Yup, I thought about that! I don't think the grid holes are going to cause any issues based on his size, but I'll be checking on him pretty closely in the first few weeks to see if he's going to get himself into trouble. You never know, right?
I've got T-joints in mind if I do end up needing to modify it at all. And for when I build something bigger and more complex for my ball python.
My fiancée and I have been considering spray painting with an appropriate paint and sealer, actually. I hadn't thought of scorching it, though, thanks for the tip! I bet that looks really neat.