Problem with the steel beam

A problem with the steel beam height in the garage was brought to my attention today.  Apparently Doug was already aware of this and meeting with the structural engineer when I called him (Izzie, the framer told me when I stopped by).  This is another example of the value that a builder brings to the scene that may go unnoticed.  Apparently the garage slab was poured a few inches higher than the plans.  This was a “critical” dimension, but I guess no one knew it was critical so they just poured it as a normal slab instead of with such a steep grade.  The result was that that the distance from the floor to the beam wouldn’t be enough roof for the garage door to retract.  Doug was working with the structural engineer of raising the beam.

As detailed as a set of plans look, there are so many things that just don’t add up, or connect properly on the job site, so getting a good framer that can work with the architect and engineers to solve these problems is important.

A few problems solved

I met with Doug (GC) and Lonnie (owner of framing company). Reviewed a few issues: a.) there were a few 6’8” doors on main floor, but the rest were 8’. Doug thought this would look funny, I agreed; changing all first floor doors to 8’0” and all second floor doors to 7’0”.  b.) reviewed stairs- upper stairs will be all open, stairs to basement will be closed (wall between the two flights), all stairs will be solid hardwood with a carpet runner on top. c.) concrete walls on entry are a bit confusing. Lonnie and Doug figured out a solution. It looks like the architect plans and structural plans don’t match entirely, but they will frame it out, center the door, etc. and make it look right.  Seeing Doug working with the subs to solve these types of problems makes me appreciate the role of the GC.  

They may frame the basement tomorrow if they have downtime since the steel for the second floor won’t arrive until Wednesday.

Doug also said that raising the Frigidaire frig/freezer to the height of the toe kick should work fine. He just did it in a hi-end custom home in Boulder (the owner was really tall and wanted everything higher).

BTW, views line up perfectly from the great room window. Awesome.

The garage wall went up this morning. On Saturday they put up some sheathing on walls. They said in a week they will be ready for trusses, so the second story should go up this week.