Construction Tip #87779 Stair Building Tip

#StairBuilding Tip- Metal Balusters require deep hole in Handrail> Tape around Drill bit as depth gauge- > 2 deep=NoNo

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  METAL BALUSTERS Drill HOle Depth Guage #87779 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

#StairBuilding Tip- Metal Balusters require deep hole in Handrail> Tape around Drill Bit as depth gauge -> 2 deep=NoNo pic.twitter.com/yoi5VnxfKw

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 20, 2015

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  METAL BALUSTERS DRILL HOLE DEPTH GAUGE #87779 BY SCOTTY

Drilling too deep is not an option as it would ruin the expensive Handrail.   With what seems like hundreds of holes to drill when mounting the metal balusters its better to be safe than sorry.  The tape ensures that I do not drill too deep; but, is deep enough to allow the placement of lower part of the spindle into its location that is plumb and inline with its brothers and sisters.

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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Saving a Deck and Stairs Material List

Material List for Saving the Deck - Client six thousand dollars with Exterior Stair Rebuild Photos

While dismantling the stairs to replace the rotten stair stringers and posts, it became clear there was a reason that the stairs had rotted.  It wasn't long after getting to the last stair removal that the answer to my question became readily apparent as I was getting doused by the automatic garden sprinkler.

Water Problem from sprinkler- coupled with the style that the previous builder used to construct the stairs by layering the 2x12s instead of using Stair Stringer Hangers also caused water build ups that led the the wood rotting faster.

Layering the 2x12s instead of Stair Stringer Hangers caused the wood to rot.

Old School- Built to Old Codes Stringer Attachment Deck Construction

Rebuilt Deck Stairs next step Lighted Stairs

Deck Stairs Material List:

• 5-2x12x8
• 6-1x6x8
• 2 small box 2 & 3 in deck screws
• 2-4x4x8 posts
• 4-2x12 Stair Stringer Hanger (Simpson Strong Tie)
• 2-4x4 Composite Post Base

Material and Tool List for Saving the Deck and Cash

• 37 composite 6 x 6 post base caps
• 40 bags Quickcrete (Fast)
• 3 bags sand topping mix
• 1 bag Portland Cement
• 16- 24 in #4 Rebar (1/2 in x 8 in Dowel Rods)
• Small Bundle Wire Ties and Wire Twister
• 2- 1 in x 8 in x 12 ft (10 in x 10 in Concrete Forms)
• Miscellaneous scrap plywood (concrete forms)
• Wheel Barrow
• Garden Hoe
• Flat and Round Nose Shovels
• Mag and Sponge Float
• Concrete Edger
• Torch Driver
• 1 1/2 in Screws
• 1 1/2 in Roofing Nails (attach the composite base plate)
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Small Square
• 10 in Chop Saw
• Right Angle Drill Adapter with 3/4 in dia "Shorty" wood bit
• Small and Medium Hammer
• Nail Puller
• Skill Saw 7 1/2 in blade
• Saw Saw wood blades
• Extension Cords

Build Notes:

• Temporary 2x4 Deck Supports were used
• Post Rotation System ensured continuous support for deck- every third post was worked on and no additional weight loads on new piers for 24 hr minimum.
• Forms Constructed for re-use / re-cycling saved manpower and materials

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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MOhemp Energy: The Key To Green Buildings

So why aren't more people adopting green building techniques into their home or business.  The biggest obstacle for adopting this technique into every building is the short term costs to implement these techniques.   

For those who have been reading about MOhemp Energy's plan to address this biggest obstacle: The technique and system of using the Hemp Seeds and Fibers to pay for every part of the process of growing and harvesting Hemp- from farming to the end result.  

This Will: enable MOhemp Energy to offer

the Hemp Hurds to clients and customers 

at the lowest possible costs.  Enabling the 

Hemp Hurds used to make #Hempcrete 

with little to no expense.  Thus allowing 

cheap and inexpensive alternative to 

building or renovating most any structure 

into a sustainable building.

