Month: January 2021

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

Installing a new shower base

There are many reasons why you may need to install a new shower base in your home. Perhaps your old one has become cracked, stained, or you are doing a bathroom remodel. Shower pan installation is one of the more straightforward plumbing jobs you can do. A new shower base can be the lift that your bathroom needs to make it feel like new again. This article explores how to do it yourself. 

Benefits of updating your shower base

If your shower base is leaking, the benefits of installing a new one are apparent. If your old concrete shower base has become cracked or damaged by water, you may need to install a new one to protect your floors and your home’s structural components. Even if that is not the case, there are many other reasons why you may want to install a new concrete shower base and replace your old shower pan. Some older shower bases were made to be shallow. You can replace your older model with a deep shower base that will help do a better job of keeping your floor from getting wet. A fibreglass shower base is a durable choice, especially when properly installed on top of concrete.

Source: Architest

Is it easy to DIY a shower base installation?

A DIY installation is easy, but it does involve some concrete work and some minor plumbing work. A shower base replacement is an easy task most of the time, but if your old plumbing is in the wrong place, the job can quickly become complicated. If you do not follow the instructions properly or are inexperienced, it can result in an improper installation. This can cause major leaks and potentially cause structural damage to your home. It is best to make sure that you understand the entire process before attempting to do it yourself.

Materials and tools

If you are going to install a shower base yourself, there are quite a few materials and tools that you will need. This list assumes that all of the old plumbing fits the new shower base, and no extra plumbing work is required. A licenced plumber must handle anything beyond the minor plumbing work needed to be done in these instructions because of proper venting and local building requirements. Here are some of the things you need to have on hand before you start the job.

  • Drill with a mixing attachment 
  • Bucket
  • Trowel
  • Measuring jug
  • Spirit level
  • Sponge or cloth for wiping excess cement and adhesive
  • Bag of premixed sand and cement or subfloor levelling compound
  • Adhesive recommended by the manufacturer
  • Access to clean water
  • Shower drain flange 
  • Gasket and drain screen 
  • The new shower pan 
  • Hole saw
  • Caulk and Sealant

Contact local plumbers

How to install a shower base

  1. Make measurements: You need to make measurements to purchase a shower base that will fit into our space. Before you set out to the hardware store, you will need the area’s overall dimensions, and it is a good idea to know where the drain is located. You should select a shower base with a drain that matches the old one. Otherwise, you can be in for some extra plumbing work.
  2. Cut holes in the floor: The first thing you will need to do is cut a hole in the floor for the plumbing to come through. If you are fortunate, the old hole will line up and, and you can skip this step. If you need to do this, place the new shower base into position and check to see if the holes line up. In case they do not line up, use a pencil to mark the shower drain location. Cut a hole in the subfloor. Do not make the hole too big. 
  3. Cut recesses: You might need to cut recesses into the studs to make the new shower base fit. If you are not an experienced carpenter, you need to be extra careful so that you do not destroy the integrity of the wall. 
  4. Mix cement: Now, it is time to create a solid base for your new shower pan. If you are installing a shower base on concrete floor foundation material, you will not need to place additional concrete on top. You can use a subfloor levelling compound and adhesive to glue the shower pan in place. If you are installing on a wood floor, you need to mix cement according to the directions.
  5. Lay the concrete: Lay the concrete base according to the directions. Make sure it is as smooth as possible, and be sure to make it the recommended thickness. The cement base should be smooth and level. Allow the concrete to dry and cure for the time recommended in the directions. Ensure the concrete base is completely dry before installing the new shower base on top of it.
  6. Install the shower base: Installing the shower base requires an adhesive recommended by the shower base manufacturer. Apply the adhesive and install the shower base on top of it according to the directions. Make sure to line up the drain holes and use a spirit level to ensure that it is not installed at a slant.
  7. Insert nogs: Place the rubber gasket so that it is seated properly around the drain pipe. Reinsert the drain, fittings, and screen. It is a good idea to test the shower drain to make sure that it does not leak. Allow the adhesives to dry for the recommended time, and the job is now complete.
  8. Waterproofing a shower base: Once the adhesive has cured, and you are sure that there are no leaks, you can seal around the new shower base with caulking to provide a waterproof seal. 
Source: Dell’arte

How to hire a shower installer 

This article outlined the simple version of the installation process. Along the way, you can run into issues like plumbing that needs to be rerouted or structural work that needs to be repaired. If you do not get the foundation level and smooth, the new base will not function properly. As you can see, it is possible to do this job for yourself, but this is one instance where it might be wise to hire a professional from the beginning.

