50x50 Shipping Container Tornado Safe Room Design

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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

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Arched Window Shade CAD Design Sketches

I love the Arched window and the light it lets into and fills the room. But sometimes I would like to be able to block and filter the light. The Off the Shelf stuff for window treatments I didn’t feel are affordable and a good fit for what the vision I have for the window and how it fits in with the other decor. 

The design of the Window Treatment sold at Lowes I don't feel fits the decor and style of the Home Office Space I am creating.

The desired look I created in this space is a combination of Modern and Old World Style that eliminates the expensive molding and framing used to enclose or picture frame the window. I chose the sleek "no frame" inexpensive sheetrock only frame that blends in with the walls without destracting from the focal point of the room - Fireplace and Mantle.

Here are a my sketches of how I am going to DIY a window covering.  Scotty Nov 2020

I love the Arched window and the light it lets into and fills the room. But sometimes I would like to be able to block and filter the light. The Off the Shelf stuff for window treatments I didn’t feel are affordable and a good fit for what the vision I have for the window and how it fits in with the other decor.  Here are a my sketches of how I am going to DIY a window covering.  Scotty Nov 2020

While pondering the materials to use for the shade I am realizing how easy the oriental style fan design would filter the light, that train of thought inspired the idea that two or more filter systems could be created in varying degrees of filtration.

Stay Tuned as I figure out how to put it all together and work out the small stuff. I'll be posting more info in the near future on the Covid Home Office Makeover.

The upgraded and upcycled Antique Fireplace Mantle is also nearing completion! I should have it all put together soon.

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Video and Examples 6 Warning Signs of an Unsafe Deck

Examples of repairs mentioned in this video.  Per the video, the Number 1 Cause of Deck Failure is the Ledger Board coming unattached to the home.  In StLouis, many of the decks are attached to a Masonry Building here are photos and the steps on a prior deck repair that were needed to ensure a Deck Ledger Board Collapse did not happen from a poorly attached main support board.

https://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2016/07/deck-failure-fixed-prevented-building.html

In all the Deck Repairs I perform for my StLouis Clients there is generally a crucial step missing the prior deck builders ignored: Metal Connection Brackets and Supports. h/t @SimpsonStrongTi for sharing information on the subject and why its important https://t.co/E80AfZxwiC?

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) May 16, 2019

Here is another connection point mentioned in the video and the repair that saved the homeowner $6,000 dollars.  The Client had 2 Bids as suggested:  

Rebuild Deck Bid 1............................$38,000

Replace Deck Posts Only Bid 2.........$8,000.  

I was the third bid and beat the lowest bid by $6,000.

https://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2015/08/saving-deck-and-cash.html

This was a huge deck and had a total of 37 Posts.  After viewing this image I realized the Concrete did not fit with the Esthetics of the Home. I then stained the concrete to match! Here is the link to the project photos 

This blog post: 

Saving a Deck from the Landfill (part 1 of 3 part blog series) was yet another Deck Repair by Scotty-Scotts Contracting and the deck repairs were safety issues that prevented a future Deck Collapse.

Because the Deck was not built to current Building Codes the St Louis Building Code Department required- 

"Bring the Deck to Current Building Codes or Tear it Down"

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CAD Rabbit Cage Designed by Scotty

Rabbit Cage CAD Design by Scotty.   

Download or View this and other CAD design in the Skimble 3D Warehouse.

If you guessed this rabbit cage was for a little girl you are correct! The Pink Rabbit House is a dead giveaway.

Rear View Rabbit Cage

Front View Rabbit Cage

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TPO Roof - NO Touch Electric Ground Wire Installation

TPO Roof - NO Touch Electric Ground Wire Installation

A prototype CAD design has been created with SketchUp and uploaded as a Free Share / Open Source Design in the 3D warehouse

GAF TPO EverGuard 'strips" were fashioned around the Ground Wire attached to the rooftop communication equipment (Cable, Satellite, and Internet Antennas).  To keep the wire from rubbing holes in the roofing when the wind blows or from rain storms.  TPO strips (1in by 5in) were modified and welded to the existing TPO Roof surface to hold the Ground Wire 1 inch off the roof.  The modified NO Touch Electric Ground Wire attachments were placed 12 to 16 inches apart.

