Home Reno & Repair
- I Love my LED Light Fixtures
- Building Green and Eating Organic
- A Springtime Mushroom Garden
- New Shower Head for Energy Savings
- Happy St. Patrick's Day!
- Staying Warm with Pellet Stoves
- Of Lawnmower Repair & Weed Eaters
- Life as a Journeyman Carpenter
- Mission Energy Conservation
- Decks and Real Estate Instability
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Installing two small battery-powered LED undercabinet lights were all I needed at my workstation. My flat screen monitor looks great and I lower my utility bills.
Ok, I admit it. My name is Kelly Smith and I'm a frugalaholic. There, now that the cat's out of the bag, I feel better. But I've got to tell you, I like to save money. So I have become very fond of the LED lights at my desk/work station.
See, in my home office, my desk/work station is one of those curved ones that fits into the corner of the room. Above and slightly behind me is the ceiling fan which runs continuously as I work. (Don't have to set the air conditioner so low!)
Even though I've fitted it with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it still seemed like overkill unless I'm reading for research. So I said to myself, "Self, how can I improve the situation?"
I had seen these little LED undercabinet light fixtures at Home Depot and I thought, well, why not?
These aren't the larger, fancy ones. They're round, about two inches across, and have adhesive on the back. My keyboard and monitor sit underneath the curved desk top so I stuck a couple of these on the underside of the desk top and viola!
They not only provide just the right amount of light, but they'll probably last at least a year on battery power. That, and there's no glare on the monitor screen.
See, in my home office, my desk/work station is one of those curved ones that fits into the corner of the room. Above and slightly behind me is the ceiling fan which runs continuously as I work. (Don't have to set the air conditioner so low!)
Even though I've fitted it with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it still seemed like overkill unless I'm reading for research. So I said to myself, "Self, how can I improve the situation?"
I had seen these little LED undercabinet light fixtures at Home Depot and I thought, well, why not?
These aren't the larger, fancy ones. They're round, about two inches across, and have adhesive on the back. My keyboard and monitor sit underneath the curved desk top so I stuck a couple of these on the underside of the desk top and viola!
They not only provide just the right amount of light, but they'll probably last at least a year on battery power. That, and there's no glare on the monitor screen.
Building Green and Eating Organic
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Economic circumstances are forcing us to change our home building habits and our food choices as much as our desire to be good stewards of the earth.
Just lately there seems to be more emphasis on all things green and organic. I guess it's due to the fact that Earth Day happened recently and the main thing in the news cycle is Hillary and Obama slapping each other.
Yesterday I was at the gym on the treadmill watching CNN. They were discussing the fact that food prices are rising due to fuel costs and the corn crop getting hijacked by the bogus fuel, ethanol. This is leading consumers in some areas to buy their produce directly from the farmers. Good idea.
But then, listening to a home improvement show on the radio later, I found out more about green home building than I ever imagined. For example, did you know that one criteria is that the building materials should come from a close location? I believe he said less than 500 miles away.
Well, that makes sense. Especially in light of transportation costs.
Whether you support the global warning issue or not, there's no denying the fact that keeping utility bills low is a good idea. Of course, I've been on that mission around my home for a couple of years now. I've done the radiant barrier paint, gone to compact fluorescent lights, and added to my attic insulation.
We bought a new refrigerator in the middle of last year and it's certainly saving some juice. Gotta love the ENERGY STAR!
Yesterday I was at the gym on the treadmill watching CNN. They were discussing the fact that food prices are rising due to fuel costs and the corn crop getting hijacked by the bogus fuel, ethanol. This is leading consumers in some areas to buy their produce directly from the farmers. Good idea.
But then, listening to a home improvement show on the radio later, I found out more about green home building than I ever imagined. For example, did you know that one criteria is that the building materials should come from a close location? I believe he said less than 500 miles away.
Well, that makes sense. Especially in light of transportation costs.
Whether you support the global warning issue or not, there's no denying the fact that keeping utility bills low is a good idea. Of course, I've been on that mission around my home for a couple of years now. I've done the radiant barrier paint, gone to compact fluorescent lights, and added to my attic insulation.
We bought a new refrigerator in the middle of last year and it's certainly saving some juice. Gotta love the ENERGY STAR!
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Putting in a mushroom kit allows for harvesting gourmet "wild" Morel mushrooms while avoiding the high supermarket prices.