Licencing and qualifications

At the bare minimum, a plumber must meet state and local licencing requirements. You will want to find someone who is experienced and has a solid reputation for this type of job. You might also need the services of a tiler, electrician for shower lighting, or a carpenter. Shower base installation is usually performed as part of a bathroom renovation. Some contractors have all of the licencing to do the entire job, while others will need to hire a subcontractor. Make sure that everyone who will be working on your new shower and shower base has the proper qualifications to do the job right.

Categories
Construction

How to build stairs

If you are planning a DIY deck project, one of the most important parts is building the stairs. Maybe you need to add a short set of steps to reach your back door or a shed. These are projects that you can accomplish yourself, but most of the time, stairs on the inside of the home must be constructed by a licenced contractor. If you are thinking about building a small set of steps for your landscape or outdoor project, this article will help you understand the process.

How easy is it to build steps for a deck?

The answer to how easy is it to build steps for a deck is that it is a manageable process, but some parts of the process require time to get right. Outdoor timber steps are a relatively easy project as far as materials and carpentry skills are concerned. You can always purchase ready-made outdoor steps and attach them to your deck with minimal skills. The most challenging part of how to build steps for a deck is getting the steps level and the proper height. You want to make sure that they are easy to get up and down and do not slant and cause a tripping hazard.

Stairs leading a second level / Source: Mitroteam Projects

What is the standard rise and run of stairs

Before beginning the process, make sure to check your local building codes, because even for a short set of outdoor deck stairs, some areas have strict regulations. The first thing that you need to know about how to build external timber stairs is the standard stair step height that is required. 

The first thing you must do is calculate the proper rise and run for the stairs. This is the most crucial part because it will affect the staircase’s stability and overall usability. The rise is the total height of the stairs from the ground. The run is how far out the stairs will need to go to create stairs that are not too steep and difficult to navigate. The height of each stair is a function of this calculation.

Materials and tools

Here are some of the basic materials and tools you will need to complete your staircase construction. Keep in mind that DIY stairs will require some basic carpentry tools, and purchasing the proper safety equipment is always a must. Make sure that you have all of the required tools and materials on hand before you begin your project.

  • Tape measure and carpenter’s pencil
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Spirit Level
  • Cordless drill and decking screws
  • Circular saw or hand saw
  • Clamps 
  • Lumber for the stringer, treads, and risers
  • Bracket designed to attach the stairs to the deck, house, and flooring 
  • Paint and approved outdoor sealant 

How to build deck stairs

Now that you have your materials, it is time to begin constructing the stairs. 

  1. Calculate the stair rise and run: The first thing you need to do is calculate the stair rise and run. You need to determine how many steps you will need to make the stringers carry the treads and risers. First, measure the total height that the stairs will need to cover. This will be measured from the ground or flooring to the deck’s top board. The standard step height is between 16.5 and 20.3 cm. The best step size for stairs is 17.7 cm on average. Divide the height of the rise by this number. This will tell you how many steps you need. The tread’s width needs to be no less than 22.8 cm so that your entire foot can fit on them. Multiply the number of stairs by the tread width, and this will give you the run of the stairs. This is the length the stairs will extend from the deck or home. 
  2. Measure and cut stringers: Once you have these measurements, it will allow you to cut the stringers accordingly. You will need to accommodate for at least 22.8 cm horizontally, and the stairs’ height. This template will look like a sawtooth pattern. It will have a place for you to attach the treads and risers securely. It is important to make sure that your cuts and measurements are accurate. Otherwise, your stairs could have a slant, which could cause a tripping hazard. This is the most critical part of the building process.
  3. Install stringers: The first thing that you need to do is to securely attach the stringers to the house or deck and the flooring or ground. If you are attaching to the ground, you will need to get brackets that hold H3 CCA posts. Special brackets will also be needed for attaching to wood or concrete surfaces. 
  4. Install risers: Next, use decking screws to attach the risers to the stringers securely. When installing the risers, make sure that everything is flush and secure. Countersink all of your screws to make sure that none of the heads stick out and can snag on clothing or shoes.
  5. Install treads: Installing the tread is a step that requires special attention. They should be securely attached with decking screws and countersunk, just as with the risers. Even if you accurately cut the stringers, it is still a good idea to double-check each tread as you install it with a spirit level to make sure that it is flat. Make sure you know how to level stairs before beginning this step. 
  6. Attach trim boards: Now, you can attach the trim boards and give your project a finished, professional look. 
  7. Varnish and seal: The final step is to varnish and seal the decking. Make sure to use a product designed for exterior decking. You should also choose one that will not cause slipping or become slippery when wet. Installing grips to the treads can help prevent a tripping hazard. Now, your deck stairs are ready to use. 