Ground Wire is held off the roof 1 inch with a 1in x 5in EverGuard TPO Strip-The TPO Roof will always be protected from the Ground Wire Rubbing a future hole in the Roof.
Installation Video see Green Blog: https://t.co/00PI08ZKJT pic.twitter.com/KTfShXLxbF

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) April 12, 2019

#FreeShare White #TPO CAD Roof Detail-St Louis Flat Roof Brick Wall
WhiteRoofs save money + reduce Heat-island effect. #StLouis pic.twitter.com/ICCQO0aAAF

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) April 11, 2017

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.

Here are the finer points.

Wrought Iron Security Fence Installation St.Louis location.  Client Supplied Used Wrought Iron Fencing for the Security Upcycle Project.  The crew at Scott's fabricated and installed the Security and Property Upgrade for the Clients.

• The wrought iron sections averaged 11 feet 6 inches in length and were 6 feet tall.

11.5 x 18.5 = 208.38 Pounds per section

• Post included, each section weighed around 250 pounds.

9 Sections x 250 = 2,250 Total Pounds

• The Total Weight of the Wrought Iron used on the project is 2,250.  250 pounds over a ton!

Total Weight 1 Ton 250 Pounds

Gates: Wrought Iron Gates were chosen and were fabricated from the same style of wrought iron fence

• Back Gate has a 30-inch opening swing

• Side Gate has a 40-inch opening swing

• Side Gate secured by Slide Latch Locking Mechanisms equipped for a Padlock.

• Rear Gate will utilize a Padlock and Latch that is secured by the Garage.

Note: 42 in Gate 60 in tall weighed 60.8 pounds. 18.2 pounds per foot.

Day 1 Installation Job Site Photos are available here and on Pinterest.

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.

Wrought Iron Security Fence StLouis Design Build Upcycle Project

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.

Wrought Iron Security Fence StLouis Design Build Upcycle Project

6 Feet Tall Black Iron - Wrought Iron Fence Installation Photo 

Overhead View Diagram Gate A and B 

Welding Services Wrought Iron Safety Security Fence Project Scotts Contracting

Welding Services Wrought Iron Safety Security Fence Project Scotts Contracting

Welding Wrought Iron Safety Security Gate Scotts Contracting

additional project photos are viewable on Pinterest

What are you growing in your garden this year ?

2017 Garden Plot and Flower Planting 

Its been so warm in StLouis the past few weeks I went ahead and started some garden work.  3 kinds of lettuce were started as well as a few sweet carrots.

2017 Early Spring Planting Garden Photo 3x Lettuce 1 carrot

Scotty's Tidbits on Tumblr

I don’t trust Big Business and the poison they peddle in the grocery store. Today I started some cool weather plants and sowed 3 types of Lettuce and Sweet Carrots.

I couldn’t wait any longer to get the garden started. Its too early to be truthful. I’m sure I’ll have to protect the future plants from frosts that I know are the norm in the Midwest this time of year.

I felt it mandatory to start protecting numero'uno and make sure at least my diet is clean as can be.

Big Business is poisoning the food, poisoning the water, poisoning the air....

You’ve been warned protect yourself. 

Garden seeds are cheap and working with dirt for some reason will make a body feel good!

Scotty's Tidbits on Tumblr

as posted on 

The following flower planting Facebook Photo was done in the strip next to the fence.
 


I've also planted flowers, trees, and grass in a few more spots around the yard.  I will be posting progress photos and additional pictures of the 2017 Gardens and Flowers in the near future.

Growing your own food is the greatest thing you can do to ensure the good health of you and your family.  It will also save you $$$.

Cheers, Scotty 3/15/17

Mar 2017 Additional Gardening Photos

 Grass Seed after plumbing dig and repair

Lilac Bush

Flowering Cherry Tree

Bumblebees Love these Blue Flowers 

Grass Seed and Light Mulch Yard View

Grass Seed Light Mulch Street View

Grass Seed Prep 

small valleys, swale, and hills as natural water diverters

Gentle Slope Front Yard  Aesthetics

Easter Sunday Surprise First Rose Flower of the Year is Shaped Like a Butterfly 

Here are additional Easter Sunday photos of the "literal babies"

Wild Flower Sprouts in Wooden Baby Bed Rocker StLouis Yard Ornament

1st Rose of Year shaped like a Butterfly Bloomed Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday Surprise Rose Bloom

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.

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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

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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.

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