I am using salvaged old growth redwood timber to build my house, can I get away with using screw nails or do I have to use bolts or joinery. (time is short, the rains are coming)

It's hard to answer your question without knowing the sort of frame you are building. I will assume that it is either post & beam or a timber frame (not stick framed). Post & beam generally uses a combination of bolts and pole barn nails and timber frame uses only joinery and pegs.