Another website update

We’ve added a few new work photos – particularly check out the Oakland Victorian project.

California’s rebate program for old appliances

From approximately April 22 to May 23 (or until the money runs out), the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program will be in effect.  Rebates will be given to people who purchase newer, energy efficient appliances.  More information can be found at: www.cash4appliances.org.

Website update

We are in the middle of updating the website, to make it compatible with as many browsers as possible.  Should be done in about one week – thanks for your patience!

New certification and classes

On February 6th, I took an earthquake retrofitting class at the Alameda County Building Education Center.  This center offers some great classes for contractors and homeowners alike.  Check them out at www.bldgeductr.org, 510-525-7610.

My EPA individual lead renovator certification arrived, and I filled out the application for the firm of JPL Construction to also be certified by the EPA.

Recent classes taken and upcoming

I recently took and passed a new course on lead safety, which is now required by the EPA and HUD.  I will now mail in applications to the EPA to be a certified renovator and firm.  I also recently took a course on green building, where topics discussed included: using recycled materials, how home design can minimize energy usage, low-toxicity materials, etc…

On February 6th, I will be taking a course on earthquake retrofitting your home.

Current job – large remodel

2-story remodel of 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in San Francisco – elevated the house up off the existing foundation to remove old foundation and replace with new, due to foundation deterioration.  Reframing the entire house – new floorplan.

Forming the foundation

Demo phase

Preparing to elevate the house for new foundation

Half wall at top of stairs

Framing for skylight

Framing for stairs to second floor

4×12 beam

Plumbing for double-vanity

Upstairs set of windows

Front porch

Knowing your bathroom remodel – Part 2

The final process of the bathroom remodel requires attention to detail. 

Grouting of tile, priming and painting, installation of baseboards and fixtures.  About 4 days of work. 

 

 

Proper lay-out of tile to center of shower enclosure is important.

Centering the room for the tile floor makes the room look more uniform, so that your reveals are even all the way around the whole bathroom.

Notice tile width adjacent to both wall and tub are the same.

 

New toilet, vanity, mirror and fixtures installed, to complete the remodel.  Total time to gut and remodel this bathroom, with three inspections in-between, was three weeks (with two people working).

Knowing your bathroom remodel

Pre-demo of 4x8' bathroom

A bid for a bathroom remodel is based on multiple factors – square footage, time, materials, electrical, plumbing, permits, design, etc…  Some people might assume that a remodel of a standard-sized bathroom (5×8′) would be a quick and easy job, when in fact, it can be just as time-consuming as the remodel of a much larger bathroom.  Your manpower is limited by space.    There is still the element of the unknown – issues that are discovered during the demo phase of the remodel.  Time with the client is required to assist them with the design elements such as tile, fixtures, paint colors, and so on. 

In a larger bathroom, two people could demo the concrete subfloor while one person removed debris; in this size bathroom, demo was done by one person while another person removed debris. 

Demo of concrete subfloor

 The demo phase of this project took 2 days with 2 people.  There was a 4′ high tile surround on every wall that was laid over plaster and lath, which increased the demo time because you must be careful when removing tiles in order to not damage the wall.

4' high tile surround

In the smaller bathroom remodel, there is still the time needed to coordinate with the plumber and electrician.  Rough-in inspection follows, and we then proceed with closing up the walls, which is then followed by the nailing inspection.  From here on out, we are able to continue work without interruption until final inspection.  

Tub surround

We start by laying out the tile for the tub surround.  This particular tile phase involved multiple, different sized tiles, and took 2 people two and a half days to complete.  Grout will follow, and upon completion, painting, baseboards and installation of fixtures.

Tile set, pre-grout.

More photos to follow upon completion of remodel.

Bathroom completed

We have installed the newly refinished clawfoot bathtub, along with the sink and toilet.  This remodel also included retexturing and fixing all flaws on the walls, and painting.  Installed picture frame paneling, which I designed.  Client is very happy with the finished product, and we are doing another unit in the same building.  In this additional unit, we are skim coating the ceilings to remove all blemishes and visible flaws before painting.

Bathroom

A gut and remodel of a 7×7 bathroom in San Francisco. We are not done but it is ready for paint. New tub , 

sink and toilet will be installed after paint,