I would like to propose a new initiative for everyone in this group.
"The Papercrete Design, Construction, and Maintenance Manual."
What would this manual be?
Well, the document doesn't exist, YET. I propose that we create this
document right here inside this group. We just might have fun doing
it. It will be a long term project. We would be constantly updating
it and improving it as we learn new things. It would be written by
all of us. It would represent the best that each of us can offer.
I look around at our membership and I see a great deal of expertise
that could be a great benefit in writing this manual. A lot of what
would be inside this manual has been covered in old posts. It may be
just a matter of pulling the information together in one big document.
We have Architects that are members.
We have a member that teaches classes in Electrical wiring.
We have members that are professional plumbers.
We have members that are building inspectors.
We have members that are professional Heating and Cooling contractors.
We have members that are professional foundation contractors.
Roofers, Framers, Finished carpenters, all are represented here.
We have many members that have built a wide variety of structures.
I hope that we can get significant input from all of these
specialties.
I would like for us to attempt to collect together all the BEST
IDEAS. Think of this manual as a big list of Do's and Don'ts when
building with papercrete.
1. We should have a section in the manual about drawing up plans.
We should not try to teach everyone how to be an architect,
draftsman, or a structural engineer. There are other books and
resources for that. We should focus on what special considerations
are important when dealing with papercrete. How can an individual
determine if a particular architect can do a quality job with a
papercrete design? What are appropriate expectations for both sides
of an architect/owner relationship? What are appropriate fees? How
can an individual determine if someone is unqualified? What does a
quality set of plans look like? What details on those plans will
best communicate to other contractors the important details about the
papercrete?
2. We should have a section in the manual about approaching building
departments and inspectors. What works? What doesn't? What will
inspectors be looking for? What should a builder do to have the best
chances of a smooth and productive relationship with inspectors while
building with papercrete?
3. A section about selecting qualified contractors and
subcontractors would be important. What are the right questions to
ask them? What are warning signs a contractor may not be qualified?
How and when should payments be made? What important documents and
signatures should be gathered before making payments? How can a
builder best address schedule and time line issues? Where can
contractors turn to learn about building with papercrete? What is
appropriate training for employees that will be working with
papercrete?
4. We should have a section in the manual about Foundations. What
types of foundations are used with papercrete? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each type? What special measures
should be taken with each foundation type for it to perform best with
a papercrete structure? I recognize that many good books already
exist about foundations, and I'm not suggesting we re-invent the
wheel. Our manual should refer to the best documents available about
Foundations and how each system should be modified to work the best
with papercrete. Examples of existing structures built by our
membership should be cited whenever possible. Where/how should
materials for the various foundation types be acquired? What are the
expected costs? What are the expected fees from contractors? What
documents and signatures should be acquired before payments are made?
5. What makes a good HVAC plan? How should a builder select a HVAC
contractor to work on a papercrete house? What makes a good HVAC
plan? It is common for large holes to be cut in walls to accommodate
these systems. What are the best ways to do this? HVAC systems can
be potential fire hazards. What are the best methods to protect
papercrete from any potential hazards. What are the potential
problems to watch out for? What/Where are the best places to acquire
materials and components? What are expected costs? What are
expected fees? What documents and signatures should be acquired
before payments are made?
6. Plumbing is also important. What techniques are best when
dealing with papercrete? How should pipes be run through or inside
papercrete walls? What are the best techniques for cutting holes and
channels? When should plumbing be run inside a papercrete wall and
when should it be avoided? How should the pipes be protected from
nails and screws if someone decides to hang a picture some day? Is
pipe corrosion with papercrete ingredients a potential problem? How
should those issues be addressed? What about leaks and repairs? How
can someone select a good plumber? Again, there are many good books
about plumbing. We shouldn't reinvent the wheel. Our focus should
be to illustrate how the best industry practices should be
incorporated into a papercrete structure. What/where are the best
places to acquire materials? What are expected costs? What are
expected fees? What documents and signatures should be acquired
before payments are made?
7. Electrical systems tend to get inserted in nearly every wall and
ceiling of any structure. Shock and fire hazards are possible. How
should someone select an Electrical Contractor? When should conduit
be used? What are the best techniques for cutting holes and
channels? How should the wires be protected from nails and screws if
someone decides to hang a picture some day? What/where are the best
places to acquire materials? What are expected costs? What are
expected fees? What documents and signatures should be acquired
before payments are made?
8. Doors/Windows. How are they best installed in papercrete
walls?... similar philosophy and questions like the other systems.
9. Papercrete Mix recipes. What ingredients and ratios are best
used in what situations?
10. Papercrete handling. How to avoid damaging papercrete before it
dries. Keeping it dry.
11. Papercrete wall types. Blocks? Slip-formed? Monolithic
Pours? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each style?
Reinforcement? Weatherproofing techniques? What works best? What
should be avoided?
12. Finances. How should a builder finance a papercrete project?
What are appropriate safeguards?
13. Time lines. What are reasonable expectations for the time
various phases of a project take?
14. Site Security. Sadly construction sites are prime targets for
thieves. How should building materials and tools be kept secured?
How does a builder protect himself and how do contractors protect
themselves? How does someone catch and prosecute a thief? How does
someone keep a safe worksite? What precautions are appropriate to
avoid injuries? How can an owner or contractor protect themselves
from potential lawsuits?
15. Any other areas I have missed?
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