In a couple of weeks, we will start a second floor bathroom remodel in a 1930’s Spanish-style home. We plan to cover this project from A to Z with video and stills, and will share tips and tricks of the trade. Here is a brief description of what will be happening. (more…)
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How To Build A Second Story Deck With Tube Steel Posts
You would want one, too, if you lived in Sausalito with a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay. A stroke of luck for my company, several other builders were not willing to deal with steel deck supports. True, steel is far less forgiving than wood, yet that made this an interesting challenge. And who […]
Wallpaper Removal Tools And Tips Video
The walls of my friend Melinda‘s house have several layers of wallpaper. They ain’t pretty, and about a week ago she told me of her plans to get serious. She rented a wallpaper steamer, picked up some supplies, and a day later wallpaper was falling to the floor. Look around on the web a bit, and you […]
Electrical Receptacle Tester & Code Updates
Here’s a handy-dandy electrical outlet testing gizmo that shows in an instant whether or not an electrical outlet is wired correctly and functioning properly. The model in this photo includes a small red button that tests the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt function (GFCI, for short) of corresponding receptacles. The device pictured, Commercial Electric MS6860H, costs […]
Green Toilets, Saving Water, And Clogged Sewers
For quite a few years now, the installation of so-called low flow toilets has been required by the Uniform Building Code. At 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), they use far less water than their older counterparts. Even greater water savings can be obtained by installing a so-called HET, or high efficiency toilet. (more…)
Controlled Demolition Video
A long time ago, I heard about a product called Dexpan. Made by Archer USA, it is a controlled demolition agent used to break stone and reinforced concrete without the mess, noise, and hazards of conventional demolition tools or explosives. My company typically calls a subcontractor to handle larger concrete demo projects, so I never […]
Bathroom Fan Installation Tips
We are in the middle of building a new bathroom in a friend’s basement. It is a small space that will house a sink, shower and a toilet. Since there is no window to provide ventilation, the Uniform Building Code (UBC) — and common sense — suggest that a fan be installed. My friend picked […]
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