So considering I'm an architect, what I got from most of the problems is, your architects weren't architects lol. No idea how to design. Probably didn't design in 3D. Just drew 2D. Which is not realistic and stupid. Apart from that being GC is the hardest part hahaha. You've done pretty good for being the first time. I've seen worst. Great job man!
Agree. I think there are things we learn that we shouldn't cut corners on or find the cheapest option. The design process here is def one of those things
For any part of the house you're keeping the A frame on the inside (because it doesn't have hvac/electrical), you can put built in dressers similarly to houses from the late 1800/early 1900s. If a dresser is roughly 3-3.5ft tall then you'll be making storage walls about that tall. The lower drawers can be deeper and the higher you go, the more shallow the drawers become.
For the snow in front the deck door. Highly recommend looking into heated mats/carpets like heattrack. You can plug it to a smart outdoor extension plug and trigger it remotely when it snows. Snow will melt as it comes down. I had one for about 7years without issues and turn it on when it snows at our main entrance for my wife wheelchair. Works like a charm.
I watch Homestead Rescue often. One of the things I learned from them is to have a short wall, like even just 4 foot then the A-frame on top. Makes a huge difference in usable area.
I can appreciate the theory behind an A-Frame in heavy snow areas and such, but not a design I would ever use and these listed issues are a good portion as to why. Just not my thing. Interesting to see it in construction though.
You should put built in storage units in the unusable space behind the short walls where there is no HVAC, or where plumbing/electric lines can be routed above. Would be a good way to get some storage back without taking up space.
For the bathroom mirror. How about one of those tilting ones with a 6” extension off the wall. They’re rectangular and may fit in that space perfectly.
Use a cabinet bathroom mirror and cut an angle off the upper part of the cabinet so it fits to the roof keeping the mirror flat. Also put the AC up on a stand so the snow lands underneath it.
The snow by the house and especially on the front deck is a problem. Id consider rethinking and figure a way to melt the snow as it hits so it doesnt build up. Or buy a big pallet of facia boards to replace it annually.
For the bathroom. Pocket door. Move the shower head up higher and extend it over the center of the tub with a rainfall shower head. The mirror should also probably be mounted at 90° on hinges with shelf storage built behind it to make use of the angled space. Id also ditch the tub and just have a shower floor put in. Could also have a built in tile bench type seat if you want
All homes should be built on a conditioned crawlspace. Also, I would have continued up with a beefy 4 ft concrete stem wall. I saw just such a build and it really was a better design.
You could install cabinets with a deep slide for under the eave areas and in your bedroom...put towels and linens in them. So much space is being wasted by not considering alternative storage solutions. Most of your issues could have been gamed before you built the house...by running through different seasonal scenarios which would have brought most of your potential issues to light. All in all, You have a great space in what you built...don't fret over the small stuff. The HVAC unit should be lifted off the ground onto a small platform, which will keep snow and water from impacting its placement.
Actually I would poured a basement wall onto that hill then just stepped that down into the house. It would have raised your cost overall but removed half of that retaining wall cost.
Build shelving into the knee walls. Or insert shelving units into them. Now. Before drywall. They arent structural. So easy to cut some 2×4's and reframe doe rhe shelving units
This is what gets me about this whole thing. You work in the trades how did you not see some of these problems pop up before the build was started. I do understand some of the problems come with experience but the simple ones could have been noticed early on
This is going to be a rental property, the aesthetic of an A-frame does really well for marketing. People will be staying in this for a week at a time, it’s not meant to function as a permanent, efficient residence. People will likely rent this cabin over a normal looking house
I don't know why you went from an a frame building in the first place. Really took the A from A Frame and went nuts with it. Looks like a teepee from the front lol
The things that annoy me the most is that the angle isn’t off the ground enough. If you just built the A frame on top of a 4ft pony wall it would be way way way more useful and just as aesthetic
Saludos y que detalles te faltaron espero que toda tu construcción 🏡 sea la mejor que has hecho y ya terminada se verá muy hermosa y feliz Navidad 🎄 muchas bendiciones 🙏❤️
Also think they were taking an “A Frame”, a classic Alaskan Home or Cabin; and trying to make and build it as a modern home. Yes can do, but need to consider a slue of “concerns” that will happen. I’m guessing spoke to few ppl whom live, lived, and built A frames up in Alaska or areas of lower 48 and see what tips/tricks might have for ya, as they most likely went through themselves several decades ago and onward….. Just my thoughts and opinions Does look nice still😄 Edit: again, when comes to utilities and building etc…..it really is KEY to have experienced builders that have built these styles before and knows ins/outs and never been more important if the build is in major time crunch….so have smooth build as possible as can be, and let’s be real, no build isn’t complete until have few road bumps
Every one of these videos has a negative title…. It’s getting annoying. This whole series is annoying actually, right from the get go where you exposed your work crew to unsafe conditions and improper use of lifting devices.
