MyE28.com

Next time, you're coming to my place for an ITB balacing party!

ahab wrote:Next time, you're coming to my place for an ITB balacing party!

Yeah baby. Does that involve rocks?

In a glass maybe.

I finally got the 6 can lights with LED bulb/trim installed in the back area of my garage, where the laundry and general workbench is.
yeah its a mess, but its 'getting there'.
6" IC remodel housing with a 10w LED lamp, does about 900 lumens, its weird having all this light ON my task and not IN my eyes.
I can finally take down the hideous dual 8' T12 lamp. These 6 cans putting out over 5000 lumens use less energy than a single 8' T12 bulbs with vastly superior light color and quality.





A little while ago I also got these cool linear shelves installed in the laundry area.
2x12 attached to the walls into studs using pocket hole screws, 2.5". I've found this to be a wonderful technique for creating invisible support for wall shelves. The vertical support, also attached with pocket screws into a stud, does most of the real supporting, I can stack bodies on these shelves.
The metal cladding is some 12" wide with a 1.5" front lip galvanized steel I bought from a guy via CL, I think its for HVAC duct building, but its perfect for cladding a 2x12 and creating a cool industrial look.

I need to look into LEDs more thoroughly for the garage and workshop. (and BTW, your pics don't work for me)

After forgetting to turn the lights off in the workshop for like the 500th time, I put in a timer switch. Because I live for danger (and that I knew there was no actual danger), I did it without turning the power off.

Karl Grau wrote:I need to look into LEDs more thoroughly for the garage and workshop. (and BTW, your pics don't work for me)

After forgetting to turn the lights off in the workshop for like the 500th time, I put in a timer switch. Because I live for danger (and that I knew there was no actual danger), I did it without turning the power off.

I think a normal switch with those bungees tied in with assorted weights of tiny rocks would be a more eco friendly timer for your CA folks.

geordi wrote:

Nice dry stack Ahab. Stone work is the best. Good, solid manual labor that leaves me feeling exhausted at the end of the day. Great mental exercise too finding the pattern with the stone and putting it together. My chisels and hammers will travel!

The stone that was on the fireplace in the above photo, became the bench & wall in the back yard in the below photos. Part of the wooden mantel was recycled too.

geordi wrote:I think a normal switch with those bungees tied in with assorted weights of tiny rocks would be a more eco friendly timer for your CA folks.

geordi wrote:The stone that was on the fireplace in the above photo, became the bench & wall in the back yard in the below photos. Part of the wooden mantel was recycled too.

It looks like you're pretty eco friendly yourself. A Eco Okie if you will.

Installed this!

e28Sean wrote:Installed this!

Interesting. Just watch out when it finally becomes self aware.

demetk wrote:Interesting. Just watch out when it finally becomes self aware.

I see a potential huge catfight between Nest and Alexa.
I think it is interesting too but I can heat my house for 3-4 winters for what it costs.

demetk wrote:

e28Sean wrote:Installed this!

Interesting. Just watch out when it finally becomes self aware.

I'd love to put on in, but not in my house, but a county building I manage. Customers and regulars have figured out the programmable ones there and overridden the default return to settings, so when they're hot they don't turn it off for 2 hours, they turn it off, period. Or to 80, for perhaps weeks. Yeah, this building doesn't get much use.

I went to building and safety and got an official address.

Looks like I'll be joining this thread. I've been paying on a small lot in the San Bernadino mountains and I'm getting ready to build a cool mountain retreat up there in a few months!

The plan is to build 2 Aero Houses and connect them with a deck, and (hopefully) some kind of covered parking in the rear.

Wish me luck, it's my first property and I'm stoked!

Acid House wrote:I went to building and safety and got an official address.

Looks like I'll be joining this thread. I've been paying on a small lot in the San Bernadino mountains and I'm getting ready to build a cool mountain retreat up there in a few months!

The plan is to build 2 Aero Houses and connect them with a deck, and (hopefully) some kind of covered parking in the rear.

Wish me luck, it's my first property and I'm stoked!

Oh yeah. That sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. How's the view?

demetk wrote:

Acid House wrote:I went to building and safety and got an official address.

Looks like I'll be joining this thread. I've been paying on a small lot in the San Bernadino mountains and I'm getting ready to build a cool mountain retreat up there in a few months!

The plan is to build 2 Aero Houses and connect them with a deck, and (hopefully) some kind of covered parking in the rear.

