I cannot believe how amazing this series is, and we are still on the foundation. So thorough. Trade offs, pros and cons, additional considerations, and there was even time to talk about the batch plant. I can't imagine a more thorough presentation...
AAAND Next up on Essential Craftsman! Watching this TREE in real time grow and be converted into shovels and other tools making this lean-to another work of art! ^^
Lmao I had to go back and watch...at first I was like he’s kinda just hanging it out there in the wind and then my man wit the epic hat came in strong wit the power shake
Your videos are like sitting down with an older guy at my church, him telling me about whatever trade he was involved in, showing me and some other guys how to do whatever task it is...great videos. Who needs tv when this content is available
The coolest part about all of this is how you all are getting so many people so excited to learn and grow as individuals, including myself. Thanks for all you guys are doing and I’m of the opinion that you have one of the most respectful and well rounded fan bases here on UA-cam. You all rock!
Damn I love this channel I’m hooked me being a superintendent and building custom homes and doing remodels for 11 years it is fascinating to see another mans approach/angle/aspect just a brilliant UA-cam channel I’ll support you guys forever keep up the amazing content can’t wait for the next stage FRAMING plate and detail baby lets go
You are not forcing one method or another. You are explaining the differences and the reasons why . Why is the most important . A is better than B only in one set of circumstances. Brick, block, solid the best is ..... Where you are , what you are doing and what it must do. Local advice is always a very good starting point. All round the world there will be chips of the EC block. The problem is finding them. Most don’t have a channel to give out the help....once found it is a asset to cherish and build upon. Keep on going fella these are worth there weight in ..... brick, block, solid, or gold.Amacf
This is what I appreciate about this channel. Not only do you make understanding the 'how' of construction, which I need while planning my own house. But you also share the 'why' of construction which is far less well know. Thank You and keep the good work flowing.
Not only are the videos great and informative. But I could listen to you talk about anything for hours on end. I love the little snipits of the grandkids mixed in. Truly a wonderful experience watching your videos.
Great memories indeed. Spraying off my three kids after they were playing in the mud. They are all in their twenties now and probably wouldn't let me do that anymore.
A note to future subs on this house: be forewarned, 500,000 subscribers will expect your work to not be just good but damned near perfect, and more will follow for decades.
Good video, as always, and complete with some time hosing down the grandson. Gotta love it. I truly appreciate all of your family and their contributions to this channel, and thus, the human race. While 97% of your videos use construction as the outward focal point, it really is serving the dual purpose of being the vehicle for life lessons. Thank you, Sir. Thank you, from all of us.
Thanks for the great videos. I've been in residential construction for over 30 years and still can't get enough of them. I've seen good work and I've seen bad work in my time and I know that sometimes what looks perfect isn't, and sometimes what doesn't look perfect is still good. Unfortunately, there will always be those who criticize other's work, whether it's warranted or not. While some might actually know what they're talking about and mean well, others (especially in front of a keyboard) just never have anything good to say but still have the need to say something.
Ahh one of the great debates in the construction industry going back generations! Both have their place, and it's great to have the skills to handle both! Great video Scott & Nate!
Michele Cardijian yes an audio book or a video series is something he really needs to do. We don’t live on this earth forever and to lose his knowledge would be a sin.
For me,this was the perfect video. It imparted an enormous load of information without making me feel overwhelmed,it gave solid advice without seeming preachy and I felt far more informed at the end of the vid' than than I did at the start.Some videos on utube leave me feeling stupider at the end than when I started watching. So all up,great video,really useful info,presented in really relaxed style that makes it obvious the presenter is completely aquainted with the subject matter. Aspiring makers of "how to"videos on Utube using this as a template,couldn't go wrong.nuff said.
have no idea how I cam across this and as an electrician its mostly all greek to me but it was some how soothing listening to some one giving me a straight bill of goods and just being good old fashioned honest... You keep up the good work..
I wish I could support your undertakings financially but I’m about as poor as I’ve ever been. Just starting out on construction and watch hours of your content on a daily basis. Easily the best learning resource I have right now. Please don’t think I take it for granted, thanks for the content!
Hello Sir with all respect to you but I would wish to have a grandfather like you with all that knowledge and experience!!! Your kids and grandkids should be very proud of you 👏
73 here and still like to do a little Electrical work. A friend of mine is 83 and still dose a little plumbing work. Work as long as you want. Always enjoy watching your shows.
As an electrician apprentice In my 3rd year (of 5) I recently got to “chase the brickies” as we call it (placing boxes and building the pipe inside and up the wall), for the first time, And man, do I have a new appreciation for masons. What they do is really an art.
I remember how the stress level went through the roof the moment I could hear the cement truck aproaching a block or two away, wondering if everything was really ready and wondering what unforseen dilema was going to happen during the pour.
...and no matter how long you’ve done it, (30yrs in my case) there is still always a certain amount of anxiety on pour day. I guess it’s bcz you’re dealing with a relatively expensive and perishable product that waits for no one. 🤜🤛
@@psidvicious I stuck with framing. A lot of respect for you guys who pour foundations and do a quality job. That's where the house starts. You need a good solid foundation for everything. But the a$$holes who don't know how to square a building... Plus I love when they tack a 45 bevel as their level line. It makes A nice finish on the inside and it usually makes a nice straight edge instead of trying to follow a chalk line they snap on the inside of the form.
