Multi Generational Home on a Budget: Episode 3 - Wall Framing

Welcome back to another episode of the "Multi-Generational Home on a Budget" series! This week, we dive into the essential topic of wall framing with our expert host, Steve Baczek, and homeowner Brett Pelletier. From the moment we step onto the job site, Steve's enthusiasm is infectious as he delves into the fundamentals of wall framing, an integral aspect of rough framing in construction. We explore the various spacings for wall studs, focusing on the two-by-sixes set 24 inches on center, a common practice that balances structural integrity and material efficiency. Steve explains the terminology and purpose behind common studs, king studs, and trimmer studs, offering valuable insights into how each component contributes to a robust wall structure. As we examine the window and door openings, Steve highlights the importance of headers, the load-bearing elements that ensure the building's stability by transferring weight from the floor trusses to the foundation.

The episode takes a deeper dive into specific framing techniques, such as the use of pocket headers, which facilitate better insulation by creating pockets that the insulator can fill effectively. This detail is particularly significant in ensuring the building's thermal efficiency. Steve demonstrates the construction of double-ply headers for larger openings, which are necessary to support heavier loads. He also discusses the use of double trimmers for openings exceeding three feet, emphasizing the critical role of bearing area in maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, Steve explains the rationale behind the double mudsill plates, which accommodate insulation and provide a thermal break, enhancing the overall comfort of the home. This meticulous attention to detail reflects the series' commitment to combining budget-conscious building practices with high-performance standards, ensuring that the home is both affordable and resilient.

We then transition to a discussion with Brett Pelletier, who is not only the homeowner but also the builder and general contractor. Brett shares insights into the challenges and solutions encountered during the framing process, particularly when dealing with irregularities in floor trusses and the need to accommodate mechanical systems within a limited space. The episode showcases the innovative approaches taken by Brett and his team, such as framing walls on a string line to maintain level top plates, despite inconsistencies in the floor. Brett also highlights the collaboration with Victor from Lifetime Contracting, who brings modern tools like an iPad loaded with PDF drawings to the job site, streamlining the construction process. The use of advanced technology, combined with traditional building skills, illustrates the series' theme of integrating modern solutions into budget-friendly home building. As we wrap up the episode, we catch a glimpse of the meticulous planning and execution that go into creating a multi-generational home that meets the needs of its occupants while adhering to strict budget constraints.

Thank you to our Sponsors
Huber
Nu-Wool
Fantech
Bosch Home Comfort

Subscribe and follow my Podcast on Apple or Spotify!

Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter:

To sponsor a video or advertise with us visit:

Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Polyguard, Huber, Rockwool & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

[LegacyViewsICFhomeBuild]

I’m building a 48’ tall multigenerational passive icf house. The only way I am able to do a budget build is by building it myself.

[MohamedElmogy-qwpv]

The personality shines through and keeps viewers coming back.

[HyPeKiLLs]

I love this channel his energy is amazing!

[Bythirteen]

Really interested in more information about the sill plate details. Specifically how it is sealed to the foundation/stem walls, the tape used on the exterior, why there is overhang/offset, that sorta thing.

[robertrisk]

I really like that 2x8 mudsill creating a 2 inchs ledge on the exterior perimeter of the house. I would apply Zip liquid flashing to the top of that ledge and to the bottom edge of the Zip-R sheath right before install to secure a liquid and air tight junction at he bottom.

[nenadpetrovic]

Steve you should be teaching at college…great videos and very informative. Thanks !!!

[kevinfranck]

Fun episode. Every time I see Steve Baczek, I think of actor, Feedback
Steve Schirripa, who played, Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos, and Detective Anthony Abetemarco on Blue Bloods.. 🤣👍

[charliem]

Loving the content guys. Are you snapping your Tension Control High Strength Bolts or is it a snug tight detail? The moment connection you showed at 12:38

[CMCraftsman]

It looks like there was spray foam under the slab and up the concrete wall to be finished later but it got scrapped off? That yellow I see around the bottom of the basement wall?

[Originappolis]

@2:18 by the bend in it i'd say it's a load bearing stud lol

[raystraining]

That stud pack on the left at 4:49 looks over an inch higher than the next bays stud pack.

[Blingem]

If you do the Zip-R (whichever R value you go with) you skip the additional Poly Iso on the outside correct?

[williamdemilia]

SB. Why not size the foundation to the thickness of the Polyiso board so no overhang? I am just not used to seeing an overhang, looks like a mistake was made. I can only think the foundation crew will hate it trying to size their panel layout. thanks.

[shaunimal]

Steve, what is the point of that massacred 2x10 or 2x12 @19:20? there's nothing left and there's no way that won't eventually chip and crack after "multiple generations." Could you not have done something better there?

[mixedbeans]

Why wood frame the walkout part of the basement and not just continue the concrete up? Is it cost? Because wood can shrink is their any concern with the floor going out of level with one side on concrete and the other on wood?

[RileySalm]

editing mishap at 34:43 audio overlap of background music

[bwillan]

How much give is there really in that subfloor framing, 3/4 Advantech tongue and groove and 3/4" hardwood? Suspect it is more psychological than anything else.

[JTDesign]

Interesting look at framing and details, but "on a budget"? Nothing except the studs @ 24" o.c. looked budget friendly. We just have different definitions.

[imtheonevanhalen]

Ummm, the issue I see is the over=engineered sheer that the standard sheathing would satisfy. That inch and a half poly-iso renders a bending moment in the nails, which no longer makes it a structural panel.

Let in 1x4 diagonals all along the exterior walls in the long areas, use standard sheathing with appropriate nailing schedule, and wrap it with R-Max me how I know...(the stuff is amazing...)

[zacharycrawford]

When you say “on a budget” one tends to think the budget is small. This seems like a huge budget house. Maybe I’m wrong.