Wish me luck, it's my first property and I'm stoked!

Oh yeah. That sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. How's the view?

Nothing crazy but here is essentially the ground level view that you'd see out the front of the larger aero house. The ground floor and loft will be raised in piers though, rather than graded and poured. I've already got some solar spotlights on those big pines and kissing the boulders, it's going to be a magical place when it's all done I'm super excited!



Also it will be an exercise in forward thinking technology, I'm going to put some cool inventions in there to accomplish some normally energy intensive home needs, and utilize solar power (photovoltaic and other ways) to power most if not all of the household.

Acid House wrote:Nothing crazy but here is essentially the ground level view that you'd see out the front of the larger aero house.

How to Finish a Basement: Framing and Insulating?


What are the other phases to finish a basement?



thanks

Acid House wrote:

demetk wrote:

Acid House wrote:I went to building and safety and got an official address.

Looks like I'll be joining this thread. I've been paying on a small lot in the San Bernadino mountains and I'm getting ready to build a cool mountain retreat up there in a few months!

The plan is to build 2 Aero Houses and connect them with a deck, and (hopefully) some kind of covered parking in the rear.

Wish me luck, it's my first property and I'm stoked!

Oh yeah. That sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. How's the view?

Nothing crazy but here is essentially the ground level view that you'd see out the front of the larger aero house. The ground floor and loft will be raised in piers though, rather than graded and poured. I've already got some solar spotlights on those big pines and kissing the boulders, it's going to be a magical place when it's all done I'm super excited!



Also it will be an exercise in forward thinking technology, I'm going to put some cool inventions in there to accomplish some normally energy intensive home needs, and utilize solar power (photovoltaic and other ways) to power most if not all of the household.

Looks like a great place to do the Aero House. Any problems expected from the building code enforcement people. Can you "float" them on piers so that when the ground shakes they are less likely to be damaged?

I added a much larger garage onto the house, Its finally all done, minus painting the house. Its nice to be able to put my truck in the garage.

Mark 88/M5 Houston wrote:

Acid House wrote:

demetk wrote:

Acid House wrote:I went to building and safety and got an official address.

Looks like I'll be joining this thread. I've been paying on a small lot in the San Bernadino mountains and I'm getting ready to build a cool mountain retreat up there in a few months!

The plan is to build 2 Aero Houses and connect them with a deck, and (hopefully) some kind of covered parking in the rear.

Wish me luck, it's my first property and I'm stoked!

Oh yeah. That sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. How's the view?

Nothing crazy but here is essentially the ground level view that you'd see out the front of the larger aero house. The ground floor and loft will be raised in piers though, rather than graded and poured. I've already got some solar spotlights on those big pines and kissing the boulders, it's going to be a magical place when it's all done I'm super excited!



Also it will be an exercise in forward thinking technology, I'm going to put some cool inventions in there to accomplish some normally energy intensive home needs, and utilize solar power (photovoltaic and other ways) to power most if not all of the household.

Looks like a great place to do the Aero House. Any problems expected from the building code enforcement people. Can you "float" them on piers so that when the ground shakes they are less likely to be damaged?

I'm hoping for no problems with Building and Safety, from what I understand the aero houses are designed to be "earthquake proof" since they're originally from a Japanese architect. When I get a little further along we will decide the exact type of piers we'll use. I'm counting on a local builder to have a good idea of the area and the soil so we can anchor them nice and strong.

One step at a time! Lol

Acid House wrote:

Mark 88/M5 Houston wrote:

Acid House wrote:

demetk wrote:

Acid House wrote:I went to building and safety and got an official address.

Looks like I'll be joining this thread. I've been paying on a small lot in the San Bernadino mountains and I'm getting ready to build a cool mountain retreat up there in a few months!

The plan is to build 2 Aero Houses and connect them with a deck, and (hopefully) some kind of covered parking in the rear.

Wish me luck, it's my first property and I'm stoked!

Oh yeah. That sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. How's the view?

Nothing crazy but here is essentially the ground level view that you'd see out the front of the larger aero house. The ground floor and loft will be raised in piers though, rather than graded and poured. I've already got some solar spotlights on those big pines and kissing the boulders, it's going to be a magical place when it's all done I'm super excited!