@ sean riopel - Right. It is amazing how a little pcs of chamfer strip can ‘dress up’ the edges in concrete work. It’s actually a lot more functional than most people think, as it prevents large chunks from chipping off the edges. And you’re also right that you can’t pay too much attention to keeping things square. I also started my const. career in framing and was always thankful for that. There’s nothing better than framing for shaping the way you think about all the important factors in construction - plumb, level, square, straight and true. 🤜🤛
It sounds terrifying. And I'm imagining building a house. I can't imagine building a dam or a skyscraper. Maybe that's actually less stressful because you've got the money to check everything a thousand times and you have absolutely all the equipment necessary.
I've been following this channel for years, and let me say......you sir, have contributed to my life quality, and man-skillz more than anyone on the planet, likely including my father. Genuinely, Thank you sir.
I love this channel. When Scott speaks, what I hear is about more than a project, I hear the very embodiment of what every man should strive to be; fatherly, brotherly, a teacher and a mentor.
I get that all the time on some videos. The work, knowledge, and effort that goes into making some videos is astounding. How anyone can dislike some videos is amazing.
Thank you for answering this question. I had asked about the two different concrete systems in a previous video and your answer is greatly appreciated. I look forward to these videos very much and appreciate what you and your team are putting together with this channel.
I like this channel first for its useful and sincere comments and explanations and second for its precise English pronunciation such that I as a non English speaking enthusiast can enjoy and understand most almost all of the video
It's nice hearing someone putting logic into build. What you use, what it cost, and how long is always what we work at and it amazes me how little people actually know about their house and what it took to build it. This series is awesome, the real deal.
I have said it before & I will say it now & I am sure I will say it again. Mr. Scott & Mr. Nate, thank you for for including us all in this endeavor and your life, even if it is just a small part, and thank you for bringing us along with you.
Right out of High School I worked building Apartments. My first job was day in and day out hauling 4x8 3/4" concrete soaked plywood out of a truck and connect them all with these aluminum things ( I forget). It was one of the hardest jobs i ever had (stacking pallets was THE hardest). I did it for months and got trained to be a framer. Hated that so asked to be retrained as a finish carpenter. THAT was what I liked. But ultimately I am just not good at any of it even though I love doing it.
Some folks get "set in their ways" and use just one all the time. Thanks for an impartial explanation of the decision process that should be occurring.
Would love to have seen some detailed video on the mold releases, and how they separate it from the concrete wall pour afterwards. do you have anything planned for that?
He had some videos about making the poured retaining walls. I think there was some coverage on stripping forms and mold releases. Episodes 16-20 or so, uploaded about a year ago.
In the old days we used to spray the forms with diesel fuel for a form release. They have more environmentally friendly products now but the funny thing is, they still smell like diesel 🤨 🤜🤛
You’re the man! I’ve been watching your videos for a little over a year now and now that I’m doing a big retaining wall at my home I’ve been going back to all of your retaining wall related videos to make sure I’m not doing anything you’ve made clear not to do! As well as being inspired to take the time to add whatever details I want to end up with a stronger longer lasting and better looking finished product. Thanks for all you do I always look forward to learning something every time you release a new video. Cheers from Humboldt County just to your south!
Someone once told me "never be impressed with a man with no message"! Thats truly not the case here. Your knowledge and precision is a rarety in todays' world. Keep feeding viewers with this great information. I love all your vids!
When I watch your videos I am reminded of just how complex the construction trade is. I'm a HVAC contractor and a Helicopter Pilot. I can say that doing HVAC installation well requires much more knowledge and skill than being a pilot. And as I look back on myself 20 years ago I realize how much I did not know. Of course we can all probably say that.
@Semper Fi Flown IFR in the Gulf of Mexico. Settle down. To be the owner, the duct designer, the load calculations and design criteria. You just see duct hanging. There is infinitely more to it than meets the eye. Keep telling yourself only a genius can fly. Well I have met plenty of non-genius pilots.
Scott your Old school Pure gentleman With bags of talent Lots of love From east london You remind me of my father who was a Foreman in the city of London for twenty years in the 1970s and eighties Speed and skill For
As a tradesman that has worked his way through almost every trade you showcase, it brings me great joy to watch these videos. I'm a Mason now, and took up Blacksmithing recently as a hobby. Your channel has taught me, and a few people around me, a few tips and tricks we hadn't learned yet. Keep up the great work 👍👌💪.
Yeah, I just finished an ICF house and I have got to say that we were much more prepared with the 4th load of cement and knew how to deal with the pumper guy but my god is that ever a tense day, pour day. I would love to give block a shot and I think you are right to build with solid core. I found that the bracing system for the ICF house took forever, as did the joint patching. I would like to build with CMU's to get a taste of what the difference is. I wonder if such an extensive bracing system would be needed for that.
HI Scott, thank you for another great video, from the bottom of my heart your knowledge has just saved or rather helped to fix an issue i had with my builder. We have had a new conservatory build on the house and i noticed that the mortar on one of the internal block walls, (built using thermalite block) didn't look right, and after further investigation i found that it was more like sand than mortar !!!, turns out that he had built it on a hot day here in the uk (yes we do get them occasionally!) so the blocks were hot and had sucked all the moisture out of the mortar before it had a chance to harden..........you're mention of delvo and the problems you have with hot temperatures on Nates project....saved the day......Fortunately the builder has corrected it and all is good now!!!... loving the series and all that you do..... I wish i could get hold of a burke bar here in the UK !! Once again Thankyou ! Chris
Just got turned onto this series. I love how you guys do it. excellent teaching, well communicated thought process. Best resource I can recommend for someone wanting to build their own house, or get into the construction field. Following through the whole build process of a spec house is just great.
