Designing a Teenage Boys Room -

TheShelvingStore.com offers a wide selection of shelves, shelving units, wire shelving units, and much more to help you get and stay organized.

The Follow CAD Design Build Images are an an option I am presenting to the client for his Sons Room: Two closets with Built-In Student study desk, Book Shelves, Plenty of Counter Space, Pull-Out Storage Drawers, a TV - Game Area!

The client informed me the room was going to be for his son who will be turning 16 next year.   Since I can relate to the guy part I went ahead ad included Images of Model Cars and a Bikini Clad Gal posed next to a Corvette Convertible 

I haven't been around teen age boys, are clasic model cars a thing these days? I know the Gaming Area would be a hit! Surely half naked gals never go out of style for a boy! pic #2.

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) February 22, 2022

The Only thing I feel the boy would want that I haven't included is the Actual Bikini Clad Woman!

half naked girls never go out of style I don't care how old the guy is! 8 to 80 :)

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) February 22, 2022

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information is needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Paint Pro Tip #888

This Construction Paint Pro Tip #888 is brought to you by CptFun a painting Contractor 

People tired of their stain/lacquer oak cabinets so these urethane acrylics in any color has been a great option for making old new and updated. The Emerald has a spray finish look when brush/rolled it levels so beautifully https://twitter.com/pedalfun4u/status/1378867859808530435?s=20

What a combo Paint Pro Tip it is- saves money, saves time, and allows for custom color choices!

Painting Contractor Paint Pro Tip #888 Kitchen Cabinet Upgrades

Sherwin Williams- Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Semi Gloss looks to me as a solution to kitchen cabinet upgrades without the expense of having to buy new kitchen cabinets.

Design Build Symmetry plus Aesthetics for Artwork

The Perfectionist or what I have termed myself as: Profectionist in me won't skip even the minute details when I am design building for custom projects that involve artwork, the smallest details to create symmetry will not be overlooked!

Here are some of my latest changes in the custom built focal points of the Antique Fireplace place and Floating Shelf details I have just realized.

Back to the Drawing Board> While choosing the image for Artwork "Louis the Saint' to place over Custom Built Antique Fireplace Mantle and Floating Shelf. I realized the shelf I designed protrudes from the wall a couple inches too much. #DesignBuild Perfectionist [option 1] pic.twitter.com/Z1ptqC1Qrd

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) March 17, 2021

To create the "Symmetry" and "Aesthetics" required by the perfectionist in me I have to cut the floating shelf down to size. The Antique Fireplace Mantle Platform protrudes from the wall 12 inches, Mantle 8 inches, therefore the Floating Shelf has to be a couple inches less.

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) March 17, 2021

;

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information is needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Under Stair Movable Storage Unit Plans

Open Source Design Build Drawings- Under Stair Movable Storage Unit Plan

I was asked to design and build customstorage units for underneath a set of basementstairs.  

Here are the Design Build Drawings in the following slide show presentation.  Give it a minute to load, the controls are in the lower left, if you have questions, comments, or complaint use the contact form and someone will address your concern.

Design Build Drawings-

Under Stair Movable Storage

Under Stair Movable Storage Plan

Design Issues Solved by enabling the 3 storage units to move independently.  

Allowing the Movable Storage Units to be completely removed from the space- gives all the needed room for future cleaning and inspections.

The added benefit of having movable storage units in a basement type setting- where water is known to cause damage to things left directly on the floor.  With the Movable Storage Units- the size and height of the caster wheels chosen will determine the bottom shelf height distance off the floor- 2 inches or greater.

This provides Safety to your items in Storage for low water basement flooding issues.

DIY Suggestions

• Be careful in choosing the height of the Caster Wheels.  
• Too tall of wheels will cause a "Tip Hazard" of Movable Storage Unit.
• Width of wheel is determine by floor covering- example carpet wide wheel, concrete narrow wheel.
• Always store heavier items on lowest shelf.

Grand Total of: 120,960 cu in  (4,480 cu ft) Minimum Storage Space created with the Movable Storage Units 

Small:     20,160 cu in

Medium: 40,320 cu in

Large:     60,480 cu in

This is like having the storage capabilities of a second kitchen.

