Windows allow heat to enter the home via radiation from the sun, and allow heat to both enter and exit the home via conduction (windows are much better conductors of heat than insulated walls).  To mitigate this issue, I paid …

Step 16b – Install the Windows Read more »

With the house completely wrapped in a cozy layer of polyiso foam, I was now prepared to add the water resistant barrier.  The Tyvek WRB comes in a 9 foot roll, and should be stretched taut across the surface of …

Step 16a – Attach the WRB Read more »

The roof has been doing a fine job protecting the house, but as there is a ton of wind in my area, the walls are just as vital to preventing water from damaging the house.  The plywood sheathing has been …

Step 16 – Complete “Dry-In” Read more »

There are several key components of a well installed plumbing system that I had yet to install, mainly a backflow preventer and a pressure reducing valve.  The backflow preventer ensures that water from my house has no chance of flowing …

Step 15c – Install the Main Plumbing Supply Read more »

The hot water supplies are installed just like the cold ones, except that it’s a good idea to insulate them to ensure that the hot water stays nice and hot as it travels from the tank to the fixture.  There …

Step 15b – Install the Hot Water Supply Read more »

I installed a decent portion of the cold water supply way back before I poured the concrete slab.  The roxul I used to insulate the slab is plenty to ensure that there won’t be any freezing issues with the PEX, …

Step 15a – Install the Cold Water Supply Read more »

The DWV and water supply systems are inspected at the same time, during the plumbing inspection, so since I already had one of them complete I figured I might as well finish the other and get the inspection done.  I …

Step 15 – Potable Water System Read more »

The company I purchased the aluminum shingles from had 11 different instructional videos on youtube, so after watching them multiple times I had a really good grasp on how to install them.  It really is impressive how they all interlock …

Step 14 – Finish the Roof Read more »

The whole point of working on the plumbing first was to make it easier to install the shingles.  I will be using interlocking aluminum shingles due to their proven record of longevity and ability to stand up to the high …

Step 13b – Roof Vents and Pressure Test Read more »

Once the DWV has been planned out, installing the plumbing is a relatively simple process that involves drilling holes in studs and joists, cutting the pipe to fit, and cementing the fittings to the pipe.  The key is to always …

Step 13a – Install the Plumbing Read more »