on the plans, is not to my taste. Oh, well, he ain't building it for me.

[@DeliveryMcGee]

@@bertbergers9171 It's part of the style. To each his own and all, I think they look fine, having grown up in a 1930s boomtown where all the cool "historic" houses looked like that.

[@CLCLTD]

It turned out absolutely fabulous, great to watch from start to finish, really enjoyed it, thanks

[@TheSaxyG]

Trusting the contractor is such good advice. Been in the industry off and on since I was a teenager. The best customers, every time, actually listen. This goes both ways. On a lot of jobs, we suggest something small that is not much more expensive to do when everything is torn apart but much, much more so later. The number of times we hear "you know, we really should have done new base molding" after the new cabinets, tile, and paint make the old stuff look dated has to be in the hundreds.

[@darkdelta]

I agree 100% We got a new kitchen last year, and we got our contractor, who's great for the job. He's done everything major we've had done, to include two bathrooms, new windows, and the kitchen always on time to the job, plus with the kitchen he finished ahead of schedule. I digress. When we did the kitchen, he would make suggestions, and we pretty much followed his lead. One year later no regrets,

[@billyd2593]

The Vince McMahon clip was very much worth the effort to edit in there. Great 👍

[@susanbraun8997]

I just want to thank you so much for doing these videos. I know it’s a lot of effort and I’m sure most of us watching are thankful that you and your team generate and educate us from your videos. I have been a framer and a remodeler for over 35 years. If I lived closer I would donate my time for a week or two to just work with such a talented carpenter as yourself. The skilled trades are a dying breed and I respect smart quality people that can excel in working with their hands. Thank you again for the videos. Mike from Grand Island NY

[@bkoz319]

just cant get over the lot. seems like a waste to put all the effort into building this beautiful house and put in on a crappy lot

[@rustyjeep2469]

bkoz319 What don’t you like about it? Has a nice view?

[@whynotcaptaincrunch]

@@rustyjeep2469 The view is definitely nice, but look through the early videos. They had to do an enormous amount of work to clear the amount of space they have, and even with all that done the house takes up almost the entire flat area of the lot. Yes there's room up the slope, but with that retaining wall just a few feet from the back wall, the yard probably feels very cramped. So there's probably a bit of a trade-off in that regard.

[@rustyjeep2469]

whynotcaptaincrunch Personally I feel the same way as you do, I need to have a good sized back yard for hanging out in. Some people just aren’t into ‘outdoor living spaces’ though. I’ve known people that lived in big million dollar homes with a great view but essentially no yard at all. Would never work for me, but whatever floats your boat I guess.

[@bkoz319]

@@rustyjeep2469 nice footpath for a backyard and view of a concrete wall. one good flood and a giant mudslide will take the whole thing away

[@dylanmcintire7677]

Are you doing rain gutters or are the overhangs far enough away from the house and your foundation that you don't need them?

[@essentialcraftsman]

Gutters coming soon!

[@macrossactual]

What's the deal with the random white and black chunks of siding around the garage door?

[@kellywadsworth4495]

Paint samples!!

[@Duaneoca]

I agree! The overhangs, and the house in general, look fantastic!

[@deecee557]

The house looks Great and I love the corbels but the whole time I said to myself that’s gonna be a lot of paint and upkeep so it’s definitely going to take the right buyer. I’ve seen so much cedar ripped off houses and replaced with vinyl siding and aluminum trim.

[@austinpatrick2682]

I plan for my first home to be framed and dried in by a contractor and literally everything else be done with my own two hands. That said, I'm building a house so simple my contractor could build it in his sleep. I'm a perfectionist and want high quality workmanship, simple design, and a very long lasting, low maintenance house in the end. Curb appeal will be added with the finishes, landscaping, inexpensive design elements and overall outstanding workmanship. Some of the most beautiful things in the world are incredibly simple, it's just the way it all comes together in the end that makes it appealing. The best way to get that is hire out everything I can't do myself at a professional level of quality and keep the design so simple it's a cake-walk for all involved. That's the plan for my first house. Oh, and I'm going to pay for it all up front, no loans, cash money... thank you Dave Ramsey...

[@robertn2813]

make sure you inspect the lumber BEFORE he drives a nail !!!!!

[@austinpatrick2682]

@@robertn2813 I'm 4 years out from building. And I have a great local source of quality lumber. Still not as good as what Scott gets his hands on. The best we can do here on the east coast is pine.

[@robertn2813]

@@austinpatrick2682 here in Canada where i am , we use spruce for framing , although it is stamped " FPS " (fir/pine/spruce) and sometimes it's awful lumber , twists , wane , bows , etc

[@austinpatrick2682]

@@robertn2813 sounds like what our local big box stores have. But our local building supplier has the best spruce/pine there can be. Pine will just never be as good as Douglas fir. No matter how high grade the spruce/pine is.