Full Size Under Stair Movable Storage Unit Plans

Page 1 Design Build Under Stair Movable Storage Plan

Page 2 Design Build Under Stair Movable Storage Plan

Page 3 Design Build Under Stair Movable Storage Plan

Page 4 Design Build Under Stair Movable Storage Plan

Page 5 Design Build Under Stair Movable Storage Plan

Page 6 Design Build Under Stair Movable Storage Plan

FREE SHARE - OPEN SOURCE - 

Use as needed ~ modify to fit

your stairway.

Stay Tuned for
material Price Lists and
actual Build Notes.

Questions or Comments fill in the contact form
or leave me a message below.
Full Size Under Stair Movable Storage Unit Plans

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Green Build Bar Build Notes Suggestions Annotations

Notes-Suggestions-Ideas

I am going to mention ideas and suggestions on ways that will reduce your monthly bills in utility savings by incorporating the following examples into the Green Design of your building.  My suggestions will include: PV Solar Electric, Solar Water Heating, and Energy Conservation.  

The greatest use of your investment dollars will come by installing Insulation in the various parts of your building.

 

As a general rule it is cheaper to save energy than it is to create energy.  

It does not matter if this is in gas or electric. Basically: If you can save it you don’t have to make it.

The Department of Energy suggests for our region various levels of insulation

Ceiling: R38 - R60

Walls: R13 -R19

Floor: R25 - R30 

Examples of where to insulate. 1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space. (1A) attic access door 2. In finished attic rooms with or without dormer, insulate (2A) between the studs of "knee" walls, (2B) between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof, (2C) and ceilings with cold spaces above. (2D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 3. All exterior walls, including (3A) walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas; (3B) foundation walls above ground level; (3C) foundation walls in heated basements, full wall either interior or exterior. 4. Floors above cold spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. Also insulate (4A) any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below; (4B) slab floors built directly on the ground; (4C) as an alternative to floor insulation, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces. (4D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 5. Band joists. 6. Replacement or storm windows and caulk and seal around all windows and doors. Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Following the above guides let's focus in on the areas that we discussed: Ceiling, Floor, Walls.

Ceiling:

1565 sq feet of estimated roof (see solar estimate).  Normal Ceilings are constructed with 2x12 lumber.  That is not enough space to provide adequate insulation with normal batt type insulation to meet the suggested level of R60.

My suggestions are:

• Put the Insulation on top of the roof eliminating any insulation in the cavities.  As we talked about I feel that when the Insulation is on the outside is like a person having a coat on.  It eliminates the hot or cold from entering.  
• Commercial Buildings utilize this type of insulation to stop the cold/heat from getting to the steel, because when the steel gets hot or cold it expands/contracts and is a big energy problem.
• They also make this in tapered sections to direct water easily.
• Exposed Roof System for Aesthetic purposes

I used Menards for a guide.  I suggest go to: the Roofing place at Vandeventer/44 area.  The old RSG under new owners. Johns Manville R-23.6 4" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation Model Number: 1631150 Johns Manville R-17.4 3" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation Model Number: 1631149 Johns Manville R-11.4 2" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation Model Number: 1631147 Volume Pricing of $25.59 / ea- 24 units or more.

Floors:

• Suggested R Value 25.  Use 8 in Batt or Spray Foam Insulation.  8 Inch batt would be cheapest but not necessarily the best.

Green Possibility: It is possible to install a heated flooring system that would eliminate the need for HVAC heat system.  This type of flooring system is called radiant heating.  The heating is accomplished using electricity to heat wires, heat mats or tubes with liquid that is heated by electricity, solar, or gas.  

• Radiant Flooring systems warm the floor and the heat rises into the rooms.  This also eliminates cold spots hvac fail to work in.
• The use of this may depend on the final floor choice selected.  If it was going to be a tile floor I say yes.  Maybe not a good idea if a finished wood floor is chosen-discussion needed.  If you chose to install a concrete floor I definitely suggest a radiant floor heating system.

Walls:

• For a total Green Aspect (but not $ viable suggestion) Exterior insulation would once again be suggested.  Leaving you the option of utilizing the interior brick walls for aesthetic and old world design purposes.
• This same type insulation can be used on the inside but has to be covered to meet fire code.  1/2In Sheetrock.
• The Money saver is to build 2x4 framed walls with normal batt insulation and sheetrock.  But you loose the kool looking brick look.
• This is a final design choice you have to make.

