...I know it's that time of year when most everyone is either vacationing or working on their home projects...

..If you have a current home project you are working on, post a link to your thread or, just post it here ...Before and after pics are always good to look at if you have them...:D

I'm in the process of doing several things. The latest one is building a shed in the backyard. My next door neighbor is not happy about it. I don't know why it bothers him, but he came over to me today when I was working on it, and was not happy!

...Is it in "Line of Sight" of his view, or is it something else with the shed??

My house is semi attached. The shed is in the back. He could see it from his small kitchen window. I offered to paint it when I was finished, but he said that he just doesn't want to see it, and paint won't help. He said that it's too big, high, and noticeable.

If its big expect a visit from the city. I am sure his annoyance will reach 311.
How tall you building it?

I drove by a old residence a few weeks ago. It used to have a nice backyard with the cloths lines going from the building out to the end of the fence. Past the fence you could see other peoples back yards. It was nice saying high to your neighbors etc. Well looks like the place behind it sold and now there is a 3 story building right behind the place its insane. Now that's an eyesore. The building blocks out the sun...That sucks more.

I live in an apartment, but I am thinking of experimenting with a horizontal turbine and suspend it from my cloths line, maybe I can power the fridge with it. That's my home project.

I was thinking of making it a similar height like my garage. I told him this, and he said that it was too high. I also mentioned that there are several garages on the block which are much higher than mine. I could have argued all day with him about it, but tried to minimize the conversation since he was already heated up. I didn't want to fan the fire :fire: or worse:shoot:.

Refinishing our front porch. We have a 38' x 10' mahogany tongue and groove porch that needs to be sanded down and redone. The 80 odd spindles are a PITA to do....

We're working on seeding our yard (a new septic system with a huge sand filter was put in before we moved in) and putting in some new flooring. I'll be roofing our garden shed eventually too.

Refinishing our front porch. We have a 38' x 10' mahogany tongue and groove porch that needs to be sanded down and redone. The 80 odd spindles are a PITA to do....

...I'm curious what it looks like...Do you have any pictures???

A Home to do projects on!:p:

We just finished re-doing all the plumbing outside the house for the water tank + pressure pump and bladder tank.. That was fun.. $400 for copper, $400 for a pump and $300 for a new bladder tank.. plus little things.. Someone decided to go from 3/4 copper to 1/2" cpvc back to the 3/4" pex. I replaced that 1/2" stuff with 3/4" pvc (not cpvc)...

The next project I'm not looking forward to, but I need to hurry up and get it done.. Somewhere under the house, something died.. It stinks.. I can smell it really well in the a/c return vent, but I don't smell it when I turn on the a/c so I'm hoping its not actually in the return vent...

I'm rigging up my night vision security camera onto an RC car so I can drive it through the return lines and see if its in there.. Then I'll check under the house with the camera as I hate crawling around under there.. there isn't much room.

~Mark

Installing a new island range ceiling mount hood.

Installing new transfer switch for the generator.

Replacing glass sliders to the lanai with French doors.

New hardwood floors in all bedrooms.

.... thats just the inside stiff.....

No time for Pics...

1) just finished a pool for the kids
2) pool needs a deck
3) building a new office for myself, it is about 40% completed it's slow going with all the other projects
4) plans to build a TV watching room with projector, Media PC etc.. I have all the stuff installed and working I need to do the finish work
5) cleaning out my garage
6) expand my driveway parking area and re-coat my driveway

My ADD requires me to have lots of things going on all the time, but my checkbook requires me to do one project at a time :)

It's a constant struggle....

...I'm curious what it looks like...Do you have any pictures???

Just took some. I've got the far side railing removed so I can work on it:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P6260008.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P6260001.JPG


Shot from the side with the railing removed for re-finishing:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P62600031.JPG

Here's the ceiling. Also mahogany tongue and groove:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P62600042.JPG

Here's what the weathered spindles look like:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P6260005.JPG

Here's how they will look. I've got a good part of this sanded and did a test finish on the first ballaster and base to see how it would look.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P6260006.JPG

But what I really like is the view off the porch

Looking North:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/front_yard_2.JPG

Looking East (straight off porch):

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/front_yard_1.JPG

Looking South:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/front_yard_3.JPG

Nice porch!! I love the country look !!!

...That porch looks like a nice one but also a lot of work..I miss watching lightning bugs in the weeping willows from the porch, and saying hi to the people strolling by..

...Holy Cow!!!...:eek:

...I just seen there is a bunch of people on here with home projects....I don't know why I didn't see it yesterday...I am very impressed with how much each of you are doing at one time...:thumbsup:

...I'm starting to feel like a slacker now, lol...:D

We'va got our huge 4th of July party rapidly approching, so I took yesterday to work some more on getting ready.

Started with pressure washing the driveway, side walk, both porches, the went on to pressure wash the whole house (brick and hardee plank), finished up by hand scrubbing all the doors, including the garge door, eaves, and windows.

Last week was seeding the yard and more fairly heavy watering, since we're in a drought.

Which will be tough, if we don't get any good rain between now and the 4th, it's just going to be a huge party/BBQ with no fire works, we're in an extreme fire ban right now, even people pitching cigarette butts out the windows of thier vehicles are getting ticketed, it's that dry right now.

Previous, I have still been working on the trimming of all the cedars and mesquite trees in the north end of the yard, and trying to get grass to grow there, which is finally starting to take, it's just really really slow right now with the lack of rain.

