New house in Melissa

[Doug Hatton]

Haha, I've noticed one in the back that's broken (been broken for several weeks) but I assure you I'll be looking over with a fine-toothed comb before I sign off on it! LOL! They were painting the window trim, so I'm sure they were trying to get in a position where they wouldn't have to move the ladder. Ha!

[juiceweezl]

Looks awesome man! Is that wall b/w the bays a shear wall?

I can tell you that answer...not a chance in hell. Why? Well, multiple reasons. One, the code limits the aspect ratio to 3.5:1 for site built shear walls. That's height to width for those not familiar with aspect ratio. Two, they are using thermoply sheathing on the house which is like single flute cardboard. Three, I can promise you there are no overturning restraints used on the framing either. You can expect to see cracks in the drywall in that area because of that and possibly structural issues if there's ever a big wind. Take comfort in knowing you're like every other house around built by a big builder though.

[Doug Hatton]

See, I told you I didn't know what a shear wall was! LOL! Apparently it would have to be 3' wide....lol. No thanks.

[JordonMusser]

Juice- They make prefabbed (metal) boxes that slip into small framed walls like that to resist shear. Much higher aspect ratios.

Also, Although I didnt use any tply on my exterior walls (100% OSB) I did use structural Tply in some critical areas inside the house, because it is easier to handle covering with drywall depending on the ap.

if STRUCTURAL Tply is used and installed correctly, it offers total wall shear values similar to real wood. Course, "installed correctly" is unlikely (mine wasnt!)

[juiceweezl]

Juice- They make prefabbed (metal) boxes that slip into small framed walls like that to resist shear. Much higher aspect ratios.

Also, Although I didnt use any tply on my exterior walls (100% OSB) I did use structural Tply in some critical areas inside the house, because it is easier to handle covering with drywall depending on the ap.

if STRUCTURAL Tply is used and installed correctly, it offers total wall shear values similar to real wood. Course, "installed correctly" is unlikely (mine wasnt!)

I work for a manufacturer of shear wall panels as narrow as 12 inches. There aren't any on that house. Lol. Read the code report for tply as well - the one for structural grade. It requires full sheets of gypsum on the inside with NAILS at like a stupid spacing of 4 inches or something.

As for continuous sheathing the whole wall, yes the code allows it but there are provisions to follow for it as well. They deal with openings, wall height, etc. I promise you that house (nor any other big builder house around) meets the code provisions for wall bracing in the IRC. I teach classes on it and do layouts regularly. Lol

[Doug Hatton]

Shear walls are for suckers! LOL!

[talisman]

Looking good Doug. I do have one question, why did they put siding on those 2 upper walls instead of just finishing the whole house in brick?

[black2002ls]

Looking good Doug. I do have one question, why did they put siding on those 2 upper walls instead of just finishing the whole house in brick?

Most communities only require a certain percentage of brick/masonry veneer. Typically 90% unless you are in "starter" neighborhoods. Builders do that to reduce cost, making them able to offer more interior features or sell at lower prices. It can also lead to warranty issues later if it is bricked incorrectly. I.e. brick sliding off of the house

[Doug Hatton]

Yeah, I've wondered that myself. It appears to be on the 2 adjacent sides of my son's bedroom on the 2nd floor. I just assumed there was some reason for it beyond my understanding!LOL!

[Doug Hatton]

[black2002ls]

Looking good!

[Roscoe]

3 car garage AND granite countertops? That's ballin' outta control, son...

Congrats on a nice crib!

[Doug Hatton]

haha....thanks. It's gonna take me a couple of years to furnish it! LOL!

[Hmbre97]

I'm jelly of your driveway. For whatever reason, the builder in my neighborhood didn't extend the driveway portion for the 3rd bay out to the street. Pain in my ass as I'm killing the grass having to swing my truck onto the grass to get parked.

[talisman]

Probably saved them $200 worth of concrete. Builders will cut corners anywhere they can. Did you have it built or buy it that way? I would have raised hell, that's dumb as shit.