If you build or renovate as a DIY project yourself, the lower costing sustainable Hemp Hurds materials will be a minimal investment.

MOhemp Energy: The Key To Green Buildings

Net Zero Container Home Prices

Since learning how affordable shipping containers are in StLouis-2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 with additional discounts on purchases of 5 or more. 

I wanted to share the open floor plan I had in mind for the 5 Container Layout with open concept living areas. 

5 Container Layout with open concept living areas

Rear View Shipping Container Layout Design

In a few days I'll publish the remaining Interior Designs Scotty.

Design Note: The Width of the distance between the container homes will be determined by the Client Budgets.  Wood Trusses are available in spans upto 100 feet.  The real question is how big do you want your open floor  plan to be?

If you have a specific Container Home design in mind and would like an opinion or design assistance contact me via the contact form and I'll get back with you.  Usually with 24 hrs.  Scotty

2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 with additional discounts on purchases of 5 or more.  Shipping Available.

Part 1: Net Zero Energy use from 4k Wind Turbine and Solar Panels System.

Part 2: Pricing Net Zero Container Home Interior View

Part 3: Finished Floor Plan Design for Net Zero Container Home published at a later date.




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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CAD Platform Bed with Drawers

Custom Design Build Bed
      is an improvement on a similar design build project I first did 15 years ago.   This design is an improvement on my original design that eliminates the trouble I had moving the bed in and out of the Home.

Instead of one huge piece of furniture to maneuver around this design has 4 sections: Headboard, Footboard, and 2 box springs or drawer sections.  When separated each section can then be moved by one person.

Platform Bed CAD design with storage

This is a project I'm looking forward to building for my girl!




Since posting this first design my girl has asked for taller bed posts.  I also had an additional idea on incorporating some metal rails into the footboard for a more modern look rather than a the solid look in the first photo.

The changes my girl asked for in the project were:

1. Taller Posts.  I raised the post to the highest point of the Arch Headboard.
2. I also added the Full Globes on the Bed Posts instead of the Dome type caps in the first design. 
3. I changed the Footboard to black medal rods as an option that we may or may not do.  Since she has asked for:
4. A place to add Gold Leaf Stencil Calligraphy!

Platform Bed with Drawers Final Design!

I've noticed a design flaw on future usability issue of 2 Drawers.

When bedside tables are added to the side of the bed, this will limit the use of the drawer under the pillow section- since it will not be able to be pulled out completely.  I'm a little undecided at the moment on whether I'll make it a dummy drawer for aesthetic purposes, or make it a full drawer that gets limited use.



Stay tuned for the final final design and build pictures!




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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Net Zero Container Home Solar and Wind Energy

5 Container Layout for open concept living areas. Net Zero Energy use from 4k Wind Turbine and Solar Panels System. Passive Solar Roof Overhang Design that doubles as support for solar panels and blocks summertime sun rays.

This CAD design was originally made for a client who was interested in a container home design. After the costs to buy, renovate, and build a container home outweighed the cost of a larger and roomier Post Frame Building design they decided that maybe a container home wasn't the best fit for them and their growing family.

The Clients also requested a Rock Climbing Wall incorporated into the Home Design- ie Must Have. This was also the reason behind the design of the Container on its end sticking up above the remain home. With a few windows the container can also be used for a Natural Air Movement Home Ventilation Feature as well as house the Wind Turbine. This meets my design goals of a building feature that has 2 or more benefits is always a worthwhile addition!

There are no interior plans for this design. If you would like an interior design let me know and I'll work one up.  The usable interior floor plan space is 20- 40 feet wide (wooden truss system) x up to 40 feet long with up to 16 feet tall ceilings.   This allows plenty of space that could incorporate a variety of designs.
#BuildGreenScotty

5 Container Open Floor Plan Net Zero Green Home Design by Scotty

20 and 40foot Shipping  Storage Containers for Sale in St. Louis

$2,400.00 Wind and water tight containers. Great for storage.