Transplanted 26 trees around the yard.

Building ring gardens around some of the trees in the front yard and the robic septic system.

I also replaced the mail box and post, the post is a really nice cedar with a steel box insted of plastic, the UV's just kill the plastic boxes here.

The future wish list is to move in 15 twelve yard dump truck loads to combat the low areas that need to be built up.

That list also includes 140 feet of 16"x16" pavers on either side of the driveway for walking surfaces and deco.

Todays project is to remove the satalite dish off the roof, the boat has already been moved to the driveway, and get rid of the T-post, those damn things are UGLY!!!! :mad:
Wash the Flareside, wash Dj's new Mustang and polish the boat.

Snakes have also been a problem around here too with the dought, so the 12 guage has been getting a health workout, even the neighbour's have been asking me to come over and dispatch a few for them.

Here's a few pics (Taken a few weeks ago prior to mail box/post):


http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/stitch.jpg

Here's how you trim the trees:

http://a747.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/l_0640de87797b9bb72ce7a550aa8416ca.jpg

Equipped with a 2 speed auto transmission, it gets the job done ;)

http://a996.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/71/l_93c39a29c562b632ea000a6071f4cf03.jpg


East Side
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/hse3.JPG

West Side
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/hse4.JPG

North east corner looking to the west
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/hse5.JPG

North West corner looking south
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/hse6.JPG

North West looking southeast
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/hse7.JPG

The Robic Septic garden
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/septic.JPG

And the shed (after a year or more of sitting in the back of the Navajo) :roll
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/shed.JPG


And the un-edited version of the crappy photoshop pic, so you can see the better detail

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/hse1.JPGhttp://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3549/hse2.JPG





Jeff - :navajo:

Never heard of a chainsaw with a transmission, but our trees aren't that big in Atlantic Canada...

We bought an old house and had to replace everything, windows, doors, siding, insulation, roof, wiring, plumbing, new drywall, flooring, a nice big deck on the back, new kitchen and bathroom... feel like I'm forgetting something...

We will never live in a house again while fixing it up. Normally I never say never:D, but there is no chance of taking it back this time... My wife is actually painting the living room as I type. (I do not paint, too frustrating)

The very back of my yard gets dark at night.

The other night, my dogs would not leave the fence.

Come to find out, my neighbor had a barrel full of electric motors for scrap-it was stolen, along with the alternator from right under their hood. Right in their driveway.

Too many objects casting shadows between our property's

So, nip it in the bud

This is on the east end of my garage. I just got it installed today. Boy, I think we could play frisbee all night in the back yard now.

Jeff needs to start a "large implements of destruction" thread":D

http://a747.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/l_0640de87797b9bb72ce7a550aa8416ca.jpg

....I'm starting to feel like a slacker now, lol...:D

You are. :D

Just updated my remodel thread..

Never heard of a chainsaw with a transmission, but our trees aren't that big in Atlantic Canada...


It's more of a gear reduction box, but Stihl calls it a transmission, this saw it approx 10HP :confused:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ESYunJQ-gKM&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ESYunJQ-gKM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>


This is on the east end of my garage. I just got it installed today. Boy, I think we could play frisbee all night in the back yard now.


Being a child of the 60's and 70's I'm still a huge fan of Frisbee's and play as much as I can with time permitting, with that said even at night!!!!

Here's all you needs and yes it works fantasic, now as long as I stay away from the LSD and Mushrooms we'll be ok :p:

http://www.flashflight.com/


Mines the 185g, you can get some serious distance and hang time with this baby!

http://store.flashflight.com/images/large_flashflight_combo_red.png


Jeff needs to start a "large implements of destruction" thread":D



Yeah that toy is just like the other Stihl wepon of destruction I love, the 14" demoltion chop saw, us little guys love our big powerful tools :D:thumbsup:



And folks what ever you do, please wear eye, hand, footware and hearing protecton when using this or any other kind of equipment, this comes from experience, even the Stihl 390 I have is not only loud but throws chips like no tomorrow, and it only takes once for you to find yourself in the hospital, none of the saws I operate use saftey chains, so kick-back CAN happen as these are agressive chain profiles.
Just be smart and use common sense! :cool:





Jeff - :navajo:

Oh, I'm going to have to get one of them rolling trays-er, I mean, Frisbee's

Well, I just came up with a new one.

Our toilet seat will not stay put. The plastic "bolts" holding it down always come loose and then break. If you don't sit down perfectly in the center, it will rotate about 10 degrees and almost dump you in.

Anyway, tonight I'm going to get some well nuts and 1/4 20 bolts and put the seat in right. When I'm done, if you were to add 5 point belts, you could ride out anything.

I'll post pics.... and yes, I'll clean the toilet first.

Have to repaint the basement.. Stupid contractor who finished the basement left me a quart of paint but of course its crap now so I need to get it analyzed and get a few gallons made.

Here's how you trim the trees:

http://a747.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/l_0640de87797b9bb72ce7a550aa8416ca.jpg



Wow that takes me back to when I worked at my brother in law's saw mill he used to have one of those, and a larger 2 man saw that looked a lot like this one, it had a kick starter and weighed in at about 70 pounds, I think it had a 360cc motor if I remember correctly.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nGQlhDastvY&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nGQlhDastvY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

the best part was the 60" gang saw driven by a Detroit diesel. That thing was both scary and awesome, after a few days of working with it you kinda got over the the fact that it could chew you in half in less then 3 seconds :dunno:

And if you need even more power...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Tamp2fHhg

Now THAT! is a 2 man saw!!!!