I am learning so much from your videos. ICFs don't have many of the problems you talked about using forms for pouring concrete as part of a foundation. They are lightweight, easy to put together, a minimal amount of rebar tieing, and you need 1/3 of the crew you used to complete it in the same amount of time. And you don't have to insulate it as you will likely be doing to the block to meet the newer codes. Which version of the code are you building to in that county? IBC 2015 or 2018? Other?
Would have loved to see more on how the block wall gets laid, like how they keep them level and plumb and consistent. How they set the string lines to gauge what they're doing etc.
I haven't gotten into this area yet. I own many rental properties, but have yet to do significant concrete work. Though I think it's something to know about regardless. My son, who will eventually take over the business one day thinks he'll just hire everything out. Okay, that's fine, he'll be able to afford that then -- but if you don't know what you're getting, you can be taken for a ride or given shoddy work. I think it's important to understand all aspects of building and remodeling so you know what you're up against. Thanks for all the videos. :)
One of my uncle's had a pour concrete form company. He used 3 foot panels plus 2 footers and "Key" panels for tight corners. My late twin and I worked for him on holidays and summertime.3 foot wet panels way a ton. We were fifteen. Can't believe I am still alive. Later on in my ecavation career I worked for a mason contractor. 9 % of all of our work was Block with poured concrete footings. I'm talking 150 feet long and 30 feet tall. I think blockk is the way to go. If I was going to build a new home the foundation would be block. Especially in a earth quake prone area. The block "gives" , poured walls make for a drastic situation. Yes agree that block is the way to go. No real difference in price.Our company performed the maonry on a 5 million dollar house back in the early 80's and used antique colonial brick above the dirt line. Vdery impressive looking. Great vid. :-)
Thank you for this useful information. Could you suggest the best way to insulate the inside voids of each block using a material that isn't man made...soil maybe?
In my neighborhood there's a house where the mason (whoever he was) didn't scrape the excess mortar when he laid brick on top of brick. It looks so dumb. That's my contribution to the video.
Some people request it like that. I have seen contractors sell it as a rustic look. Saves them a little labor, but not recommended. Doesn't shed water well and can act like a sponge drawing water into the mortar allowing freeze thaw/moisture ingress problems. Smooth joint densifies the surface of the mortar best.
@@fuzzytincan I've seen it as well. Unfortunately some houses here are classified as historic. So even though that old brick with the sloppy look to the mortar has failed they have no choice but to replace it with matching materials. Makes me feel bad that they still spend the required money for the job but dont have a choice.
This series has really highlighted that before you even raise a wall on a building, getting the site prepared correctly is essential to the longevity and the ease of construction of the structure.
Thanks Scott, I had asked this very question a couple of videos ago in the comments. You guys are definitely my favorite channel keep up the good work.
So awesome. I am actually building an addition.i am using fox block's for the basement walls a crawl areas. I get so much out of your videos thank you very much Scott and Nate!
You would be a wonderful addition to This Old House. Would love to see you interact with Norm and Tom. If not that, you should have your own show. Your very well spoken and have a voice for TV and radio.
They’d have him stopping every two minutes to shill for odor eaters or something. This 14 minute mini master class would take an hour as we wade through pervasive advertising. This format is supreme atm.
Can I ask you a question? How high can you build a traditional red brick wall for a house per a day? I want to build a custom red brick 3000-4000 square feet house to my liking, eventually.
@@henri6595 Hi Henry, a typical brick mason could average anywhere from 300-600 brick per day. The problem today is brickwork is a bit of a lost art, finding a Mason that can lay quality brick could be a bit hard to find. I would definitely recommend finding, or at least trusting, an older mason. Brickwork on homes started.fading out about 15 years ago, maybe even longer, at least on the West coast. If you plan on doing the brickwork yourself, which I don't recommend, you could maybe install 100 or so per day. Sounds like you have around 18k brick, could take you a bit to do that yourself. Hope this helped you.
@@newageopinions870 Thanks for the reply. It definitely helps! I'm no Mason so I wouldn't even try it unless it's only for an outdoor garage. I'll stick to the Carpentry/Framing and let the Masons do their thing! In my opinion I believe brick is truly the only way to go. How many 300+ year old homes are still left standing 🤔?
This is a really good video but ICF foundations are the best there are. People complain about the cost but do the math and it’s actually cheaper by a lot. Keep up the good informative videos.
I like listening to what you say I talk to young guys at work about this stuff and they look at me real straight. I tried to show them the twiddle finger knot for tieing off the string line they can't get it.Concrete is a great material you can do some really nice things with it. Keep up the videos.
Very interesting video great explanation. I had to make this decision once, for our current house. Chose poured because Real Estate agents spoke highly of it. That it could be a selling point in the future. Also a local guy came highly recommended. Something strange happened though, all four window openings developed a crack all the way down to the footer. Contractor came back and sealed inside and out, but I think my premium basement took a hit.
Say does anyone know if in Arizona being that we're dry and rarely get rain do I need to fill the block wall with poured concrete I've seen people fill it completely and some people fill just sections. I'm building on a poured slab with footers but all above ground. Does anyone know if there's a savings. Between the solid concrete wall and a block wall with partially filled concrete. It just seems to me the if you're going to fill a block wall with concrete then you might as well make it all concrete wall I don't know I'm early in the building and planning stage. Please help🤔🤔🤔
Have you ever worked with insulating concrete forms? (ICFs) I'm guessing they'd fall somewhere between forms and blockwork - lightweight and fast to assemble, but more expensive to buy.
