Archived Katie Log March-May 2013
Contents
Thu May 30, 2013
FYI on OTHER open source OPTIONS for tracking projects and tasking:
IMPORTANT: The below information, posted under Thursday, May 30, 2013's entry, is sourced from the following site Nilambar.net. Author: Nilambar Sharma; Title: 15 Best Free Open Source Project Management Applications and Tools; Publication Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012.
1) WebCollab webcollab.sourceforge.net
- Easy to read and intuitive screen layouts. Most users can use WebCollab ***without training***
- Individual users are assigned rights and permissions. Users can also be put into groups with controlled rights and permissions.
- Projects and tasks progress and approaching deadlines are graphically highlighted.
- Changes are personally highlighted for other users to see.
- ***Changes and new items can be emailed to affected users***
- WebCollab is released under the General Public License (GPL). Essentially this means you may download, use, deploy, re-distribute, or even modify it as you wish, all free of charge.
2) Redmine.org
-Multiple projects support
-Flexible role based access control
-Flexible issue tracking system
-Gantt chart and calendar***
-News, documents & files management
-Feeds & email notifications
-Per project wiki***
-Per project forums***
-Time tracking
-Custom fields for issues, time-entries, projects and users
-SCM integration (SVN, CVS, Git, Mercurial, Bazaar and Darcs)
-Issue creation via email
-Multiple LDAP authentication support
-User self-registration support
-Multilanguage support
-Multiple databases support
3) Collabtive
-Unlimited projects, milestones, tasklists, and tasks
-Unlimited members with user profiles
-Role-based permission management
-Messaging and instant messaging
-File management
-Timetracking
-Timetracker reports, activity logs and messages in PDF format
-Export user profiles as vCard
-RSS feeds for messages and tasks
-Synchronization of calendars via iCal task export
-Excel files from activity logs and timetracker reports
-E-mail notifications
-Fully themeable
-Available in more than 30 languages
4) The TaskJuggler Project Management Software
- Serious project management
- Optimizing scheduler that computes project time lines and resource assignments based on the project outline and the constraints that you have provided.
- Manages tasks, resources and accounts of your project
- Powerful to-do list management
- Detailed reference manual
- Simple installation
- Runs on all Linux, Unix, Windows, MacOS and several other operating systems
NEGATIVE
- may be too intense - if it's not user friendly ppl won't use it
Sat May 25, 2013
In progress: OSE Chubb Insurance Application (Current) to Hiedi Walker. I need access to From May 14, 2013 for 12 Months
!!!The OPEN IP AGREEMENT is entirely revised based off this hbs template. Please see the May 25, 2013 OSE Work for Hire & Assignment Agreement to ensure Open Intellectual Property
Tue May 21, 2013
Open IP Agreement is ready for review. I included the original (April 15, 2013) draft. I made substantial changes, all to simplify the agreement, while ensuring IP produced during employment by and collaboration with OSE is open.
Mon May 20, 2013
Editing Edited OSE Team Member Handbook and Open IP Agreement
Wed Apr 24, 2013
Tue Mar 19, 2013
Final assignment summary - File:Katiefinal.docx
Mon Mar 18, 2013
Drafting Project Summary Plan
Building-cost.net inputs:
Inputs:
How many corners does this home have? Four corners
Enter the total living area in SF. 256 SF
What is the quailty class of this home? Foundation
Class 6 Slab on grade
Exterior Walls Class 4 Few changes in wall hieght to accomidate a sloping roof
Exterior Finish Class 6 Inexpensive stucco siding
Windows and Doors Class 6 Recommend using reused and recylcled doors and windows. Class 6 reflects costs, not quality.
Roof and Soffit Class 5 Dual pitch (Passive Solar Design) roof with architectural composition tile, 2’ open soffit.
Interior Finish Class 6
Floor Finish Class 5 Needs to stand up to daily wear and tear. Do not recommend minimum quality materials. Do recommend reused or reclcyed flooring or bamboo.
Bathrooms Class 5 Needs to stand up to daily wear and tear. Do not recommend minimum quality materials.
Kitchen Class 6 Modular kitchen
Plumbing and Electrical Class 6 Due to small space, small amount of materials required
Is there an attic, balcony, basement, garage or exterior porch? No
Is this home in a housing tract? No
Is this home built outside the metroplitan area? Yes
Does this house use unit heating or cooling? Yes
How many heating and cooling units are in there? 1 Single floor unit
How many fireplaces in this house? None
Pick the state where this house is being built. Missouri
Pick the nearest Zip are where this house is built. 644-645 Saint Joseph
Sun Mar 17, 2013
Drainage
“Because a slab-on-grade floor is above the surrounding exterior grade, no subsurface drainage system or waterproofing is required.” However, “the ground surface should slope downward at leadt 5 percent (6 inches) over the first 10 feet surrounding the foundation edge” Cite: Builder's Foundation Handbook, p.75.