..I hope you guys don't mind me adding your project's as they are both Major Projects...:thumbsup:

..TDavis's "Bathroom Remodel"...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1971754#post1971754

..JTSmith's "Oven Build"..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213101

Well im going to add this in here. Its not a "Home Project" per say but im turning a 12 by 16 portable building into a bedroom for the drive in. Im going to make a thread on it tomm night when i have some pic. Its already in place at the drive in.

Is this a steel prefabricated building?

...You can also add a link to your previous Drive-in remodel/project...:D

Its a pre fab barn style. I choose it to have the higher celing appearance while inside. Its pretty big actually. It has a normal door and windows added to it


I need to create a new thread that shows what was done with a before and after for the drive in....Humm i might do that soon

..I hope you guys don't mind me adding your project's as they are both Major Projects...:thumbsup:

..TDavis's "Bathroom Remodel"...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1971754#post1971754


I should change the title on that thread from "Bathroom Remodel" to "Whole House disaster"..

...Burns, I was going to ask if you had posted any current pics of the Drive-in up and running...

...TDavis, LOL...It is truly more of a whole house remodel rather than a bathroom remodel...I believe you wound up reworking about everything in your house didn't you???

...Burns, I was going to ask if you had posted any current pics of the Drive-in up and running...

No i have not. I have not really had the time to take pic. However i will be up there tomm and have the camera layed out so i can do so.

I also have some pictures from where i have been open that i want to add to the thread.

...TDavis, LOL...It is truly more of a whole house remodel rather than a bathroom remodel...I believe you wound up reworking about everything in your house didn't you???

yea, talk about cascade effect..

Just to fix one thing, I tore the whole house apart.

Of course, I now have the most up to date house on the block (and maybe neighborhood).

I did:

completely re-insulated the house, and sealed it up some.
fix roof venting.
full replacement of electrical; added outdoor outlets and missing outdoor lights; also added camper 30amp service plug to side of house.
replaced all single pane windows with dual pane vinyl.
gutted both master and main bath.
gutted kitchen.
all new flooring (still working on this part)
re-did all the trim, making sure it all matched (it didn't - total mismatch)
removed the painted on texture, going to smooth wall (I love the look!)
painted EVERYTHING but the ceiling; those get cleaned.
new front door.
new garage/kitchen door (20 minute firerated now)
re-vamped fireplace, going to install an insert..

Did I miss anything?

...I do think you missed out on including your framing and plumbing adventures...;)

...Did anybody get anything done on their home project's over the 4th of July weekend???

...Did anybody get anything done on their home project's over the 4th of July weekend???

New generator system is almost done.

...Just in time...The first hurricane of the season, "Bertha", is out in the Atlantic..:eek:

does the whole house count???
Should be complete at the end of September.

Nope...didn't get anything done on the house. Was at the shore on vacation :D

...Did anybody get anything done on their home project's over the 4th of July weekend???

I got 16 tons of black dirt flattened out on the yard and side of the driveway... I still have to seed it though.

"Black Dirt"? what kinda nasty stuff is that?
Isn't that what Harley owners call the oil leak where they park their hog :dunno:

Black dirt= sweet dirt.

Right Kert?

Black dirt= sweet dirt.

Right Kert?

Black dirt is black dirt...

The soil around our house is really clayish, making it hard to grow grass on. So I had some dirt trucked in to make it easier to grow some grass.

I guess if you want to get technical, Black Dirt = Loam Soil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loam

I'm building a small shed in the side yard and installing some fencing to keep the dogs from chewing up the boat trailer in the other side yard...

...All these projects and only Aldive has pics???..:scratch:

...All these projects and only Aldive has pics???..:scratch:

Guess I don't count..huh???



:p::D

...Of course you do...:D

Started a garden in pots on the deck. (too many vehicles on the ground!:rolleyes:) Now beginning to reap rewards YUM!!

...All these projects and only Aldive has pics???..:scratch:

Cause taking pictures of window screens doesn't seem that special. I also have a new kitchen sick to install on my super cool fake wood laminate counter tops.

JDraper, you officially have the most kick ass porch. I'm only 20, but that's the style house I want. I want a porch that's covered and big like that eventually. Best part is that during thunderstorms (minor ones, not HUGE ones), you can sit outside in the dark, and be dry, and watch the lightning.

Ever thought about removing the trees to see the mountains way out there?

JDraper, you officially have the most kick ass porch. I'm only 20, but that's the style house I want. I want a porch that's covered and big like that eventually. Best part is that during thunderstorms (minor ones, not HUGE ones), you can sit outside in the dark, and be dry, and watch the lightning.

Ever thought about removing the trees to see the mountains way out there?

Not moving the trees....I put all the pines in as a windbreak/property line. We do have a good view of the mountains out the back. Here's a photo sweep off our rear deck from South to North:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7110011.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7110012.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7110013.JPG
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7110014.JPG




BTW, this project is a PITA!!!!!!!!!! Here's the result of about 12 hours of work. I've got 1.5 railing sections out of 5 done, and haven't touched the floor or the main posts yet....:confused:

What Mother Nature did to the railings in about 5 years:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/rail_2.jpg

Here's one that's halfway sanded down. You can see the change from left to right:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/rail_1.jpg

Here's the finished result after 3 coats of Spar Urethane:

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/rail_3.jpg

Are you sanding them to get all the grime off? Why not power wash it out and then put the protectorant on? Or do you have something on there all ready that kinda mulled over?