You can really put a roof directly over the condenser…needs to be at least 48 inches of clearance for the unit to be able to reject the heat and condense properly.
This house seems like a disaster. It’s not a main residence so every time it snows he has to travel an hour to clear snow around the house. What a dumb design
With all due respect, perhaps for future projects, you might consider investing more than $4,000 in a design created by an architect. A larger budget would allow for more detailed and comprehensive plans, along with the opportunity for more in-depth discussions and problem-solving. The design itself isn’t the issue; after all, the quality of work typically reflects the investment made. While $4,000 is undeniably on the lowest end for architectural services, the real challenge appears to lie in the expectations of what such an investment can provide. That being said, this is still a truly exciting project, and I’m following this video series with great enthusiasm. Wishing you continued success!
I'm curious if you visited an A frame before building one. A lot of these issues are immediately apparent if you've ever rented an A frame cabin, as well as some solutions. As a general lesson, it's good to try to visit a similar style home you are thinking of building and note issues and possible solutions before you even sit down with an architect.
Architects will design something that looks great and structurally sound, but they aren't the one building it or living in it. Alex didn't go over the plans with the architect and make corrections before building.
Fireplace, electric or gas? What? It’s an A frame cabin in the woods. Right in the center and a proper fireplace, chimney straight through the roof and wood fired, not gas or electric.
Personaly i do not like this design... there seems to be alot of waisted space. For issues.with snow cant you install heating elements on the roof or im the ground with proper drainage...?
There are such easy solutions in either the design, or alteration in all of these problems. The fact that you saw all of the designs and ok'd them all, just to complain, shows that you shouldn't have been in charge of your own build. There are reasons most people build simple shaped homes like rectangles and squares. You maximize the square footage, roofing shapes are simple, venting things is easy, ductwork is easy. Locations for ac units, exterior doors, roof overhangs, gutters, closets, etc. Many of your "problems" are just things you didnt put thought into, or want to spend the money on. Your videos used to be good. Now they've just become unbearable.
Number 4 annoyed me. You preached hard work, yet don't want to get a shovel and manually move the snow? Pop in headphones, get away from the kids and listen to a podcast while you do it. Solved.
So considering I'm an architect, what I got from most of the problems is, your architects weren't architects lol. No idea how to design. Probably didn't design in 3D. Just drew 2D. Which is not realistic and stupid.
Apart from that being GC is the hardest part hahaha. You've done pretty good for being the first time. I've seen worst.
Great job man!
Agree. I think there are things we learn that we shouldn't cut corners on or find the cheapest option. The design process here is def one of those things
Its all for youtube content
For any part of the house you're keeping the A frame on the inside (because it doesn't have hvac/electrical), you can put built in dressers similarly to houses from the late 1800/early 1900s. If a dresser is roughly 3-3.5ft tall then you'll be making storage walls about that tall. The lower drawers can be deeper and the higher you go, the more shallow the drawers become.
You can relocate the vanity just like you said. And install a pocket door for the bathroom.
I’d move the door to the center of the bathroom and rotate the vanity.
For the snow in front the deck door. Highly recommend looking into heated mats/carpets like heattrack. You can plug it to a smart outdoor extension plug and trigger it remotely when it snows. Snow will melt as it comes down. I had one for about 7years without issues and turn it on when it snows at our main entrance for my wife wheelchair. Works like a charm.
I watch Homestead Rescue often. One of the things I learned from them is to have a short wall, like even just 4 foot then the A-frame on top. Makes a huge difference in usable area.
PUT THE HVAC UNIT ON STILTS. LIKE THEY DO IN FLOOD AREAS.