Also it will be an exercise in forward thinking technology, I'm going to put some cool inventions in there to accomplish some normally energy intensive home needs, and utilize solar power (photovoltaic and other ways) to power most if not all of the household.

Looks like a great place to do the Aero House. Any problems expected from the building code enforcement people. Can you "float" them on piers so that when the ground shakes they are less likely to be damaged?

I'm hoping for no problems with Building and Safety, from what I understand the aero houses are designed to be "earthquake proof" since they're originally from a Japanese architect. When I get a little further along we will decide the exact type of piers we'll use. I'm counting on a local builder to have a good idea of the area and the soil so we can anchor them nice and strong.

One step at a time! Lol

Not to split hairs, but no structure is "earthquake proof" just like things aren't 100% fireproof or waterproof; it may be more resistant to failure than other conventional construction methods but given the right temblor at the right frequency it will fail somehow. Usually the weak point is the foundation or more specifically the connection between primary structure and the foundation. You will probably get lucky and be able to hit solid rock shallow for your footings in that terrain.

Besides, on a site like that, I'd worry more about fire than an earthquake; the City/County will make you use non-combustible exterior materials (and there will be a fight with County Fire on what that really means) and likely a fire sprinkler system also. You will have a struggle getting a wood structure built up in that environment (permit wise).
We've had many issues with LA & Ventura County Fire up in the Malibu mountains with houses on remote sites; access for fire equipment becomes the primary stumbling block for most owners as they want fire truck access roads with turn-around hammer-heads. Then there is always the mandatory brush clearance at something like a 100' radius around the structure. It starts getting pretty crazy pretty quick with those guys.

What are you doing for water and sewer?

Poured my foundation a little bit ago.

Removed the Christmas lights from my palm trees road side. What? Don't go therr.

oldskool wrote:Removed the Christmas lights from my palm trees road side. What? Don't go therr.

Mine are still up… going to see how long they last!

Installed a new water heater Sunday morning. Got a quote from a local plumbing place for $3k! WTF. I really didn't want to deal with it and I last soldered copper pipe about 10 years ago, but I did it anyway to save money over paying for install.

$600 later from Home Depot and it's installed and didn't consume too much of my Sunday. I did the same size and configuration, Rheem 50 gallon, no frills, 9 year warranty unit.

$3k? Were they quoting a tankless unit? Nuts.

My wife was home for the estimate and I think the guy thought he could quote the most highly optioned unit available. It wasn't even tankless, but had a bunch of add-ons like a mixer valve or some $hit she told me about on the phone.

I'm pretty sure the Rheem I installed with a friend's help in our Chicago house circa 2002 or 2003 was about $200 at Home Depot plus some misc plumbing fittings and soldering supplies.

Not to split hairs, but no structure is "earthquake proof" just like things aren't 100% fireproof or waterproof; it may be more resistant to failure than other conventional construction methods but given the right temblor at the right frequency it will fail somehow. Usually the weak point is the foundation or more specifically the connection between primary structure and the foundation. You will probably get lucky and be able to hit solid rock shallow for your footings in that terrain.

Besides, on a site like that, I'd worry more about fire than an earthquake; the City/County will make you use non-combustible exterior materials (and there will be a fight with County Fire on what that really means) and likely a fire sprinkler system also. You will have a struggle getting a wood structure built up in that environment (permit wise).
We've had many issues with LA & Ventura County Fire up in the Malibu mountains with houses on remote sites; access for fire equipment becomes the primary stumbling block for most owners as they want fire truck access roads with turn-around hammer-heads. Then there is always the mandatory brush clearance at something like a 100' radius around the structure. It starts getting pretty crazy pretty quick with those guys.

What are you doing for water and sewer?

The site isn't as remote as it seems, there is a fairly major road with sewer and water installed that abuts the property, so we will go through the local water group here.

That's very interesting point about the problems from a wood structure, the few neighbors houses nearby are wood, I've also seen a few with plaster or whatever and block. Although I'm sure the code changed since they were built however long ago, that is a possible roadblock to consider here that I hadn't thought about.

There will be access from the main road for a fire truck so hopefully that satisfies them but fingers crossed we ca. Find a way to get the aero houses approved.

Acid House wrote:

Not to split hairs, but no structure is "earthquake proof" just like things aren't 100% fireproof or waterproof; it may be more resistant to failure than other conventional construction methods but given the right temblor at the right frequency it will fail somehow. Usually the weak point is the foundation or more specifically the connection between primary structure and the foundation. You will probably get lucky and be able to hit solid rock shallow for your footings in that terrain.