Are you sanding them to get all the grime off? Why not power wash it out and then put the protectorant on? Or do you have something on there all ready that kinda mulled over?

Did powerwash first. But I needed to remove the old urethane that the washer wouldn't remove, smooth up the wood (the weather raised and roughened it) and get rid of the gray. I could strip it more by cranking up the pressure, but that would damage the wood. I'm sanding now with a belt sander and a Skil Octo. Octo works great for getting in small places and doing the ballasters. I had bought a Black & Decker Mouse sander, but two of 'em broke in under 3 hours use. They are built really crappily.

Cause taking pictures of window screens doesn't seem that special. I also have a new kitchen sick to install on my super cool fake wood laminate counter tops.

...Lol, I hear ya...But it does sound like you are still getting a lot done on your house...:D

Started a garden in pots on the deck. (too many vehicles on the ground!:rolleyes:) Now beginning to reap rewards YUM!!

...Whatcha got growing besides beefsteak tomato's???

...Lol, I hear ya...But it does sound like you are still getting a lot done on your house...:D

I am trying to get my ranger done instead, then I will focus back on the house. Except something got plugged in the kitchen sink tonight so I guess i will install the new sink tomorrow instead of Sunday.

You know those light fixtures that have a sticker that tells you Max 60 Watts?

It's not there for decoration. My wife and I bought an old house and have been replacing everything inside and out. While finishing the last of the drywall yesterday I removed a light fixture. We had never used that light so it never got changed to a compact florescent. When I removed the globe I found that it had a 100 Watt bulb in it, when I pulled the fixture I found much more... this could have been bad.

..Nice that you found it in time..:thumbsup:

...You would be surprised at the amount of fires started by light fixtures...I am always instructing my customers of the dangers when I find high wattage bulbs..The common answers from them is "I didn't know" or "I asked for 60 and this is what they gave me"...My personal favorite is, " I know it said 60 but I wanted a brighter light"...:rolleyes:

Well, it would have been really bright until the FD showed up to put out the fire... I think we were lucky that light never got turned on. At least the smoke detector was only 2 feet away from it if there had been a problem.:mad:

...Lol...I usually find the 100 watt bulbs in the closet fixtures...And they generally look just like the one you posted..:eek:

I'll have a list soon...


Open Escrow Monday;)

I'll have a list soon...


Open Escrow Monday;)

...Woohoo, and congrats...:bounce:...I hope your place has plenty of room for projects, as in axle swaps and welding...:D

...Woohoo, and congrats...:bounce:...I hope your place has plenty of room for projects, as in axle swaps and welding...:D

Honestly not really:( We just ran out of time..(had to be out of our place or submit to another year here) we couldn't afford as much as we originally were told:rolleyes: and ...well it was a big mess lets just say. So at our new limit we wern't finding any house that we're in a livable neighborhood or that was liveable from the start. So we ended up with a townhouse.:dunno: It's only for a few years and then we will sell it or keep it and rent it out. Then buy a real house. #1 plan was to quit throwing away money, and stop the bleeding, because we got nailed on taxes last year. No more!;) I'll post some specs closer to closing next month:)

...Be happy that you found a place...I was telling one of the mod's a couple weeks ago that even people with great credit will be having a hard time getting loans in the near future....

..Signs of things to come :

...Loan company's not only are tightening up on loans, but these company's are closing in record numbers...The #7 national company (located in Pasadena), just got closed down by the FDIC yesterday...The government is worried how this and other closings will affect the S&L's...:eek:

...Found a couple video links..;)

...Money news...
http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=71548@kcbs.dayport.com

..Indymac...
http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=71538@kcbs.dayport.com

...Be happy that you found a place...I was telling one of the mod's a couple weeks ago that even people with great credit will be having a hard time getting loans in the near future....

..Signs of things to come :

...Loan company's not only are tightening up on loans, but these company's are closing in record numbers...The #7 national company (located in Pasadena), just got closed down by the FDIC yesterday...The government is worried how this and other closings will affect the S&L's...:eek:

I'm telling you the market is fierce out there right now! We got out bid on 3 to 4 places and everytime I found a new house it was already in the works. Were talking multpul offers and almost over bidding asking. It's all down at the lower end of the market, but it's like hot cakes!!!

...Be happy that you found a place...I was telling one of the mod's a couple weeks ago that even people with great credit will be having a hard time getting loans in the near future....

..Signs of things to come :

...Loan company's not only are tightening up on loans, but these company's are closing in record numbers...The #7 national company (located in Pasadena), just got closed down by the FDIC yesterday...The government is worried how this and other closings will affect the S&L's...:eek:

No kidding 6 months ago I tried to refi and because I was self employed now they wouldn't touch it. Now I have to suck up the extra $200 a month in intrest I get to pay.

Eventually the banks will have to loosen up there lending standards again or they will not make any money. I think the next one to two years will be tough after that i think things will balance back out. Good thing I have another 9 years till my adjustable kicks in.

...Harley is getting fond of tiki's...:shifty_ey

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2863/deck071bxl7.jpg

...Here are some teaser pics of a "Home Project" I've been working on...:D

...Not my home but it is a very nice project...:thumbsup:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2957/deck064bjv2.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5171/deck070bqe5.jpg

Well, I got the roof (framing and sheeting) on the shed yesterday just in time for a massive thunderstorm late last night (actually early this morning). The shed held up like a champ and best of all-it didn't leak! I know, I know... Where's the pics? I'll get some a bit later today and post up.