Contact local decking experts

How to build interior stairs

Building interior stairs uses a similar process as building outdoor stairs for decks. In some houses, the rooms’ size and way out may make the calculations trickier than for outdoor deck stairs where you have plenty of space. The process is similar, but building codes and stair dimensions are different for the house’s interior than for the outside. Most inside stairs require a licenced contractor for the job. 

A simpler project / Source: Quality Timber Decking

How to hire a builder

As you can see, building a set of stairs looks like an easy process, but it is quite complicated. Suppose you get the calculations wrong or miscut one of the stringers. In that case, you can end up with a set of stairs that is a hazard, look unattractive, and that could land you fine if the inspector happens to see them. Safety is the most important consideration when building a set of stairs, so if you do not have the experience or knowledge to do it right, this is one job that is better left to the professionals. 

Licencing and qualifications

Your contractor must have a carpenter’s license and a general contractor’s licence to complete the job. Some locations have special requirements that must be met. It is up to you to make sure that you hire a contractor who is licenced and qualified to complete the job properly so that your stairs will be safe for you and your family.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

How to install a shower screen

Installing a shower screen is an easy way to give your bathroom a luxury upgrade. Several types of shower screens are available, including frameless, framed, semi-frameless, sliding doors, and pivot doors. Installing them is an easy job that can give your bathroom the uplifting change it needs.

How easy is it to DIY a shower screen installation?

Shower screen replacement is a relatively easy installation process. The most important consideration is that if your shower is recessed inside a wall, you must get one that perfectly fits the opening. Otherwise, you could be in for some construction. If your shower is tucked into a corner of your bathroom, or you already have a free-standing shower screen, the process is relatively easy. The process involves removing the old shower screen, putting the framework and screen panels in place, and waterproofing them. 

Shower screen options

With a quick search online, you can find many shower screen ideas and options. Fully-framed shower screens are a popular choice for bathrooms of all sizes. This type consists of glass panels that are supported by an aluminium frame. They are a budget-friendly choice and have a clean, modern look. 

Frameless shower screens are sleek and minimalist in their design. This choice features glass panels supported by minimal hardware. They are excellent for small spaces and give the bathroom a high-end, luxury look. You can also choose semi-frameless shower screens, which are between the framed and frameless types in terms of the frame’s visibility. 

Sliding door shower screens are an excellent space-saver and a practical solution for small spaces. The doors slide along tracks that are easy to install. Pivot door shower screens open just like a standard door. They are an excellent choice if you have the room. Bi-fold doors and quadrant shower screens are also available. As you can see, you have many choices when it comes to designing your bathroom the way you like it and options for all sizes and shapes of spaces. 

A new shower screen will help to modernise the space / Source: River City Constructions

Materials and tools

Before you get started on your DIY shower screen installation, you will need a few items first. 

  • Shower screen of your choice
  • Nylon wall plugs
  • Shower screen gap filler or bathroom silicone
  • Marker
  • Caulking gun
  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Impact driver
  • Large spirit level
  • Measuring tape
  • Pop rivet gun
  • Screwdriver 
  • Trimming knife
  • Clear setting blocks
  • aluminium water stop
  • Sealant (Bostik or other known brands)
  • Gloves
  • Safety Glasses

If you purchased a pivot door type screen, you would also need shower screen door pivot hinges if they are not included in the kit. Before you head out to the hardware store, make sure that you know how to fit a shower screen to your existing shower base. The shower screen should fit just inside the lip of the shower base.