[@robertn2813]

@@austinpatrick2682 agreed . pine has a broad wandering grain . fir is much tighter grain and actually wont twist or warp . thats why we use doug fir always for stair stringers . outstanding wood , however over-harvested and under-planted it is .

[@13612]

I just put over 10 hours on my gable putting JH shakes up....climbing scaffold running solo. Vinyl siding, no thanks...easy quick, but no comparison like this fine home being built is clearly why it's worth it to take things to the next level.

[@EXP-oi7qs]

Thank you for simply passing along the insight and information in this video. It was done in plane speaking terms and will be appreciated by those who consider the advice. Looking forward to the completion overview. You and your son have built a beautiful and quality craftsmanship home. Great work.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

Love the videos 🙂👍 wise advice.

[@dansamson7081]

I’m rethinking the 5’-6” west windows right now.

[@christophergruenwald5054]

As am I the 2 west 60x72 picture windows I put in my office. Great lighting, warm in the afternoon though.

[@Carl-LaFong1618]

Years ago I was doing some finish work on a big house in Newport Beach, Ca. It was a remodel. One day the owner came up to me and said, "I finally realized how to figure out how much a remodel will cost, you get 3 bids and ADD them up." I guess if you live in a big beach house in a nice zip code it can get really expensive."

[@robertn2813]

hahahahaha.........perfect !

[@Xiph1980]

Love this! You are absolutely right about every single point. And I regularly break every single one myself. 😂 Though for me it's a matter of being willing to try unconventional stuff, and sure things don't always go according to plan, but I deal with the unforseen, and generally end up with something other people actually stop in their tracks to check out. Definitely not something I would recommend others to do, but personally it's fun for me to push the "normal". 😀

[@Chevelle_addict]

Clicked as soon as it showed up

[@mlhm5]

IMO, not conditioning the crawl space and using good and thick insulation could have led to a smaller heating and cooling system because the house would have been more efficient, but you chose a different path.

[@MrGeorgerobinson]

Scott, I love your new build. I have been building homes for thirty years.. you have made a home that's gorgeous. a lot of maintenance.. So Proud of you and your diligence..

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I own a Craftsman bungalow in Eugene, Oregon. In the 1060s it was "modernized" with soffits made from T-111 plywood. The corbels were covered with plywood. The generous overhangs created a large triangle in which raccoons lived. The roof consisted of three asphalt roofing layers over two layers of cedar shingles mounted to skip sheathing. We got the house on the condition that we put a new roof on it. We chose metal but had to get it done quick during the Oregon winter. Pulling the soffits off dumped raccoon waste into our faces. The metal roof has been great because we have large shade trees. We have no need for air conditioning. The basement is dry and cool.

[@essentialjudge2279]

I have watch this build. Commented positive and negative. What is true, through my 50 years of observation, she's going to involve some maintenance periodically or turn into a mess. An old American Indian said to me once, in reference to a project, "As longs as the dreams alive". PS. You did great!

[@johna1160]

Wondering if one regret is what appears to be an extremely tight pinch point between retaining, and house walls.

[@jonathanferguson9226]

The only thing that makes me sad about this video is that you regret bringing some unique elements to your house, Scott. If I had one chance to make a video seen by hundreds of thousands of people and made a cookie cutter house, THAT would be MY big regret.

[@lanceulrich9570]

OMG - so true! SIP panels looked great on paper, but NO ONE in my area would touch them so I had to bring in and put up a crew from another state. Ugh. Wish I had framed with 2x8's, used a combo of spray foam and fiberglass insulation and used 2" rigid foam on the outside to get to R-45. Would have been WAY cheaper and just as functional.

[@BigcatMilo]

Good advice. Here's anothet one--If you have to "explain" what you did then you already f----- up. People should see what you did and not as "why" you did something but "how" you did. If they ask why--->🤦🏻‍♂️

[@chuckbaker8413]

I believe in the bubble your in... I live and work in Santa Barbara , CA. There are parts of town where a house with these details and future ... let’s say not only details but “Patina” you are hoping for 10 years and beyond the build. Wrought Iron details, Plaster with color added at time of application...Lentels or fake exposed beams over header areas of windows... and “window being inset” with tile in the sill areas of the inset windows.... all these things are very specific for certain for specific markets...these details are expensive and tricky to do properly from many aspects of proper building and water intrusions ... but man oh man.. When you see that home after being lived in for 10 years and the fusia vines are in bloom and the landscaping is settling in... It looks AWSOME and makes a house an estate...and the patina formed and blended from weather and time knocks you out. I love the home you built and the mindset you had during the build... the vision.... Yes. To the right people who understand and want this kind of estate home will pay... You kicked ass, and I respect the way you put that “balloon “ wall together... Rock on my brothers... And remember... it’s not a mistake if it is done properly... no matter what hell physically and cost wise if you hold you eye on the big picture..!!! I say well done... how many of those 1920’s craftsman homes in Pasadena CA.. make it into Spielberg movies... That should tell you something as well..!!!