...:bounce:...I can't wait to see them...:popcorn:

Well, here they are.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/carlson158/Shed/Shed016.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/carlson158/Shed/Shed023.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/carlson158/Shed/Shed027.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/carlson158/Shed/Shed2002.jpg

Lets see, cut down tree, replace shingles that tree ruined, replace a wall in the bathroom, get 4 new doors and 4 new screen doors, some painting eventually, some carpet someday, get rid of the wallpaper that's falling down, blow in insulation in the attic (maybe, I have no storage if I do this) get a shed for out back, redo the clothes line, build a garage eventually, carve tree out front into something, new windows eventually, check plumbing. I got a great deal on this place and I can do most of this work myself.

....It sounds like storage sheds are the "Home Project" item this summer...

...CCr, post some pics so we can see what you are working on...:D

...Here are some teaser pics of a "Home Project" I've been working on...:D

...Not my home but it is a very nice project...:thumbsup:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2957/deck064bjv2.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5171/deck070bqe5.jpg

...The info to this project can be found here, starting at post #66...:D
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203258&page=4

.

....It sounds like storage sheds are the "Home Project" item this summer...

...CCr, post some pics so we can see what you are working on...:D

I'll definitely take pics, but you won't see them for a while. I will have about 3 weeks off with no internet. I hope to get some wheeling done in that time too. I definitely wanna document my first house, every detail.

...I just installed one of these "No-Clog" toilets on a job for a customer...The link does not show all the info they have on the box..:(...It was matched perfectly with a kohler seat and a satin nickel lever...The stupid lever that comes with it is plastic chrome and it looks like a rounded 50's lever..:roleyes:
http://www.americanstandard-us.com/products/productDetail.aspx?prodid=1599

http://www.americanstandard-us.com/Assets/images/Products/2625.014_pd_01.jpg

I finally took the pics off the camera...


Last household job was to replace all the 3/4" copper and sun rotted plastic pipes. I also had to change the pump and the pressure tank... The old pressure tank leaked at the fitting and the pump was run dry (burned the motor and the impeller)...

As you can see, I'm no plumber.. We didn't "clean" the joints after soldering them as the person that was helping me doesn't like to do that.. If we ended up with a leak its easy to fix... Only one leak..

We used the old 1.25" galvanized to get water from the storage tank to the pump but then went to 1" copper with fittings until it goes to the last pipe going into the house.. At the point it goes into 3/4"..

We also replaced the 1/2" cpvc that was from the 3/4 copper to the house plumbing with 3/4 pvc..

I have cleaned up the wires etc since setting it up.. But we still use the hose to fill the storage tank.. I haven't hard lined it yet...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2726322467_9c84ac12cb_b.jpg

~Mark

...I just installed one of these "No-Clog" toilets on a job for a customer...The link does not show all the info they have on the box..:(...It was matched perfectly with a kohler seat and a satin nickel lever...The stupid lever that comes with it is plastic chrome and it looks like a rounded 50's lever..:rolleyes:
http://www.americanstandard-us.com/products/productDetail.aspx?prodid=1599

http://www.americanstandard-us.com/Assets/images/Products/2625.014_pd_01.jpg
This looks like an expensive toilet from the information in the link. Why doesn't it get clogged? According to this: http://www.americanstandard-us.com/Assets/pdfs/as/parts/Parts_1599.pdf, it looks like it uses an ordinary Fluidmaster with some large, chain driven ball flap. The Sloan Flushmate system is expensive, but I think it has less of a chance of clogging. They are usually used on the Gerber brand toilets.

...I am thinking the one I installed is a newer, "High Efficency" no-clog model...:scratch:..I will snag the info off the box tomorrow as the website didn't show it...:dunno:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BNubkSZZdJ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BNubkSZZdJ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

...BB, I can so relate...My customers bring these newfangled things during my remodel's and act just like Al..:D

..Maniak, you know the people back east are just going to freak when they see all that exposed coper..:eek:

I just had a similar situation with a toilet repair. I replaced the flap, and the guy said that the flush wasn't to his satisfaction. He then wanted a new Fluidmaster. I put it in for him. A few days later he still insisted that the flush wasn't to his satisfaction so I replaced the Douglas valve. After working on it so many times, the guy didn't want to pay for extra parts that he assumed would have been included in the first repair quote. He then didn't want to pay extra for labor since he insisted that the toilet wasn't to his satisfaction from the beginning. Some people like this are never pleased, even if you do the work for free.

..Maniak, you know the people back east are just going to freak when they see all that exposed coper..:eek:

Yea.. being in the west is different.. We had copper and plastic lines there.. The southern Az sun wreaked havoc with all the plastic pipes.. We even had it covered with insulation.. The copper was just too smal and the entire system was setup wrong.. I couldn't control the water well enough..

I still need to insulate the pipes.. I'll run heat tape on the lines and then wrap them with insulation and 20mil black pvc tape.. That keeps them from freezing when it gets into the teens out here..

BTW.. All that copper, including the fittings, unions and valves is about $400.. I have 8 ft left of 3/4 copper tubing..


~Mark

Another reason for not having exposed copper here is that the guys going around looking for scrap metal will tear it out. It doesn't matter if the water is on.

Yea.. that sort of worries us too.. We are in the boonies so not many people would see it, but that also means people could come by and take it and not be seen.

