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Showing posts with label Basement Stair Ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Basement Stair Ideas. Show all posts

10.03.2015

Construction Tip #89777 Metal Baluster Caps

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  Metal BALUSTERS Cap #89777 BY SCOTTY

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for an example of how the construction tip was used in the example. 


Contract Labor Project



Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri


Holding Stair Spindle Caps In Position Easily


The Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindle Caps have a set screw that may or may not hold the cap in place.  

To prevent the cap from falling out of place in the future the caps were glued in place.  

While waiting for the glue to dry use ~ Spring Loaded Clothes Pin to hold the caps in position ~.  
~ Spring Loaded Clothes Pin to hold the caps in position ~



Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Custom Modern Stairs Dark Stain Oak

Custom Stair Build Tip Metal Balusters #89764 by Scotty

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for an example of how the construction tip was used in the example.

Contract Labor Project






The Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindles have that twisted metal do-dad for appearances and aesthetics and should maintain the same slope of the stairway- per client.  

This is accomplished by:

  1. setting up a string line at the proper height at the
  2. upper most decorative spindle and the 
  3. lowest decorative spindle.
  4. Pull the string line taunt
  5. Tape the String Line to the Post
  6. you have the same height at both ends of the stairway.
  7. The Taunt String Line is your guideline for setting the remaining Decorative Spindles at the Same Height and slope of the Stair Case.


#89764 Setting Metal Decorative Stair Balusters Evenly
Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindles have that twisted metal do-dad for appearances and aesthetics should maintain the same slope of the stairway- as this client requested. 

Upper View #89764 Setting Metal Decorative Stair Balusters Evenly
 Taunt String Line is your guideline for setting the remaining Decorative Stair Balusters "Do-Dads" at the Same Height and slope of the Stair Case.









Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

8.02.2010

Easy Access Basement Post Collection










Basement
Blog Post Collection
Photos, Ideas, Products, Suggestions, Wet Basements, Mold, Green, Eco Friendly, Insulation, Stairways, Finishes, Slate, Tile, Carpet, Accessible, Access Points, more


Jul 20, 2010
Jul 20, 2010
So, why are you finishing your basement anyway? If you want to have more living space or update your home with a customized room, or maybe you've heard that you can upgrade your basement with new and/or green products that you will save ...

Jul 19, 2010
Jul 19, 2010
Think about who will sleep in the basement and the amenities they'll need to help you determine the best dimensions. To comfortably fit a double bed, you'll need a room with a minimum of 125 square feet. If twin beds will serve your . ...
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/

Jun 22, 2010
Jun 22, 2010
Green Builder Handy Man Construction Service-Saint Louis M0 We Promote- Green Products and Green Building Services -Design Sales Installation Construction-

Jun 22, 2010
Jun 22, 2010
Basement Bathroom Ideas Part 2 Tuck in a Tiny Powder... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]


Jun 22, 2010
Jun 22, 2010
Basement Bathroom Ideas Part 1 of 2 ... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]


Jun 22, 2010
Jun 22, 2010
Create Understair Display Space Turn the space under the stairs into a display cabinet for collections. Wire the cabinet for lighting so you can... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, ...


Jul 21, 2010
Jul 21, 2010
Replacing and sealing ducts can also be a DIY project, especially when ducts can be easily accessed in an attic or basement. Leaks should be sealed with mastic sealant or metal tape (not duct tape), then insulated to reduce heat loss ...


Nov 11, 2009
Nov 11, 2009
EPA estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20% of heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% of total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement ...


May 12, 2010
May 12, 2010
To address this headache, consumers can use duct sealant to repair leaks in exposed ducts, like those in an attic or basement. Kuperszmid Lehrman recommends that homeowners have their ducts insulated as well. ...


May 05, 2010
May 05, 2010
Last summer's severe thunderstorms, which flooded their finished basement and required repairs, spurred them to get started. Ms. Kumaki says they are planning to spend in the low $30000s to update the upstairs bathroom, ...