2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 each with discount. If you order more than 5 containers we can give more discount.

If you need delivery please let us know your zip code for delivery options.

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

Design Build Loft CAD Designs Master Bath

 Design Build StLouis Green Home Rehab CAD Designs by Scotty
Master Bath-Marble Tile Decor, Sunken Jetted Tub, Dual Vanity, Closet Space, His and Hers, Grab Bars, Shower Seating Area, Age In Place Design for future handicap needs.

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. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources from Scotty-St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Design Build Loft CAD designs with Build Notes

Design Build Energy Efficient Loft Home Design CAD drawings and Build Notes for Brick Home LEED Rated Project:

• Exposed Brick Interior Walls- Soulard Red Mortar
• 2nd Floor Loft Railings will reflect the design chosen for the finishes- Modern, Rustic, Traditional, etc.
• Fireplace, Mantle, Smoke Stack- Final Design chosen to match existing finishings and the exposed brick walls.
• 3 Bedroom
• Master Bed w/Bath ea floor
• 2 Full Bath,
• 2-1/2 bath,
• Open Floor Plan-Kitchen,
• Utility Room,
• Dining,
• Great Room,
• 1st Floor Sun Room/Study,
• 2nd Floor Office/Spare Bedroom,
• 2nd Floor Deck,

• 

  Design Build Energy Efficient Loft Home Design CAD drawing

  
  

I propose:

• Make Fireplace focal point of front room and second floor Loft Area
• Loft removing 1/2 of the front room ceiling and floor system.
• This opens the entire floor plan up and gives options for incorporating fireplace, mantle, and smoke stack up the wall for Vertical Appeal.
• 2 Draw Backs to this design: 
• a: it is not as energy efficient to have ceilings that tall, windows that large and numerous. 
• b: the size of the opening is about the size of a bedroom.  So you lose a bedroom.

• On the Adjacent Wall- copy the existing design of where the Glass Block in the 1st Floor to Ceiling.  Directly above- copy and build this set up into the 2nd Floor as well.  This will tie the vertical space together. 
• Glass Block or:
• Stained Glass- would or could also be used for accent options.
• Since the existing flooring is damaged in the center of the room on the first floor; I also suggest to incorporate a design into the floor as an accent in front of the fireplace.  Matching the existing floor could prove to be a challenge- here's an example
• If you choose to use the fireplace for more than looks and for actual heating purposes, it wouldn't be too big of a deal to channel that hot air back into the rooms.

Energy Efficiency:

• Exposed Brick walls have little to no insulation value.
• If insulation is desired you have to insulate the outside or build walls on the inside.
• I have additional energy saving design tricks for brick walls up my sleeve that I will share at a later date.
• I say sacrifice the R Value for Koolness factor,
• To combat the energy loss from the walls means that whatever makes the heat needs to run cheap and use no fossil fuels.
• Geothermal is my first choice,
• Solar w/ Instantaneous is 2nd choice
• Full Insulation in Attic/Ceiling as well as
• Basement Walls and Ceiling (full ins)
• Geothermal Infloor heating or radiant floor heating with electric are heating options to minimize the HVAC heating.
• Fireplace- Emergency use or heating choice (high efficiency insert into a fireplace for increased energy efficiency- could be ducted into existing hvac ducts and used to heat home.)

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. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources from Scotty-St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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SolarPower Feed Bunk Cover Shade

Do you have a Livestock Feedlot?  Have you ever considered a Solar Power Feed Bunk Cover Shade for your feedlot?  With a clean energy solar system such this CAD Solar System design by Scotty you will be not only providing cover and shade for your livestock when they are feeding, it will generate income from the Sun for your operation.