The water system is on the south side of the house so I also want to build a shed type thing (sort of a lean to but different) over it to keep the sun off of it and to hide it.

~Mark

Paint, painting, moving laundry and painting...I think that sums it up:D

Paint, painting, moving laundry and painting...I think that sums it up:D

I guess after the problems with the thermostat, the wifey said 'no tools allowed!'.

:D

I guess after the problems with the thermostat, the wifey said 'no tools allowed!'.

:D

LOL...no the tools are getting used.:D When I said move the Laundry, I ment the whole room! Had to move gas, water, drain, electrical and run a vent line. Should be finished up tonight, and came out better then I thought;)


But I still haven't finished with the thermostat:rolleyes: It's just on hold right now

...I installed the new hose for that toilet today, took pics of the box with the info on it, and left my camera in the other truck..:rolleyes:

..First, the toilet does look different from the models on their website..Second, I'll probably be replacing it soon...It flushes like :thumbdwn:..

....I talked to the owner who is a contractor friend of mine and explained the flush to him...He says, "I bet it flushes like no other" and I reply," Actually, it flushes like it is the most water saving model"...His chin dropped...He wanted a turbo flush and no clog...:dunno:

...And now back to the "Al Bundy gets a Ferguson"....:D

If it's big, expect a visit from the city. I am sure his annoyance will reach 311. Well the building department came over today. They had 2 calls about 3 minutes apart from each other. From reading WWW.NYC.Gov (http://www.NYC.Gov) what the complaint was, it's very obvious that it was that neighbor which called both times. I didn't confront him yet. The inspector didn't write any updates, or maybe it takes time to get posted online. Once he was here, he started to look around, and said that there were other things he could write violations for. I don't know any other details as of yet. BTW, this was in reference to my shed project.

...BB, any updates on your situation???..I tried the link you posted but did not know where to begin to find any info...

I've been through that link many times, and everytime I come across a PDF that might help me, it creates an error in my browser, and the browser closes. It happens with AOL, IE7, and Opera. I think they do this on purpose. Calling the numbers from the city won't help either. I spent 7 hours on the phone calling 22 phone numbers just to run in circles. I had a problem a few years ago, and it never got resolved. I had to go to the Dept of Buildings in Brooklyn, and waste a day for them to tell me that I have to go to the Manhattan office. Basically what it comes down to is when you get a violation, it's impossible to have it removed, even if you pay it.

The inspectors came back today to paste a few notices on my front door. I have a Stop Work Order, a violation for not having a permit, and a court date for a hearing.

...:scratch:...Are you going to pull a permit and pay the fine or dismantle it???

A few years ago when I was issued a fine for my porch (the previous owner was responsible for this before this guy moved in). They gave me a choice of paying a $2,500 fine or $250 for a stipulation. I paid the $250 to remove the DOB violation, but I still have the ECB violation. One summons for one violation some how divides into many different departments. Paying a part of it only keeps one of them happy. The violation number for the shed seems to be higher than the one for the porch so I don't know what's involved. I couldn't find the violation number listed on WWW.NYC.Gov, but found the one which was listed for the porch.

The inspectors came back today to paste a few notices on my front door. I have a Stop Work Order, a violation for not having a permit, and a court date for a hearing.

How big is that shed? Out here in Az.. if your < 200 sqft you don't need one and your shed looked pretty small...

~Mark

About 8 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 13 feet high.

About 8 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 13 feet high.

Thats only 90sqft.. thats smaller than the ones you buy from home depot... I don't think I've ever seen a permite required for those things... They must really be um... ermm... not gonna say it..... if they are getting in your business for something that small.

~Mark

Thats only 90sqft.. thats smaller than the ones you buy from home depot... I don't think I've ever seen a permite required for those things... They must really be um... ermm... not gonna say it..... if they are getting in your business for something that small.

~Mark

umm... my math says it's 144 square feet:D But anyways around here if your building something that small you just have to tell them your replacing an existing structure and they leave you alone.

umm... my math says it's 144 square feet:D But anyways around here if your building something that small you just have to tell them your replacing an existing structure and they leave you alone.

ummm.. yea.. 144 sqft.. I saw 5 x 18.. I must need more cofee..

~Mark

Around here, everything needs a permit. The inspector even made a fuss about my vans in the driveway. He said that I have too many, called them dead storage, and wanted to issue a summons, but he already had a summons to write. When I had the violation on the porch a few years ago, the inspector saw a car battery on the floor in my backyard, and wanted to issue a summons for storing hazardous materials without a permit. I'm sure that they could do the same thing if they see a BBQ propane tank laying around.

car battery on the floor in my backyard, and wanted to issue a summons for storing hazardous materials without a permit.

What happened to the land of the free? How did we let it get like this?

The city is money hungry, and doesn't care how they get it. They write fraudulent parking tickets, and have corrupt judges, cops, and meter maids working for the DMV, DOB, and ECB. You are always considered guilty, and can't be proven innocent. To be innocent would imply that one of their "sworn officers" is lying.

I just spoke to another Expeditor. Every Expeditor has different information. This one claims that the shed has to be under 120 square feet, 3 feet away from the property line, a maximum of 7'6" high, can't be connected to the ground with cement or spikes, and has to be 50% open. I don't know how you could have an open shed with only has 2 walls? It doesn't make sense at all.

