In this series First Time Builder: A-Z list of Essentials, Jeremy Bjork will detail several issues facing some of his most important clients, first time builders such as yourself. Jeremy will answer common questions and provide you with simple and affordable solutions to common situations. Jeremy works as a Senior Level Project Manager at Armstrong Steel in Denver, Colorado. He is responsible for managing building projects for both established and first time builders. He consistently integrates the newest building designs and efficiencies to assist the budget conscious builder. He is focused on personal and professional relationships, project budgets, timelines, and organizational performance; with special care and consideration to first time builders or builders who may not have unlimited budgets. Jeremy encourages first time builders to write to him with questions and comments, or details of your experience as a first time builder.

You might be surprised to learn that the first question you should ask yourself when you are planning a first time building project isn’t, “which architect should I hire,” but rather, “why should I hire an architect?”

If you are building a simple structure – a garage or workshop, perhaps – the conservative talents of a structural engineer are likely all you will need. A fancy roof or an intricate door frame looks great on paper but can cost thousands of dollars in engineering and construction. A few design lines here or there can quickly add up. These are the types of creative options that will take your easily erected project from the affordable category of ‘pre-engineered’ – to the high-cost category of ‘custom-design.’

I always remind people that a good structural engineer can make all the design changes you will ever need. Indeed, if you can imagine it, a structural engineer can do it. That doesn’t mean that you need to skimp on aesthetics. An architect or a designer can always be hired to add beauty elements once the important part of the process – building a sound structural system – has been completed. To put it another way, you should write the story before you ever think about drawing the pictures.

As a first time builder you should always be mindful that your skill set and resources are often limited. Your project probably won’t require the great visions of an architect. You should always consult, first, with a project manager, like me, who will help you create a first-time building project that fits within your budget, your building’s purpose, and your skill level. The services of a structural engineer are often included in the cost of your project management, so there isn’t a need to find one on your own.

From the Taj Mahal to the Roman Coliseum, there is a reason that great architecture is considered an art form; because it’s created at the whim and fancy of creative people who rarely consider cost an issue. But for most of us, we don’t need an elaborate fresco to cover a blank wall when a simple, functional and affordable coat of paint will do.

To learn more about pre-engineered steel building systems, check out our complete guide to steel buildings!

It is the most widely used man-made material on the planet and it’s perhaps the most misunderstood. It’s concrete and it’s a necessary component to your first time building project. Whether you opt for a traditional build or the convenience and affordability of a pre-engineered structure for your first time building project, you will need at least some concrete.

First, let me just clear up one big misconception, there is a difference between cement and concrete. In a nutshell, cement is any type of binder that holds materials together. It is construction glue if you will. Concrete is cement mixed with aggregates such as sand, gravel, small rocks and water. It is then left to harden – or cure. But this is trivial knowledge which may only assist you in a game of bar trivia because when you place an order for ‘cement,’ for your project it is likely your vendor will still know that you’re ordering concrete.

The second thing you must know is that a concrete wall or floor is so much more than just a thick slab placed on the ground. Sure, it looks like a gigantic and simple chunk of hardened smooth rock, but it is actually a carefully engineered piece of performance material, and it will require the specialized skills of a professional to design, mix, pour, and set.

Concrete is purchased by the cubic yard. Once you have worked with your project manager and structural engineer and have settled on the above ground portion of your building project it is then time to plan what this structure will set upon.  At this point you will need to deal with a civil engineer or an engineer that specializes in foundations and concrete. This engineer will help you determine how much of the material you will need.

Just as choosing a local builder for his convenient proximity for your first time building project, it is also recommended that you choose a local civil engineer. A local engineer comes with an intimate knowledge of soil types, climate issues, and geo-technical data such as minimum seismic activity requirements. You can, of course, choose an engineer from outside your area because they appear less expensive, but keep in mind that this may cost you more money in the long run because it is probable that they will design your concrete load requirements with the highest level of standards required by your county or state.

This means that you should choose to pay a few hundred extra dollars for a local civil engineer who can design a more efficient concrete system specific to your exact location, saving you thousands in materials that can be considered overkill.

Concrete systems require concrete, obviously, but they also require things like rebar, clips, hairpins, anchor bolts and a whole assortment of other materials which cost money. There is no reason to pay thousands of dollars for a concrete slab which will withstand heaving clay laden soil if your building site is on stable ground, for instance.

In terms of planning your schedule, you must also keep in mind that concrete needs time to cure. The longer it cures, the stronger it becomes. Do not plan on laying concrete on a Friday and begin constructing the top structure on Monday morning. There are ways to decrease the curing time – choosing a heavier grade concrete which will give you the minimum grade requirement in a shorter amount of time, for instance – but as a general rule, you should plan on at least two weeks minimum for sufficient cure time – longer if possible.

Planning also requires that you are mindful of climate and temperature. It is best to pour concrete between 45 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder it is, the longer it will take the concrete to dry. Rainy summers will also create a problem as you do not want your concrete to be engulfed with water. Water is a key ingredient to an effective concrete mixture so adding additional water will disrupt your water/dry material ratio. This could lead to cracking in the future or diminished performance of the concrete.

It is important to note that because of increased global industrialization, concrete has become very expensive in recent years. In fact, it has been the victim of one of the highest price increases of construction materials. For this reason, it is important that you plan, plan, and plan again leaving little room for a mistake or a ‘do-over.’

While most of us see concrete as a simple stone-like piece of material it is actually a critical and dynamic working system which must be engineered and poured by professionals who understand its properties. For your first building project, this one of the few times I will advise that you do not attempt to complete this phase on your own – and that’s the concrete truth.

Share this blog with other first time builders considering pouring concrete on their own. You might save them from a costly headache. Please share with us your concrete horror stories and what you have learned.

Need Space? Considering a steel building? Check out other First Time Builder resources.