Brad Cavanagh If you properly seal them and drain water away from them, ICFs pay for their purchase price in the long run. But too many try to cut corner, do the job on the cheap and give the process a bad name! I’ve seen one ICF System that I think is the best which uses a heavy sheet metal angle bracket screwed into the Footing which hold the ICF Form in at the bottom and uses metal brackets holding the fold together and in turn strengths the walls also, I’ve only seen one company using that model and I did not write the name down.
Then let me try this on you: I'm looking at an attractive foundation which, by all reasonable indicators, will hold up that house for 100 years or more with no performance problems. And it was done at a reasonable price.
But you have to remember that almost everything visible at this point will be invisible after it is backfilled with the exception of most of the split-faced block. The quality of the rest of the block work will in no way jeopardize the integrity of the structure. Guaranteed. 🤜🤛
Having grown up in the trades and a father who was a mason. I whole heartedly agree with you on using block instead of forms. You cannot beat the look even with stamps
Thats what one of my clients said to me over a decade ago...Quality, Speed, Price...One will suffer. Not a lot of ways around it, unless divinity strikes.
YES! the reasoning is the most valuable part. Knowing I should do something but not why leads to poor results from a poor understanding of the relationship between what you are doing and the rest of your project :)
John-Jozef Proczka in general, yes. Most times blocks are left hollow, leaving them less strong than a regular pour. However, you can get very similar strength if you fill them entirely, using good rebar placement as well. It’s still not the same as one solid pour but it can be pretty close.
Well if it’s strength you’re after, why not just build it out of solid steel? You’re missing the point a bit. The poured block foundation (with monolithic, reinforced bond beams) is over and above as strong as it would ever need to be for this particular application. It was the cost efficient solution. 🤜🤛
@@psidvicious I'm not missing that point. I said all his points were excellent and I don't disagree this application is plenty strong. I'm attempting to hit on one solid difference of materials regardless of application.
Sir. I respect you. I wish I was family related to you in some way. But, for all its worth, I still look up to you. Good rddens to you my good sir. Keep on keeping on señor.
I have a quick question. Do you always have to fill the block walls with concrete or grout? Or can you leave them void and just fill the cells where the tie downs for sill plates are? The reason I ask is that the last house I was at this was their process.
Really like your production. The sped up video with narration works very well. Also watching a great team build a boat, Acorn to Arabella. All great craftsmanship. Btw I would like to see building on a slab. I think it has definite advantages in speed and other. Thanks
As a bricklayer you left out alot of ecentals you can't haul in the back of your car. Scaffolding, the planking, mixer wheel barrow, and let's not forget the pettybone
I cannot believe how amazing this series is, and we are still on the foundation. So thorough. Trade offs, pros and cons, additional considerations, and there was even time to talk about the batch plant. I can't imagine a more thorough presentation...
AAAND Next up on Essential Craftsman! Watching this TREE in real time grow and be converted into shovels and other tools making this lean-to another work of art! ^^
@@misternormL .
11:30 that handshake was more solid than concrete or blocks
You could build a double level parking lot on top of it
Quality
Lmao I had to go back and watch...at first I was like he’s kinda just hanging it out there in the wind and then my man wit the epic hat came in strong wit the power shake
Spotted the 55 year old
Your videos are like sitting down with an older guy at my church, him telling me about whatever trade he was involved in, showing me and some other guys how to do whatever task it is...great videos. Who needs tv when this content is available
The coolest part about all of this is how you all are getting so many people so excited to learn and grow as individuals, including myself. Thanks for all you guys are doing and I’m of the opinion that you have one of the most respectful and well rounded fan bases here on UA-cam. You all rock!
Hah, the man is building a house, I'm sitting here eating a sandwich and he tells me to keep up the good work. LOL
6:25 Now we're talkin'
Im going #2👍👍
He mentioned apples to oranges while I am eating a piece of apple pie. I feel useless now. LoL
You are in the wrong group.
😂🤣😅😅
Damn I love this channel I’m hooked me being a superintendent and building custom homes and doing remodels for 11 years it is fascinating to see another mans approach/angle/aspect just a brilliant UA-cam channel I’ll support you guys forever keep up the amazing content can’t wait for the next stage FRAMING plate and detail baby lets go
You are not forcing one method or another. You are explaining the differences and the reasons why . Why is the most important . A is better than B only in one set of circumstances. Brick, block, solid the best is ..... Where you are , what you are doing and what it must do. Local advice is always a very good starting point. All round the world there will be chips of the EC block. The problem is finding them. Most don’t have a channel to give out the help....once found it is a asset to cherish and build upon. Keep on going fella these are worth there weight in ..... brick, block, solid, or gold.Amacf
This is what I appreciate about this channel. Not only do you make understanding the 'how' of construction, which I need while planning my own house. But you also share the 'why' of construction which is far less well know.
Thank You and keep the good work flowing.
Not only are the videos great and informative. But I could listen to you talk about anything for hours on end. I love the little snipits of the grandkids mixed in. Truly a wonderful experience watching your videos.
I love the part where you were spraying your grandson. It brought back some good memories and is a reminder of what to strive for in the future.
Great memories indeed. Spraying off my three kids after they were playing in the mud. They are all in their twenties now and probably wouldn't let me do that anymore.
A note to future subs on this house: be forewarned, 500,000 subscribers will expect your work to not be just good but damned near perfect, and more will follow for decades.
If you are a sub on this, make it perfect and you will get business for years to come as well. Killer word of mouth goes a very long way.