The Solar Feed Bunk Cover Shade in these pictures is designed with American SunPower Solar Panels, covers 4000 sq feet, and is estimated to produce 59,680 watts of clean pollution free energy (based on 230w panels that produce 14.92 w/sq ft- (Other higher Output power producing solar panels are available-I used the 230w solar panels since they were already integrated into my computer drafting program from past Solar Projects I've designed.  To get the most bang for the buck I recommend the 300 or 400 watt solar panels )

  The following CAD designs are examples of the Solar Power Feedbunk Cover - Shade designed by Scotts Contracting-StLouis Renewable Energy that could be added to your existing structure or could be site built to fit your cattle feeding operation.  This example uses my Fathers Missouri Beef Cattle Operation.

 Solar Power Feedbunk Cover - Shade 

The Solar Power Feed Bunk Cover Shade can be added to an existing beef cattle feedlot such as the one pictured below. 

If an existing Feedlot shading system is not already in place it is possible to design build a Solar Power Shade to fit over your existing feed bunks.

it is possible to design build a Solar Power Shade to fit over your existing feed bunks

Birds Eye view of the SolarPower Feed Bunk Cover Shade, Cattle Pens, Barns, and Silo 

Birds Eye view of the SolarPower Feed Bunk Cover Shade, Cattle Pens, Barns, and Silo 

The following Diagram is the Suns yearly path over the SolarPower Feed Bunk Cover Shade

I found some interesting and easy to understand information about the REAP program- Rural Energy For America from FarmEnergy.Org who supports clean energy and rural economic Development

