Just started a fresh basement remodel last week. Full height walk out, and it will include a bedroom, kitchen, full bath, and an egress window. Took a couple of pics to document, but many more are on the way…
Justin Fink – FHB Editorial
“Everybody wants to know what I’m on…
What I’m on? I’m on my bike, busting my
# 6 hours a day…
…What are you on?”
– Lance Armstrong
Replies
Here are a few "befores":
This is the view as you walk in through the existing sliding glass door (this will be replaced with Pella french doors). To the immediate left (not seen in the pic) is an oil tank, which will be moved to the far side of the furnace adn water heater shown in this picture, and separated by a firewall in order to basically make it a "separate room" - this satisfies the inspector because it means that the oil tank is technically in a separate room - no 5 foot clearance to source of combustion rule necessary.
View Image
As you walk past the furnace, etc you come into the back corner of the space - which will be the kitchen. It's officially drawn up as a wet bar, because the town won't let the homeowners put in a kitchen. We're going to plumb for a sink using a cabinet size ejector pump, then put in cabinets once we get the C.O.
View Image
If you look to the right of the kitchen area, you see where the bedroom will be. The egress window will be on the left wall - temporary 2x8 wall is up to support the floor joists before cutting. You can also see the PVC pipe that was dropped to below the area to be cut for the window - that pipe is carrying radon air outside - there is also one above the window, which will fall in line with the window header.
View Image
If you backtrack a bit and then turn to the right, you see the bathroom area. It will have a walk in Kerdi shower, toilet, and cabinet vanity - all tied in to an ejector pump which will be located under the stair framing.
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/11/2007 10:22 am ET by JFink
In the following pics, you can see the digging for the window well.
Here is the fun little tractor I rented to dig the hole...this pic was actually taken after the job was done - see that pile of dirt in the upper left hand corner of the photo? That's where the egress well is...
View Image
This hole, which is about 6 or 7 feet deep and about 5 or 6 feet square, was supposed to be a little bit to the left. The large boulder on the left side of the picture foiled that plan. I was able to move the hole to the right a bit, and you can see I roughly marked the cut with sidewalk chalk...thanks to the owner's 2-year old for the loan :)
View Image
I uncovered what I think is a gutter drain, but just below that you can see the gravel bed and filter fabric of the footing drain. The window well will drain to this footing drain system
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Floor framing begins...
This basement will be designed to allow the passage of water vapor, which will then be picked up by the HVAC system to keep everything dry. Far better than a vapor barrier.
The homeowner didn't like the idea of a floating floor, so I suggested sleepers. To this end, I settled on a design of 2-ft. wide, 1-in. thick rigid foam with 5/4 PVC trim used as furring strips. The rigid foam is laid in full sheets, and "tacked" to the slab with expanding foam as an adhesive. PVC trim is cut from 5/4x6 Kleer brand exterior trim (the homeowner didn't like the idea of PT sleepers, and was willing to pay the extra - I was happy to oblige). I first tried to fasten the sleepers with p[owder actuated nails (Ramset), but they shattered the PVC trim into oblivion on the first try. I quickly switched to polyurethane construction adhesive, which is compatible with both concrete and plastic. The PVC pipes aren't part of the flooring plan, they are just dead weight to help hold things flat until the OSB goes down - I was having a little bit of trouble with the PVC strips "floating" on the construction adhesive and lifting up from the slab...
View Image
Teh 3/4 Advantech goes perpendicular to the PVC sleepers, and is held down with 1.5 in. long exterior deck screws. Any spots that tended to wiggle of lift got secured with the Ramset.
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
I just tried to post these pics and descriptions, but the forum sent me to an error page and I lost it all...I hate re-typing!
Here is the bathroom layout (which we revised a few times!). The toilet will be on the left, the shower on the right, and the vanity in the foreground. The ejector pump will be under the stairs to the upper end of the pic.
View Image
I didn't get a chance to snap a photo of the bathroom after it was jackhammered, but before I cut out all of the rebar and wire mesh that was in the way. Nasty, dusty job - thank heavens for angle grinders and diamond blades. The plumbers did their rough in the following morning - we weren't able to put the vent pipe (tall pipe in the photo) in the wall of teh bathroom (between teh lally columns) because of interference with the footings. The original house plans showed individual footings for each support column, but it was actually a trench footing - I didn't want to cut into it. The plumber is going to work with me to hide the vent pipe in the cabinet kickspace.
View Image
Here is a crappy picture of the egress opening - no pics of it being cut, didn't want to get in their way. The guys (Tri City Concrete Cutting) were top notch, though. If you have a need and are in the CT/NY area - give them a look.
View Image
I don't know squat about pouring foundations, but the concrete cutter, who was a concrete inspector before getting into cutting, informed me that this foundation detail was wacky. This is 4 pieces of side by side #5 rebar, apparently not overlapped or tied together, located 30 inches down from the top of the foundation wall - apparently pretty deep. The cut itself is great - smooth as glass. Teh homeowner liked the feel of the new window so much, he wants to do a second one in the kitchen area.
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Here is the Bilco Scapewel unit, newly installed. Went in pretty nicely, though the back panels were heavier than I had expected - filled with a very dense foam. Attached to the foundation wall with Red Head expanding anchors - I like them much better than Tapcons (hell, I like almost everything better than Tapcons...)
View Image
The concrete guys were nice enough to break up the window offcut for me, and I moved just enough of it to provide rainwater with a clear path to the footing drain.