How to install a shower screen

Here are the basic steps for installing a shower screen that applies to any shower screen that you purchase. The main difference between installing a frameless or shower screen with a door is that you may need to install hinges or a sliding track according to the manufacturer’s directions. 

  1. Clear the area: The first step to installing a shower screen is to remove the old one and clear the area. You will want to start with clean, dry surfaces. Assemble all of your tools, and layout the hardware according to size and shape. Ensure that you have the correct numbers of hardware for each step according to the screen installation directions.
  2. Attach channels/brackets to the wall: The next thing you need to do is mark the brackets’ position and channels on the wall and floor. Use your spirit level to make sure everything is straight and square. Also, make sure that the bottom channel fits inside the shower screen base’s bottom lip. Next, you can use the mounting hardware to install the channels and brackets. Make sure to do this in the order recommended by the directions, and make sure they are straight and level. Otherwise, the grass may not fit inside correctly. 
  3. Position and attach the hinge: Next, you should attach the hinge to the frame or glass panel according to the directions. The type of attachment will depend on whether you chose a frameless, framed,semi-frameless, or shower door as your screen. 
  4. Install each panel one at a time. Once the hardware and hinges have been installed, it is now time to install each glass panel. It is recommended that you start with the ones next to the wall first and work your way out. Glide each panel slowly and carefully into the channel and secure it in place with the appropriate hardware. The next step is to install the glazing seals and secure them in place.
  5. Install the support bar. The final step of the construction process is to install the frameless shower screen support bar. 
  6. Seal with silicone. Once all of the framework and glass panels are installed, it is time to waterproof it by sealing it with silicone. When waterproofing a frameless shower screen, you should only run a bead of sealant along the outside of the shower door. Make sure that it is smooth and pressed smooth inside the seams. You can clean up any excess with a damp cloth before it dries.

Contact local bathroom experts

How to apply silicone on shower screen

1) Make sure you buy the correct type of silicone. Some silicones are designed specifically for bathrooms so make sure you check the packaging before you buy. You should also make sure that there is enough sealant available as most jobs will require more than what comes in one tube of silicone.

2) Prepare the area first by removing any soap scum, grime, or previously applied silicone from around where you’ll be applying the sealant. 

3) Before making any cuts with your knife or scissors it’s important to test fit each piece of trim around your shower screen frame several times because once cut, there’s no going back! Take into account any drains at this stage too as it’s easier to move them slightly if necessary than having them in a fixed position during installation later on down the line which might cause unwanted problems.

How to remove a shower screen 

Before installing your new screen, you need to remove the old shower screen. To do this, loosen the hinges on the door and remove the glass door panel. Next, you can slide the glass panels carefully from their channels. Once this is complete, you can loosen the screws and fasteners from the top, sides, and bottom of the old shower screen. Ensure the area is clean, and you are now ready to install your new one.

Source: Newman Homes and Renovations

How to hire a shower installer 

Frameless shower screen installation can be an easy process, but handling the big glass panels and getting the framework straight can be challenging for someone inexperienced. The process itself is not complicated, but getting everything flush and secure is the most difficult part. Also, handling the large glass panels can be challenging for those who are not familiar with the task, and there is always a chance that you could break them. Installing a shower screen yourself will probably take more time than if you have a professional handle the job. 

Licencing and qualifications

Before hiring a shower screen installer, it is important to check their licencing, qualifications. It would be best to ask for references or pictures of jobs they have done. In Australia, shower screen installation must be done according to building codes and regulations because it is a wet area of the house. 

The installer must follow waterproofing regulations, floor waste regulations, ventilation regulations, electrical regulations, and other local and state regulations that may apply. In most cases, any bathroom renovations must be carried out by someone who has the proper state licence to do it. These requirements differ by state, and you need to make sure that your professional is licenced to work in the state where you live.

Categories
Outdoor living

How to build a backyard chicken coop

Chickens are an excellent addition to a small farm or backyard in areas where they are allowed. Before your poultry journey begins, you need to construct a chicken coop and chicken enclosure, or chicken hutch, to keep them safe and happy. This is a project that you can do yourself, or you can hire a professional. This article will address the basics of building a chicken coop using the DIY route.

