Yearly Archives: 2016

Powder Coating on Bathroom Sink Stand

I first heard about powder coating when I was in college. I was a school librarian in training and we visited a central district media center in Indianapolis. The media specialiast was a mover and shaker who provided all sorts … Continue reading

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Patch Concrete Edge

There was a large gap between the edge of the new concrete floor and the steps. I think this gap was caused by the moisture barrier plastic curling up at this edge, keeping the concrete from flowing all the way … Continue reading

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It’s Fall!

So with the change in seasons as well as my immediate health condition, a new list is proposed. First look back at the summer list. Summer 2016 List Finish building walls Finish membrane on ceiling Move electric box in utility … Continue reading

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Electrical Fixes

The electrical fixes were completed while I was in the hospital although I did call the guy back to fix the area between the 2 x 2’s at the corner of the master bedroom. He still stapled the wire to … Continue reading

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Setback!

I had emergency abdominal surgery because of a hernia trapping my intestine and killing part of it! No preliminary warning, just one week of fever with no stomach upset or pain and then one final large painful experience. I was … Continue reading

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Central Vac Install

The new central vac was installed today and I spent all day on an incorrect piping system that I had to change based on this diagram. The very first pipe I put in was a three way Y directed vertically … Continue reading

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Electrician’s Discussion

We met today to discuss the changes needed in the electrical work. The inspector gave us a 2 hour time frame and came about 10 minutes after it was over. So the project manager and I had a nice chat … Continue reading

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Central Vac Arrives

I’m unaccountably excited about the new Central Vac. I don’t like cleaning at all. It seems like such a relentless and thankless task and I’m wired to want to do something more permanent I guess. But installing the vacuum is … Continue reading

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Failed Miserably!

We failed the electrical inspection! Sad to say the inspector was not happy with so many things he requested a meeting with the contractor that will happen in a couple of days. So I had a feeling about those workers! … Continue reading

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A Few More Electrical Details

The electricians asked if I would cover the wiring in the attic to protect it from the drywall installation. I said sure. They also requested that I provide a chase in the kitchen corner and I thought I had that … Continue reading

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Central Vacuum System

LEED allows one point for installing a central vacuum system to improve air quality within the home. Central vacuums must have HEPA filtration and exhaust to the outdoors to meet this requirement. There are at least three different types or … Continue reading

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Service Chase Rules

We chose to create an expensive air barrier inside the house with Siga Majpell, a breathable membrane that forms an air barrier while allowing for the drying of the interior of the wall or ceiling should they get moisture inside. … Continue reading

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Electricians Are Here

We are not going to miss the wiring hanging over our heads in the kitchen. Now we have a junction box for the old wiring and new wires run to meet code for outlets and appliance power. The first task … Continue reading

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Coolness

I had to give up on the chiller again. I had repiped through the heat exchanger with a single path for the return water to pick up the coolness but the chiller could not reduce the temperature in the floor … Continue reading

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RecoupAerator!

Between visits I contacted Todd at AE Building Systems to finally purchase the Energy Recover Ventilator. I had long ago planned to install this device to meet the LEED requirements for air exchange in our well sealed house. Todd had … Continue reading

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Family Visits!

A few breaks this summer included camping with my grandson, Wolfgang and his parents while his mom counseled at a camp for kids. It was near the ocean and a beautiful place. We stayed in a KOA Campground cabin near … Continue reading

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Attempted Structural Inspection

I was under the impression that the walls needed to pass inspection before the electrician could use them for installing electrical. However, when the inspector arrived yesterday, he said the rough electrical and plumbing has to be done first. But … Continue reading

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Shower Drain

The rough in shower drain flange is installed in the master bathroom. I had to use the power hammer to break up the concrete around the drain and eventually cut out a section of rebar to fit the drain below the … Continue reading

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Re-Piping the Chiller

I tried repiping the chiller to a primary/secondary delivery system. The Taco 11 pump was set up to pump through the primary loop and feed into and out of the secondary loop powered by the Grundfos variable speed pump. I … Continue reading

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Short Walls and Shower Ceiling

A few extra walls have been built and we are very close to being finished with them. I have scheduled a structural inspection for next week. I hope the walls pass inspection without issues. This short shower plumbing wall had … Continue reading

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