View Image
In the midst of moving the block in the picture above, I smashed the hell out of my right pinky fingernail (which I have since removed, leaving an even more grotesque "hole" in my finger where the nail used to be. It looks like an eye socket without an eye - I'm not squeamish, but I am NOT liking the look of that finger - all pink and hollow...weird. I'll spare you a picture...
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Did they use a chainsaw to cut the opening?How much do they charge for an opening of that size?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Hi Jon,
They used a huge diamond blade circular saw - I think they had two different sizes, one was around 28 inches diameter if I remember correctly... here is an old picture I took of the same guys doing another job. The saw rides on a wall mounted metal track to make a straight cut, and it's got a hand crank to adjust the depth. I believe it's pneumatic, with a water hose hookup.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/12/2007 10:08 am ET by JFink
whoops...didn't mean to make that pic so large!
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
That's quite a saw. We've used cc chain saws before, but they can be potentially dangerous (kickback) and the chains are very expensive.$400 is a deal, especially if that cut is within an 1/8" of straight. I've tried to find a service that would do that around here, with no luck so far.I'm guessing they set up their rails and cut the hole in a few hours, right? The chain saw can take a while.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Inspector came by and gave the OK on the roughed in bathroom plumbing, so the plumber got busy covering the trench with concrete...
View Image
He also roughed in the "wet bar" area...
View Image
Guess he must not have checked his work before leaving for the day, because we were left with a pretty steady leak from one of his soldered couplings...hopefully he is back on site right now taking care of that. (sorry it's blurry, I was trying to capture the drops of water as they fell...which I did, but apparently at the cost of a clear photo...)
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Since the freshly filled concrete trench was still wet, I didn't want to install the subfloor in that area yet - trapped water = bad. So, I decided to frame the bathroom walls and just "tack" them in place (sort of a test fit) without actually building up the floor under them just yet.
Don't have pics of these bathroom walls, but here are a few shots of the bedroom setup...
View Image
Here is a close-up of the egress window frame out - it's going to be deep. I had to go from 10" (plus) concrete walls, a gap for the radon pipe, and then a 2x4 wall. I could have made it closer to the concrete, but this is going to be a spray foam basement, and it really didn't make much sense to attach anythign directly to the concrete wall in order to fur out past the PVC pipe. On top of the 2x4 wall is a 2x6 "sill", which is not in contact with the concrete (though it looks it from the angle of the photo). I will do a similar treatment for the top of the window as well...but I left it alone for now to take care of more pressing matters.
View Image
This shot is taken in the bedroom (egress window on the left) looking through the bedroom closet and out into the kitchen area. The closet is only partially framed, because that ductwork needs to be moved over to the left side of the room, and hidden under a soffit:
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/13/2007 8:54 am ET by JFink
Hi Justin,
I was wondering if you were to do this same floor with a vapor barrier what would you do differently?
Thanks
Hi Pizza (haha, nice name...I'm getting hungry!)
I wouldn't do this system with vapor barrier, because I think vapor barriers in a basement are a nightmare waiting to happen. But I suppose if you held a gun to my head, I would put the vapor barrier right over the slab (like you would if you had a crawlspace) and then build on top of that. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Justin,thanks for the pics/play-by-play. what's square footage on the finished part of this basement? and, dare i ask, what's the projected cost per sq.ft.??? keep 'em coming....-Nick
1,200 sq. ft finished size - probably will come out to around $44 per sq. ft. - give or take a bit.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/11/2007 11:27 am ET by JFink
Justin, If this basement turns out half as nice as the last one I remember you posting, the homeowners will be pretty darn pleased.Yup, strange rebar detail...After seeing all that styrofoam, I'm wondering are you sending Andy Engel a royalty check?<g>Oh, and smart move using nail polish remover before posting that fingernail picture...ouch!<g>Mongo
I saw the joists hanging over that concrete egress window cut-out and almost did a a double-take, forgot that you had the temp wall just off the left side of the pic!
If I may ask, what is the going rate for that concrete cutting service? Sure looks nice. The rebar on the other hand looks like it was just dropped in between lifts, maybe?
So, are you following the article on basement egress windows in last month's FHB??
The cutting was about $400, start to finish...and he might have charged me a little bit extra for jackhammering the cutoff into smaller pieces...I was originalyl going to remove them all, then decided to just bury them instead.
I actually developed and edited that egress window article, so I guess you could say I'm following it, yes. This was a bit different, being a poured wall and all, but the article was pretty close to the real deal.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/12/2007 10:02 am ET by JFink
Me, I put the vapour barrier under the slab...but I've got a very well-trained mole to do all the dirty work.
(The other thing you can do is paint the slab with two coats of high-gloss epoxy concrete floor paint.)
Ooooo that finger looks sore. Bet typing hurts. Yer allowed to wrap hockey tape around it for a week or two till the nailbed skin toughens up a bit. (My left thumbnail is almost grown out to the end of my thumb; I smashed it in April.)
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Have you looked into compression tests on that PVC trim used as sleepers?
From Post #1
<<....drawn up as a wet bar, because the town won't let the homeowners put in a kitchen. We're going to plumb for a sink using a cabinet size ejector pump, then put in cabinets once we get the C.O.>>
A bootleg kitchen! I guess even Fine Homebuilding editors have to deal with real life situations. I hope you got a release of liability signed if the HO ever has an insurance claim.
Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
H Steven,
I never bothered to check the compression strength of the trim, I doubt it will an issue. If the foam is strong enough to support the plywood subfloor, I suppose I'll be okay either way.
yes, a bootleg kitchen. Just hope the inspector doesn't read this forum!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
I understand Advantec is great for holding up to weather and all.... but do you think it is necessary in this application? I'm guessing it cost about 40% more than standard 3/4" T&G OSB would have....
might handle a flood (or repeated floods) better than osb
Good progress, Justin. You might make a carpenter yet.
AndyAndy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Book of Merlin
Hey Andy - glad you think so. Funny you should drop by, though. I was talking to homeowner last night and his wife doesn't like the way the basement stairs come out towards the back wall of the basement. They were hoping to talk to you about coming out to "advise" them on some possible solutions.
Though, I'm not sure that the homeowner doesn't just want somebody to tell his wife that it's impossible :)Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
I'd be happy to talk with them, but as you know, I'd probably just confirm that change is impossible.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Book of Merlin
"[Advantech] might handle a flood (or repeated floods) better than osb"
That is/was the general idea. Advantech is more money, yes - but the homeowner was willing to pay the extra for the peace of mind that comes along with a product that won't absorb moisture the way typical OSB will. After all, this basement will be detailed so that any moisture from the concrete (and exterior of house) will be pulled through and picked up by the HVAC.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/14/2007 9:06 am ET by JFink
Finished framing the bathroom floor and walls...as well as the walk in shower...
View Image
Here is some more of the insulated flooring and a large closet that will hide two lally columns...
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Whoops! Forgot to rotate a couple of those before posting.
By the way, that big old HVAC trunk will be reduced in size, hopefully by tomorrow if the guys are working on it right now. Also ran out of 2x6s so I had to offset 2x4s on a 2x6 plate instead of using 8 ft. 2x6s for teh studs on this closet.
View Image
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/18/2007 2:53 pm ET by JFink
More photos are on the way at some poitn soon - probably of the tray ceiling I'm starting to work on. Camera ran out of batteries and I keep forgetting to recharge!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Finally remembered to swap the batteries in my digital camera...so we're off to the races!
Did some more work on the deep tray ceiling framing recenty:
View Image
View Image
I was installing some 2x4 strapping across the ceiling joists, and the nail from my nailgun encountered a knot and came out sideways through the face of the joist - Murphy's law demanded that the errant nail puncture the brand new PEX line that the plumbers put in the day before - and that the PEX line would be direct from the well pump with no other means of shut-off other than killing the water to whole house.
This was at the end of teh day on Saturday, and the plumbers who did the install never returned the call to save my butt from teh downpour in the ceiling. Another local plumber came to the rescue, and beat my trip to the Depot to buy a coupling by showing up with one of them awesome little Sharkbite fittings (which is what I bought too) what a terriffic invention!! I'm going to keep the one I bought in mytool bag in case this comes up again - they fit PEX, CPVC, and copper - that's a handy little bugger!
Here's the website for the Sharkbites: http://www.cashacme.com/sharkbite.php
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/24/2007 3:45 pm ET by JFink
After several days of craning my neck upwards to work on the tray ceiling and soffits, I decided to switch gears and do something fun - put in a new window. Nothing beats that level of satisfaction in a dark basement remodel.
Here are some before/after, interior/exterior shots (the oil tank will be moved before long, hopefully today), and I also didn't put in the cripple studs yet:
View Image
View Image
View Image
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 9/24/2007 3:47 pm ET by JFink
Edited 9/24/2007 4:55 pm ET by JFink
Little whoops on the water line. Out of curiosity, do you know why they mixed PEX and copper?
Thread looks good, keep 'em coming.
jt8
"I was gratified to be able to answer promptly.
I said 'I don't know.'"
-- Mark Twain
I'm not sure why they used the PEX - half of their work seems to be done in copper, the other half is in PEX...there must be some rhyme or reason, but I haven't figured it out yet.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Are you sure that is PEX?Now, I have very limited experience with pex, but what I have seen is milky clear, red or blue.However, there is a black PE tubing. It is Polyethalene. Same basic material as PEX, but not cross linked.PE is often used for well lines and water service. But I was under the impression that it was only approved for external use and transistioned to other piping as soon as it entered the house?.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
You know, I'm not positive it's PEX, Bill. Let me take a closer look next time I go by...I'll try to snap a pic of the writing on the tube if I can get some decent lighting.
Have you had a chance to try out those Sharkbite fittings in any of your plumbing work yet? I think I might be a convert, but I admit that I don't know much about plumbing!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
No I have not use the sharkbite.But I installed an under the cabinet water filter that had similar fittings.It came with heavy duty plastic tubing. But I needed longer on one end and also a tee to supply the refigerator and instant hot water dispensor.So I replaced one with copper tubing fittings.And the other end did leak at first because I did not have the tubbing inserted completely.And these are some what different. You can release them without a special tool.You need to push in on the end while pulling on the tubing.Still not sure aobut them..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Hey Justin,
I'm liking your work, what do you do about the change in the first stair rise with your 2" thick floor? Maybe I missed it.
Hi Purplerays,
Sorry to leave you hanging without a response, I'm getting forgetful lately...
