Drainage Control Version 2.

As you may recall. (Or you can read blog updates from last fall). We needed to add some drainage to control the winter rains. After the extensive curtain drain system we built, we were able to control 80% of the water,  We've decided to add a little concrete barrier to direct the last 20% of water.  Below, the build process, we'll post again once we back fill and gravel the walk around.

Summer is Over

Well.... Here is the excessively over due blog update for the summer of 2015.  The focus for us, was to finish the siding, which I've been dreading due to the angles and tight working location. Below, before and after shots.

Unconventional Closets

Unconventional Closets,  That is the best way to explain the storage situation of our carriage house.  .   As my Mom can confirm, I simply can not hang up my jackets! I am sure there is a medical condition term for that......   but my since I have this self-identified condition, I am building the closets to Todd's ADA accessible standards.  NO HANGERS. Only Hooks!

Kitchen 2.0

The time has come to transform the living space from "work-friendly" to actually having some style.  and to achieve that it was time to add the counter tops.  Of course, every job has its challenges;  Such as fitting the sink and squaring the counters to my "not so square" walls.    But a few days later, we're "cooking with style".

What to Do with Leftover Flooring: Part Two

Ok, so if you are an avid follower (chuckle), you will know that I have quite a bit of left over material from my flooring. And the questions a rises what to do with it.  There is not enough to sell for another floor job. And its too nice to use as firewood.  I figure you build shit with it!

I had been wait for n opportunity, inspiration and motivation to finish the from of the garage doors.  You may recall that they were covered with construction wrap and prayed with i painted the siding.  That look was.... well... effective, but trashy.  



Well, my astute reader, you should be jumping to the conclusion that yes, indeed. I did put flooring on the walls!  Go figure.

What to Do with Leftover Flooring: Part One

 What to do with the left over Douglas Fir flooring.... the wood is absolutely beautiful!













Well, you build a box of course!

 I was in need of a fire wood box for outside the front door.   A few measurements, Some hacking with power tools. Nailing with pneumatic tools.  And poof; I built a box. Just like when I was in middle school.  Neat huh.

Solutions sometimes come out of the asles of Building Stores

 So, I had been trying to figure out how to make the transition from tile work to the new fir flooring... The first idea was to use actual hardwood milled transition, but that would have left a ridge of wood to trip on or collect dirt.  I also had envisioned caulking the seam( like we do on boats) but caulk rarely comes in color other than black, white, or clear....

Then I found the stuff in the picture below.

It is a caulk that has the colored gout sand in it!  genius I tell you!


So there you go. Problem solved.

Then the coating

A product was suggested to me for the floor coating.  

So far its great.  Applied easily, Was able to fix (sand) mistakes well.  and was able to be walked on in three hours.  

I did need to produce a custom applicator, which I have to say, worked to an 80% approval.

The Satin finish seems good so far.  I will report in when I scuff it for the first time.

Some of the Flooring Steps and Materials.

We Started with Rough cut, "rustic" Vancouver Island Douglas Fir 5" flooring,  then let it "rest" in the building while I prepped the sub-floor.  Which meant I had to grind down some high spots of the T&G 3/4 ply. Then I laid down #15 paper in order to reduce the chance of the floor squeaking. 

Then, after sorting though the flooring material to pick the best pieces to be installed.

After stapling the floor in place, the hard part arrived.

Filling, sanding and refilling and sanding and refilling and sanding. 

Floored!

Well.... I've turned this.....

To this....

My Own Private "Burning Man"

FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!   There is something soothing about making fire in the woods. and if a little fire is a good then a BIG FIRE is AWESOME! 

First Post of the New Year

Hello All,

Happy New Years.  As usual.... It has been awhile since I've posted on the blog.  Oh well, what do you get for free? Apparently not much :-)

Anywhooo.... The project list has grown for the new year. For this visit to the Zombie Apocalypse Escape Plan, I will finish fitting out the closets in the main living space.  As well, as installing the Hardwood floors.  Look for updates within the week.

THe picture is of the freshly milled Douglas Fir flooring.  I am told by the building gods, that I should let the wood "Relax" in its new envrionment, in order to reduce the possibility of "cupping" and "lifting".  Yeah, I know, sounds like a plastis surgeon.  Oh, the cool thing is the floor was harvested from the island, from a renewable resource. How Overly environmentally green am I, Huh? kinda cool though.