| If you haven't ever built a house before and you | | | | plywood, to make sure that you order the correct |
| don't have any experience building a house, I would | | | | building materials. |
| like to share five simple rules for beginner house | | | | 4. It wouldn't be a bad idea to purchase a few books |
| framing with you. These five simple rules aren't going | | | | on basic carpentry or house framing. This will usually |
| to solve all of your problems, but they're going to | | | | give you a better idea about how the house is |
| provide you with a step in the right direction. | | | | actually assembled and some of the problems you |
| 1. You've got to understand the building blueprints. If | | | | might encounter. |
| you don't understand what you're looking at, you're | | | | 5. Make sure that you're comfortable using power |
| not going to be able to assemble the house correctly. | | | | tools. Just because you watch an experienced |
| Learn how to examine every detail and section of | | | | carpenter on television handling a circular saw or drill a |
| the blueprints. | | | | certain way, doesn't mean that you will be able to |
| 2. Always think safety first. This is one of the most | | | | handle the same way. Again, read the instructions |
| important parts of house framing and usually creates | | | | and be careful with these tools, until you feel |
| problems for beginners. It wouldn't be a bad idea to | | | | comfortable. |
| read all of the directions before using power tools, | | | | I don't recommend that anyone who doesn't know |
| ladders, nail guns and air compressors. | | | | anything about house framing, run out and build your |
| 3. Understand your lumber sizes. Lumber like 2 x 4's | | | | own home, but you can always start by building a |
| and 2 x 6's usually come in two foot increments that | | | | couple of sheds or play houses in the backyard or |
| range from 8 foot to 20 foot in length. Where | | | | maybe even with a small room addition until you feel |
| plywood's come in 4' x 8' sheets but can be | | | | confident to go to the next level. |
| purchased in 4' x 10' sheets also. Pay special attention | | | | Good luck with your house framing and home building |
| to building materials like gluelam beams and structural | | | | adventures. |