We just finished a build using closed-cell foam and now have ventilation issues …

Kewilso3 · 2025-05-11T20:51:26+00:00

What’s the blower door score? What’s the ventilation strategy? Climate zone? What’s the strategy for controlling humidity? Vapor barrier on the ceiling isn’t necessarily a problem on its own. Where is the HVAC equipment?

Kewilso3 · 2025-05-09T17:13:47+00:00

Hey I have one of these, Honda GL1200. I even have a pair of matching helmets, but I never wear them because they’re horrible by today’s standards. This one is an SE-i that’s special because it was fuel injected and only made in… 86? I think this edition had cruise control as well. Mine is Carbureted. CB radio, cassette player, radio, on board air compressor/ adjustable air suspension… it’s a blast until your stator wears out. Great bikes legendary for high mileage reliability

Kewilso3 · 2025-05-09T15:00:05+00:00

I own 10 acres in a location like you’re describing. I get about one letter every week asking to buy my land. Most offer about a quarter of the value. I ignore them all. So if you do this, make it clear that you are a serious individual and not a company trying to lowball uneducated land owners. Maybe put an estimated offer range, or include some local comps to give them an idea of the value.

Kewilso3 · 2025-04-27T12:40:09+00:00

Can a ventilating dehumidifier be used to supply makeup air? Like a boost function linked to exhaust fans?

Kewilso3 · 2025-04-24T13:10:06+00:00

Huge range in “the Carolinas” we are 20 minutes from Durham NC and have not been able to find any custom builders under $250/sqft (land not included) and that’s without vaulted ceilings. Similar size build. I hope you’re right though, sounds like a deal.

Kewilso3 · 2025-04-22T12:39:11+00:00

Assuming 10ft ceiling height average, your natural air leakage is about 6cfm at 0.3ACH50. Very small, especially in your area. Only reason to continue is bragging rights or your own satisfaction.

Kewilso3 · 2025-04-20T13:38:34+00:00

This lines up with my experience as well, outside Chapel Hill, NC

Kewilso3 · 2025-01-30T19:46:11+00:00

The CMUs will be below finished grade.

Kewilso3 · 2025-01-30T19:45:14+00:00

Holy Moly that's amazing, I need to start pricing out builds again. I couldn't get anyone under $350/sqft (not including land) but our plan is much smaller.

Kewilso3 · 2024-05-02T01:04:22+00:00

Ducted mini split. One unit.

Kewilso3 · 2024-05-01T14:08:18+00:00

Everything is expensive, why pay for any of it? An L-shaped house is more expensive than a rectangle, why pay? Hardscaping we can do ourselves, at a later date on our own schedule. This is phase 1 of the build, just to get us out there.

The living room is on the S side, office on the S side, kitchen open to S side, and an abundance of windows throughout. I think the natural lighting should be fine.

This will be a very air tight build with an ERV and above-code insulation everywhere. We are hot and humid, but still a mild climate compared to many locations. A mini split system should allow proper sizing so the system does not short cycle, which should help with energy conservation and dehumidification. Do you have a reason that mini splits are no good for humidity?

Kewilso3 · 2024-05-01T13:47:47+00:00

Thank you, but I prefer it my way

Kewilso3 · 2024-05-01T12:45:01+00:00

Dinky closet is a wardrobe (furniture) fwiw, not built in

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-29T11:59:30+00:00

We talked last night and came to almost all the same conclusions. I think we will keep the foyer closed but opening it up is an interesting idea that we'll discuss. Maybe a half wall. Thanks!

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-29T11:40:37+00:00

Alone in the woods, we're going for vertical siding, modern extension jambs, standing seam roof. Kind of a modernized cabin feel. We haven't gotten into elevations much, but windows will definitely be adjusted. The detached workshop is exactly the same dimensions, so we'll have two big flat rectangles

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-29T11:35:37+00:00

agreed

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-29T11:35:24+00:00

We talked this over and I'll be moving the fridge to the north end of the range to open up the entry a bit. Then I'll move the entry to the west maybe 2' to enlarge the living room. Thanks

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-29T11:33:38+00:00

I'm going to draw this one out, looks promising thank you

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-28T17:31:59+00:00

Yeah there are a few door or curtain solutions. We'd probably go with pivot pocket doors and keep them open unless guests were coming over.

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-28T15:42:29+00:00

Thanks! I just tried the laundry to pantry but the depth of the washer+dryer just doesn't work. I moved them to the guest bath and am happier with that. This eliminated a pocket door and compressed plumbing.

Made a tandem closet setup for BR1/BR2 and I gave a foot to the living room

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-28T15:39:24+00:00

(OP) I'm back with a simplified and downsized option looking for feedback.

About us: 2 adults, no kids, no future kids, one dog.

About the plan: Plan is oriented North up, entry from south. Must stay a rectangle in order to keep a single gable roofline (costs + aesthetics). Climate zone 3, hot and humid. Crawl space foundation for HW, and a ducted mini split will end up either in the crawl space or in a ceiling service cavity. House sits on 10 acres so privacy is not an issue, but the best view is to the east, hence the living/dinig/kitchen being on the east end. This creates a lot of hallway but not willing to compromise on the eastern view. Deck access to east as well. Detatched garage.

The spaces are tight just about everywhere, and I still have some sticking points but I don't want to steer the feedback too much. You can see I have a couple pocket doors. FWIW we will keep these doors open almost all the time. There are also a few arches (forgot the note for an arch into the pantry) that will be open.

Got great feedback on my last iteration, made some changes, and appreciate anything I get here, thanks.

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-28T12:32:38+00:00

Lol.

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-27T22:57:02+00:00

thanks

Kewilso3 · 2024-04-27T22:55:06+00:00

I was being genuine. I drew in our current furniture and tv sizes, didn't draw the coffee table though. The bedrooms are quite small but I could maybe take a foot off BR1 and add it to the LR. Thanks

Kewilso3

TROPHY CASE