Smart!!!
I can appreciate the theory behind an A-Frame in heavy snow areas and such, but not a design I would ever use and these listed issues are a good portion as to why. Just not my thing. Interesting to see it in construction though.
You should put built in storage units in the unusable space behind the short walls where there is no HVAC, or where plumbing/electric lines can be routed above. Would be a good way to get some storage back without taking up space.
you can probably add a barn door, if you do decide to re locate the vanity
For the bathroom mirror. How about one of those tilting ones with a 6” extension off the wall. They’re rectangular and may fit in that space perfectly.
You can get precut mirrors. Maybe design two mirrors, one traditional and one angled. Cool wood working project.
Use a cabinet bathroom mirror and cut an angle off the upper part of the cabinet so it fits to the roof keeping the mirror flat. Also put the AC up on a stand so the snow lands underneath it.
The snow by the house and especially on the front deck is a problem. Id consider rethinking and figure a way to melt the snow as it hits so it doesnt build up. Or buy a big pallet of facia boards to replace it annually.
Feels like you could probably claim back **some** of that mostly empty space behind the vertical walls for some shallow utility space for vacuums/etc.
For the bathroom. Pocket door. Move the shower head up higher and extend it over the center of the tub with a rainfall shower head. The mirror should also probably be mounted at 90° on hinges with shelf storage built behind it to make use of the angled space. Id also ditch the tub and just have a shower floor put in. Could also have a built in tile bench type seat if you want
The bathroom walls aren't structural so you could've moved/redesigned on the fly, it wouldn't affect the framing inspection!
So serious question why did you go with this design?
Cause it’s trendy
Content...for when something goes "wrong"
Snow spikes with heat trace rope is the option I would go with
you could make all the beds have storage underneath??
Put storage platform beds to add storage space for linens
All homes should be built on a conditioned crawlspace. Also, I would have continued up with a beefy 4 ft concrete stem wall. I saw just such a build and it really was a better design.
You could install cabinets with a deep slide for under the eave areas and in your bedroom...put towels and linens in them. So much space is being wasted by not considering alternative storage solutions. Most of your issues could have been gamed before you built the house...by running through different seasonal scenarios which would have brought most of your potential issues to light. All in all, You have a great space in what you built...don't fret over the small stuff. The HVAC unit should be lifted off the ground onto a small platform, which will keep snow and water from impacting its placement.
Actually I would poured a basement wall onto that hill then just stepped that down into the house. It would have raised your cost overall but removed half of that retaining wall cost.
Build shelving into the knee walls. Or insert shelving units into them. Now. Before drywall. They arent structural. So easy to cut some 2×4's and reframe doe rhe shelving units
This is what gets me about this whole thing. You work in the trades how did you not see some of these problems pop up before the build was started. I do understand some of the problems come with experience but the simple ones could have been noticed early on
Did you show the 3d rendering of each room?
Make a drawer cabinet in half wall
this video is priceless for anyone considering building an A-frame house 💰
It shows what not to do.
Great tips! It’s looking 👍
Didnt you do research on these homes and see what are the things to watch out for and things to do?
Excellent list, all easy to see once pointed out.
Talk about how you landed on the A frame decision to start with please.
This is going to be a rental property, the aesthetic of an A-frame does really well for marketing. People will be staying in this for a week at a time, it’s not meant to function as a permanent, efficient residence. People will likely rent this cabin over a normal looking house
Radiant tubes to melt the snow is a option on the outside.
I don't know why you went from an a frame building in the first place. Really took the A from A Frame and went nuts with it. Looks like a teepee from the front lol
You could make the mirror straight and turn the empty space in the back a medicine cabinet
The things that annoy me the most is that the angle isn’t off the ground enough. If you just built the A frame on top of a 4ft pony wall it would be way way way more useful and just as aesthetic
Use heated mats where you don’t want snow to build up
Saludos y que detalles te faltaron espero que toda tu construcción 🏡 sea la mejor que has hecho y ya terminada se verá muy hermosa y feliz Navidad 🎄 muchas bendiciones 🙏❤️
Also think they were taking an “A Frame”, a classic Alaskan Home or Cabin; and trying to make and build it as a modern home. Yes can do, but need to consider a slue of “concerns” that will happen. I’m guessing spoke to few ppl whom live, lived, and built A frames up in Alaska or areas of lower 48 and see what tips/tricks might have for ya, as they most likely went through themselves several decades ago and onward…..