Apr 30, 2010
Apr 30, 2010
They also sprayed Icynene open-cell foam in the attic roof and in the basement rim joists and ceiling. Finally, the team installed a heat recovery ventilator and an on-demand water heater. Cheimets says the upgrade have made a big ...
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/

Feb 07, 2010
Feb 07, 2010
But that coil is massive and won't fit in my basement because of the low ceiling." To choose the best solution for the customer, make sure that the HVAC contractor reviews existing conditions, including the orientation of the house, ...


     


    7.27.2010

    Green Build-Business Referrals

    Scotts Contracting- latest Green Build Web Promotions includes:
    • While working for a Business I will document the work done with photos/video of my Crew Doing the Actual Work and post them to my web pages, associate links and other business advertising mediums. I will list Your Business Name, Web Site, Contact Links, Tag Lines, etc. Advertisements will be Custom Tailored for your Business.
    • I will enable a Dual Promotion that entails: Promotion for your Business while promoting my Green Build Services. We will custom tailor your Business in the Promo. The advertising campaign can be viewed at http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/p/advertising-invitation-green-and-eco.html will be FREE- $500 Value.
    • Our Business will Gain extra exposure to our web sites by Promoting Web Site content with services such as: linkedin, stumble upon, digg, delicious, friendster, etc.
      • What this does- is create back-links for Internet Search Engines
      • ie: useful back-links create higher Search Engine Listings
      • I am currently in Excellent Standing with Google, Yahoo, and other search engines.
    • I feel this is my way of Thanking the Company I do business with and also highlights my skills and abilities as a Green Builder.
    • Prior Job Site Photos can be viewed

    Objective

    Seeking Employment/ Contract Labor for Renovations, Weatherization, and Building Up-Grades-

    Profession Profile

    Affordable-Punctual-Experienced: Carpenter, Green Builder, Handy-Man, Maintenance professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Experienced in many areas of residential / commercial building and improvements

    Miscellaneous Job Skills

    Design and Estimating
    Door & Window Installation/Repair
    Lock Changes / Board Up
    RE (Renewable Energy) Producing Systems Framing [metal or wood], Drywall [Installation & Finishing]
    Weatherization for Homes and Business Concrete / Cabinetry / Appliances
    Carpentry, Custom Wood Work, Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood Roofing: Flat-Torch Down / Pitch- Shingles or Metal
    Painting / Staining / Wood Refinishing / Custom Finishes Basic: Plumbing, HVAC, Electric
    Masonry / Tuck Pointing Green Builder seeking additional training

    Recent Employment History

    Scotts Contracting Contract Labor / Skilled Labor 2007-Present St. Louis, MO
    Improved homes and offices in the St. Louis area. Green Build Services- carpentry, repairs, remodels, rehabs, and maintenance. Residential or Commercial
    G & H Home Improvement Carpenter/Rehabber 2006-2007 St. Louis, MO
    Performed duties including: Carpentry from framing to finish, basic plumbing and electric, drywall installation, flooring, and finishing.
    American National Skyline Inc. High Rise Window Cleaner/Crew Leader 2006 St. Louis, MO. Ensured safety of self and crew members. Cleaned windows by utilizing Boatman Chairs and Rolling Roof Rigs on buildings in St. Louis area.
    Spanish Lake Development Rehabber 2005-2006 St. Louis, MO. Performed all tasks involved in rehab of 20-25 building apartment complex. Duties included power washing, welding, carpentry, concrete, and plumbing.
    Education
    • Milan C-2, High School Diploma-Milan, MO 63556
    • Western Iowa Tech Com College, Residential and Commercial Draftsman
    • USARMY Wire Systems Installer/Tower and Antennae Maintenance
    • Enrolled- Green Building Energy Auditor Certification (testing July 30)- Solar and Wind Electricity Production
    References
    Scotty, Scott's Contracting St Louis Renewable Energy
    Holly Hills/Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO 63109
    (314) 243-1953
    email:Scotts Contracting
    :http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

    7.19.2010

    Wet Basement Suggestions

    2 Posts for Basement Projects and Dealing with wet and damp basements. Great Read for everyone with wet basement troubles. Added bonus is the top 6 Mistakes in Basement Remodeling.

    For assistance in your basement renovations Scotts Contracting will supply a free green estimate on your project.