Maybe a Convertable shed:D

your laws sound funny, they remind me of California:p:

I explained that my garage has an 8 foot opening, and the highest part of the roof (pitched on 4 sides with a center support) is about 12 feet high. It's a foot from the property line in one corner, and less than 2 feet on the opposite corner. The over hang of the roof is very close to the property line. This Expeditor says that garages have different laws than sheds. I asked if this could be considered an extension of the garage, but they said no. There are other houses on the block with bigger garages, and with the shed next to my garage it would be a similar size like the other bigger garages on the block.

It's not much compared to some of these projects but it's still a home project. And the results of a conversation with my roommate who thinks I'm way to obsessed with cars. So here it is.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/techieman33/PICT0170Medium.jpg

It's 4 6 ton harbor freight jack stands with a 4x4x1/4" plate welded to the tops. They were then bolted to a 3/4" plywood top cut to match the bottom of my 36" tv. Do you think the jack will be strong enough to hold it:D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/techieman33/PICT0171Medium.jpg

Now my roommate just needs to get home so he can help me put the tv on it.

The next project is to find a transmission to gut and build a coffee table, and then I think I'll get a dana 35 from a 2nd gen and turn it into an end table.

Before and after pics. New siding, windows/doors, insulation, roof, wiring/entrance/panel, plumbing/fixtures/hot water tank, drywall, interior doors, molding, casings, trim, flooring, kitchen, bathroom, deck, electric heat, everything...

Tired now.

The next project is to find a transmission to gut and build a coffee table, and then I think I'll get a dana 35 from a 2nd gen and turn it into an end table.

How about instead clean the carpet :D

How about instead clean the carpet :D

I've tried, and I can't get the stains out:( I probably do need to vacuum though, I guess it's just not big on the to do list for a 22 year old single guy:dunno: The pictures do make it look a lot worse than it really is though. Here's a pic of it completed I think it turned out pretty good.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/techieman33/PICT0172Medium.jpg

It looks great, now how about a couple aluminum wheels and a big piece of tempered plate glass as a coffee table?

I want to build a 24x28 garage with a 18x9 door and scissors trusses for extra height so I can put a four post hoist in it. The site's sloped and I need to get an excavator and or concrete guy to figure out how to do the slab so I know what to tell the county for the building permit. I had a concrete guy out but he couldn't do the excavation work. Another one, that I know does good work, doesn't return my calls. The garage slab is holding up getting the driveway paved cus a concrete truck would smash the driveway. I talked to a paving and excavating guy who did the neighbors driveway and I think I'm gonna get him to look at it. I think he can prep the site for the garage slab and hope he knows somebody that can pour the slab, than he can pave the driveway. My building projects can be an exercise in frustration. Pushing a snowblower up hill on a gravel driveway is no fun.
The garage will be a home to a 84 Corvette, a 63 Jaguar XKE that needs a lot of work, and whatever other car project I find. I got the Jag in the early 70s when they were cheap. The Ford ranger is gonna stay outside.
John

I explained that my garage has an 8 foot opening, and the highest part of the roof (pitched on 4 sides with a center support) is about 12 feet high. It's a foot from the property line in one corner, and less than 2 feet on the opposite corner. The over hang of the roof is very close to the property line. This Expeditor says that garages have different laws than sheds. I asked if this could be considered an extension of the garage, but they said no. There are other houses on the block with bigger garages, and with the shed next to my garage it would be a similar size like the other bigger garages on the block.

...Any updates on this???

I had to hire a lawyer to go to the department for me. I hope that he really went there. He hasn't responded to my telephone calls or emails. His relative which lives near me told me that he was also trying to reach him. I know that he read my emails because both of us have AOL, and I was able to check the status of the emails. The city councilman's office said that they would look into it, but did nothing (I'm not surprised). The status online says that it's pending, so it wasn't updated in a while. Their last update said that I made the shed on the sidewalk when I really made it in the backyard. The measurements are all wrong too. It said that I failed to obtain a temporary permit.

...If it does not get corrected, it is pending as they have it written...:eek:...I hope this gets taken care of for you...

If the lawyer didn't go down, then they will give me a default judgment, and give me the maximum penalty, so I hope that he did his job, and is just too busy to contact me. He does want to get paid eventually, so I guess he will have to get back to me.

Here is what we did during the Christmas/New years break.

A friend of mine, who knows what he's doing, helped me build this. Actually he designed and we both built it.. but he's much better at swinging a hammer than I am. Total time to from start to these pics was 42 hours of work.

The deck is pretty much built.. We don't have the railings on yet so we didn't cut down the posts that the railings will connect to. Still need to Stain/Seal it and most importantly, clean up the mess from building it.

Back Steps on the porch.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1051/3174448406_287b27bb95_b.jpg

Another view (front steps)..
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1046/3173612201_eeb93291ff_b.jpg

We used Mule hide roofing and ran it under the shingles where possible.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3173612983_347e7cb346.jpg?v=0

I have more and bigger pics if anyone wants to see more detail...

~Mark

Rain gutters. A developer is tearing houses down in my neighborhood for $180,000 and building $700,000 monsters in place. He's let me salvage minor things before, and I'm getting a full set of gutters off his next tear-down.

I think he allows this because it helps, in a small way, PR-wise to have people talking about his courtesy.

Before and after picture of the house project. Got the stucco front and sidings done. :thumbsup:

Thought I'd update on my project. I'm ALMOST done. I'm refinishing with Semi-Gloss Spar Urethane.