Just my thoughts and opinions
Does look nice still😄
Edit: again, when comes to utilities and building etc…..it really is KEY to have experienced builders that have built these styles before and knows ins/outs and never been more important if the build is in major time crunch….so have smooth build as possible as can be, and let’s be real, no build isn’t complete until have few road bumps
The short walls can also be cabinets
How about a heat deck and concrete walkways to melt the snow around the house.
For the vanity move the shower head to the other wall opposite. And move the door so you can turn the vanity.
Every one of these videos has a negative title…. It’s getting annoying. This whole series is annoying actually, right from the get go where you exposed your work crew to unsafe conditions and improper use of lifting devices.
He chooses to be vulnerable for other people to learn of his mistakes, yet people like you throw flames to burn in fire. So negative from your end.
You can really put a roof directly over the condenser…needs to be at least 48 inches of clearance for the unit to be able to reject the heat and condense properly.
So you approve a badly designed house then build it and complain about every aspect of the badly designed house
I only watch this guy to see what he screws up each week. He's a moron.
This house seems like a disaster. It’s not a main residence so every time it snows he has to travel an hour to clear snow around the house. What a dumb design
I imagine since this is his first time doing this, there are things he didnt realize would be an issue.
He didn’t approve it, his wife probably did and was most likely her idea.
YUP.
Great videooooo🎉🎉🎉
pocket door would solve your bathroom issue. But you would have to move electrical for that to happen.
cant you extend the driveway and park the car under the front facade porch? seems big enough for at least the pick up
Pocket door for the bathroom to allow more room?
With all due respect, perhaps for future projects, you might consider investing more than $4,000 in a design created by an architect. A larger budget would allow for more detailed and comprehensive plans, along with the opportunity for more in-depth discussions and problem-solving. The design itself isn’t the issue; after all, the quality of work typically reflects the investment made. While $4,000 is undeniably on the lowest end for architectural services, the real challenge appears to lie in the expectations of what such an investment can provide. That being said, this is still a truly exciting project, and I’m following this video series with great enthusiasm. Wishing you continued success!
I'm curious if you visited an A frame before building one. A lot of these issues are immediately apparent if you've ever rented an A frame cabin, as well as some solutions. As a general lesson, it's good to try to visit a similar style home you are thinking of building and note issues and possible solutions before you even sit down with an architect.
That’s why you never build anything left or right on A frame. Everything must be uder that roof without “satellites” poking left or right
Hopefully your HVAC was engineered to make sure it will run efficient
Architects will design something that looks great and structurally sound, but they aren't the one building it or living in it. Alex didn't go over the plans with the architect and make corrections before building.
Should have went with a better architect!
lets go!
gas or electric? why not wood??
Sounds like he cheaped out on the architect, and engineer.
Didn't he look at the plans before he started building?
#13 don’t do it, i’m playing, can’t wait for the interior to come together
👏🏼
60feet beam 😂
Fireplace, electric or gas? What? It’s an A frame cabin in the woods. Right in the center and a proper fireplace, chimney straight through the roof and wood fired, not gas or electric.
Put a mirror in a bedroom.
Why over your head on this one
Personaly i do not like this design... there seems to be alot of waisted space. For issues.with snow cant you install heating elements on the roof or im the ground with proper drainage...?
There are such easy solutions in either the design, or alteration in all of these problems. The fact that you saw all of the designs and ok'd them all, just to complain, shows that you shouldn't have been in charge of your own build. There are reasons most people build simple shaped homes like rectangles and squares. You maximize the square footage, roofing shapes are simple, venting things is easy, ductwork is easy. Locations for ac units, exterior doors, roof overhangs, gutters, closets, etc. Many of your "problems" are just things you didnt put thought into, or want to spend the money on. Your videos used to be good. Now they've just become unbearable.
Number 4 annoyed me. You preached hard work, yet don't want to get a shovel and manually move the snow? Pop in headphones, get away from the kids and listen to a podcast while you do it. Solved.
Architects and engineers suck. They don’t think about the functionality most of the time.
Especially a $4k engineer
Build an angled shadow box for your bathroom mirror