BEFORE THE HAMMER
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What can you expect from a builder vs DIY?
The Nest Studio package comes with instructions to guide those who prefer to build themselves. The advantages to building your own Nest Studio on your own, besides being familiar with every nail and screw of your new structure, is greater control of the timeline and cost. However, utilizing a professional builder may help save time.
​
Typically, a builder would take a set of plans and put a price to the material and labor involved. The plan drawings included in the Nest Studio package can be provided directly to a builder of your choosing.
Selecting the best contractor for your job is important. Research local builders in your area, and consider creating a shortlist of licensed, bonded and insured builders who may be a good fit. Meet and discuss your plan for your Nest Studio with your builder - ensure that they're familiar with your specific site conditions, the timeline is understood, and any other agreements are recorded in writing.
​
When building your Nest Studio yourself, you set your own schedule and can determine the parameters in which it is built. It can become your own personal project! In addition to the plan drawings typically used in construction, the Nest Studio package includes clear diagrams to further illustrate the process of construction for first time builders.
​​
2.
What are some of the required tools?
There are a number of ways to go about constructing anything. One benefit to enlisting the help of a professional builder is that typically they would be responsible for their own tools. If you plan to take on building your own Nest Studio, some of the typical tools required can be found below:
​
-
Safety equipment - goggles, ear defenders, mask - especially if using power tools
-
First Aid Kit - even the most experienced woodworkers get the occasional cut, so be prepared.
-
12 ft to 18 ft ladder
-
Hammer
-
Dimensional lumber
-
Wooden stakes, twine, and chalk for marking out the site
-
4 Foot Level
-
Measuring Tape - accurate measurements are essential
-
Carpenter's pencil
-
Screwdrivers
-
Nails and screws
-
Framing square
-
Wood chisels
-
Sandpaper
-
Wood glue
​
While it's important to follow the proper safety protocols when using any tool, it is especially important to adhere closely to the safety instructions for the below:
​
-
Hand saw - good quality with a sharp blade
-
Circular saw
-
Jigsaw
-
Power drill
-
Nail gun
-
Cutting table
​
3.
What is an "AHJ"?
At times on this site and others you may see reference to an "AHJ". This stands for "Authority Having Jurisdiction", and is referring to the office or organization that is responsible for approving or enforcing laws and ordinances related to building. The organization may be concerned with specific codes or standards relating to zoning, life safety, or more.
​
Locally, the AHJ would likely be your state or county permitting office for zoning, building permits and inspections. It's important to check your local ordinances to ensure you are in compliance.
​
4.
Is a permit required to build?
Typically, when building a new structure or making an addition to an existing one, you may be required to obtain the appropriate permit.
​
The Nest Studio boasts a compact design with versatility in mind, and falls below the typical threshold for a structure requiring a permit.
However, as permitting and zoning requirements vary based on location and jurisdictions, it is important to research your local zoning laws, ordinances, and regulations from the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm whether permits are needed for your Nest Studio and any related installs. This includes any electrical or plumbing that you may elect to run to the Nest Studio
​
5.
What does the typical construction process look like?
Just about all construction happens "from the ground up". The below gives a quick overview.
​
After checking local zoning and building laws from the AHJ, a project site is identified and the extents of the work are laid out. This is the limits of disturbance for the work. Besides the actual area of the structure to be built, one should also take into account the space needed for temporary storage for materials, and the work area.
With the extents clearly identified, the next step is laying the groundwork for the foundation of the structure, which will support the finished flooring. The wall and roof framing would follow, forming the rigid skeleton of the structure with other rough framing (both interior and exterior) that completes the shell.
​
With the shell complete, a weather barrier is applied with roofing, forming the first protection layer for the structure before dressing it with the exterior finish. Windows are installed into the openings, properly sealed into the weather barrier to create a watertight envelope that protects insulation, lighting, and interior finishes as they are installed, along with any other fixtures and furniture.