Benefits of having chickens

The benefits of owning backyard chickens go beyond the eggs. If you are a gardener, chickens and a produce patch are the perfect combination for many reasons. Chickens provide a natural fertilizer that helps promote foliage and fruit set. They also forage in the garden picking insects off the leaves without harming larger plants. Chickens are also the perfect way to dispose of surplus vegetables or that slightly overripe apple or banana. Chickens are also fun to watch and make wonderful pets. 

DIY chicken coop ideas

If you have decided to add chickens to your backyard, the first thing that you will need is a chicken pen. You can find plenty of chicken coop ideas online that are both practical and creative. Backyard chicken coops come in many shapes and sizes. 

One of the primary considerations is where you plan to place your chickens. They should have access to some sunshine and some shade throughout the day, but they should also have a secure place for nesting and sleeping at night. The minimum requirements are two to three square metres per chicken inside the coop and four to five square feet per chicken outside. These are the minimums, but your chickens will be happier the more room you can provide. When building a chicken coop, keep in mind that chickens will fight in a crowded area, just like us. 

Chickens are very beneficial animals to have as pets / Source: KC’s Pets At Home

Materials and tools

There are many different ways to build a chicken coop, including easy to build chicken coops that come in a kit. If you are doing it from scratch, you can decide on a wooden chicken coop, aluminium chicken coop, or use some other material. The plans and this article are for a simple chicken coop made of wood that anyone with basic carpentry skills can complete. 

  • Tape measure and carpenter’s pencil
  • Carpenter’s square 
  • Hammer and nails 
  • Cordless drill and screws 
  • Spirit level 
  • C-clamps or bar clamps
  • A retractable knife or utility knife
  • A circular saw or hand saw
  • Outdoor timber framing
  • Marine-grade plywood 
  • Treated fence panelling or other material for the outside of the coop
  • Treated H3 CCA fence rail
  • Fence mesh
  • Wire mesh panel
  • Hinges and door latches 
  • Chicken coop plans

How to build a chicken coop DIY

If this is your first time building a coop and you do not have a lot of experience with these projects, it might be best to purchase pre-made plans.

  1. Cut all the required timber: The first thing you need to do is cut all of the required lumber to the proper size. Make sure to do this carefully and follow all safety precautions. To ensure precision, measure twice and cut once.
  2. Assemble the side and back supports: You may choose to use posts set in concrete to do this. If you do not, make sure that the posts are secure and that the soil around them is compacted. You can also purchase special brackets specially designed for this purpose.
  3. Assemble the roosting box: Hens typically do not sleep in the same place as they lay. Also, roosters need their own space within the coop. The roosting box typically consists of four wood pieces that are nailed or screwed together, forming a square.
  4. Assemble the nesting box: Hens need a special nesting box to lay eggs and brood chicks. Constructing the nesting box is similar to constructing the roosting box. 
  5. Attach the outdoor area: Now it is time to attach the wire mesh to the outside of the coop and create the outdoor daytime area. When doing this, pay extra attention to ensuring that it is secure and will keep predators and rodents out. 
  6. Assemble and attach the walls: Now, you can connect the side walls recording to the plans. Make sure to close any gaps so that the coop will be protected from the weather and keep pests out.
  7. Cut and attach the flooring. Cut and attach the flooring to the floor joist assembly. One tip is to attach hardware cloth to the flooring’s underside before laying it down. This helps to prevent rodents and small predators from getting into the coop. They cannot chew through the hardwire cloth, but they will try to chew through a hardwood floor. 
  8. Create and assemble the door: Now it is time to assemble the door and attach it to the coop with hinges. 
  9. Cut and attach cladding: The main coop area’s last step is to connect the outside cladding. Once again, using a hardwire cloth on the inside will help secure the main coop area from rodents and pests.
  10. Install ramp and chicken wire: Although most chickens can manage short flights, many require a ramp to get into the coop. You should make sure that it is non-slip, not something that they will not try to peck and swallow, and it must have steps made from boards attached to the plank to prevent slipping.
  11. Create and attach the roof: The last part of the major construction is to attach the roof. Make sure to use roofing felt and either shingles or aluminium roofing materials. 
  12. Create and attach a nesting box roof: The final touches include attaching a roof to the nesting box. Hens like to feel like they are in a cozy, secured area. They should have enough room to stand up and move around, but most of the time, they will only be in this area for a short time while they are laying eggs unless they are brooding. 
The more space chickens have the better / Source: Shutterstock

How to hire a builder

As you can see, even though building a backyard chicken coop looks like a simple process, there are many steps. You must have some basic carpentry skills and knowledge to be successful. Sometimes, it is less hassle and can be cheaper to hire a professional who knows how to do it right.

