@T Winston That's right on point. You also need to take into consideration how tall your roof ceiling and roof pitch will be. @Drew Phebus if you look on my set of plans, the structural engineer has outlined a "nail schedule." Yes, that may be a bit over the top but in order for the structure to work according to the plan, the wood studs for the walls are outlined. Any wood that is touching the foundation has to be treated wood (also called ground contact since it's closer to the ground and will have higher moisture). The plans call for #2 wood. If reading the plan is a little confusing at first, you have a couple of options: 1. Sit with the framer and ask if he has EVER done a finger jointed stud house and what was his final thoughts on it. See if he thinks it is a good alternative for you or is that used mostly for repairs. The framer should be able to help you put together the list of material you will need. 2. Give the lumber yard a copy of your plans. They should be able to do a "material take-off" from the set of plans that you have. If the plans do not say the type of wood, talk to another local builder or several framers who have in-fact used that material to build to get a consensus. Final note: I wouldn't use it. In Texas we're required to provide a 10-yr structural warranty. The material seems like it might buckle under pressure but I don't know enough about it.

@Drew Phebus so now you've got me researching that mostly because we do not use it in Texas (at least, I haven't yet). Apparently it is an acceptable method of framing. If you're going to use it, it is recommended that it be used on interior walls (walls for the rooms) and not the exterior, load bearing walls. Cons: - With heat and cold, the wood will expand and contract and cause some caulking to pop off or crack. - Expect some minor imperfections to show up over time - You'll need to hand-test some boards to make sure they don't easily snap Pros: - Cost

@Drew Phebus keep dropping the questions bro!

@Drew Phebus it's the 2024 IRC (International Residential Code). I have to say and I'm looking for a kind way to bring this up... when a contractor says "you can contribute your ideas." I'm walking away. Here is what we do with all contractors: 1. Master License to pull permits is required 2. Must stand and pass all inspections by the city. Any fails will be paid by the contractor for re-inspection. 3. Must provide written one-year warranty for parts and labor 4. You must be able to meet THIS price. Spend the majority of your time on PLANNING.

@Verneen Bokori of course! Happy to help! Keep us posted on your progress. (It doesn’t have to be duplex related since you’re in the real estate investment world.)

@Verneen Bokori let’s go!!!

@John Pogue 100% brother. That’s why I left that market.

Right now, we have more opportunity than we have resources and most of it is local to Montgomery County.

@Drew Phebus that’s awesome! Do you have some rough figures already to work with?

@John Pogue 100%... People tend to be MUCH MORE PATIENT with your mess and noise if you're friendly and over the top with them from the start. I can definitely attest to that!