Spring is here and this year I'm trying something new - a Morel mushroom garden. I love mushrooms; portobello, shiitake, and others. But I hate paying the high price in the grocery store. So growing my own from a kit seemed the obvious choice.
The kit itself is a clump of what seems to be a cross between light, fluffy dirt and sawdust. The spores are in there somewhere, I'm told.
They like shade so I picked a place in my garden under the arching crepe myrtle branches. I wanted a raised bed since the literature asks for well-drained soil.
I built a "box" using cedar fence pickets. The price is right, chemicals are absent, cedar weathers well, and it has been said that it shuns insects. Then I filled it with dirt and turned it over a few times with some organic matter. Finally, I turned in the kit.
I like these "mini gardens". I put in asperagus a few years ago and still harvest it throughout the spring and early summer. I also grew my own hops back when I used to brew my own beer. But that's another story...
The kit itself is a clump of what seems to be a cross between light, fluffy dirt and sawdust. The spores are in there somewhere, I'm told.
They like shade so I picked a place in my garden under the arching crepe myrtle branches. I wanted a raised bed since the literature asks for well-drained soil.
I built a "box" using cedar fence pickets. The price is right, chemicals are absent, cedar weathers well, and it has been said that it shuns insects. Then I filled it with dirt and turned it over a few times with some organic matter. Finally, I turned in the kit.
I like these "mini gardens". I put in asperagus a few years ago and still harvest it throughout the spring and early summer. I also grew my own hops back when I used to brew my own beer. But that's another story...
New Shower Head for Energy Savings
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Low flow shower heads leave a lot to be desired. Enter hot water conservation with the new "It Just Makes Sense Shower Head." Energy efficiency just got easier!
I've got to be honest with you here; I'm sick to death of the whole low flow thing. Low flow toilets, low flow shower heads... enough already! Of course here in the USA, we're mandated to use low flow toilets during new construction or replacement.
The dang things don't do a good job of “waste removal” and so you sometimes have to flush twice to get the job done. A couple of years ago, I heard a report on the radio that as a result of this misguided potty legislation, there exists a brisk full-flow-toilet black market via Canada! Eh!
Low flow shower heads likewise give a less than satisfactory experience. But recently I discovered that inventor Fred Rahaming took a look at this issue and came up with a better solution – the It Just Makes Sense Shower Head.
Have you ever taken a camp shower? You know, where the water only comes down on an on-demand basis? This shower head works in a similar manner; just pull the chain for a powerful blast. Let go, and it goes back to a trickle.
Bottom line? You save hot water while still enjoying a steaming powerful spray. Of course, if your spouse isn't like minded, the chain/spring can be disabled with two fingers. And, viola! Back to the regular conventional full flow shower experience.
Hot water conservation and energy efficiency just got easier!
It's an easy installation as well, It only took me about five minutes or so to change it out. A “clean installation”, if you'll pardon the pun!
The dang things don't do a good job of “waste removal” and so you sometimes have to flush twice to get the job done. A couple of years ago, I heard a report on the radio that as a result of this misguided potty legislation, there exists a brisk full-flow-toilet black market via Canada! Eh!
Low flow shower heads likewise give a less than satisfactory experience. But recently I discovered that inventor Fred Rahaming took a look at this issue and came up with a better solution – the It Just Makes Sense Shower Head.
Have you ever taken a camp shower? You know, where the water only comes down on an on-demand basis? This shower head works in a similar manner; just pull the chain for a powerful blast. Let go, and it goes back to a trickle.
Bottom line? You save hot water while still enjoying a steaming powerful spray. Of course, if your spouse isn't like minded, the chain/spring can be disabled with two fingers. And, viola! Back to the regular conventional full flow shower experience.
Hot water conservation and energy efficiency just got easier!
It's an easy installation as well, It only took me about five minutes or so to change it out. A “clean installation”, if you'll pardon the pun!
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Going green means many things. Everyone is green on St. Patrick's Day. But some anarchists, the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) are seriously environmentally green.
It's all green today, and I'm not referring to anything about Al Gore or ELF (Earth Liberation Front or Eco-Terrorists). Nope, I'm talking about Saint Patrick, the man who brought Christianity to Ireland. In fact, today he's recognized as the patron saint of all Ireland, both the Republic and the occupied north.