Was thinking the exact same thing..talk about a make or break job
Edit: close to 1 million subscribers
@@M1ke10191 Edit: 1.03 million subscribers
@@Larrybird1980 1.22M as of today, myself included.
Good video, as always, and complete with some time hosing down the grandson. Gotta love it. I truly appreciate all of your family and their contributions to this channel, and thus, the human race. While 97% of your videos use construction as the outward focal point, it really is serving the dual purpose of being the vehicle for life lessons. Thank you, Sir. Thank you, from all of us.
Loving how often you guys are putting out videos recently 👍👍
Thanks for the great videos. I've been in residential construction for over 30 years and still can't get enough of them. I've seen good work and I've seen bad work in my time and I know that sometimes what looks perfect isn't, and sometimes what doesn't look perfect is still good. Unfortunately, there will always be those who criticize other's work, whether it's warranted or not. While some might actually know what they're talking about and mean well, others (especially in front of a keyboard) just never have anything good to say but still have the need to say something.
I gotta say something.
Ahh one of the great debates in the construction industry going back generations! Both have their place, and it's great to have the skills to handle both! Great video Scott & Nate!
you should really look into doing an audio book or some such...watched the video and then was calmed to the edge of sleep...keep up the great work
Michele Cardijian yes an audio book or a video series is something he really needs to do. We don’t live on this earth forever and to lose his knowledge would be a sin.
Does Scott do a podcast of any sort? If not that would be amazing!
Indeed, this channel should not be sponsored by Audiobooks, but Audiobooks should hire Scott :D
This series has been with me through all of my cancer doctors, treatments, checks, visits....
@@joeschlotthauer840 Same here Joe. Wish you the best.
You make me want to be a better dad
May God bless you and your family
For me,this was the perfect video. It imparted an enormous load of information without making me feel overwhelmed,it gave solid advice without seeming preachy and I felt far more informed at the end of the vid' than than I did at the start.Some videos on utube leave me feeling stupider at the end than when I started watching. So all up,great video,really useful info,presented in really relaxed style that makes it obvious the presenter is completely aquainted with the subject matter.
Aspiring makers of "how to"videos on Utube using this as a template,couldn't go wrong.nuff said.
11:30 Learn to shake hands like THAT kids.
Real old timey
Real or old? Old ways are good right?
Old ways is always the best way !
Applies to everything but one thing. .. going to the dentist lol
have no idea how I cam across this and as an electrician its mostly all greek to me but it was some how soothing listening to some one giving me a straight bill of goods and just being good old fashioned honest... You keep up the good work..
Always good information. The debate between block and poured walks is never ending.
@Hello Scruffy how are you doing?
@@lydiaanderson6785 doing good.
@@scruffy6151 Good that nice to know. Hope we get to know each other with time and patience if you don't mind?
I wish I could support your undertakings financially but I’m about as poor as I’ve ever been. Just starting out on construction and watch hours of your content on a daily basis. Easily the best learning resource I have right now. Please don’t think I take it for granted, thanks for the content!
Hello Sir with all respect to you but I would wish to have a grandfather like you with all that knowledge and experience!!!
Your kids and grandkids should be very proud of you 👏
73 here and still like to do a little Electrical work. A friend of mine is 83 and still dose a little plumbing work. Work as long as you want. Always enjoy watching your shows.
As an electrician apprentice In my 3rd year (of 5) I recently got to “chase the brickies” as we call it (placing boxes and building the pipe inside and up the wall), for the first time, And man, do I have a new appreciation for masons. What they do is really an art.
I remember how the stress level went through the roof the moment I could hear the cement truck aproaching a block or two away, wondering if everything was really ready and wondering what unforseen dilema was going to happen during the pour.
...and no matter how long you’ve done it, (30yrs in my case) there is still always a certain amount of anxiety on pour day. I guess it’s bcz you’re dealing with a relatively expensive and perishable product that waits for no one.
🤜🤛
@@psidvicious I stuck with framing. A lot of respect for you guys who pour foundations and do a quality job. That's where the house starts. You need a good solid foundation for everything. But the a$$holes who don't know how to square a building... Plus I love when they tack a 45 bevel as their level line. It makes A nice finish on the inside and it usually makes a nice straight edge instead of trying to follow a chalk line they snap on the inside of the form.
@ sean riopel - Right. It is amazing how a little pcs of chamfer strip can ‘dress up’ the edges in concrete work. It’s actually a lot more functional than most people think, as it prevents large chunks from chipping off the edges. And you’re also right that you can’t pay too much attention to keeping things square.
I also started my const. career in framing and was always thankful for that. There’s nothing better than framing for shaping the way you think about all the important factors in construction - plumb, level, square, straight and true.
🤜🤛
😂😂😂..it gets real when you hear that truck 👍
It sounds terrifying. And I'm imagining building a house. I can't imagine building a dam or a skyscraper. Maybe that's actually less stressful because you've got the money to check everything a thousand times and you have absolutely all the equipment necessary.
I've been following this channel for years, and let me say......you sir, have contributed to my life quality, and man-skillz more than anyone on the planet, likely including my father.
Genuinely,
Thank you sir.
I love this channel. When Scott speaks, what I hear is about more than a project, I hear the very embodiment of what every man should strive to be; fatherly, brotherly, a teacher and a mentor.
Another valuable lesson from Professor Wadsworth! Always excited to learn something new!
I'm shocked to see dislikes in any of your videos.
I appreciate all you're doing with this series.
Thanks for taking the time. 👍
I get that all the time on some videos. The work, knowledge, and effort that goes into making some videos is astounding. How anyone can dislike some videos is amazing.
