Not everybody drives a Cadillac or a Rolls-Royce; many people drive Fords and Chevrolets.
To be satisfactory, a house does not necessarily have to be of the very best and most expensive construction in every way.
It must have a good substantial foundation and a weatherproof roof.
Few economies are possible in these two features.
There are less expensive ways, however, of doing many things in building a house. Here is an example.
If a person is doing his own work and doesn't know how to plaster, he could put up wallboard or plaster board satisfactorily and get a good house, even while admitting that plaster is better.
Many of the subdivisions, even the rather good ones, use dry wall construction with plasterboard, because it is quicker to do and perhaps less expensive.
For the man building his own house, it is usually easier to do, it costs less money, and it is not nearly so messy as plaster. It is hard to clean up plaster, and it always seems to get where you do not want it.
A job much more charming than plaster might be possible by the use of plywood panels, which are not very expensive and, if properly selected, make a beautiful wall.
Notwithstanding it takes a little time and careful work to match them and put them up artistically, the result will well repay the effort.
Many different kinds of wood are available: fir, ash, birch, Philippine mahogany, walnut, and many rare woods.
These vary greatly in price, but often one can find beautiful panels at a reasonable price. So, if you can't plaster, get something better for the same money.
A room with panelled walls will probably look better with a ceiling of wallboard, properly painted in a light color.
Or you may wish to reverse the usual practice by putting wood panels with exposed beams on the ceiling, and plasterboard on the walls. Either way, the effect can be very enchanting, if carefully done.
Framing lumber comes in five grades.
In the West these are, in order of quality beginning with the best: select structural, construction, standard and better, utility and economy. In some places these grades are known as: select structural, No. 1 common, No. 2 common, No. 3 common, and cull.
While the joists and rafters should be of a good grade, at least standard or No. 2 common, there is no reason why the lower grade, utility or No. 3 common should not be used for studding, sheathing, sub-flooring, and various nailing blocks.
Flooring is made in several grades.
It is not necessary to use the most expensive; in fact, you will get a more interesting floor using No. 1 common than you will using either clear or select oak flooring.
If you build a house within your own financial limits you will be a lot happier than if you try and spend too much and put yourself in a perilous financial position.
If you use a mortgage calculator it will help you budget your new home.