Teh change in floor height at the base of the stairs will only be the thickness of the new tile floor, which will be a layer of thinset right over teh concrete slab. That part of the floor plan is not within the newly insulated envelope of living space. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
by the way Bill...I checked back at that water tubing, and it is PEX. They've also added CPVC and cast iron (for the oil tank) to the mix. I think we may have every type of tubing in the project now!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Been awhile since I last updated...but here are a few tidbits:
The new pneumatic hose I was using (Flexzilla), which I thought was the greatest thing since sliced bread because it was inexpensive and nice and flexible, blew up on me. It started bubbling all along the length of the hose looking like a snake that swallowed a bunch of mice. I checked my PSI vs. what the recommended level was written on teh hose. I was at 120, 300 was the listed max. Took a closer look at the hose in my hand and it burst and nearly deafened me. I think there was a pin hole leak somewhere in the inner hose, and that caused the outer "skin" to start bubbling. When the outer skin burst, the hose was shot. Dumpster.
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Been 2 or 3 weeks and all we get for an update is a busted hose?jt8
"Those who wish to sing always find a song." -- Swedish Proverb
Yes, but the hose was really busted, which excuses the long absence ;-)
there is more to come, hang tight.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 10/11/2007 10:57 am ET by JFink
there is more to come, hang tight.
Some time in Nov?
;)
jt8
"Those who wish to sing always find a song." -- Swedish Proverb
Fear not, I took some more photos over the weekend!
Finished the framing for the mechanical closet - the furnace and oil tank were able to be grouped together (look at old pics in this thread to see where the oil tank used to be...) and I was able to mee the clearance to combustibles code by building a wall between the tank and water heater - the state considers this to be "separate rooms" therefore the rules of clearance don't apply - though we did have to formally request a one-time change in teh code to do so.
The plumbers also installed the oil tank backwards (it's fixed in this photo) and the pipe leading outside had 3 or 4 leaks in it because the guy cut the threads too deep at the connections. The fuel line on teh floor was also leaking. Batting 1000 with those guys...
View Image
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 10/15/2007 10:51 am ET by JFink
Edited 10/15/2007 10:54 am ET by JFink
Plumbers finished their rough-in by venting the "wet bar" area and running the supply for the shower. Hopefully no leaks on this one...I think one of their good employees did the job.
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Electrician started his work, and he is great to deal with. Very accomodating and very professional.
He's going to combine everything shown here into one panel (on the right). Though he said one of those panles might move outside...
View Image
one of the switch boxes...
View Image
Puttin in some cans...
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 10/15/2007 10:58 am ET by JFink
Framed for another window - homeowner likes to keep adding windows on me...Didn't cut this one through the sheathing and siding yet because I'm waiting on the electrician to move the power to the AC unit, which is right on the other side of the wall.
Also, because the window is between the AC line and the oil tank supply pipe (you can't see it from this angle), I didn't have room to fit jack studs to support the header - I'm going to use those simpson header hangers, which is cool since I've never had a need to try them yet and I like new things.
you know what...I'm looking at this picture and thinking...did that oil pipe move since I framed this new window opening? hmmm...I've got to check on that, maybe the plumber moved it over the weekend when I wasn't around or something?
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 10/15/2007 11:01 am ET by JFink
Edited 10/15/2007 11:03 am ET by JFink
Also framed out one of the storage rooms yesterday - I don't know if I was just tired or what, but I had sooo much trouble getting these angles to work out correctly for this bay window bumpout in the foundation (bay window above). Oh well, got it done.
View Image
A week or so ago the electrican raised the question of how we were goign to light this low-ceiling passage under all the HVAC ductwork - he suggested sconces because can lights would be too close overhead. I had to adjust some framing by teh closet door to give him room to work...
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Here's a pic of that low ceiling passageway...I don't think I posted one before:
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Homeowner also added a second window well, but this one won't be an egress opening, just intended to let light in. So, Friday I got digging again. This hole was waaaaaay too close to the septic line for my tastes. I didn't knock the pipe around much, but I did do some damage to the siding and gutter downspot that needs to be fixed now....I'm no surgeon with those digging machines, I guess. This hole is just over 6 ft. deep, and is a little closer to the foundation wall because we're going to use a boman kemp window well rather than the pricier Bilco model.
View Image
Here's a view where you can see the first window well already done, and the second one I just dug. Note the gutter downspout damage...just glad it wasn't that propane tank or I'd be crispy right now!
View Image
Here's a shot of the first well after being mostly backfilled with trap rock - the steps will be topped off with either decorative gravel or soil for planting some vegetation.
View Image
Here's the interior shot of my oddball temporary support wall...not conventional, but sturdy. Also started laying some plastic to catch the water spray...didn't finish that because I couldn't find my tape!
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 10/15/2007 11:22 am ET by JFink
oooh, almost forgot. I was packing up my camera last night and saw this little sample of flooring sitting on top of the freezer in the basement. I didn't talk with the homeowner to verify, but I think this is what I'm going to be installing on the floor. 3/8" engineered flooring...anybody have any recommendations for workign with this stuff? can it be fastened with cleat nails or does it require staples or something?
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
I did one engineered hardwood. It glued down. Face nails were used to hold down the first run so that things didn't move around.
