Home Remodel: Do, Don'ts, Advice

[Cruiser]

Maybe grab one of those level 7 (or whateverthefuck they're called) furnace filters that are certified to remove small particles like dust and allergens?

[Foggy_Goggles]

Sorry, haven't been keeping up on the remodeling thread because i've been....remodeling.

Danno, when you use the term "demo" I think about the fun boys on TV with the skinny jeans and the sledge hammers. I prefer "deconstruction". Your guys should be taking their time assuming there is plumbing and electric in every wall, and taking things apart vs. tearing them down.

IMO opinion, the best thing you can do with a forced hot air system when remodeling is turn it or when the work is being done, sweep and vac everyday and then turn is back on at night. The return air the obviously more important than the supply ducts. Blocking the return air will fuck up furnaces. Most of the modern ones will throw a code first.

I can't remember your scope so I don't know if it is feasible but what we usually do is as follows:

a. set up a zip wall to your exist point
b. put a fan in the window for positive pressure
c. flooring protection etc.
d. do as much deconstruction as you can while leaving the waste in your contamination areas. Stop, sweep up, take the garbage would then start again.

Dust will happen but there is quite a bit you can do that is pretty easy that make a big difference. What ever you do, don't let the contractors see your wife cleaning while they are there. Budget for a couple of furnace filters and a $500 clean when you are done and just deal with it.

[zion zig zag]

Not a remodel question, but this seems like a good place to ask: My basement wall is 1/2" of plaster over brick. Is there any good way to install a pegboard on that? The brick under the plaster is a bit crumbly, so I'm thinking not too good of an idea to anchor into that. Are any of the construction glues strong enough to hold furring strips plus pegboard/gear (gear being packs and ropes).

[Obstruction]

No good answer is going to come via the internet - too many variables. Hire a structural engineer to come look & give some direction. Otherwise, leave well enough alone

Let it be. Your ROI will be 0 the project and for all you know, the buyer might scrape the place.

Thanks for the input on the cedar post lately column conundru. I'll walk away from this job for now.

[Nobody Famous]

...
IMO opinion, the best thing you can do with a forced hot air system when remodeling is turn it or when the work is being done, sweep and vac everyday and then turn is back on at night. The return air the obviously more important than the supply ducts. Blocking the return air will fuck up furnaces. Most of the modern ones will throw a code first.

Or you can find a really good duct cleaner, the kind with the huge vacuum and tank on a truck, to clean all the ductwork. Clean the heat exchanger chamber and fins yourself if it's safe to do so, hvac contractors barely scratch the surface in their $79 seasonal maintenance check and cleaning IME.

[Nobody Famous]

Brilliant idea comes to mind for this timed shutoff valve for washing machine water supply hoses:



Would you do the soldering shown in here yourself, or get a plumber to do it? Richard Trethewey always makes this kind of work look easy.

Anyone know what brand of hoses he installs, see 5:53 in the video. He says stainless steel braided hoses, nothing identifiable a label that appears briefly, the red and blue color coding for hot and cold is a nice touch.

[AlpiNord]

Not a remodel question, but this seems like a good place to ask: My basement wall is 1/2" of plaster over brick. Is there any good way to install a pegboard on that? The brick under the plaster is a bit crumbly, so I'm thinking not too good of an idea to anchor into that. Are any of the construction glues strong enough to hold furring strips plus pegboard/gear (gear being packs and ropes).

You could make a self supporting 2x furring wall, floor to ceiling. I would think 2x2s would be fine, but using 2x4 on the flat would be bomber.

If this is a conditioned space, put rigid insulation between the studs while you are at it.

[zion zig zag]

You could make a self supporting 2x furring wall, floor to ceiling. I would think 2x2s would be fine, but using 2x4 on the flat would be bomber.

If this is a conditioned space, put rigid insulation between the studs while you are at it.

I was thinking the same thing, then the weight would be primarily on the 2x4's on the floor. The ceiling is a wire mesh/plaster type stuff, so no floor joists to nail into at the top, how would you attach the 'wall' to the wall?

[AlpiNord]

I was thinking the same thing, then the weight would be primarily on the 2x4's on the floor. The ceiling is a wire mesh/plaster type stuff, so no floor joists to nail into at the top, how would you attach the 'wall' to the wall?

Aren't there joists above? If need be cut out the plaster where the wall goes to get a direct attachment. Otherwise, drill through and screw to the structure above.

Edit to add: you might cut out a little section or drive some probing nails to see what's there. If no structure, then drill and anchor into the brick.

[zion zig zag]

Aren't there joists above? If need be cut out the plaster where the wall goes to get a direct attachment. Otherwise, drill through and screw to the structure above.

Edit to add: you might cut out a little section or drive some probing nails to see what's there. If no structure, then drill and anchor into the brick.