[@juantransportador]

HELLO from chihuahua mexico, one more time you just shred your knowledge and experience with us, in life we can have second thoughts, to me that extra in your house is a must buy the house. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

[@greggoldman893]

Love your channel and insights....can’t criticize anything, not a builder or engineer, here’s the but...the first question before your suggestions is if your last name isn’t Gates, Rockefeller, or Zuckerberg then these rules apply. (Tongue in check). Keep videos coming!

[@andrescer]

The location of the house is excellent with great down valley views. You took a substandard lot and made it useable for half the money it would have cost anyone else. Interest rates are at all time low. People are fleeing Portland, Seattle and other Democrat run cities for more rural, suburban locations. Lumber is at a 2 year high, production home builders are making cheaper crap boxes for more money, ..don't worry. You'll get good money for the house!!! But I do think you should start marketing the house NOW and start figuring out your pie in the sky number. You have 770K subscribers. Heck, maybe one of your subscribers will buy the house before you finish and can up spec the interior. Edit: you need to take into consideration the brokerage fees. Brokers sometimes add value but since you guys have your channel and website, I am not sure if that is the case here. You need to think about how you can save on brokerage/transaction fees now.

[@jamesengland7461]

This wasn't cheap cookie cutter homebuilding; this was expressing your craft and building a dream home that someone will be blessed to pay good money for and enjoy for years to come. Think it wasn't worth it? Tell that to Ferrari and Rolls Royce. You could buy a Corvette or Lincoln if you want speed or luxury, or you could splurge.

[@videogalore]

So as someone who has been doing architectural design for 20+ years I agree in principle, but there are a few caveats in my view - 1) If the contractor doesn't want to do something a certain way, it doesn't mean that you should avoid doing it at all costs. *Definitely* listen to their experience as they may well have a better/easier way of achieving the same result, but don't let the project direction change purely because a contractor is set in their ways. 2) The choices such as these will largely depend upon who the project is for, so if you're doing the house purely to sell, then why spend countless hours detailing something that will likely be missed by a prospective buyer - think 80/20! If however you are designing your 'forever' home for you, then don't compromise on something that would be difficult to upgrade/change at a later date. 3) Related to the above point, but you mentioned reviewing things in an unbiased way, the chances are that these perceptions will change dramatically depending upon who you are building the project for. If you're doing it to sell, then you will be (rightly) biased against high costing elements, if you're building/designing it for yourself then you will find it hard to detach the emotion related to the decisions that need to be made. Finally, perhaps I've misunderstood, but I would leave the underside of the T+G natural (unfinished) if it was my house.

[@adampottmeyer452]

Your house reminds me of the California Bungalow/Greene & Greene (circa 1903) my parents own, where I grew up. If I was looking for a house in your neighborhood, I'd buy it in a second.

[@jl9678]

The famous architect Adolf Loos, famously wrote "Ornament is wasted labour and hence wasted health. That's how it has always been. Today, however, it is also wasted material, and both together add up to wasted capital. " Another architect, whose name I don't recall, wrote, houses are ugly, and the wealthier man, in striving to make his house more beautiful, ends up making it more ugly with all his spending. This will be unpopular but I don't see the point of ornament and shy away from it

[@joeseabert8391]

Here in Florida they started using styrofoam for stucco detailing. All fine and good till a wind kicks up and they fall off. A $350,000 new construction. Costs of buying something done poorly are higher imo.

[@kierandoherty1600]

Could feed the deer from the back windows. House looks great

[@christophergruenwald5054]

Stop feeding the wildlife.

[@kierandoherty1600]

Sorry boss

[@davedavidsonn]

@@christophergruenwald5054 ill remember that next time im trying to kill them

[@1südtiroltechnik]

Expensive choices: Metric or Imperial...but unfortunately that is not in your hand...

[@pmchamlee]

Linda Gayle and I built our retirement home up here in the East Texas Piney Woods. (The only things we didn't do personally were the slab and roof) I wish I had given it more thought, but it did turn out most adequate for our needs. One of the best decisions I made was to do 2x6 walls. That has saved us a ton of $ in energy costs.. Blessings to you, Kelly, Nate et al. 🤠

[@davidlamberson5435]

As always interesting video. While I am mostly a function over form guy I gotta admit I do love that craftsman style. I am also in love with the look of medieval Japanese architecture. Not very practical in the modern world but if money was no object a modernized version of it would be perfect to me. Picture modern Japanese home meets castle meets monastery. The house surrounding a courtyard with a Zen garden and a large koi pond. Just dreaming....

[@gregoryvschmidt]

My first floor bathroom ( 1904 American foursquare with only one bath, second floor and ageing parents who might not enjoy climbing to the second floor when Mother Nature called) ended up being an addition that almost doubled the size of the house.

[@jeffputnam8554]

Good luck with getting an unbiased opinion from yourself. I'm thinking,"can I do that?" The overhangs look great and it has been a joy seeing you build them. Someone will enjoy them for years to come.