Thank you for answering this question. I had asked about the two different concrete systems in a previous video and your answer is greatly appreciated. I look forward to these videos very much and appreciate what you and your team are putting together with this channel.
We try to check the comments and give answers as much as we can
I like this channel first for its useful and sincere comments and explanations and second for its precise English pronunciation such that I as a non English speaking enthusiast can enjoy and understand most almost all of the video
It's nice hearing someone putting logic into build. What you use, what it cost, and how long is always what we work at and it amazes me how little people actually know about their house and what it took to build it. This series is awesome, the real deal.
I have said it before & I will say it now & I am sure I will say it again.
Mr. Scott & Mr. Nate, thank you for for including us all in this endeavor and your life, even if it is just a small part, and thank you for bringing us along with you.
Right out of High School I worked building Apartments. My first job was day in and day out hauling 4x8 3/4" concrete soaked plywood out of a truck and connect them all with these aluminum things ( I forget). It was one of the hardest jobs i ever had (stacking pallets was THE hardest). I did it for months and got trained to be a framer. Hated that so asked to be retrained as a finish carpenter. THAT was what I liked. But ultimately I am just not good at any of it even though I love doing it.
Some folks get "set in their ways" and use just one all the time.
Thanks for an impartial explanation of the decision process that should be occurring.
Your form of explaining is awesome. Wise man.🙏
I am a DIYer and I love all your videos, it inspires me. Keep up the good work!
Would love to have seen some detailed video on the mold releases, and how they separate it from the concrete wall pour afterwards. do you have anything planned for that?
He had some videos about making the poured retaining walls. I think there was some coverage on stripping forms and mold releases. Episodes 16-20 or so, uploaded about a year ago.
In the old days we used to spray the forms with diesel fuel for a form release. They have more environmentally friendly products now but the funny thing is, they still smell like diesel 🤨
🤜🤛
You’re the man! I’ve been watching your videos for a little over a year now and now that I’m doing a big retaining wall at my home I’ve been going back to all of your retaining wall related videos to make sure I’m not doing anything you’ve made clear not to do! As well as being inspired to take the time to add whatever details I want to end up with a stronger longer lasting and better looking finished product. Thanks for all you do I always look forward to learning something every time you release a new video. Cheers from Humboldt County just to your south!
When this man speaks I am in awe at his vocabulary with construction he is so articulate it’s awesome and amazing !
Really enjoy watching this old boy..lots of wisdom has been passed down within these trades that keep our societies and cities running..
I can't tell how much I appreciate your videos
not just technically but also emotionally
... Thanks
Love the split face block and vent blocks look great as well. Planning on building my shop out of split face. Great video!
Someone once told me "never be impressed with a man with no message"! Thats truly not the case here. Your knowledge and precision is a rarety in todays' world. Keep feeding viewers with this great information. I love all your vids!
@Hello Seiben how are you doing?
When I watch your videos I am reminded of just how complex the construction trade is. I'm a HVAC contractor and a Helicopter Pilot. I can say that doing HVAC installation well requires much more knowledge and skill than being a pilot.
And as I look back on myself 20 years ago I realize how much I did not know. Of course we can all probably say that.
@Semper Fi Flown IFR in the Gulf of Mexico. Settle down. To be the owner, the duct designer, the load calculations and design criteria. You just see duct hanging. There is infinitely more to it than meets the eye.
Keep telling yourself only a genius can fly. Well I have met plenty of non-genius pilots.
I wonder what the stats are for deaths due to botched hvac vs botched heli flight, lots of way for gas, oil and combustion to cause problems....
Scott your
Old school
Pure gentleman
With bags of talent
Lots of love From east london
You remind me of my father who was a Foreman in the city of London for twenty years in the 1970s and eighties
Speed and skill
For
As a tradesman that has worked his way through almost every trade you showcase, it brings me great joy to watch these videos. I'm a Mason now, and took up Blacksmithing recently as a hobby. Your channel has taught me, and a few people around me, a few tips and tricks we hadn't learned yet. Keep up the great work 👍👌💪.
Yeah, I just finished an ICF house and I have got to say that we were much more prepared with the 4th load of cement and knew how to deal with the pumper guy but my god is that ever a tense day, pour day. I would love to give block a shot and I think you are right to build with solid core.
I found that the bracing system for the ICF house took forever, as did the joint patching. I would like to build with CMU's to get a taste of what the difference is. I wonder if such an extensive bracing system would be needed for that.
"..and my back didn't hurt.." = real $
HI Scott, thank you for another great video, from the bottom of my heart your knowledge has just saved or rather helped to fix an issue i had with my builder. We have had a new conservatory build on the house and i noticed that the mortar on one of the internal block walls, (built using thermalite block) didn't look right, and after further investigation i found that it was more like sand than mortar !!!, turns out that he had built it on a hot day here in the uk (yes we do get them occasionally!) so the blocks were hot and had sucked all the moisture out of the mortar before it had a chance to harden..........you're mention of delvo and the problems you have with hot temperatures on Nates project....saved the day......Fortunately the builder has corrected it and all is good now!!!... loving the series and all that you do..... I wish i could get hold of a burke bar here in the UK !!
Once again Thankyou ! Chris
Just got turned onto this series. I love how you guys do it. excellent teaching, well communicated thought process. Best resource I can recommend for someone wanting to build their own house, or get into the construction field. Following through the whole build process of a spec house is just great.