    Additional Basement Ideas at:



    Think about who will sleep in the basement and the amenities they'll need to help you determine the best dimensions. To comfortably fit a double bed, you'll need a room with a minimum of 125 square feet. If twin beds will serve your ...
    If the upstairs hall and basement floor are both carpeted, you'll likely want to carpet the stairs as well. If you're building new stairs or relocating the current ones, consider which areas you're connecting before you decide on ...


    Basement Bathroom Ideas Part 1 of 2
    clipped from Google - 7/2010


    Article 1- by. Superior Basement Systems

    How to Dry Out your Wet Basement

    How to make your basement dry and keep it dry all the time.
    How to Dry Out your Wet Basement
    If you have a really wet or flooding basement, the first thing you want to do is find where the water is coming in from. If possible, seal off the water source to keep additional water from entering your basement.
    Clean Up Begins

    Then, get all carpeting, drywall, boxes of personal belongings, and any other ruined, wet materials out of the basement area all together. Since basements have little to no sunshine, they are breeding grounds for mold and mildew growth. That means you need to remove any wet material from the basement or it will probably mildew, mold and rot. Plus, if you don't remove wet materials, they will probably take on a non-pleasant odor that will permeate your basement space. Be especially careful to check all drywall and boxes, as they may not appear to be wet or damp but in fact are just that.

    Conditioning the Air
    Once you remove all the wet materials from the basement, condition the air using an industrial strength dehumidifier. What this does is wring out the moisture in the air and dry it. You can even hook up the dehumidifier to a hose to drain outside so you don't have to empty the dehumidifier - it automatically goes outside and away from your home!

    An industrial strength dehumidifier is best, as it can handle much more air capacity than a regular home dehumidifier. The dehumidifier's cooling core, which helps condition the moist air, is much larger in an industrial model than in a model you find at your local home improvement store. With an industrial dehumidifier, this means less moisture in your basement and less potential for mold and mildew to grow - who doesn't want that?

    Get a Sump Pump
    Next you'll want to make sure you have a sump pump installed. Any responsible basement waterproofing contractor will advise you to place the sump pump in the lowest point of the basement. Since water seeks usually seeks the lowest point first, a sump pump is most effective in the low spot. Also, when a drainage system is installed, you'll want the system to be pitched to that low spot to work effectively.

    Once enough water is in the sump pump, the pump kicks on and pumps water through a discharge line which then leaves your home. Secondary pumps and back-up sump pumps are also a great idea in case the first pump can't keep up with water demand or if the power is out. Since most homeowners aren't in their basement each and every day, sump pump alarms are a good idea, too. A sump pump alarm alerts you when water rises past the point where the sump should have turned on. This means less worrying and stress for you on a daily basis.

    Top Six Mistakes People Make in Basement Remodeling Projects

    June 23rd, 2010 by cynthia

    Almost everyone who owns a house with an unfinished basement, dreams of having it finished. How can you not think of it? After all, an unfinished basement is a whole floor’s worth of space that can be easily turned into any type of room your family needs.

    However, basement finishing projects are hardly inexpensive and, because basements are like no other room in the house, there are special challenges when it comes to choosing the best finishes and configuration. Basements usually house utilities, plumbing, wiring. They are also quite prone to moisture and water accidents. All of which must be taken into consideration before you tackle your project. Making the wrong choices, can literally spell disaster.

    Below are the six most common mistakes homeowners make in basement remodeling projects:

    1 – Finishing a Wet, Damp or Flood Prone Basement
    Because of the way they are built, basements are always prone to moisture and floods.

    Your basement is basically a box of porous concrete, buried in wet ground, and when that ground gets saturated with water, the resulting hydrostatic pressure pushes the water against the foundation walls. That water will eventually find its way into your basement, through cracks, the joint between walls and floors, as infiltrating the concrete through capillary action. To make matters worse, basements can also be flooded by plumbing leaks, broken water heater tanks and other water accidents. Without proper drainage, a reliable sump pump system, and proper dehumidification, no basement is dry enough to be finished.