Licencing and qualifications

Unless you are running electricity or plumbing to the chicken coop, most chicken coop builders only need a general construction licence or carpentry credentials to do the job. Call around and get several quotes before hiring a contractor. It would help if you also read reviews or ask for photographs of their finished projects. 

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

Grow your own frangipanis

Frangipani trees are not only beautiful, but they also smell absolutely delicious as they start to flower into spectacular shades of red, maroon, pink, orange, yellow and white. Best of all, they’re perfect for a wide variety of hot, dry climates because they’re not vulnerable to fire or drought. They can also grow in difficult soils, such as those with high salt content. If you’d like to grow your own frangipani trees, here are the basics you’ll need to know.

How to get cuttings

Frangipani trees are typically grown from cuttings that can be culled from woody or herbaceous stems, as well as from softwood, hardwood and semi-hardwood sections of the tree. In order to take a cutting, you’ll need to use a tree that is in very good health. Frangipani sap can irritate and burn skin, so use gloves while cutting. 

Cuttings taken in winter or the plant’s dormant period will do much better than clippings taken at other times of the year. It should be a healthy adult tree that has plenty of trimmings to spare. Cut a branch that is about 20cm long. Once you have it, leave the cutting in a cool, dry place for at least a week to make sure the end is completely dry. The cutting can’t be in contact with soil, water or anything else or it won’t dry properly.

How to plant the cutting

Once the frangipani cutting is completely dry, it’s time to plant in into a pot. Make sure the pot is filled with free-draining potting mix, or even sand because this type of tree does not like to have its roots in standing water. The pot should be elevated from the ground a little bit so that the airflow extends all the way around the plant. You can plant right into the soil if you like but if you do so make sure the plant gets full sun throughout the day as it will require a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily. Keep the soil warm by using mulch but don’t allow the mulch to cover the cutting itself.

Frangipani trees thrive in well-drained soil with a slight acid content, so try to maintain a pH measuring 6.1 to 6.5. While they grow well in most soils and climates, frangipani trees greatly prefer hot temperatures and don’t thrive in areas where there’s severe frost. If you live in a cold climate, plant your tree in a pot and keep it indoors during the winter.

Source: Shutterstock

Use water sparingly

Frangipanis can’t take much water. While you might want to give the cutting more and more water to make sure it will take root, this will actually hurt the cutting. Water the cutting only once every few weeks — it shouldn’t need more than this. Over the next few weeks, you should begin to see roots developing, and the tree will begin to grow.

Moving the frangipani

Once your frangipani tree has grown roots into the potting mix, it’s a good idea to transplant it into a bigger pot of into a garden if you did not initially plant into a garden. Be careful while transplanting the cuttings, however, as the fragile roots can be easily snapped.

Contact local experts

Maintenance

During cooler months, frangipani trees need to stay dry, but they can be watered regularly during warmer seasons. While your frangipani is growing, enrich the soil with organic fertilisers that have high levels of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen, and add compost, fire ash and animal manure for maximum benefit. If your frangipani is potted, enrich the soil with a potting mix containing one-third sand, as well as a slow-releasing fertiliser.

Frangipani leaves are susceptible to moulds, rust and fungi. If these occur, apply fungicide sprays containing a solution of white oil and copper. Detergent or white oil mixed with milk powder also helps prevent powder-like mildew and rust. By nourishing the tree, you’ll help prevent disease and infection.

Frangipani trees thrive when they’re pruned, so prune and shape them regularly. If the branches are dense and crowded, prune them to a half or a third of their length. These branches will then sprout extra shoots from the pruned ends. To avoid these extra shoots, prune all the way back to the main trunk. This way, the tree won’t develop any more branches in that area.

If you aren’t an experienced gardener or you need a bit of advice concerning your frangipani trees, call a local nursery or landscape gardener for assistance. By giving your frangipani trees the care and maintenance they need, you and your family will be able to enjoy them for generations.