Will the adhesive add a vapor barrier?Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Book of Merlin
I'm not concerned with whether the glue will add a vapor barrier, because I want to use nails!
ugh, I better go and see what he ordered.
by the way, got your email. LH is doing great from what I can tell - happy and feeling good, despite all of the docs telling him that he should feel otherwise. He says he will beat it - it's hard not to believe him.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Thanks for the update.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Book of Merlin
Well, once the sparky finishes up a couple of loose ends today, we're all set for inspection. well, sort of. Just found out that he didn't yet pull his electrical permit...guh. Nothing like a big permit problem to gum up the schedule, eh?
Anyway, here are some updated photos from yesterday (remind me not to take pictures right after sweeping...too much dust picked up in the camera flash).
Marvin windows showed up on Friday, so those went in this weekend. Both are vinyl (or maybe aluminum, I forget now...) clad sliders. Installation was smooth, and the windows are very, very nice.
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Installed the vinyl siding around the two new awning windows that are located on the walk-out portion of the basement. I was able to use the longer lengths of existing vinyl to fill in the siding I needed, but it was pretty close. Don't forget I had oil pipes coming out the wall, so those pieces of vinyl had big holes in them, rendering them useless for the repair work. Had to cut around and use smaller pieces. As I said, it was close - and matching this vinyl would have been annoying at best.
View Image
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Speaking of which, I was pretty excited to try out those Simpson HH (header hangers) to allow you to eliminate a jack stud - you can just barely see them on the right window. Some builders do it to save lumber and provide more room for insulation (so I thought),.
But after I installed them I thought they looked a little funny. The metal was overhanging the wood a little bit. I first thought I must have installed them backwards or something, so I went to the website to check it out. I found that you have to have a wide king stud - I think it 2 1/2" rather than the normal 1 1/2". That just seems like a pain in the butt to me. Why would I trade a jack/king stud combo for a 2 1/2" king stud? especially when I have to buy hardware too?
well, it worked out in this case because I didn't have the full 3" needed for a normal jack/king stud setup. But I'm not sure I would use them otherwise.
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Electrical subpanels and such have all been moved onto one wall, stacked vertically, and I framed a very skimpy doorway around them - probably going to be bi-fold doors here because they won't get used much.
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
...and here are some very dusty-aired general shots of the space. Drywall will be ordered today or tomorrow, and hopefully we will get a rough inspection of all trades this week as well.
looking toward the "kitchen", which will be in the back left corner:
View Image
Standing in the "kitchen", looking towards the walkout. bedroom door is just out of frame on the left, bathroom is also on the left, just past that pile of lumber:
View Image
in the bedroom, closet on the left:
View Image
looking out of the bedroom door, closet from above is now on the right:
View Image
looking down one of the hallways in the basement. That's the outside of the bathroom wall on the left, and the stairs leading up are just a bit farther down on the same side. Straight ahead is a mechanical closet with water softener, radon equipment etc, off to the right is that bay-window bumpout shaped storage room. This whole area will be a tile floor:
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
By the way, I spent a long time making fun of those wobble lights. They just seemed too big and bulky to move from job to job - they take up so much room in my pickup. Well, I borrowed one we had in the office because the electrician got to the point where we had to kill most of the lighting in the basement...
I have to say, that light is pretty darn sweet. It really lights up the room. Granted, the metal halide unit I was using was probably close to $200, but it's great if you can manage to borrow one!
By the way, here is the link to those simpson header hangers I mentioned earlier in the thread - anybody else finding them more convenient than I did?
http://strongtie.com/products/connectors/hh.htmlJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
When the west Lowes first carried the wobble, they had the price wrong on it. $40-60, I can't remember what now. I went over there at lunch and spotted it. Thought it seemed like a low price. Went back to the office and verified that it was a low price. When I went back after work, they had it repriced at over $100. Smacked myself over that one. you ALWAYS buy it when you see it priced low. You can always return it later if it turns out not to be a bargain. ALWAYS buy it!
jt8
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." --Voltaire
We have several of the wobble light jr.'s and did purchase a 400w metal halide light for a commercial job we we're on.For $240 we got a light that could brighten a room that was 70'x70 with 30' ceiling. For general work, it was all you needed once it warmed up.Unfortunately someone decided they needed it more than we did on Saturday...
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
<< Unfortunately someone decided they needed it more than we did on Saturday >>
uh oh...stolen?Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
"Marvin windows showed up on Friday, so those went in this weekend. "
Those look like Andersens?
Basement's looking good, and I agree on those wobble lights - they are quite nice!
View Image
The two awning windows on the walk-out portion are Andersens. The two windows cut into the foundation wall are Marvin sliders.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
For that flooring, I prefer Bostiks Best.Sometimes stapling or nailing thin ones like that can ever-so-slightly cause the flooring to delaminate, and it lifts the veneer at the edge of the stick.It may not happen often, but when it does, the slight lifting of the top veneer looks rather ugly. One of those things that is barely felt with the finger or when under foot, but it's easily seen by the eye under reflected light.If not Bostiks, then staple rather than nail. Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.Mongo
Hey Mongo,
Thanks for weighing in. Actually, the HO decided to go with an engineered bamboo product. He showed me a sample, and it's hard as granite. Should be fun on my poor saw blades!
Here's the link: http://www.simplefloors.com/products/Bamboo-Flooring/Nature-Strand-Woven/collection39.aspx
I think he's going with the woven carbonized, as long as the sample he gets doesn't turn out to be too dark.
In other news...I might get started on the shower pretty soon. I'm waiting for the last two windows to come in before getting the rough inspection, so I figured I might start on the shower floor. I need to raise the pan a bit, too. I may actually make a mud bed under the pan to raise the level of the slab a bit. Then I will thinset the pan in place, then add more mud around it to create the rest of the shower floor. Think there will be any problems with that?