    2 – Using wood studs, fiberglass insulation and drywall.
    While these materials work well when finishing rooms above grade, in a basement they usually spell disaster. Basements are naturally humid, and all these materials have the tendency to absorb moisture. They are also made with organic compounds: wood, paper and, in the case of fiberglass, a urea based adhesive is used to hold the batch together.

    When you combine moisture with organic matter, you create ideal conditions for mold to develop. In addition, fiberglass loses all its R-Value when damp and drywall, in contact with water, will begin to decompose and release toxic fumes. Basement walls should be finished with 100% inorganic and waterproof materials that will survive a basement flood or water accident.

    3 – Using wooden subfloors, hardwood floor, cork or bamboo.
    Basically, anything that is made with organic materials is a bad idea for basements. Manufacturers might tell you that these products are either naturally “mold resistant” or are chemically treated to be so. Some wooden basement subfloor manufacturers might claim that the product has a vapor barrier and it is raised from the floor to keep the wood from soaking the moisture from the slab. However, read the small print. None of them really stand a chance to survive a flood, which can be caused by a plumbing leak, for example. Look for basement flooring solutions that are specifically engineered to withstand all sorts of basement moisture conditions.

    4 – Improper use of vapor barriers
    Many contractors will tell you that if you attach poly sheets all over the walls and the floor of the basement, you can pretty much use any type of finish you want, because the “vapor barrier” will protect the materials. Some will have an even worse suggestion: Placing the vapor barrier over the studs and the fiberglass, and then attach the drywall. According to the
     US Department of Energy’s Building America Best Practices recommendations, moisture from basement walls and floors should be allowed to evaporate and dry to the interior. This kind of vapor barrier will only do one thing: trap the water vapor between the concrete and the barrier, where it can condensate, and can cause mold to grow.

    5 – Not having a backup sump pump
    Every year in Wisconsin, millions of dollars are spent on basement flood cleanup, restoration and replacement of flood-damaged property. To make matters worse, the damage is never covered under homeowners insurance, and even special flood insurance establishes coverage limits when it comes to basements. Even if your basement is properly waterproofed and has a good working sump pump, without a battery operated backup sump pump, you are at risk for a basement flood. Keep in mind that the same storms that have the potential to flood your basement can also cause power outages. No power, no pump! Battery backups are also useful in case of a primary pump failure or other electrical malfunction.

    6 – Disregarding moisture control.
    You did all the right things when finishing your basement. You provided drainage, a good sump pump with battery backup. You chose all the right materials for the walls, floor and ceiling. Yet your basement smells musty or you found some mold spots growing in the furniture, fabrics or paper. Although proper waterproofing and good basement finishing choices can greatly improve conditions in the basement, in some cases they will not suffice to control the moisture in the basement.

    Basement moisture levels tend to be higher because of temperature differences between the basement and the areas above grade. When basement moisture levels go above 60% mold will start to develop, especially in organic surfaces. Even if you don’t see it, if the basement smells musty, the mold is present. Basement moisture levels should be closely monitored and a dehumidifier should be used to keep RH levels at or below 55%.


    --
    Scott's Contracting
    scottscontracting@gmail.com

    6.22.2010

    Basement Stairway Ideas Part 2


    Scotts Contracting Offers Basement Remodels for every budget
    Scotts Contracting supplies free Green Estimates for every Project
    Click Here to email Scotty for a Project Proposal Basement stairway

    Create Understair Display Space

    Turn the space under the stairs into a display cabinet for collections. Wire the cabinet for lighting so you can spotlight special objects.
    Basement stairway

    Add Style with the Balustrade

    Golden oak balusters, stair rail, and a support column match the trimwork and cabinetry in the basement, creating continuity with the upstairs spaces. Adding style to the staircase can be as simple as affixing solid rectangles of stained wood to every other pair of balusters, creating pattern and interest.
    Basement stairway

    Choose a Distinctive Railing Design

    White beaded-board wainscoting, wood-tone trim and stair treads, and colorful walls lead the way down these winder stairs. The railing features a gridlike design for safety and style. (The spaces between balusters, whether posts or a grid design, should be smaller than a toddler's head.)
    Basement stairway

    Break Up the Descent with a U Shape

    U-shape stairs lined with a Craftsman-style wooden balustrade lead to this basement. This stair design requires more floor space than a straight run of stairs, but it's a good choice when a straight run would be too steep.

