So this started out as a hundred dollar screen and 2x2 project. As we planned it out, the solar company is paying to reroof part of my house. They already cut me a check. I called the roofer who is a friend and it will cost me $200 to add a couple hundred square feet to the project. I just have to pay the materials cost.

So that was a bit of a game changer. We decided to frame a wall and put in some rafters. A 6’ slider, three 72x48 windows and a 32” door. The doors have blinds in the glass. All are argon filled with low e coating.
Now I’m waiting on the roof. Once it’s done, we will insulate and drywall. I’ll wrap the exterior with foam and wire and they pay to have it stuccoed. I ran two separate circuits, and there is already power out there. So one will be exterior power, the other interior power and lights. Costco had some flooring on sale that we liked, so we picked that up. So I’ll level out the bad corner and finish it off with flooring. It’s adding 300 square feet to the house as mostly interior space.

I’m debating on adding a line from the HVAC octopus in the attic. It’s a hell of a task to make that happen here though. I don’t think it’ll work. I’ll have to investigate further.

Anyways, here are some pics of the progress so far.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beancooker,

Very nice work, looks like it'll add significant space and be bright and cheery.

Note to self: do not open this thread when wifey is around....

Add a mini-split, you'll be much happier.

Amazing work.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
I’m debating on adding a line from the HVAC octopus in the attic. It’s a hell of a task to make that happen here though. I don’t think it’ll work. I’ll have to investigate further.

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:
Add a mini-split, you'll be much happier.

I was thinking the same but it looks like your only real choices for location are on either end. I would imagine you would use the sliding door more often, so locating the outside unit higher on the wall adjacent to the 'people' door. The inside unit could also be mounted high and to the right of thee door, inside, entering above the door.

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:
Add a mini-split, you'll be much happier.

My thought as well, you'll only have to run it when using the room as needed.

BTW nice looking addition, we need to do that to my daughters house, when are you available

Sounds like a great time to be making the addition. And where you're located, I'm sure you'll appreciate the climate-controlled sunroom much more than the open-air patio

(You did get permits, right? May not seem like a big deal on a relatively small addition, but if not, that can come back to bite you later when you try to make an insurance claim or sell the house.)

Nice! Love that clean framing work there. Having been a residential building super for a couple of years, I have seen a lot of sloppy work.

Nice work.

Not as skilled as you, just paid to have an existing screened porch insulated, new windows, doors, new floor and a mini split. I did hang a new ceiling fan

Very nice. Where are you, Arizona?

Adding usable space like that can be a serious value-add.

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
Very nice. Where are you, Arizona?

Adding usable space like that can be a serious value-add.

Yep, he’s up the hill from Chino (me).
Nice work Beancooker. I’m jealous…I don’t know how to properly hang a door.
What I’m NOT jealous about is the framing. That just brings back memories of long hours working for low pay!

Good morning, and thank you all for the compliments. I used to do this work when I was young. My dad forced me to work with him. I considered it slave labor at the time. Knowing how to build a house certainly is a valuable skill to have learned at a young age. It definitely saves me a lot of money.
It’s a total of right at 300 sq/ft.
It is definitely going to be bright. My wife wants the interior to be painted white.
Yes, I’m in Clarkdale Arizona.
I don’t miss framing at all. I have been quite sore since this project started a couple weeks ago. I am very fortunate that I chose warehousing over construction. I remember the day I made that choice, and I sure am glad I did.
That said, it’s been pretty rewarding making this happen.

Now I am waiting on the roofers. Once they roof it, I’ll be dried in and can start getting it wrapped up. All the fun of electric, drywall and paint.

As far as a mini split, it would be great, but damn they aren’t cheap, and I still need 220 back there. Would be great if I can just add a duct to the air handler and have a temp controlled room.

I’ll keep the thread updated as I progress.

Could you get away with a 110V mini split?

Great job, Beancooker.

This was money well spent.

quote:

Originally posted by 83v45magna:

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
I’m debating on adding a line from the HVAC octopus in the attic. It’s a hell of a task to make that happen here though. I don’t think it’ll work. I’ll have to investigate further.

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:
Add a mini-split, you'll be much happier.

I was thinking the same but it looks like your only real choices for location are on either end. I would imagine you would use the sliding door more often, so locating the outside unit higher on the wall adjacent to the 'people' door. The inside unit could also be mounted high and to the right of thee door, inside, entering above the door.

They also make ceiling mounted units, looks similar to what you find in some RVs on the inside. Could mount the exterior unit on the roof or high-mount on the adjacent wall.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
Knowing how to build a house certainly is a valuable skill to have learned at a young age.

I'm certainly envious of your skills and knowledge.

You'll never regret your decisions, that looks super and I'd guess you'll end up spending a lot of time there.

Does it have a view?

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
Does it have a view?
flashguy

It has a view of a couple big mesquite trees. The whole backyard is a bird sanctuary. We feed them a lot and it’s a cool area. We spent as much time as we can out there, but the combination of no temperature control and the mosquitoes are savages and think my wife is Golden Corral.
The good view is from the front. There are some pretty spectacular sunrises and It’s pretty great to watch the sunset on the red rocks from there.
Sunset

I’ll definitely look into a 110 mini. I may pull another circuit just for that if they are somewhat affordable.

Are you going to move the ceiling fan(s) out further or keep them where they are?
What is the plate height at the exterior wall?
Do you have any concerns with ventilating the roof joists or are you going to use spray foam up against the sheathing?

Sorry for the questions, just curious about building techniques in the desert.