This is a system we hope to try some day for a client that is a bit more progressive thinking. We got it approved by our local building authority a few years ago now but the owners backed out due to the increased cost of the system. And, this is from a News Release dated September 10, 2012: Oak Ridge … Read More
Energy Saving Solutions – Active: Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels
Amazing return on investment here! This is a project that we did at our home several years ago now – photovoltaic panels to gather energy from daylight. At the back of the property is a ‘shop.’ Really it’s a storage building more than a shop. So, after being contacted about having an energy converting solar photovoltaic panels system installed, we … Read More
Remodeling Features: Structural – Foundation Cracking and Separating
After nearly 50 years, this foundation just had ‘enough.’ The foundation wall was showing serious signs of stress but the owner didn’t know exactly what the problem was, or how it could be repaired. First thing: assess the damage and get the structural engineer involved. After he looked at it, we talked through the options for repair and came up … Read More
Remodeling Features: Structural – Rotted Floor System – water in the crawl space
Rotted Floor System Found: This particular project arrived through my plumbing contractor, and the situation would have been entirely avoidable. The plumber had been called in to replace a sump pump under the floor of the living room. The subsoil area had standing water and needed to be pumped ‘dry’. Then the pest company was to finish their work of … Read More
Energy Saving Solutions – Passive: Parabolas & Double-Shells
My own introduction to this field of Energy Saving Solutions . . . began in 1977 when I worked for a company (called Sonoma Solar) in northern California that was testing and manufacturing energy saving products for the marketplace, like parabolic solar collectors. These collectors used water as a heat collection medium and were designed to track the sun’s travel … Read More
Remodeling Features: Cabinets
Cabinets, Storage Spaces, Shelves & Such Here are some photos of a few of the cabinets we’ve built and/or installed. Even most of the factory-built items have needed modifications or repairs before installation could be completed. One time we had a kitchen cabinet unit come from an east coast manufacturer and the largest cabinet (the pantry) that had to be … Read More
Remodel Project Preparation
How we start new remodel projects . . . Remodel Preparation – getting it done right, starting at the very beginning STEP 1 – Discovery Stage: the Most Fun for Now! Determine the real need for your remodel. Then, determine the anticipated scope of work of your remodel: walls to remove; lighting, electrical and plumbing changes; bringing in outside light; … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 6 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 5) Which contractor am I most comfortable with . . . If a new potential bidder shows up later to ask if they can bid on the project, remember all of the research and other homework you did to get this far, and tell them graciously, “Not on this project. Maybe next time.” You … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 5 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 4) Does something ‘lurk’ behind the shininess? 24. Does the contractor have a safety program in place? Again, a safety question here. It’s also a regulatory requirement. I have had a safety program in place since 25. Does the contractor have a couple of good ideas when you first meet? The first meeting is … Read More
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