What's with the green though? The “wearing of the green” refers to pinning a shamrock to your clothing. But if you've ever wandered the isle like I have, you know that the green grass on the hills and in the dells is somewhat overwhelming.
Eco-Terrorism and Renewable Resources
But what's with the other kind of green? Yes, the whole ozone hole controversy. Well, in the news lately is the story of John Coleman seeking to sue Al Gore over An Inconvenient Truth and his shrieking rabble-rousing, panic-attack tactics. Who is John Coleman? He's the founding meteorologist of The Weather Channel. Why is he suing? Because Al Gore refuses to debate him. If I were to draw a conclusion...
But what about ELF, and what does it have to do with DIY? For one thing, they're against the harvesting of any trees. As a woodworker, I take offense. Of course I don't want to see those majestic Redwoods cut down. But we can harvest commercial and exotic wood, provided we replant and maintain a balance.
We've been doing that for wood framing houses and for newsprint for a long time. With success. That's the very definition of a renewable resource. The solution is to harvest responsibly and punish the ELF anarchists.
What's with the green though? The “wearing of the green” refers to pinning a shamrock to your clothing. But if you've ever wandered the isle like I have, you know that the green grass on the hills and in the dells is somewhat overwhelming.
Eco-Terrorism and Renewable Resources
But what's with the other kind of green? Yes, the whole ozone hole controversy. Well, in the news lately is the story of John Coleman seeking to sue Al Gore over An Inconvenient Truth and his shrieking rabble-rousing, panic-attack tactics. Who is John Coleman? He's the founding meteorologist of The Weather Channel. Why is he suing? Because Al Gore refuses to debate him. If I were to draw a conclusion...
But what about ELF, and what does it have to do with DIY? For one thing, they're against the harvesting of any trees. As a woodworker, I take offense. Of course I don't want to see those majestic Redwoods cut down. But we can harvest commercial and exotic wood, provided we replant and maintain a balance.
We've been doing that for wood framing houses and for newsprint for a long time. With success. That's the very definition of a renewable resource. The solution is to harvest responsibly and punish the ELF anarchists.
Staying Warm with Pellet Stoves
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Pellet fireplaces and stoves are the new wave in home heating. They're fueled by pellets made from scrap wood, so the convection heating very energy efficient.
Not too long ago, I wrote an article about pellet stoves for a client of mine. I had never heard of them; probably because the winters here aren't too harsh. Advances in air conditioner technology and higher SEER ratings is more likely to get my attention.
Fuel for Pellet Stoves
What kind of fuel do pellet stoves use? You guessed it – pellets! This is one of the major advantages of this technology. The pellets are made up of all kinds of scrap wood, sawdust from mills, and any other type of wood that was just trashed prior to now.
The wood is ground up and then compressed into pellet shape. Since they're all the same size, they burn evenly and efficiently. And since the wood was all refuse anyway, the price of the finished product is quite reasonable.
How the Stove Works
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for one of these contraptions. The reason they're so high is because there's a bit of mechanics involved. The stove has a hopper, usually on top, that holds the pellets. An auger, timed by a control to a certain rate, feeds the fuel to the burner.
A fan draws room air into the unit. Then it's blown across a heat exchanger and back out into the room. Some models are self-lighting so there's no mucking about with matches. Very clever set-up.
Is a Pellet Stove in your future? Maybe, if you live in icy environs. I don't see it happening in my home but if I was building one from scratch, I'd certainly look into it.
Fuel for Pellet Stoves
What kind of fuel do pellet stoves use? You guessed it – pellets! This is one of the major advantages of this technology. The pellets are made up of all kinds of scrap wood, sawdust from mills, and any other type of wood that was just trashed prior to now.
The wood is ground up and then compressed into pellet shape. Since they're all the same size, they burn evenly and efficiently. And since the wood was all refuse anyway, the price of the finished product is quite reasonable.
How the Stove Works
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for one of these contraptions. The reason they're so high is because there's a bit of mechanics involved. The stove has a hopper, usually on top, that holds the pellets. An auger, timed by a control to a certain rate, feeds the fuel to the burner.
A fan draws room air into the unit. Then it's blown across a heat exchanger and back out into the room. Some models are self-lighting so there's no mucking about with matches. Very clever set-up.