Rural Energy for America Program -

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)- Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program – Financing  The maximum amount of a REAP Guaranteed Loan is $25 million per loan request. The minimum loan amount is $5,000. Up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs can be covered through the REAP Guaranteed Loan Program. The Program provides guarantees to commercial lenders who make loans to rural small businesses or agricultural producers for energy projects. The rates and terms of these loans are negotiated between the lenders and the borrowers. The following guarantee limits apply: 85 percent for loans of $600,000 or less 80 percent for loans greater than $600,000 up to $5 million 70 percent for loans greater than $5 million up to $10 million 60 percent for loans greater than $10 million up to $25 million The following grant amounts apply: The minimum Renewable Energy System Grant request is $2,500 up to a maximum of 25 percent of eligible project costs or $500,000, whichever is less. The minimum Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant request is $1,500 up to a maximum of 25 percent of eligible project costs or $250,000, whichever is less. The following amounts apply to combination guaranteed loan and grant limits apply: The combined request cannot exceed 75 percent of total eligible project cost The above guarantee limits apply The maximum  REAP Guaranteed Loan is $25 million per loan request The maximum Renewable Energy System Grant request is 25 percent of eligible project costs or $500,000, whichever is less The maximum Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant request is 25 percent of eligible project costs or $250,000, whichever is less $250,000 The minimum combined funding request allowed is $5,000, with the grant portion of the funding request being at least $1,500 see http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei_Financing.html Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program – Eligibility Guaranteed Loan and grant eligibility is limited to rural small businesses and agricultural producers. An agricultural producer is an individual or entity directly engaged in the production of agricultural products (crops, livestock, forestry products, hydroponics, nursery, and aquaculture) whereby 50 percent + or greater of their gross income is derived from the operations.  A private entity is considered a small business in accordance with Small Business Administration’s Small Business Size Standards. The lender must be eligible for the program. Most lenders are eligible, including Federal and State-chartered banks, Farm Credit System banks, and savings and loan associations. Other lenders may be eligible if approved by USDA. For both loan guarantees and grants, project must meet the following conditions: The loan/grant must go towards the purchase of a renewable energy system or to make energy efficiency improvements The technology is pre-commercial or commercially available, and replicable The project must have technical merit, as specified in Rural Development Regulation 4280 subpart B A rural small business must be located in a rural area, though an agriculture producer may be located in a rural or non-rural area The applicant must be the owner of the project and control the revenues, expenses, operations, and maintenance of the project Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the financing term of any associated Federal loans or loan guarantees The project must have satisfactory sources of revenue, for the life of the project, that will be used for the operation, management, maintenance, and debt service of the project Eligible project costs for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements are: Post-application purchase and installation of equipment (new, refurbished, or remanufactured), except agricultural tillage equipment, used equipment, and vehicles Post-application construction or improvements, except residential Energy audits or assessments Permit and license fees Professional service fees, except for application preparation Feasibility studies and Technical Reports Business Plans and Retrofitting Construction of a new energy efficient facility only when: the facility is used for the same purpose; is approximately the same size; and, based on the energy audit, will provide more energy savings than improving an existing facility.  Only costs identified in the energy audit for energy efficiency improvements are allowed.  New  equipment as long as it is of similar size to the equipment being replaced Working capital (applicable for guaranteed loan only) Land acquisition (applicable for guaranteed loan only) see http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei_Eligibility.html Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program – Technology Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants must be used towards the project cost for the purchase, installation and construction of renewable energy generation systems. Eligible technologies under the program are divided into two categories: 1.) Renewable Energy Projects Biomass, bio-energy: produces fuel (e.g., biodiesel, ethanol), thermal energy, or electric power from a biomass source (crops, trees, wood, plants, their residues and fats, oils, and greases, and other biodegradable waste material) Biomass, anaerobic digesters: produces thermal energy or electric power via anaerobic digestion using animal waste & other organic substrates Geothermal, electric generation: electric power from the thermal potential of a geothermal source Geothermal, direct use: produces thermal energy directly from a geothermal source Hydrogen: renewable energy systems using hydrogen as an energy transport medium Solar, small: electric projects with rated power ≤ 10 kW; thermal projects with rated storage ≤ 240 gallons Solar, large: electric projects with rated power >10 kW; thermal projects with rated storage >240 gallons Wind, small: systems with a ≤ 100 kW-rated wind turbine & with a generator hub height of ≤ 120 feet Wind, large: systems with a >100 kW-rated wind turbine Hydroelectric: electric power from small hydro projects of 30 MW or less Ocean: energy generation from tidal, wave, current, and thermal sources – but not for R&D technologies Flexible Fuel Pump: a retail pump that combines and dispenses a blended liquid transportation fuel or dispenses a blended liquid transportation fuel 2.) Energy Efficiency Improvements Projects include any energy savings measures to businesses or agricultural operations including but not limited to replacement of inefficient equipment, retrofitting, insulation or any recommended improvement identified in the energy assessment or energy audit. REAP Application Resources and Templates via Farm Energy .Org http://farmenergy.org/tools/tools-and-templates This and related pages are being updated to reflect changes in the new Rural Energy for America Program – REAP from the 2014 Farm Bill. The materials and links on this page will help applicants more efficiently prepare effective REAP applications. Is it important that applicants contact their state USDA Energy Coordinator early in the application process. Your state Energy Coordinator needs to perform an environmental review at the project site that must be completed for your application. They can help to review your project for program eligibility, for application assistance and to learn about additional resources specific to your state and region. (Plus, the State offices directly allocate some REAP funds). The Missouri Office and Contact Person is: Matt Moore, USDA Rural Development 601 Business Loop 70 West Parkade Center, Suite 235 Columbia, MO 65203 573.876.9321 matt.moore@mo.usda.gov

While I pride myself for being inventive, futuristic, and having the entrepreneurial spirit.  I realized today while searching Google Beef Feedlot images that I wasn't the first one to realize the potential of bringing solar panels to the Feedlot and Beef Cattle Industry.

I tip my hat to Feed Central!

 Ecofriend published an article: 

Cattle Feedlot Solar Field: A new concept in solar energy development and claims the title: World’s First Cattle Feedlot Solar Field that is located in Australia.  

www.feedcentral.com.au/contact.asp‎

10775 Warrego Highway

Charlton QLD 4350, Australia

+61 7 4630 4899

feedcentral.com.au‎

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. Build a Green StLouis Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog