There are several ways to approach the design of a house, but which one makes the most sense to you? Learn more in this home design guide.
Did you know that building a house was in 2017 $ 52,000 less than in 2015? Would you like to build your future home, but are curious about the different frames out there?
In this article you will learn all about the many different options for home design. Read on to discover these different frames and find out what best suits your home.
What is the design of a house?
Frame houses are known as the skeleton of a house. If you have a strong framework, the house will be supported. If you have a weak frame, all surfaces will be noticed at home. A weak frame causes granite slabs to fall, walls to crack and floors to squeak.
Pneumatic nail guns are now used to speed up the process, metal connectors for robustness and wood instead of sawn boards. Using strong materials is important, but you also want an experienced carpenter to build your frame. It is important to know what is important for the frame of your house so that you do not remove anything important like a load-bearing wall.
- Balloon frame
If you choose a balloon frame, the tunnels run from the top plate to the mud threshold at full height. This wooden frame was extremely popular before the 1930s and can still be used for two-story masonry and stucco houses. It is more dangerous to build because it is big and heavy together with the tunnels.
- Wooden frame
If you’re looking for different types of frames, consider wood as it’s the most popular on the market. They are easy to build and the necessary materials are not difficult to find. There are disadvantages like using untreated wood that attracts termites. You want to make sure that the wood is treated with rotting-resistant chemicals to keep the termites in check.
It also works poorly when exposed to moisture, and it can also expand. One type of wooden house frame is known as a platform frame. A sub-floor is attached to the concrete foundation and a wooden frame on the sub-floor. There are also beam and post frames with sill beams on top of the foundation perimeter.
Another option is to compare icf vs wooden frame for your home and see the benefits of everyone.
- Platform frame
The platform frame is very similar to the balloon frame, but more secure. The same 2x4s 16 “spaces and layout are still used. Shorter lengths of lumber are used because each story is built individually. Shorter lengths cost less and the distance between floors creates a fire block that is not available with a balloon frame is.
These frames can be built without scaffolding. Platform framing is the most common frame you can choose.
- Wooden frame
Wooden frame is the oldest wooden structure you can find. This type of frame can last for centuries because it is extremely stable. They are also powerful and stiff without using nails. They use tenon joinery and a slot instead of nails to form the beams together. It was popular until the 1800s when balloon frames became more popular.
This type of frame is completely self-sufficient, so that sheathing and cross bracing are not necessary. Although they are extremely strong, the wooden frame has some disadvantages. This type of construction requires large pieces of wood that are not always easy to find. They are not available in some places.
You also need a master to build this house, which can be expensive. You don’t want anyone to build a wooden frame because you need someone who can make the right connections that are required to assemble the wooden frame.
Building tips
Never oversteer, as a nail that is too deep in wood cannot use its full weight. Make sure you use the right nails, paying attention to the size, length and number of nails needed. Leave enough space for solid support when placing studs, beams and rafters.
Always keep wood dry by covering it with a tarpaulin, and use dry wood as it won’t twist or warp easily. When wrapping, place the sheets perpendicular to the frame as this increases strength. Always use plywood clips on the wall and roof panels. Use an adhesive when applying, as this increases the adhesive strength.
Build your own home
When deciding whether to build your own house or hire a professional, keep in mind that you can’t do everything yourself and need a qualified professional. You can save a lot of money by doing most of the work yourself. If you choose to do most of the work yourself, you can easily be overwhelmed. A good contractor knows suppliers, approval offices, and how to reduce downtime.
When you hire a professional to design your home, you can start recognizing the shape of your home in a week or two. Once the frame is done, this is a good point to help the crew. They can help to put the floor covering over the wall board or the beams.
Your crew will create an order first, which is required for nails, lumber, house packaging, etc. Next they start to frame your house. Then they install all the skylights, doors and windows. Then the finished siding is placed over the casing.
Choosing house framing
Although there are many options for designing houses, you need to decide which style is best for you and your home. Would you like to learn more about buildings and architecture? Have a look at our other articles.