Sanding down original finish (no that's NOT Michael Jackson hiding on my porch!!! :p: ):
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7030018.JPG

Seal coat on:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/p7040019.JPG

Sanding between coats:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7050025.JPG

After 3 coats:
http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7070026.JPG

I still have to do the trim board and the step, and then re-install the railings, but the end is finally in sight!!!!!!

...Then why is he Moon Walking???..:p:

...That is a tough job to do...But it will look great...:biggthump

Got the railings back on tonight...just have the fascia boards left to do.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7080010.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7080008.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7080006.JPG

All of that hard work paid off. It came out very nice! :thumbsup: Are you going to use a sealer like Thompson's water seal on top of it?

All of that hard work paid off. It came out very nice! :thumbsup: Are you going to use a sealer like Thompson's water seal on top of it?

HELL NO! That stuff is junk. What you're looking at is 3 coats of spar urethane on everything. Far better than any sealer.

Besides..why would I put a sealer on over a urethane finish?

NOW it's finished :D


http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7240011.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7240012.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7240013.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7240014.JPG

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3598/P7240015.JPG

Good Lord that looks incredible!

I'm in the middle of 2 projects- installing a dishwasher and garbage disposal, and painting my little boy's room. Need to build a bunk bed for him too.

Very nice. I could kick it on that porch sir. You are handy :thumbsup:

looks awesome

...I wish I had a porch...:(

...It looks fantastic...One question though..:scratch:..Where is the bug zapper???

...I wish I had a porch...:(

...It looks fantastic...One question though..:scratch:..Where is the bug zapper???
Don't need one...thankfully we don't have a huge bug problem here. We do have citronella candles oil burners that we can move from the rear deck to the front porch if we need 'em.

That came out very nice! :thumbsup:

We started a new project today. We ripped everything out of our walk in closet in our Master bedroom. Installing the Easy Track (http://www.easytrack.com/easytrack/) system. Our closet is about 5 1/2'x7'. Today we cleaned up the walls, primed and painted, installed new light fixture, and started mounting some of the new closet pieces. I have pics that I'll post up later;)

...It's later....:popcorn:

current project.. that would be just me.. I'm a project..

...It's later....:popcorn:

yeah yeah, just busy workin on it. I really don't know how Matt works with Tracy all the time. It's really distracting working with a beautiful woman. :p
Posted via Mobile Device

Alright here we go... Just finished things up. Still need to finish putting everything back.

Here is before, with some personal stuff already removed. 95% of the time you could not walk in the closet becuase stuff was everywhere.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/ClosetbeforeL.jpghttp://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/ClosetbeforeR.jpg


and the finished product. Had to custom build the corner shelfs and some extra shelfs for the center. As well as the tops.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/ClosetafterL.jpghttp://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/ClosetafterR.jpg

I swept the kitchen floor today :)

I finished making a roof on my shed yesterday. I still have more work to do on it like painting, installing light fixtures, exterior locks, and shelving.

...Stic-o...It looks great but, I figured there would be a lot more shoes...:p:

..Gmanpaint, what can I say, great effort...:D

..BB, did you get the shed issue resolved???..:scratch:

I'm still in the process of trying to get the shed issue resolved. I have a lawyer, and a firm that resolves violations working on it. So far one fine was reduced, and paid, but the city's paper work was never updated to show that they cashed my check or that an advocate went to court for a hearing.

Not that it is really a home project...:rolleyes: But this week I'm building a cork board for April, at the wifes request. I could have bought one, but sense I have time and no money....I'm builing one.

Plywood
Crown molding
Roll of cork



Should be done tommorow.


I did try to see if the wife would let me get a new air compressor...again no money:rolleyes: so hammer and punch it is:(

...and BAM!!!

Homemade Corkboard


http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/500/corkboard.jpg


and for my hard work what does the wife say?

"I want another one!":mad:

My current home project has been my lawn. I've been meticulously keeping up with it for the last couple months. I didn't really think I was getting anywhere on it until I came across some "before" pictures when we first moved in (last May)! :eek: (No PSing)

...:eek:...Now where am I going to park my junk when I come up???...:D

...Stic-o, that looks great...:biggthump

workin on improving the nice groove i've got going in the couch, might even drain batteries on the remote.

Re-inforced the roof of my covered deck this week as it was ready to fall. Tomorrow I replace most of the deck due to dry rot. Spent a few hours this week tearing most of it apart and seeing just how much needs replacing. The concrete footings are ok and the joists are good. Everything else needs replacing.

..Cozmik, do you have any pics you can share with us???...:popcorn:

..Cozmik, do you have any pics you can share with us???...:popcorn:

I do!! I wish I would have taken pics before I did anything, but I did not expect the project to get this involved. I got quite a bit done today prior to running out of energy and lumber.

Here is what I have thus far. I will post a pic or 2 of the finished product...well, when its finished.

Original railing/supports torn out and replaced with 4x4's. (the best lumber;))

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/sbroad/IMG00117-20090804-1354.jpg
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/sbroad/IMG00118-20090804-1354.jpg

Everything but the joists and footings torn out.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/sbroad/IMG00119-20090806-1234.jpg
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/sbroad/IMG00120-20090808-1106.jpg

The progress as of the end of today.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/sbroad/IMG00121-20090808-1949.jpg
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/sbroad/IMG00123-20090808-1951.jpg

And after 9 hours of deck re-building, its time for a Jack on the rocks and the couch.

More to follow.

...Now that's worth earning couch time...:biggthump

...Now that's worth earning couch time...:biggthump

And the pooch loves to cuddle too. :D