I am learning so much from your videos. ICFs don't have many of the problems you talked about using forms for pouring concrete as part of a foundation. They are lightweight, easy to put together, a minimal amount of rebar tieing, and you need 1/3 of the crew you used to complete it in the same amount of time. And you don't have to insulate it as you will likely be doing to the block to meet the newer codes. Which version of the code are you building to in that county? IBC 2015 or 2018? Other?
Would have loved to see more on how the block wall gets laid, like how they keep them level and plumb and consistent. How they set the string lines to gauge what they're doing etc.
Beach&BoardFan
👍👍👍
Beach&BoardFan In order to get all that, you need to bring free coffee and donuts to the job site. ..For Everybody.
Sounds good to me!
I haven't gotten into this area yet. I own many rental properties, but have yet to do significant concrete work. Though I think it's something to know about regardless. My son, who will eventually take over the business one day thinks he'll just hire everything out. Okay, that's fine, he'll be able to afford that then -- but if you don't know what you're getting, you can be taken for a ride or given shoddy work. I think it's important to understand all aspects of building and remodeling so you know what you're up against.
Thanks for all the videos. :)
Profits become zero if you contract everything out, atleast where I live.
Enjoyed this one. It's Aug 2020 now, but experience and knowledge like this never goes out of style. Please keep sharing as much as you can.
One of my uncle's had a pour concrete form company. He used 3 foot panels plus 2 footers and "Key" panels for tight corners. My late twin and I worked for him on holidays and summertime.3 foot wet panels way a ton. We were fifteen. Can't believe I am still alive. Later on in my ecavation career I worked for a mason contractor. 9 % of all of our work was Block with poured concrete footings. I'm talking 150 feet long and 30 feet tall. I think blockk is the way to go. If I was going to build a new home the foundation would be block. Especially in a earth quake prone area. The block "gives" , poured walls make for a drastic situation. Yes agree that block is the way to go. No real difference in price.Our company performed the maonry on a 5 million dollar house back in the early 80's and used antique colonial brick above the dirt line. Vdery impressive looking. Great vid. :-)
Scott, You masterfully let the suspense build and then answered the question we were all asking. Hitchcock himself would be jealous of your technique.
I think adding ICF into the discussion would have helped.
Meh
Thank you for this useful information.
Could you suggest the best way to insulate the inside voids of each
block using a material that isn't man made...soil maybe?
In my neighborhood there's a house where the mason (whoever he was) didn't scrape the excess mortar when he laid brick on top of brick. It looks so dumb.
That's my contribution to the video.
Some people request it like that. I have seen contractors sell it as a rustic look. Saves them a little labor, but not recommended. Doesn't shed water well and can act like a sponge drawing water into the mortar allowing freeze thaw/moisture ingress problems. Smooth joint densifies the surface of the mortar best.
@@fuzzytincan I've seen it as well. Unfortunately some houses here are classified as historic. So even though that old brick with the sloppy look to the mortar has failed they have no choice but to replace it with matching materials. Makes me feel bad that they still spend the required money for the job but dont have a choice.
That's like getting mad at the painter for painting the house an ugly color.
@@fuzzytincan I, too, have seen this. Ridiculous.
it's called an 'ooze joint'.
A great primer for someone going into the trades, building a house and then everyone else. Super video.
@Hello Tom how are you doing?
This series has really highlighted that before you even raise a wall on a building, getting the site prepared correctly is essential to the longevity and the ease of construction of the structure.
I clicked on this so fast. Thanks for the content as always essential craftsman team!
Thanks Scott, I had asked this very question a couple of videos ago in the comments. You guys are definitely my favorite channel keep up the good work.
We try to check all the comments and it helps us with content, so thanks!
Can the walls be made to be bullet proof in a defense wall . lower walls pored with gravel concert mix mid way though the walls to cover behind?
I learn so much watching your videos!! Can you please do a video on footing depth, soil types etc for a block wall?
So awesome. I am actually building an addition.i am using fox block's for the basement walls a crawl areas. I get so much out of your videos thank you very much Scott and Nate!
You would be a wonderful addition to This Old House. Would love to see you interact with Norm and Tom. If not that, you should have your own show. Your very well spoken and have a voice for TV and radio.
They’d have him stopping every two minutes to shill for odor eaters or something.
This 14 minute mini master class would take an hour as we wade through pervasive advertising.
This format is supreme atm.
More welcome and sage advice from one of my favourite UA-cam authors.
Absolutely love the details of this build, even the videos with you just explaining things are very interesting.
Been a Mason for almost 30 years. Love how you show respect to the trades, thank you.
Can I ask you a question? How high can you build a traditional red brick wall for a house per a day? I want to build a custom red brick 3000-4000 square feet house to my liking, eventually.
@@henri6595 Hi Henry, a typical brick mason could average anywhere from 300-600 brick per day. The problem today is brickwork is a bit of a lost art, finding a Mason that can lay quality brick could be a bit hard to find. I would definitely recommend finding, or at least trusting, an older mason. Brickwork on homes started.fading out about 15 years ago, maybe even longer, at least on the West coast. If you plan on doing the brickwork yourself, which I don't recommend, you could maybe install 100 or so per day. Sounds like you have around 18k brick, could take you a bit to do that yourself. Hope this helped you.
@@newageopinions870 Thanks for the reply. It definitely helps! I'm no Mason so I wouldn't even try it unless it's only for an outdoor garage. I'll stick to the Carpentry/Framing and let the Masons do their thing! In my opinion I believe brick is truly the only way to go. How many 300+ year old homes are still left standing 🤔?
What caused you to decide to extend your retaining wall?
Second this!
