House Build

PVC fittings can be a nightmare. Best find a store that has most everything you want and buy only from them unless you have to. Different store = different brand = different size. Fittings do not interchange well between brands. Just as with steel where you have to carry a micrometer around with you to know what you are really getting.

 

Yep, learned a bit of a lesson with the PVC over here, different than what I'm used to and the out of stock thing is frustrating. Our plumber is going to call around and see if the fittings are available from another store. It wasn't too many fittings so not that big of a deal and they are not needed immediately (but in the next couple days). Hopefully we can source them tomorrow.

Shawn

 

Before you get the house finished you will have learned lessons in every possible thing you thought you knew!

 

Larry...again you are spot on; things are a bit different here. I do feel fortunate to not have dealt with some of the nightmares other folks have posted here and there about their experiences. We've definitely run into a few things that I did not expect but overall I've been pretty happy with the build. Our house is not big by any means with a pretty simple design, so if I was building something larger I think it would be much more difficult not having boots on the ground.

By the time I leave after this trip we will be getting into finish work which will bring some new challenges on quality installation and sourcing materials. It is still a lot of fun and with it being our house really just adds to the excitement.

Shawn

 

Installing some EVG panels

Still working on the column formwork and beam rebar for the second floor. We had some EVG panels from the first shipment that we used to start working on the walls, I'm hoping the remaining 60 panels show up tomorrow; but am not going to hold my breath.

I've gotten to put my hands on the EVG panels and will give a better report on them once I've had a chance to work with them a bit more. The pics are just initial installation, there will be much more supports (the rebar we ordered today was not delivered timely). We have enough panels up to start the electric rough in, so I'll get going on that in the morning.

Shawn

 

Shawn have you come across waffle crete style wall panelling? it is a precast wall you make on the ground in a mould then lift it in place and bolt it down, for a panel 2.7mtrs high and 2.5 mtrs wide it uses .5 cubic mtr of concrete, then when doors and windows are moulded in there is much less concrete in that panel.

 

Brian...I've heard of them but have never worked with them, look like a great product that could work well in the Philippines. I have not seen them here but will look a bit more once we get the house done and look at some future projects, could be a good option going forward.

Shawn

 

Some Sunday work

Only 3 workers today and they were working on the beams for the second floor. Looks like the EVG panels may be delivered tomorrow...

I did not have much to work with roughing in the electrical in the EVG panels. They are definitely much quicker than the local style of channeling out the block. I did have to take out some block, but that will be formed and concrete placed, probably when we do the beams and columns on the second floor.

The manufacturer states that you can just put your electrical and plumbing in between the Styrofoam and mesh, not going to happen. An 8" bolt cutter and a box cutter was easy enough to go with and then I went with what we call stucco mesh (other folks may have different terminology) to cover the conduit when it will get rendered later.

Don't have the backfill material I wanted days ago, so the conduit will be below the slab. For some reason I can't get a small propane torch, so went "old school" and heated the PVC over a fire to make the bends; didn't waste an inch of pipe so I was happy I still have some skills.

It will be easier to post pics of what I plan to do for the window and door openings than trying to explain it, so those pics will be coming tomorrow.

One picture I posted shows some electrical conduits coming down; most of them should have come down in one area and also on the other side of the wall...that is my hallway and the panel is in the carport. Instead of getting too twisted, we will install 2 large junction boxes, bring 1 larger conduit through the wall and end up boxing in the beam to cover (with access panels) the beam. It is the hallway and with our high ceilings I doubt anyone would think twice once it is done. Obviously one of the number of issues I had with the electricians work, but do understand things get lost in translation and not something we can't overcome; it is what it is.

Hope those EVG panels show up tomorrow, if not I guess I can always just drink beer and watch the guys on the beams work.

Shawn

 

I am at the planning stage now, will probably consider a 3 mtr mould possibly around 1.5 tons 1500kg just need to figure out house size then how many panels needed, then calculate the cubes of concrete then I have my costing.

 

Brian...in the Philippines? If so, custom make the molds, import or available somewhere? Very interesting construction means and would like to hear more on your plans.

Shawn