Septic System
"A septic tank/absorption field is the most common onsite sewage treatment system in use in Missouri. Nearly 30 percent of all housing units in Missouri use onsite wastewater treatment systems most of these are septic tank/absorption field systems. Several surveys throughout the state have shown that 70 percent, or 150,000, of these systems are not functioning properly. Based on the General Soils Map of Missouri, counties in the Missouri Ozarks are particularly at risk. Depending on the county, 60 to 99 percent of the soils show severe limitations for using absorption field systems" Cite: Septic Tank/Absorption Field Systems, by Robert A. Schultheis, an Agricultural Engineering Specialist.
Plan of action: Become familiar with Schultheis's article referenced above. Call every septic professional in and around Maysville, MO for additional insight on 1) wether septic installation is a DIY option and 2) if not, with which septic professional to do business. Taking the time to meeting and familiarize oneself with local professionals is time consuming. However, it is beneficial to budget and system education/understanding. The right septic system meets current/future needs and location code/regulation. The right septic professional takes the time to explain what works in your specific location for your specific needs. Reference Missouri Department of Health's C9 CSR 20-3.060, Minimum Construction Standards for On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems, p.17. Schultheis's above comments emphasize the significance that must be placed on proper installation.
Floor Plan
I recommend a 16 X 16 FT floor plan as a stepping off point. See Tranquil Cottage's 16 X16 Floor Plan. If construction is successful, then future plans can be larger, see additional Tranquil Cottage Floor Plans.
Until the reused and recycled windows and doors are sourced, exact dimensions are unknown. Maximize window surface area in the following order: southern, eastern, western and northern facing. Place the bathroom in the north western corner.
Reused and Recycled Building Materials
Plan of action: Scour local MO locations for reused and recycled building materials, see St. Louis Reused and Recycled Building and Construction Materials. To accommodate for different size windows, doors, this must be completed prior to building house walls.
Advantages: low prices, often superior quality once refinished, contributes character and charm
Below are some pricing breakouts, Amanda Abrams's 2011 Saving Money with Salvaged Building Materials article.
Salvaged oak flooring: $1 to $3 per sq. ft. New oak flooring: $4 to $10 per sq. ft. Average savings for 12x16-foot room: $960
Salvaged interior solid panel door (basic): $20 to $50 New interior panel door: $100 to $200 Average savings: $115
Secondhand pedestal sink: $20 to $250 New pedestal sink: $100 to $800 Average savings: $315
Disadvantages: selection of reused and reclaimed building materials vary, may require extra work to install, such as refinishing or reframing, may deviate from original plans due to size variations, may not be as energy efficient (windows particularly)
Windows
Strongly recommend sourcing windows from reused and recycled building and construction materials.
I digress to show you these incredible Greenhouses. Collecting reusable building materials is beneficial for future projects. I strongly recommend it.
Walls
As directed, see Compressed Earth Blocks for materials recommended. Use the same exterior as stucco coating as Hab Lab.
Orientation
I recommend taking full advantage of passive solar heating, explained here at Energy.gov. Hab Lab mentions the need to dial down heat absorption with respect to Hab Lab's southern facing windows. Due to the aforementioned plan to use reused and recycled materials, particularly windows, this will be a tricky, but possible balance.
Sat Mar 16, 2013
The biggest take away I have from the past couple of days is that building codes and regulations are not posted online. There are international , national, regional, county, city and local codes/regulations. All of which are constantly adapting to climate impacts and technology. That said, the below plan is evolving since the information available is piecemeal. Why is it piecemeal? Traditionally when building, people emulate other local structures. Since one room studios are not common in Missouri, emulating is not an option. The next step is to source building codes and regulations. Google building code and building regulations and you are directed to local contractors, but no building codes and regulations. I was able to rangle an informal conversation with an architect in Alexandria, VA. The architect confirmed that building codes/regulations are not out posted for public perusing. The information can be tapped using local contractors and/or local building departments.
Connecting with a local Maysville or St. Joseph contractor would be ideal.
Wed Mar 13, 2013 to Fri Mar 15, 2013
My primary source for foundation decisions is the Builder’s Foundation Handbook, by the U.S. Department of Energy Building Envelope Systems and Material (BTESM) Research Program out of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This resource highlights energy efficiency and cost.
Foundation
Three basic types of foundation – full, basement, crawl space, and slab-on-grade Cite: Builder’s Foundation Handbook, p.6.