Is a Pellet Stove in your future? Maybe, if you live in icy environs. I don't see it happening in my home but if I was building one from scratch, I'd certainly look into it.
Of Lawnmower Repair & Weed Eaters
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
The end of Winter brings yard work and gardening. Time to tune up the lawnmower and weed whacker, roll up your sleeves, and get to work planning outdoor projects.
Of Lawnmower Repair & Weed Eaters
I know many of you are still shoveling the white stuff. I feel your pain. But here in South Texas, spring flowers are emerging. Specifically, weeds. This prompted me to dust off the lawnmower and weed eater and get busy with yard work. But alas, things don't always go as planned; I have a bit of lawnmower repair to wrestle with. And after I get all that under control, I can set an agenda for outdoor do it yourself adventures.
Weed Eating – Mission Accomplished
Here's what transpired... Although the trusty Homelite weed eater had been hibernating through winter, it fired right up. Edging and trimming complete, I fetched the lawn mower. I would have put it off an hour or two since the lawn was still wet with dew, but rain was threatening.
I got about ¾ of the way done when things went south. The lawnmower's front end went down like a quarterback with substandard defense. The frame had rusted through and finally separated near the left front wheel.
Some folks might load it up in the old pick up and take it somewhere to get it welded. But that demands an unnecessary outlay of moola. There's a better solution.
Metal Joist Hangers and Self-Tapping Screws
I always keep some joist hangers and other mending plates in my wood shop. I used my tin snips on a galvanized joist hanger to make a custom brace. Then I used vice grips to hold it in place on the lawnmower frame. Then it was simply a matter of using self tapping screws to secure it to the frame.
I first tried using Phillips head screws but that didn't work out. Hex head screws did the trick. Did I finish mowing? Heck, no! Like I said, rain was coming.
I know many of you are still shoveling the white stuff. I feel your pain. But here in South Texas, spring flowers are emerging. Specifically, weeds. This prompted me to dust off the lawnmower and weed eater and get busy with yard work. But alas, things don't always go as planned; I have a bit of lawnmower repair to wrestle with. And after I get all that under control, I can set an agenda for outdoor do it yourself adventures.
Weed Eating – Mission Accomplished
Here's what transpired... Although the trusty Homelite weed eater had been hibernating through winter, it fired right up. Edging and trimming complete, I fetched the lawn mower. I would have put it off an hour or two since the lawn was still wet with dew, but rain was threatening.
I got about ¾ of the way done when things went south. The lawnmower's front end went down like a quarterback with substandard defense. The frame had rusted through and finally separated near the left front wheel.
Some folks might load it up in the old pick up and take it somewhere to get it welded. But that demands an unnecessary outlay of moola. There's a better solution.
Metal Joist Hangers and Self-Tapping Screws
I always keep some joist hangers and other mending plates in my wood shop. I used my tin snips on a galvanized joist hanger to make a custom brace. Then I used vice grips to hold it in place on the lawnmower frame. Then it was simply a matter of using self tapping screws to secure it to the frame.
I first tried using Phillips head screws but that didn't work out. Hex head screws did the trick. Did I finish mowing? Heck, no! Like I said, rain was coming.
Life as a Journeyman Carpenter
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Working as a Carpenter is a great way to make a living. Hanging acoustical ceiling grid, taping and floating, or hanging sheetrock, the camaraderie is incredible.
Back in the day when I was a full-time Journeyman Carpenter, I did about 99% commercial work; interior finish for the most part. 14 years of it. I did my apprenticeship with the Carpenter's Union in Miami. They didn't treat us apprentices very well. For example, we had to log a certain amount of hours each month to qualify for medical benefits. Somehow we always came up one hour short - even when there was plenty of work. No hard feelings though; they gave me a great career.
Acoustical Ceilings, Metal Framing, and Drywall
For the most part I installed acoustical ceilings, but I also laid out and did metal framing and hung drywall. I didn't make much money, but I loved the job. When I was hanging ceilings or installing Raco, I spent all day walking around in stilts. Sometimes I used scaffolding when the ceiling was too high.
One day I was hanging ceiling grid in a school gym. I was riding a Safeway scaffold 20 feet in the air. The scaffold had wheels so when I needed to move, I would just throw my weight and the scaffold would scoot over a foot or two. On this particular day I was working through lunch so I was alone.