    Emphasize the Diagonal

    Instead of a stair rail and balusters, this straight-run staircase features the design equivalent of three parallel handrails. The design emphasizes the strong diagonal of the staircase and maintains an open feeling for the descent into the basement. It also requires fewer materials than traditional posts or balusters would.
    Basement stairway

    Suit the Staircase Style to Your Decor

    A dramatic open-tread staircase built of industrial materials ushers visitors into a clean-lined, contemporary space designed for entertaining.
    Basement stairway

    Stretch the Spiral for a Relaxed Descent

    This sleek, open-tread staircase spirals down gracefully from the first floor, delivering visitors to the lower-level quarters with a flourish. More relaxed than the typical space-saving spiral, the staircase feels open and easy to climb as a result.

    Scotts Contracting Offers Basement Remodels for every budget
    Scotts Contracting supplies free Green Estimates for every Project
    --
    Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com 

    Basement Stairway Ideas Part 1



    Scotts Contracting Offers Basement Remodels for every budget
    and also supplies free Green Estimates for every Project
    Click Here to email Scotty for a Project Proposal


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    300x250 TSS Wire Shelving 10% OFF Coupon  

      Basement stairway

    Site Stairs Carefully

    If the upstairs hall and basement floor are both carpeted, you'll likely want to carpet the stairs as well. If you're building new stairs or relocating the current ones, consider which areas you're connecting before you decide on placement.
    Avoid connecting a noisy area to a quiet one. For example, a stairway from the basement play room or media room that leads near an upstairs home office or bedroom could prove disruptive. Build stairs parallel to ceiling joists to save on installation time and materials.

    Basement stairway

    Open the Stairway for an Airy Look

    Removing the door to the basement and opening the enclosed stairway created a light, airy feeling in this passage to the subterranean living space. A bar area with two beverage refrigerators--one for wine and one for kids' sodas--separates the lower-level family room from the guest bedroom.
    Basement stairway

    Use the Staircase Wall for Storage

    The staircase design you choose will depend on local building codes, your available space, and the style of your home. If you choose a U-shape design like this one, consider putting the lower staircase wall to work as display and storage space. These built-in cabinets flank a basement bar area.


    Take Advantage of Space Under the Stairs

    Take advantage of space under stairs to create accessible storage. Mullioned glass-pane doors make this smart understair hideaway look as if it's always been there. Baskets placed on the shelves are stylish storage solutions for miscellaneous things that make their way down to the basement.

    Design for a Smooth Transition

    Stairs are a transitional space, and the materials you choose for them convey a subliminal message about the character of the space they lead to. This run of carpeted stairs changes near the bottom to three steps with thick stone treads and floors of stone and dark wood. The shift in materials suits the basement's function as a wine cellar and entertaining area.

    Stencil the Stairs

    Personalize ordinary wood stairs with stencils. These stair treads were painted with homemade stencils using floor-and-deck enamel. For safety, avoid high-gloss paints and finishes that may be slippery.

    Add Style with a Custom Stair Rail

    For continuity, the same stone tile used on the stairs continues in the guest suite in this basement. The custom-crafted stair rail features stained-glass inserts and ornaments. Work with a metalsmith to design a custom stair rail for your home.

    Make a Grand Descent

    This sweeping staircase is more about design than function. A staircase like this makes for a comfortable descent from the upper level, but it also requires a lot of space.

    Go Contemporary with Open Stair Treads

    Open stair treads and railings of braided stainless-steel cable help preserve lower-level views and a feeling of openness on the staircase.

    Save Space with a Spiral Staircase

    Spiral stairs provide contemporary style and usually take up less room than other staircase designs. Typically 4 to 6 feet in diameter, they need little floor space.
    Bear in mind, however, that you won't be able to move furniture or other large objects into the basement via spiral stairs. Building codes often prohibit spiral staircases leading to rooms larger than 400 square feet.

    Scotts Contracting is available for the Construction of your basement Project. . . supplies free Green Estimates for every Project.




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