Four factors to consider when choosing foundation: Cite: Builder’s Foundation Handbook, p.7
1. Site conditions:
a. Topography is rolling hills and plains. The Soil Survey of Dekalb County, Missouri conducted in 1916, is the most recent soil survey. “[Dekalb County] occupies a broad rolling, well-dissected plain, with a gradual slope to south and south east…The surface varies from flat to moderately hilly, although more than 80 percent of the area is only gently rolling. No considerable part of the county is too flat to have a good surface drainage” Cite: The Soil Survey of Dekalb County, Missouri, p.5.
b. Water table location (not an issue for foundation, instead optimistic for sourcing well water) "There is no difficulty in obtaining an abundant supply of water by means of dug wells. The wells are usually 35 to 65 feet in depth, through borings have been made to 165 feet. The depth of the wells generally is equal to the thickness of the layers of unconsolidated material” Cite: The Soil Survey of Dekalb County, Missouri, p.6.
c. Radon: I recommend conducting a self-test to determine local radon level. Some self-test options found here: Radon Test Options. Justification for self-test: The county of DeKalb has a radon level of 4.3 pCi/L Cite: County Radon Info. The EPA’s recommends corrective measures for all levels above 4.0 pCi/L Cite: Radon.com. Corrective measures recommended by the Builder’s Foundation Handbook and the EPA include gravel beneath slab, polyethylene, vent, plastic Cite: EPA Radon Mitigation. If a self-test confirms the local radon level to be above 4.0 pCi/L, then I recommend adhering to the Builder’s Foundation Handbook recommendations with respect to radon mitigation measures.
d. Soil type: “Expansive clay soils on a site requires special techniques” Cite: Builder’s Foundation Handbook, p.6. Based on the information in Soil Survey of Dekalb County, Missouri, I am not considering clay to be an issue. Soil seems to be the primary soil type, recognizing this is an assumption I need to verify.
e. Depth of bedrock – Limestone and shale Cite: USGS
2. Building design is not a consideration here as the Builder’s Foundation Handbook considers building design with respect to aesthetics, which are a low priority. The design will form out of function, but there is little emphasis on aesthetics, if any.
3. Climate determines minimum foundation footing depth. Determining footing depth was enlightening. The following are notes, but the immediate answer is 3 FT. While searching for building codes, “Missouri does not have a statewide building or energy code. Each local jurisdiction has the authority to adopt its own code. In most cases, local jurisdictions have adopted the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) International, National Building Code (NBC), although the western part of the state has adopted the International Conference Building Officials (ICBO), Uniform Building Code (UBC) and a few localities in the southeast use the Southern Building Code Congress, International (SBCCI) Standard Building Code (SBC). Missouri General Assembly passed a bill that would allow the county commission of any county to adopt a building code subject to voter approval. In creating or amending such code, a calendar year 1999 or later edition of a nationally recognized building code must be adopted. (Section 64.180, RSMo)” Cite: DSIRE.
Interior vertical insulation is the most cost-effective approach to insulating, please see Comparison of Insulation Approaches, Cite: Builder's Foundation Handbook, p.62 the Builder’s Foundation Handbook for comparisons.
Insulation Recommendation for Slab-on-Grade Foundations, Table 4-1 Cite: Builder's Foundation Handbook, p.58: Parameters are the 4-6000 Heating Degree Days (KAN CITY), concrete foundation walls with interior insulation placed vertically, and a lower end price level. Using the aforementioned parameters, Builder's Foundation Handbook recommends a configuration of 2 FT DEEP: R-5 interior vertically placed insulation. However based on further digging, 3 FT DEEP foundation might be required Cite: DIY Forum. Must connect with a local contractor.
“The construction system in all cases is concrete with foundation wall extending 2 or 4 feet deep with the upper 8 inches of the foundation wall exposed on the exterior” Cite: Builder's Foundation Handbook, p.58-59. Based on Table 4-1 in the Builder’s Foundation Handbook, 2 FT is recommended, but due to this DIY Forum I am recommending 3 FT.
4. Local cost: “Virtually any foundation type and construction system can be built in any location in the United States. The relative costs, however, are likely to differ. These costs reflect local material and labor costs as well as the availability of certain materials and the preferences of local contractors” Cite: Builder's Foundation Handbook, p.7.
Foundation recommendation summary: Slab-on-Grade Foundation with a 3 FT DEEP perimeter, vertically placed R-5 interior insulation. See Figure 4-16 Cite: Builder's Foundation Handbook, p.74. A significant note when referring to Figure 4-16 is that the insulation is horizontally, not vertically placed. Refer to Figure 4-15 Cite: Builder's Foundation Handbook, p.74 for the insulation piece.
The above design concept, uses a brick veneer, see the Wikipedia page on Masonry Veneer for additional veneer information and references. However, assuming that the mud bricks produced at Factor e Farm are structural bricks, I recommend brick construction rather than brick veneer. See the Wikipedia page on Masonry for additional masonry information and references. Interior above ground insulation can be added later.
Tue Mar 12, 2013
Reviewed parameters of Test Assignment received from Marcin Jakubowski on Mar 11, 2013. Created RTENOTITLE.