Yeah, I think that's the best option. Just find the joists and screw a top plate into them. This room in the basement is on the list for a complete redo at some point so I don't want to go too crazy, but I need some organization.

[Foggy_Goggles]

Honesty Zig, it depends on how crazy you want to get. There is an adhesive and an anchoring system for everything. As said above, if you can find structure in the ceiling and then bear on the floor a bearing wall is a good way to go.

If you want to hang from the brick, check out these products https://www.strongtie.com/adhesives_...stems/category

I've used all types of Simpson Epoxy for load bearing applications. Probably overkill for what you have going on but there is probably a hardware store equivalent. You could set an all thread or lag in masonry and build off of that. I've done this for floating mantels and that kind of thing.

[Danno]

Foggy, thanks for the advice. Hopefully my contractor takes the care you describe.

What ever you do, don't let the contractors see your wife cleaning while they are there.

Why?

[::: :::]

Why?

so that they don't get in the habit of expecting someone else doing it -- they need to clean up after themselves


bring this up whenever you are hiring subs directly: make sure they are each cleaning up their specifically generated dust & waste...clarity on this makes your living through a project easier (even when you have to call them on it)

[Nobody Famous]

so that they don't get in the habit of expecting someone else doing it -- they need to clean up after themselves


bring this up whenever you are hiring subs directly: make sure they are each cleaning up their specifically generated dust & waste...clarity on this makes your living through a project easier (even when you have to call them on it)

A GC once told me the really good tradesmen and subs he never has to tell to clean up, and some of them get insulted if he remainds them to do so.

Yet the ones he has to remind are the same ones who let their insurance or certifications lapse.

[lifelinksplit]

This. Any self respecting tradesman prides themselves on a clean and tidy jobsite. You would be surprised how much work you get just by having a clean site. Well and by being good at your job, but that goes without saying.

[fastfred]

Foggy, thanks for the advice. Hopefully my contractor takes the care you describe.



Why?

ha ha cause a guy like me will think he's got some one to constantly clean up after them

total score!

I see her cleaning two days in a row and you won't see me operate a vacumn the rest of the time I'm in your house

[fastfred]

So, since demo is going to happen in a couple of days,

keep us updated on the progress, enjoy seeing things through your pov

[sb]

Where are all the denttal office left over equipment installs?

I want a vibro chair and one of those flushy spitoons.

[::: :::]

A GC once told me the really good tradesmen and subs he never has to tell to clean up, and some of them get insulted if he remainds them to do so.

Yet the ones he has to remind are the same ones who let their insurance or certifications lapse.

This. Any self respecting tradesman prides themselves on a clean and tidy jobsite. You would be surprised how much work you get just by having a clean site. Well and by being good at your job, but that goes without saying.

Glad to hear it does happen.

What I've seen is subs who are used to a GC with a cleaning program that is performed by laborers working for the GC, not trades; they get used to just dropping things and leaving them. I think it's cheaper to not have a framer, plumber or electrician clean. So, for a homeowner who may not have preplanned things like daily cleaning, it's best to be upfront and write it in to the various discipline's contracts & set expectations.

[Nobody Famous]

Glad to hear it does happen.

What I've seen is subs who are used to a GC with a cleaning program that is performed by laborers working for the GC, not trades; they get used to just dropping things and leaving them. I think it's cheaper to not have a framer, plumber or electrician clean. So, for a homeowner who may not have preplanned things like daily cleaning, it's best to be upfront and write it in to the various discipline's contracts & set expectations.

That makes sense on the lower labor, and it's mostly but not completely what I observed from being around the CG mentioned. Example is from a recent job where any wood sawing or sanding (CG's carpenter, hardwood flooring sub, window replacement guy, etc.) was done in the parking lot of an occupied condo building. The CG said 'I don't want to insult you guys however this is what I expect to happen every day, sweep up all cuttings, then shop vac then entire area of the parking lot where you worked.' How many times have you seen a crew, any crew, shop-vap up their parking lot work area, every day?

[lifelinksplit]

Shop vac in the parking lot might be a wee bit excessive but as a framer I'm constantly in awe of how much the other trades expect the general to clean up after them. Then again nothing really surprises me much anymore.

[HellgateBasement]

Total remodel jong here. Considering having somebody build a sleep loft above the kitchen and bathroom of my 1bd condo (non-load-bearing ceiling and an empty pocket of space above the bathroom; high ceiling above the kitchen). May need some minor electrical and duct work (bathroom vent) but not much. Not sure where I would even start. Do I need a contractor? Thanks for what I expect will be well reasoned and helpful input.

[shroom]

oh ur fukked

[SeatownSlackey]

DIY loft FTW




But 90% of time my boys end up both sleeping in the full size bed below.

Lofts can fun but, like anything, the more you get into it, the time invested goes exponential.

Guess this shoulda gone shit you built thread

[Foggy_Goggles]

I think your answer is here

Not sure where I would even start