Alright, welcome back to MR Post Frame, everyone. Today, in our series on self-building, we're going to delve into some mistakes that, fortunately, didn't break the bank but did eat up some extra time to rectify. These are the sort of hiccups that, in hindsight, I should have anticipated. But before we dive in, let's talk about our designs and Patron group.
If you're in the market for a barndominium design, whether custom or stock, head over to backfortybuildings.com. We're eager to collaborate with you on your project. Additionally, if you have any other inquiries or need assistance finding resources like a builder or budget planning, you can reach out to us through our website, mrpostframe.com. Also, don't forget about our DIY group on Patreon, where we discuss contracting and self-building intricacies.
Now, let's get into today's topic focusing on the garage area. Initially, we constructed the house and all the piers simultaneously. I had this concept for a walk-out storm shelter with windows on the backside, which posed a few challenges. When pouring the footings near the storm shelter, I excavated around it and filled the area, but failed to properly compact it due to heavy rain, causing settling issues against the retaining walls.
One notable mistake occurred when, at the end of pouring the garage piers, we had some excess concrete. Rather than waste it, we decided to encase an existing pier, leading to complications later when settled fill caused the pier to tilt. Addressing this involved breaking the concrete off the pier and resetting it, albeit with a slight adjustment in height.
Another oversight was with the retaining walls; I rushed their construction without allowing the fill to settle properly, resulting in misalignment during heavy rainfall. Despite these setbacks, it was a learning experience. The excessive rain highlighted these issues early on, allowing for timely fixes and even facilitating better solutions, like installing window wells for improved utility access.
Reflecting on these mishaps, it's evident that haste can lead to costly errors. However, owning up to mistakes and rectifying them promptly is crucial in self-building. Sharing these experiences openly helps others avoid similar pitfalls and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Moreover, it's worth noting the robustness of our building methods. Despite challenges, the structural integrity remains intact, showcasing the reliability of our approach. The use of ICC-rated brackets and thorough engineering ensures resilience against various forces, reinforcing our commitment to quality craftsmanship.
In conclusion, self-building entails inevitable challenges, but it's also a journey of growth and adaptation. Embracing mistakes as opportunities for improvement is fundamental, and it ultimately contributes to the success of the project. As we navigate through the complexities of construction, let's remember that patience and diligence yield the most rewarding outcomes. Thank you for joining us on this barndo journey.
Thank you,
MR Post Frame
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