Would You Stick Build Using Screws?

GooseCA

Well the bid requests will be going out soon. The subfloor will be screwed instead of nailed to prevent squeaks and make it more stable. Would it make sense to also use screws to frame the walls? Is this a practice that is done?

On a side note the house is basically the following:

weberdesigngroup.com/plans-view.php?ID=24

Except the plans are being converted to 2x6 instead of CMU for the 1st floor.

Some of the things being installed is a Warmboard Subfloor, Dupont Housewrap, Whole-House Vacuum and DIY Control4 Home Automation. Anything else that should be considered or tips to make the house more comfortable? This is a house that I will live in and won't be for sale anytime soon. So quality is the utmost importance.

Noticed that a housewrap isn't used much in Northern California but with the amount of windows and cost it surely makes sense to put it in.

Still trying to decide on a peel and stick roof, anyone have any experience with it?

Lastly with everything being purchased wholesale and tile / flooring installed at a highly reduced cost (family) do you think I could get away with $150 per sq ft? This dosn't include some of the moulding which I can install later.

Thanks everyone!

GreenW00D

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jmic

Sounds like a home owner .

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ChrWright

There's no way a "custom home builder" wouldn't know the answers to those questions...

Framing a new house with screws?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Yes, I think it's a great idea... And while you're at it---don't forget the platinum hurricane clips...and be sure you provide the framers a board stretcher and a toe nailer---they'll really gouge you on the rental if you don't.

And if it's your own house--splurge for the baby seal insulation, too... It'll make your house oh so warm & cuddly...(be careful, there are a lot of knock-offs out there that aren't "true" baby seal.)

For your "peel & stick" roof, I'd use a place and press vinyl tile---really holds up well to the water...

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GreenW00D

DA ID-10-T strictly prohibits baby seal insulation

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Mike Finley

I don't care for those peal and stick roofs.

We always try to upsell the homeowner to an iron on roof.

Grumpyplumber

Dammit!
I say build everything with screws!
I love it when I have to pull out a stud and replace it...I pull out the cordless with a few 2-1/2" decking screws and get "the evil eye".
Seriously...I'd like to know the answer...all I "think" I know is that they're too brittle for structural purposes..I think.

Mike Finley

Not sure if you are serious or not, you seem like you really are. If so there are 2 problems with screws in this scenario.

#1 Shear strength is low
#2 Labor is high

Glasshousebltr

If you do manage to find some unfortunate fool to attempt to 'screw your frame up' I'll bet he runs like hell on the first day.

And for your last question concerning 150 a SF ......please read the first statement carefully.

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Grumpyplumber

Like I said, my impression was no, but wanted the "official" word.
As I'm sure you know, we use 'em all the time for blocking.
Most plumbers don't even carry nails, though on new construct or remodels they're everywhere, I'm not about to try holding a 14-1/2" 2x4 with one hand while I try to nail the ends into a stud.

RobertCDF

Seen HVAC guys with small compressors and nail guns just for putting in blocking... You could look into a passlode for putting blocks in. Or a CO2 tank and a nailgun.

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skyhook

I often use 3.5" screws in framing and always drill a pilot hole first. This puts the screw in exactly the right place and prevents splitting.

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Grumpyplumber

Actually, now that you mention it, I did work for a plumbing co that used a pasload.
I'm not about to buy one though..blocking for a shower valve or a pedastil isn't exactly load bearing, for studs I'd just as soon hammer by hand.
The gun would mainly gather dust for the infrequency of use, I have enough bulk looming in storage...trucks full enough.

JackiTrades

Um, a frame? Whole house? Make sure you hire a pro to do it and you can help him so you will learn.
You know, I am not sure of your question anymore. I am confused here. Will you look at your questions and see if you did not communicate it well.

How much framing? Are you really considering using screws for a large frame job?

You sound like a newbie flipper.

GooseCA

Sorry everyone I completely butchered asking the question. But I did enjoy reading the replies ;-). Not to worry I won't be picking up a tool to frame the house, hehehe. I was just looking for suggestions when it comes to putting up the walls and suggestions to look for. But I guess I was overthinking the whole process there. Let the professional do his job, right ;-). Have seen quality difference beetween a screwed subfloor versus a nailed subfloor.

Hmm ok I better shutup now before I butcher things more

Teetorbilt

Use a good adhesive on the subfloor and nails or screws become a moot subject.

You can do a home here for $150 a sq. ft. but you have to have a lot of good contacts for materials and really watch your labor. I recently did the research for insurance purposes and, here, bottom of the line will run you $168 a sq. ft. Average is $200.

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KentWhitten

Right on Teetor. Squeaks are caused mostly......mostly I say, by nails missing the member and running down the side of the joist. The glue does not adhere the ply to the joist, thus causing an up and down motion when you walk over it, thus squeaking. Glue is the most important part right there. Even if you glue, you need to make sure if it's a sunny day, get yer butt moving. Dry glue doesn't glue.

Screws do tighten things up a bit, but I think it's overrated.

Screwing a whole house frame together LOL! Erm.....no. Get some screw shanked nails if you are that concerned, but hire someone good, like Joe Carola (you're gonna have to start paying me soon Joe LOL) to put it up right and you won't hear squeaks and you will have a good frame built.

And 150/sf? good luck.

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jiggyjack

Me and my crew could screw your whole project for only $.95 per screw!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God I hope he falls for this I'm gonna retire......wait I meant to think that.

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emersonhomes

If your going to frame with srews or need to ask if you should then you need to get more exp. be - fore biulding anyones home.

GooseCA

I wasn't referring to framing the whole house with screws. Simply looking for tips and ways that things can be improved. I know framers that almost never use screws on the subfloor and others always prefer to use screws.

Was simply looking for things that I can incorporate in my home. A friends house is currently in dry wall stage and we already incorporated a lot of features in with most GC's don't include or would charge a fortune. And none of these things are budget busters.

We included warmboard subfloors, control4 automation, 2x6 framing (kiln dried) w/foam insulation. Voyager Water Heater, re-circulating system, whole house vacuum. Used plywood throughout instead of OSB. Heck in Sacramento I saw OSB on the roof of a 1.4 Million Home. And there are other things that I can't think of right now. We used Ditra throughout where needed , etc etc etc.

So taking all these things in account I might try the new paperless drywall. CFL lights and I dunno whatever comes up. Since there is no GC markup involved it gives some room to play. And I laugh when any GC says he makes 20%, which is a number they all seem to make, lol.

Thanks!