Oh, I should have probably explained. Though I have the pre-formed pan in the Ditra kit, the HO decided to make the shower a bit larger than that, so I'm going to set the pan, then follow it's taper as I mud around it to make a larger area. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
I like bamboo. That's what I put in my attic about...8 years ago or so. Still looking great. I used Teragren, came in 6' sticks. Went down fast.Terragren is solid bamboo, both the full thicknes and ply. For their laminated ply products, all of the plies are still 100% bamboo. More stable than some of the others that have softwood underplies.The stuff can be brittle, staples work better than nails. Not a problem to cut, though. I had my tablesaw set up with a tenon cutting jig, so I'd take my end offcuts and cut new tongues and grooves on the ends. Had about a drywall bucket of short cutoffs after laying 900 sqft.Be aware carbonized is softer than natural. Still pretty hard.The shower pan? Yup, you can lay down a layer of mud, let it cure, then thinset the preformed pan on top of that. Additional mud can be packed around the perimeter of the preformed pan. Do a little on each side so you don't displace the pan by packing just one side to the top with the opposing side empty.Some project. Gonna keep you busy for a while, eh?Mongo
I really like those 22cu in boxes. Gives ya plenty of room to jam the wires back in.
Looks like stuff is moving right along.
jt8
"Those who wish to sing always find a song." -- Swedish Proverb
Edited 10/15/2007 1:21 pm by JohnT8
I was wondering if he might have benefited from using one of those cable stacker devices to keep things neat...but I guess since it was a 2x6 he managed to fit all the wires side by side.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Thats the only way to do soffits. Using plywood makes it soo easy and strong. It drives me crazy when I see guys build those ladder things on the ground and then nail em in place.
-Lou
"Thats the only way to do soffits."
Tell me about it. I work alone, so there's no way I'm going to try to lift an 8-ft. ladder section to the ceiling and try to hold it to a line while fastening. I'm sure there are some tricks if you want to do it that way, but you can't beat OSB at $6 a sheet. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Invite one of the editors over to take a few photos."Hey, while you're here, could you grab that soffit frame and hold it up for me?"With the exception of subbing out the foundation, the chimneys and the drywall, I built my house by myself. Had I known Chuck B back then, he would have been on speed dial. He lives a few minutes from me.<g>Mongo
Hi Mongo,
I saw your sand mortar mix recommendations in the "niche" thread - thanks for taking the time to outline your recipe...I'll need it pretty soon.
Just realized that I backed myself into a corner with the Kerdi drain, though. I didn't realize the drain assembly was so deep and wide, I'll have to chip away some of the fresh concrete around the drain pipe in order to install the new system. Oh well.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
I'd like to see the ejector pump under the stairs. Any chance of picture/details of that? jeffysan
I haven't taken any pics of the ejector pump since it was connected, but here is a shot of it right after it was buried under the stairs.
There will also be a smaller pump under the kitchen sink to handle the sink/dishwasher waste.
I will try to snap another pic of the pump before the drywall goes up.
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Had the rough inspection this morning - all trades passed. Had to have a little discussion with the inspector about fireblocking near the top plates of the new walls...
my position was that the top plates were below the top level of the foundation, and that spray foam would be applied to the concrete for the basement insulation. The foam would act as a fireblock in any place that it's needed. He ended up agreeing to that and I'm on my way...
drywall was ordered today - 85 4x12 sheets. Insulation guys are hopefully going to do their thing by the end of next week. In the meantime, I have to rock one side of some of the interior walls to get ready for the foam, and I also have to get the rest of the concrete out of the second window well. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Yeah, our wobble light was stolen. I left it on site because it was so beneficial and guys would come in and work on Saturday and even Sundays at times. Unfortunately, I got a call on a Saturday night from the HVAC guy asking where I left the "big light"? I had this sinking feeling right away because it was pretty much always just left out in one of the big rooms.Sure enough, it was gone for good. I hope the bulb died quickly on the thief.With regard to the foam are a firestop, we'd be lucky to have an inspector let that one slide by. Here, they will only accept GWB (the most popular) or cement board or plywood for firestopping. Of all the things we have failed on in basements, firestopping is easily at the top of the list.*edit- clarified last paragraph Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Edited 11/1/2007 11:52 am ET by JonBlakemore
What is GWB?Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Gypsum Wall Board
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Any chance that a sub took it by mistake? Was other stuff missing?jt8
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." --Voltaire
I guess it's possible that it was a mistake, but most guys had never seen one of those lights let alone have one themselves that they could get mixed up with.The way I see it, a guy might accidentally walk away with your linesman pliers or a flat bar, but a big tool like the wobble light (and it was very big, probably 36" tall) gets taken on purpose.I'm a little bitter, but that's what you get with a site that is not secure. You gotta take your lumps.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
I guess it's possible that it was a mistake, but most guys had never seen one of those lights let alone have one themselves that they could get mixed up with.
And I thought I was the only one living in a construction-technology backwater. If there is a 'latest and greatest' new tool, it probably won't show up in the stores around here for another 10 years. And if you ask the guys behind the counter for it, they will just look at you like you're a martian (so I order online).
The way I see it, a guy might accidentally walk away with your linesman pliers or a flat bar, but a big tool like the wobble light (and it was very big, probably 36" tall) gets taken on purpose.