Additional Points for consideration:

• Hot Water could be heated during the daytime easily with Solar.  I suggest an instant type heater installed for use when needed.  
• Liquid radiant flooring systems can be heated by Solar, tied into what ever system is used, or be independent with their own broiler system.
• Instant heaters without solar would require ½ the amount of pipes needed.  Only one cold water pipe to the fixture is needed.
• I work with Dale Or and Suzie with “Master Plumbers StLouis” permits and as my go to person to call for advice.
• I would like to introduce you to Slim Shady, Shady Jack’s son.  He is the one who built Shady Jacks and the 15+ bars they owned previously.  He knows his stuff about building bars and these old buildings.
• Everything in your place is going to use electricity.  Put in extra electric boxes or places to connect future lines.
• Along the same lines.  Buying Energy Star Rated Kitchen equipment when you can is a smart investment.
• Upgrades to electrical motors and fans on commercial equipment qualify for discounts from Ameren UE.

Solar:

1,565 sq ft estimate roof space from a couple of solar measuring satellite images- The “net cost” price quoted in the 3rd image is way off the mark.  Your system would be cheaper.

  

Notes:

• Using satellite imagery for determining roof size and using an electric bill of $400 / month.  Solar PV would cover the 50% or up to $200 per month.  $200 x 12 months = $2,400 yearly savings. 22 KW system
• Bill Size $500 Solar would cover 40%
• Additional Solar Panels could be installed on the West Wall of the Building- capture the afternoon sunlight.
• Additional Solar Panels could be used to create Open Air Spaces below where people could gather.  See picture above.
• Pole Mount systems picture above in the background.

• I’ve considered many things for your building.  The above suggestions would be my first choices and places that would save you money and create a green building to capture all the tax and other benefits available.  
• I welcome further discussion about anything I’ve mentioned and also assisting you with the renovations.
• For detailed and specific estimates I need to see: blueprints, design notes, floor plans.
• I have Green Building Financing Resources that may work to your benefit they will assist in: Solar PV and Water, Energy Conservation, Windows, Doors, Insulation, etc.

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

-->

Decks Notes, Examples, Ideas, Drawings

 A client has asked me for

Notes, Examples, Ideas, Drawings

for Decks.

• This link to all about ​Decks From my Website- all kinds of different things and information.
• The following image is a simple deck bench with a straight back followed by a photo of a Angled Back Deck Bench.

This Bench I made for the Picnic Table from leftover scrap wood I didn’t want to throw away.

I like the Angled Back Bench Seat it makes the seat like an actual comfortable lawn chair.

Deck Benches are kool.  They are not building code compliant.  “If you ever got in trouble in the future they would ask you to make them code compliant.”  Like they did on the following jobs site deck project photos. I did for a guy for totally different reasons.  (the building inspector and the realtor didn’t get along.  The building inspector was right the deck wasn’t right but there was nothing wrong with the deck. I painted it, added metal bracing, fixed the stairs, and added lattice.)  

• Saving a Deck From the Landfill- StLouis, MO - YouTube

▶ 4:44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUFw6-GYhQ

Feb 21, 2013 - Uploaded by Scotts Contracting

St Louis City Building Code Officials said: "Bring the Deck to Current Building Codes or Tear It Down". We ...

• Saving a Deck From the Landfill

https://plus.google.com/photos/+scottscontracting/albums/5715256359919427265

• Saving a Deck From the Landfill. 62 photos. · Shared publicly · ... Just added Action Photos to the Green Build Deck Project. Read more...https://plus.google.com/photos/+scottscontracting/albums/5715256359919427265

The reason Deck Benches are not code compliant is because a child could climb on the bench, and then climb up the back of the bench and fall over the side of the Deck.

This is the one of the best stains I’ve ever used.  I used it on this deck below.  What a kool deck this guy had, it was huge.  The stain was called TPW Stain.  He ordered it online and it came in the mail.  

