We need more new builders, contractors and helpers here in Southeast Kansas! There is much work to do, from simple pole barns to farm and ranch out buildings to starter homes to retirement type homes for the Elderly. I'm hopeful that our young will be able to read this series of columns and learn the basic steps of construction for use as they get older! Over time, there will be future educational columns about the basic building principles over the next several weeks starting with the first basic steps to build a home or barn.
Builder Basics First Steps
Let's build a nice home!
For any job, the first thing to do is "survey the site." Note the "lay of the land” and visualize a Structure in place on the site in your mind. Note the trees and terrain around.
Now, think of all the weather conditions over the next 50 years!! Big rains, high winds, deep snows, and sticky mud. Think of drainage, floods, and big snow drifts! Think of where autos are stored and driveways should be.
Is the mailbox hard to get to?
Next, what will face orth or face South? How will the "above your head" hot summer sun be account- ed for? Or how about the "low sun on the southern horizon” in winter and perhaps gaining Sun heat on a "zero degree day?" This starts you thinking about windows and outdoor deck locations, right? You get the idea - so visualize how your new home will perform over the next 50 years in all the weather!
Next column will be "Poke The Dirt!!"