I think you're absolutely right. If that isn't something that your subs have on their own, it is unlikely that they'd take it by mistake. It might still be worth calling whomever was working those days and ask them if they'd seen it or 'accidentally' loaded it in with their stuff.
And spray paint your company name all over the new one. I really like the way Mike Smith puts his logos on everything. Looks very professional. My only caveat would be that its too easy to scratch a sticker off. jt8
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." --Voltaire
Wow, I haven't posted anything here in over a month - sorry to anybody who was following along...
Despite the length of time that's passed, there really hasn't been many pivotal accomplishments (althought plenty of hangups). Here's the short recap of what's happened since the rough inspection:
- drywall went in - used 1/2 National Gypsum XP (mold resistant) - I don't have many pics since it went in because it always seemed to be really dusty when I thought to snap a photo. Add to that the fact that I was working from a single wobble light and the dusty dark room was not very photogenic... I hung the drywall with the help of Brian and Chris (from the FHB office). No, they aren't that nice, I paid them.
Here's the intial drywall delivery, but I ended up getting a couple more sheets later - the total was over 100 12-footers. boy am I glad that part is over...View Image Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
By the way, in the picture of the stack of drywall you can notice the lack of insulation in the background.
We were doing spray foam, some of which was going on interior walls because the basement was cordoned off into some useable (conditioned) space, and some just storage. So, I hung a few sheets on my own before the insulation went in...
view from within bedroom - other side of this wall is a small mechanical room with the well pump, aerator, radon system, etc.
View Image
The bathroom wall was drywalled on one side becuase it was intially supposed to be the perimeter of the insulated envelope. The homeowner later found out that extending the envelope to include the hallway was not much more money - so this became insulated for sound reasons...
View Image
Here's a view into the walk-in shower...
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 12/17/2007 4:58 pm ET by JFink
Spray foam goes in! closed cell on the exterior walls, open cell on the interior walls. These guys were in and out in one morning - nice operation.
View Image
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 12/17/2007 4:43 pm ET by JFink
Foam insulation is all cured up, inspected, and approved. Brian and Chris come in to help with the drywall... I only have one very dismal photograph of the job partially done. don't worry, there will be more pictures to come that will have lots of drywall in them...
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
After the drywall was up, I took a bunch of bids for having the job mudded and taped. The numbers were all over the map - $2,000 to $3,500 or so. I went with a local guy who is charging $2,500 labor and passing along the cost of materials at no upcharge. Again, no pictures of the mud as it's happening, but I will snap some when it's done...
in the meantime, I put in the new french doors and separate sidelite...I really hate working around vinyl. and it's 100 times worse when it's cold out.
View Image
see, the taping was going smoothly for about a week until we ran out of the special mold resistant xp mud. well, the supply house ran out too. Then they kept saying "it's coming, it's coming" - backordered. Just got word this morning that it's in, and the taping will begin again tomorrow morning. Wahoo!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
So, during the great joint compound hiatus I started work on the shower. It's a barrier free walk in shower, so I leveled the floor with some self-leveling concrete and thinsetted the pre-sloped floorboard into place after cutting the drain pipe to the right length... I of course have no pictures of this process, you will have to trust me. The pre-sloped pan was not big enough for the shower (becuase the shower grew during the framing stage) so I set the pan, then packed mortar around it in the traditional way in order to make the shower as big as I needed it.
View Image
After using Schluter Kerdi on the walls, I moved right on to the tile work. The tile is a bit frustrating because every 12-in. piece needs to be cut in half to achieve the running bond pattern the homeowner wants. Still, it's progressing. Most of the tile in these pics is muddy from the water saw - it looks better once cleaned up.
View Image
View Image
...oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the outside wall of the shower will be tiled as well, and that I put in glass blocks at the top.
View Image
View Image
ceiling will be tiled as well, though no membrane.
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
I like the pattern those cut in half tiles make. Just cement board and tile on the ceiling? You'll have to feed us some more pics of that as it progresses.
Do you happen to remember what the tile is? Looks like stone, not ceramic.
jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
Actually, the ceiling will just be Advantech covered with tile. I asked Tom Meehan specifically what he recommends and that's what he does. Said not to use any membranes because they may sag and drop the tiles.
The tiles are marble, by the way. I believe they are called Creamy Beige, or something similar. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
The tiles are marble, by the way. I believe they are called Creamy Beige, or something similar.
Marble would have been my guess. Hard to beat natural stone. IMHO, marble, granite, or slate just really have a richer look than ceramic. I'm half tempted to steal your half-tile trick for a wood stove surround. Rented tile saw? How big a PITA were they to cut? Very many wasted ones?
jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
I cut each piece with my Husky wet saw. It's a 1-1/4 hp tablesaw-style setup (rather than a sliding table and the sort of overhead blade), cost about $200 or so at HD.
The tiles slide through the saw without too much trouble, but even with a new blade you end up with little nicks along the edge of the cut line, on the finished surface of the tile. It may be possible to overcome this with a really, really slow cut - but not when you have to cut hundreds of them like I did! The number of tiles that went to the scrap pile was maybe 1 in 5 or so - but most of those can be cut smaller to use for 1/2 size starter pieces, etc. Some break unexpectedly, but most have weak veins running through them which causes them to be fragile. I suppose if the marble was more uniform in pattern this may not be as much of an issue.