Besides, on a site like that, I'd worry more about fire than an earthquake; the City/County will make you use non-combustible exterior materials (and there will be a fight with County Fire on what that really means) and likely a fire sprinkler system also. You will have a struggle getting a wood structure built up in that environment (permit wise).
We've had many issues with LA & Ventura County Fire up in the Malibu mountains with houses on remote sites; access for fire equipment becomes the primary stumbling block for most owners as they want fire truck access roads with turn-around hammer-heads. Then there is always the mandatory brush clearance at something like a 100' radius around the structure. It starts getting pretty crazy pretty quick with those guys.

What are you doing for water and sewer?

The site isn't as remote as it seems, there is a fairly major road with sewer and water installed that abuts the property, so we will go through the local water group here.

That's very interesting point about the problems from a wood structure, the few neighbors houses nearby are wood, I've also seen a few with plaster or whatever and block. Although I'm sure the code changed since they were built however long ago, that is a possible roadblock to consider here that I hadn't thought about.

There will be access from the main road for a fire truck so hopefully that satisfies them but fingers crossed we ca. Find a way to get the aero houses approved.

Get familiar with the term "Very High Fire Severity Zone"; that site will be in one (hell, half of LA City is listed as VHFSV). It is the key to interpreting building codes on allowed materials and assemblies and what other active systems you will need (i.e. fire sprinklers both interior & exterior, additional water lines, etc.). The exterior will have to be made of non-combustible materials and assemblies. The glass will need to meet fire standards also(the entire structure will have to meet CA Title 24 Energy Code standards which will regulate your glass area and type anyway).

Codes have definitely changed since your neighbors homes were built (unless they were within the last 2 years), so you can't really look to them as example. Your best bet is to meet with the City or County Building & Safety (whomever has jurisdiction up there) with info on the Aero Houses and have them tell you what you will need from a code and approval standpoint. From there you will want to walk it over to the Fire Department (the Administration office, not the firehouses) and meet with whomever hands out the clearances for new construction. They can walk you through the requirements and process.

Good to hear about the services, remote sites become financially out of reach when you have to factor in service infrastructure upgrades. Your connections and underground work from house to street will still be a lot, but at least you won't have to install main line infrastructure.

About 6 years ago we started repainting our house, and I've finally been making some progress toward finishing that job in the last couple of weeks. Actually it's more involved than just repainting it, because I'm stripping it down to the bare wood, sanding, priming, and then painting. And yes, it's as much of a pain in the arse as you'd think it is. I started six years ago with the intent of doing one side a year until it was done; I haven't been keeping up (I did have a good excuse the last couple of years though!)

When the house was built in 1948, the builder used redwood siding, and applied a natural finish. I haven't seen photos of it from back then, but the neighbors who've been around that long tell me it looked beautiful. At some point though, the owner decided that maintaining that natural finish was a pain in the neck, so he painted over it; white paint. And over the years it went from white to a chalky turquoise green, then to a brown, then yellow, then white again, then tan when we bought it in 1999. The siding didn't get prepped very well before that first coat of paint though; the paint was cracked and crazed and peeling and bubbling all over the place. My favorite part was the siding that was exposed to the sun; it would bubble with the heat. The south side of the house looked like it had some disease; that paint needed to go.

To strip most of the first two & 1/2 sides of the house, I had been using a heat gun and putty knife. Sometimes it would come off in big sheets like what you see below, but most of the time it was itty bitty pieces. Yeah, it was about as much fun as you'd expect. Tedious, but I kinda enjoyed doing it in a way. Lots of thinking time.



This last go-round though I was feeling impatient with the heat-and-scrape business and did some poking around online to find out if what other methods there were for stripping 50 year old paint from siding. I found a gadget called "The Paint Shaver"; I was ready to plunk down the $300 to make things go faster, but was able to rent it over the Memorial Day weekend. I got that whole wall done and sanded in a day. With the heat gun it would've taken me a week (or more) of evenings.



I thought about re-siding, but didn't want to trash the redwood. It's pretty amazing to see some of the craftsmanship that went into this house; it was a pretty upscale place when it was built, and little details like the mitered corners on the siding are nice touches. And yes, I considered going back to the natural finish, especially when looking at an expanse of redwood like that...