This is a really good video but ICF foundations are the best there are. People complain about the cost but do the math and it’s actually cheaper by a lot. Keep up the good informative videos.
I like listening to what you say I talk to young guys at work about this stuff and they look at me real straight. I tried to show them the twiddle finger knot for tieing off the string line they can't get it.Concrete is a great material you can do some really nice things with it. Keep up the videos.
Very interesting video great explanation. I had to make this decision once, for our current house. Chose poured because Real Estate agents spoke highly of it. That it could be a selling point in the future. Also a local guy came highly recommended. Something strange happened though, all four window openings developed a crack all the way down to the footer. Contractor came back and sealed inside and out, but I think my premium basement took a hit.
Say does anyone know if in Arizona being that we're dry and rarely get rain do I need to fill the block wall with poured concrete I've seen people fill it completely and some people fill just sections.
I'm building on a poured slab with footers but all above ground. Does anyone know if there's a savings. Between the solid concrete wall and a block wall with partially filled concrete. It just seems to me the if you're going to fill a block
wall with concrete then you might as well make it all concrete wall
I don't know I'm early in the building and planning stage. Please help🤔🤔🤔
@Hello how are you doing?
Nice information about the Bruck Bars.
I have a Johnson Bar I use for simulator jobs.
Have you ever worked with insulating concrete forms? (ICFs)
I'm guessing they'd fall somewhere between forms and blockwork - lightweight and fast to assemble, but more expensive to buy.
Brad Cavanagh
If you properly seal them and drain water away from them, ICFs pay for their purchase price in the long run. But too many try to cut corner, do the job on the cheap and give the process a bad name!
I’ve seen one ICF System that I think is the best which uses a heavy sheet metal angle bracket screwed into the Footing which hold the ICF Form in at the bottom and uses metal brackets holding the fold together and in turn strengths the walls also, I’ve only seen one company using that model and I did not write the name down.
wow ...I have never seen that split faced block before. That makes a huge difference in appearance.
The foundation looks great. That crew did a good job.
Only if you don't know what you're looking at. In reality, it was a 'good enough' wall.
Then let me try this on you: I'm looking at an attractive foundation which, by all reasonable indicators, will hold up that house for 100 years or more with no performance problems. And it was done at a reasonable price.
@@kevinhornbuckle Even EC said he got a good price and it was done fast. "2 out of 3 is just fine" What he left out was quality...
ArthurDentZaphodBeeb You know more about the trade than I do. Keeping high standards is important.
But you have to remember that almost everything visible at this point will be invisible after it is backfilled with the exception of most of the split-faced block. The quality of the rest of the block work will in no way jeopardize the integrity of the structure. Guaranteed.
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been doing masonry and the like for 20 years. I like this guy.
Having grown up in the trades and a father who was a mason. I whole heartedly agree with you on using block instead of forms. You cannot beat the look even with stamps
Early 1990,s Larry Huan brought building video's to life he was a great teacher RIP 🙏
If there's any better content anywhere I've yet to find it. Always amazing.
Time, cost, or quality...pick any two but you can't have all three. Good video Scott.
Thats what one of my clients said to me over a decade ago...Quality, Speed, Price...One will suffer. Not a lot of ways around it, unless divinity strikes.
Essential Craftsman is the Perfect Name. Thank you for reminding me that true craftsman still exist.
Always great to hear your reasoning and see your approach! Superb channel, great and informative video!
YES! the reasoning is the most valuable part. Knowing I should do something but not why leads to poor results from a poor understanding of the relationship between what you are doing and the rest of your project :)
This video helped me to make this important decision. Thank you for your thoughtful and thorough analysis.
Loved this guy and his AWSOME attitude
From Dublin Ireland loving the channel and really enjoy the videos it's nice to see how its done over there 👍👍👷♂️👷♂️⚒⚒🌝
Hows that old legend that took a punch from the whisky monkey?
All excellent points and content. One thing is always true is that concrete is stronger than block every time (with equal reinforcement and such).
John-Jozef Proczka in general, yes. Most times blocks are left hollow, leaving them less strong than a regular pour. However, you can get very similar strength if you fill them entirely, using good rebar placement as well. It’s still not the same as one solid pour but it can be pretty close.
Well if it’s strength you’re after, why not just build it out of solid steel? You’re missing the point a bit. The poured block foundation (with monolithic, reinforced bond beams) is over and above as strong as it would ever need to be for this particular application. It was the cost efficient solution.
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@@psidvicious I'm not missing that point. I said all his points were excellent and I don't disagree this application is plenty strong. I'm attempting to hit on one solid difference of materials regardless of application.
I’m excited for the framing
Sir. I respect you. I wish I was family related to you in some way. But, for all its worth, I still look up to you. Good rddens to you my good sir. Keep on keeping on señor.
VERY QUALITY CONTENT!!! You reminding me my Uncle who did the same you're doing.
I have a quick question. Do you always have to fill the block walls with concrete or grout? Or can you leave them void and just fill the cells where the tie downs for sill plates are? The reason I ask is that the last house I was at this was their process.
Heard the banjo and instantly subscribed.
I've never seen this guy's channel before
Essential Craftsman is such an inspirational channel!
Really like your production. The sped up video with narration works very well. Also watching a great team build a boat, Acorn to Arabella. All great craftsmanship. Btw I would like to see building on a slab. I think it has definite advantages in speed and other. Thanks
As a bricklayer you left out alot of ecentals you can't haul in the back of your car. Scaffolding, the planking, mixer wheel barrow, and let's not forget the pettybone