Deck comes to life with TPWStain

StLouis, MO Town and Country, MO, USA Posted by Scotts Contracting  Labels: 10 Things to Know Before Building Your Deck , Deck Repair , Deck- Ideas and Photos , Decks Porches Patios , TPW Stain , Wood Preservation http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/2015/09/deck-comes-to-life-with-tpwstain.html

The lumber in the brown bench pictures above came from a project right off  macklind. Here is all the photos: https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPSm8EtTrpKpl4RddiUJuzQK7Ja54xU-zLKliOr  I want to point out that this lady chose metal to jazz up deck.  It was expensive, she liked the Natural Look and is why she didn’t have me protect the wood-with paint or stain- of the porch and pergola I built.

You might remember seeing this sticking along side of the road Macklind

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Low Cost Home Water Problem Solution

What a stroke of luck, neighboring Homeowners worked together and solved the water issue that caused both basements to leak.

In the following Diagram is the layout of the water problem area in the Gangway between House A and House B.

Here is the low cost eco friendly water problem solution diagram that solves the water collecting in the Gangway between the two Buildings.

Gangway Water Issue and Solution

Submitted May 3, 2016- Offer Expires May 31, 2016 (based on prices of needed materials)

─

Scotty

Scotts Contracting St Louis MO

scottscontracting@gmail.com

Overview

House A initiated inquiry into eliminating water entering basement.  House A has Stone Foundation.  Inquiry with House B also has water infiltration issues in basement with stone foundation and is not opposed to hooking up drain collection point for both homes.

Goals

1. Eliminate the Water Infiltration into Basement for both Homes
2. Eco Friendly Options Requested
3. Repurpose and Upcycle Building Materials where possible
4. Match Existing Building Aesthetics
5. Affordable

Existing Problem

Sidewalk directs water towards foundation of House A and B instead of directing water away from home and foundation.  Heavy Rain showers cause water to enter into basements further deteriorating the existing mortar in the Stone Foundations.

Solutions and Options

• Expensive: Remove and Replace Existing Concrete Sidewalk with new concrete and install drainage system
• Less Expensive: Recover existing Concrete Sidewalk and install drainage system
• Least Expensive: Reposition and Recover Existing Concrete Sidewalk and install drainage system.

Safety Issues

1. Water Leads to Mold- If both homes have had water infiltration into the basement Mold growing on Stone Foundations is not uncommon,,.
1. https://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/rock-foundation-waterproofing-basement-wall/
2. 
2. Before Digging Call Underground Burial Locator Service [ Dig Rite ]
3. Scotty chose not to utilize House B Roof Drainage Collection Point- If the lateral drainage line in House B ever was blocked- all the water collected on House B Roof in addition to water collected in French Drain Tile System would allow the water to collect and pool between the houses and water would not be diverted away from basements.

Notes

1. Scotty will donate I leftover French Drain Tile from a previous project to use as the water collection and water diverter drain tile-$.
2. Portions of the Existing Concrete Walk will need replaced.  These chunks of sidewalk after removal could be incorporated into the French Exit Drain Point in Garden Area.

Costs

1. Expensive

2. Less Expensive

$2,000-$3,000

3. Least Expensive

$1,200-$1,800

Additional Information and Links from Document:

• "Scotts Contracting Green Build Services and Energy ..." 2012. 3 May. 2016 <http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/services.html>
• "St Louis Renewable Energy-Scotts Contracting | General ..." 2011. 3 May. 2016 <https://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/>
• "Rock Wall Foundation Repair and Waterproofing | St Louis ..." 2012. 3 May. 2016 <https://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/rock-foundation-waterproofing-basement-wall/>
• "Call Before You Dig | Missouri Public Service Commission." 2012. 3 May. 2016 <http://psc.mo.gov/General/Call_Before_You_Dig>
• "Missouri One Call System: Call 1-800-344-7483 (DIG-RITE ..." 2006. 3 May. 2016 <https://www.mo1call.com/>
• "French drain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." 2011. 3 May. 2016 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_drain>
• "4 in. x 100 ft. Corex Drain Pipe Perforated with Sock - Home ..." 2016. 3 May. 2016 <http://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-x-100-ft-Corex-Drain-Pipe-Perforated-with-Sock-04730100BS/100129255>

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. -->