Merry Christmas.... Was working on my construction project and a funny thing happened yesterday, Using the table saw with my usual caution, a piece of wood just cut flew backwards and pinged me in the stomach. As i twisted to miss it, i forgot one thing. When you twist while cutting a board, your whole body twists with you. Here, strange things of magical proportion can then occur. Such as twisting to the left brings your right hand to the left, If the saw is running (which it was) your thumb can in deed disappear. It's magic really. Following this trait of new found magic I discovered, I then went on an incredible theme park like ride. Annette can make my car fly i learned and she gave me the most magical ride (quite exciting really) to a local theme park known as Silver Cross Hospital. We literally flew past no less than 4 policeman, who i assume could not believe their eyes because none of them followed us. This flight (ride ended) upon arrival to the hospital. Did you know, the first thing everyone asks you is, did you bring the other half of your thumb? I was thinking, know what? When half of your thumb disappears as mine did, the first thing I though of was not, "oh, it's gone, where must it be? Let me take a few minutes to find it." Naaa, me? I was more interested in singing Ave Maria...or was it that other holy song i know (Oh Holy Sh*t). At any rate, i met the most wonderful people at Silver Cross Theme park. I must have been having such a good time there that they kept me there far longer than I could take. I guess they felt I was having so much fun, so much actually, that they injected me several times with magical potions to make my stay even more fun. One of the magicians there, known as the hand Specialist practiced her cauterizing and sewing skills on me for over an hour. Annette thinks i was bored because i snored during this act of hers. Me, i think it was the magic potions causing my in and out trip to La-La Land that brought on the snoring. Too bad too, because they tell me her act was very good. All in all, the 7 hours at the Silver Cross Theme park went by fast. Did you know that if you dream about La-La Land, you dream in color? Way cool... Annette sat right at my side the whole time. Apparently Annette really liked the Hand Specialist. I could tell because Annette kept playing peek-a-boo from behind the curtain with her, all during her act. I got home around midnight,,,thank goodness they gave me take-home candy too. I take 2 tablets of this candy and I feel no pain. So it should be a good day, Apparently the Hand Specialist has a second act that i need to get scheduled today. Apparently there is a time limit for re-construction, so it's not over until it's over., Pills kicking in... back to sleep,,, thought I'd fill you in, Think you had a bad day? (grin) My day only gets one thumbs up.

Your first step regardless of which avenue you take regarding a g.c, owner/builder, or hiring a site supervisor is to absorb as much of your spare time researching and educating concerning the build process. Everything from the permitting, legalities, contracts, up to at least the basics of the various trades and what to look for involved with a build.It also helps to get familiar with processes of how suppliers operate if you will be dealing with them, but even at that, if they are builders suppiers, get to know their m.o anyhow.There are many variables with foresight being a hindsight often times, but by getting familiar with the in's and out's as much as possible can lessen delays/problems on the build.Their are many websites to educate such as building sciences, ask the builder,john bridge tile forum,drywall, electrical, plumbing, hvac,etc,etc to get you tuned into the basics which will help you know what you are looking at on your build.Now's the time to start, not when ground is being broke!You'll get a lot of great advise from many,many people on this and other forums in the garden web as well.Wecome and best of luck!

David - Effective 1 Jan 2011, CO detectors are required in new construction in NC. 2009 NC Residential Code R313 Carbon Monoxide Alarms. (090609 Item B-11) R313.1.1 Carbon monoxide alarms. In new construction, dwelling units shall be provided with an approved carbon monoxide alarm installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) as directed by the alarm manufacturer. R313.1.2 Where required - existing dwellings. In existing dwellings, where interior alterations, repairs, fuel-fired appliance replacements, or additions requiring a permit occurs, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Section 313.1.1. R313.1.3 Alarm requirements. The required carbon monoxide alarms shall be audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. Single station carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed as complying with UL 2034 and shall be installed in accordance with this code and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

JMHO, but I put smoke detectors: - at/near the top of stairways, and anywhere smoke might 'pool' - in any room with a water heater and/or furnace - in the garage and laundry - in the attic, or anywhere a fire might go unnoticed until it's gotten a good start Placement would be on the ceiling, at least 18" from any wall, or on the wall about 18" from the ceiling (air currents from any source are more apt to dilute the smoke concentration close to the wall/ceiling junction) Placement would also be where it's not a major effort to change the batteries at least annually. CO detectors - at least 1 per floor, plugged into a wall outlet that is not cut off from normal room air currents. JM$.02W