Since I started this particular thread, I thought I'd better post the final pictures of the completed pool bar.
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll17 ... =slideshow
It took much longer than I thought it would. I started in March and between Crud weather and just seriously under-estimating a project like this, I didn't complete it fully until the day of my daughter's "sweet 16" party on June 21 ( I was under strict orders that it HAD to be done by then...or else)
Some things I learned:
* Take your estimated construction time budget and add 50% (it'll still be no where close, but at least you tried to budget your time)
* Steel studs are very easy to work with. Everyone who has never worked with them kept asking, "how come you're not making it out of wood". HA!
* Using the right tool for the right job makes all the difference in the world. Example; I spent $250 on a pair of DeWalt Hardi shears. It was the best money I've ever spent and now they're listed on Craigslist for $200. Anyone need a barely used pair of cement board sheers???
* My angle grinder is my new BFF :-D
* Think ahead, but don't over-think. I spent hours just staring, it seems. Looking and visualizing in my head what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it.
* Don't be afraid to change or modify your plans. heck, they're only drawings and sketches. If you think of something you want that you didn't think about beforehand, do it. (just make sure there's no negative impacts later on down the line in the building process)
* I'm not s shill for Dryvit Systems, but wholly Crud they make an awesome product. Check them out online. I've never done stucco in my life and I dreaded having to stucco my bar until I spoke to the Dryvit rep. It was not only a piece of cake, it looked Darn professional when I was done, IIDSSM.
I'll add to this list as I think of more, but feel free to contribute to what you've learned after a similar project.
Finally, to all those builders that came before me and shared their knowledge, designs, problems and solutions... THANK YOU. Seriously, I could not have done it without all of you and your willingness to share. I only hope that my experience and these pictures give the next guy some food for thought and some ideas for designing and building their dream.
Todd.