I'm heading over there tonight, I will take a picture of my saw and some of the cuts to show you. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Nice to see I'm not the only person who uses the PVC primer.
It looks like the cavities aren't filled. Did you just order "X" inches of foam instead of having them fill the cavities?
jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
Good question. Most of the walls, especially around the perimieter of the basement, are 2x4 construction. But they're spaced out at least 2 inches from the concrete, so the 3 or 3.5" foam ( I can't remember what we ended up with) didn't fill the bays completely.
In other spots (the walkout section with the top half framed) is 2x6, and the cavities are completely filled. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
<< Nice to see I'm not the only person who uses the PVC primer. >>
By the way, that use of the PVC primer is one of the few things those guys did right. Couple of leaks, mostly major, they ripped down one of my walls to run their oil line rather than drilling through the studs (that pissed me off), and now the oil tank smells like it's got a leak at one of the welds. PITA. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Good subs are worth their weight in gold. Bad subs are a dime a dozen and easy to find. Wish some of the folks on this forum lived closer, I wouldn't hesitate to hire 'em.
jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
Purple primer is required in CT. Don't use it, don't pass.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Book of Merlin
Hey! Andy lives!
HO wants to do the attic sometime too. Interested in putting in a catilevered spiral staircase?Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
In a heartbeat.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Book of Merlin
very cool. I don't know that he will do the project for sure, but if so, it would be in '08. He does want to do a quote at some point for it, so maybe we can set something up when that time comes. I don't know squat about stairs, and I don't want to cut my teeth on the subject with a cantilevered spiral!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
The easiest and least expensive approach would be to buy a manufactured set. There's no reason you'd need my help for that - It's just a matter of following the instructions. The first one of them I ever installed took two days working alone. They tend to get rickety over time, though. I don't much like them in the long run.
It would be best done in the fall of '08. I expect to be foolishly busy until then. Weekends, otherwise. And many dollars. Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Book of Merlin
Maybe you can get Stan to make it and truck it on over there.
jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
alright - I finally managed to get my camera hooked up to the computer again for the next installment of photos of the never-ending basement remodel.
Main area/living room:
View Image
Transition from old drywall to new drywall had to be covered with a decent heap of setting type compound (durabond) - they didn't meet flush.
View Image
Entry with french doors:
View Image
Back closet:
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Extension jambs, window casing, and my new favorite tool - clam clamps!
View Image
View Image
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
A few doors, a bedroom built in, and then the painter:
View Image
View Image
weird shaped closet was changed to a built-in at the last minute. 3/4 plywood with adjustable shelving - casing and baseboard will finish it off:
View Image
all buttoned up and ready for the painter:
View Image
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Edited 1/18/2008 1:10 pm ET by JFink
In the meantime, the shower and bathroom floor are completed, trim is run, and the vanity is unboxed for placement:
View Image
View Image
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Last night I cranked out the tray ceiling detail on one part of the room. It's 3 1/2-in windsor casing with 4 1/2-in crown on the upper edge. I just need to cover the gap at the bottom with a piece of trim - we're still looking for the perfect profile.
oh, and that light fixture is coming out - ugly.
View ImageJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Nice work Justin
Justin, are you going to sneak some accent lighting in the tray? Like this pic from Txlandlord.
jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
Yes sir, I believe that it's going to be rope lighting as a matter of fact. To me, it's going to be the most eye-catching part of the basement when finished.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
did you get this one done? We haven't had an update for a couple months or so.
jt8
So what was that like?It was like coming THIS close to your dreams. And then watch them brush past you like a stranger in a crowd. At the time you don’t think much of it. You know we just don’t recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they’re happening. Back then I thought, “well, there’ll be other days.†I didn’t realize that that was the only day. --FoD
Against all odds, yes. It's done. Well, teh countertops aren't in the kitchen, and there's a bit of painting touchup work to do, but I'm actually going to snap some photos today, hopefully.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
I had been following it and thought it just dropped of a cliff.
Thought there must of been some fancy reason it just stopped.
Like injury, lawsuit, bankruptcy.
It mostly dropped off because it went from fun and satisfying to annoying and stressful. There were constant change orders, a flood that took out 40 sq. ft. of hardwood flooring, an insurance claim, and way more hours than planned to bring it together in the end.
The finished product is nice, but the process nearly killed me. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Justin,
Welcome to the real world of contracting. Did you loose any tools in the flood.
Who got sued?
Chuck S
live, work, build, ...better with wood
Nah, didn't lose any tools, just the flooring and some drywall. One of the window wells I dug filled up with water because the drainage hole at the bottom that leads to the foundation drain filled with mud. The insurance covered that, nobody was sued. Now that would not have been fun!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Glad it worked out.
Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
Hey now - We don't want excuses, we want RESULTS.(-:
Bumpersticker: Get revenge - #### on a pigeon
You will have your results sir! I'm actually quite proud and happy with the result of the job. It was just that it was such a cluster eff of a project that I couldn't bring myself to relive it by posting pics and typing out descriptions of everythign that went wrong along the way. that felt like living it twice in a row, and once was enough!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
How did you get "cluster eff" past the mods?John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
Sorry for the grief and thanks for the reply.
I understand, it's not a walk in the park but a crawl through LLEH.
No sweat...it's done and the lessons have been learned. Everything happens for a reason.
...just a note, that shoul dhave read 400 sq. ft. of ruined flooring...not 40.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial