HVAC Return Cover

 It's been a couple of years since I repaired these steps along with designing and installing the panel system. My friend and client hasn't been in a rush to upgrade the AC system or have me build the return cover now that its been up and running for over a year. But I'm baby sitting the bathroom plaster repair so I may as well get it built along with a little touch up painting and floor patching. Always easy to find something to do in 66 hundred square feet.

Born To Build

My Great Grandfather was in partnership with two of his brothers building huge homes in Richmond's Fan District before and at the turn of the 20th century. I've renovated one of their houses for a family in the 90's and the home I've been working on the past few years is across the street from this one. 

This was two homes plus an apartment built by two families in 1906. It still has multiple units in it with the new owners living there also.

 I think this is the owner's mom. They were excited to find out why I was taking pictures of their home.

 My hands on part of this bathroom renovation is finished other than changing out some fixtures and hooking them to the water/drain.

 I've draped plastic to keep my plaster buddy from having to worry about slinging finish coat all over my work. I'll make sure he has everything he needs while building an HVAC return cover then next week hang another exterior door on this house.

White Coat Separating From the Brown Coat

  The finish coat plaster has de-laminated from the "scratch coat" plaster and will be restored in this century old home. This is the same home I've been working in off and on since October of 09' and believe it or not This bathroom is not a very big job.

 I'm adding a five foot fir bead board wainscoting to the bottom half before I let my plasterer in to set up his scaffold and repair the top half. I'm gluing and nailing the 3 inch T&G boards to the intact plaster then installing a 6 inch beaded base around the bottom nailed to studs along with a cap and molding around the top also nailed through to the studs. Between that and the 2 cases of construction adhesive I created a monolithic panel that isn't going to move.

I'm a Good Listener

 This little project is ready for screening and the door install. Have to wait a week for the special order cedar screen door and for my buddy Jimmy of Screen Mobile. But turn around on this has been quick and the owner is really excited. Apparently no one else got the idea of what she wanted or didn't listen or just didn't know what to do. Two other "improvement" contractors looked at this, they were told the idea was to add railing to match the existing, an opening for a screen door along with framing to receive the screening. They both then tried to talk her into taking the easy way out, whatever that is. I don't bash my competition. If you're good at this type of work and you get the job then you deserve it. I have even worked for businesses that I bid against in the past but when I hear these stories I can't help but smile a little. I know these guys and for what they do they're both good and honest. But in this case, the owner needed someone to listen be creative and make it look like it's always been there.

East Coast /West Coast

                                         Made In The Shade
 In Virginia taking on a few projects for clients in between working on my investment property and looking for a full time position in Orange County California. On this job I'm adding a matching rail to be able to enclose this side porch with screening. It's an 80+ year old Craftsman Style home where I'm making sure I keep the original architectural element from being compromised by the screen install. Only a little creative thought needed to insure nothing gets notched to receive the framing members. Western Red Cedar dressed along with a cedar screen door all painted to match existing color.