Well, I rolled a bit and one wheel went into a hole. The scaffold started to go over. I thought, "Oh, &)%!?;!!" What could I do? I was able to reach up, grab a bar joist, and throw my hip against the scaffold railing. It saved me but I had to hold on for about 15 minutes.
Software Engineering
After about 10 years of night school, I got my degree and became a Software Engineer. I made about 4 times more money, but never had as much fun.
Acoustical Ceilings, Metal Framing, and Drywall
For the most part I installed acoustical ceilings, but I also laid out and did metal framing and hung drywall. I didn't make much money, but I loved the job. When I was hanging ceilings or installing Raco, I spent all day walking around in stilts. Sometimes I used scaffolding when the ceiling was too high.
One day I was hanging ceiling grid in a school gym. I was riding a Safeway scaffold 20 feet in the air. The scaffold had wheels so when I needed to move, I would just throw my weight and the scaffold would scoot over a foot or two. On this particular day I was working through lunch so I was alone.
Well, I rolled a bit and one wheel went into a hole. The scaffold started to go over. I thought, "Oh, &)%!?;!!" What could I do? I was able to reach up, grab a bar joist, and throw my hip against the scaffold railing. It saved me but I had to hold on for about 15 minutes.
Software Engineering
After about 10 years of night school, I got my degree and became a Software Engineer. I made about 4 times more money, but never had as much fun.
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Energy conservation lowers electricity bills. Compact fluorescents, LED light bulbs, and radiant barrier paint all help to lower KW consumption as fuel surcharges rise.
Mission Energy Conservation
A few years ago I started off on a bold new mission: energy conservation. OK, perhaps not so bold, but at least new. Energy prices were climbing, and here in South Texas the summers are blistering. Which means what? The air conditioner never stops running.So the mission was to cut electricity usage.
At the time I was somewhat gainfully employed as the Engineering Supervisor at a large Marriott hotel. Well, a building that large uses a lot of power so we were always looking to pinch the penny.
The Case for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
I got to be pretty good friends with the salesman who kept us supplied with light bulbs. With over 300 rooms and a lot of public areas, you go through a lot of light bulbs. So he preached to me the glories of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). Every time an incandescent light bulb burned out, in went a CFL. I’m thinking about LED light bulbs in the bathroom vanity light fixture now.
So far, so good. My KW’s were dropping. But now I had a problem. The first step was to admit it. Yes, I confess… I had become an anti-electricity junkie. I needed a fix.
Really Right – Radiant Barrier Paint
I heard about radiant barrier paint on one of those weekend “ask-the-handyman” shows. Sounded like science fiction but I researched it. Then I had to have it. I bought a bucket of the powder and 5 gallons of paint and went up into the attic with my spray rig. OK people; don’t do this job during the summer. Hot!
The KW’s continued to fall. My bill never went down. The electricity “fuel surcharge” kept rising, but at least I’m treading water.
A few years ago I started off on a bold new mission: energy conservation. OK, perhaps not so bold, but at least new. Energy prices were climbing, and here in South Texas the summers are blistering. Which means what? The air conditioner never stops running.So the mission was to cut electricity usage.
At the time I was somewhat gainfully employed as the Engineering Supervisor at a large Marriott hotel. Well, a building that large uses a lot of power so we were always looking to pinch the penny.
The Case for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
I got to be pretty good friends with the salesman who kept us supplied with light bulbs. With over 300 rooms and a lot of public areas, you go through a lot of light bulbs. So he preached to me the glories of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). Every time an incandescent light bulb burned out, in went a CFL. I’m thinking about LED light bulbs in the bathroom vanity light fixture now.
So far, so good. My KW’s were dropping. But now I had a problem. The first step was to admit it. Yes, I confess… I had become an anti-electricity junkie. I needed a fix.
Really Right – Radiant Barrier Paint
I heard about radiant barrier paint on one of those weekend “ask-the-handyman” shows. Sounded like science fiction but I researched it. Then I had to have it. I bought a bucket of the powder and 5 gallons of paint and went up into the attic with my spray rig. OK people; don’t do this job during the summer. Hot!
The KW’s continued to fall. My bill never went down. The electricity “fuel surcharge” kept rising, but at least I’m treading water.
Decks and Real Estate Instability
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
With higher interest rates starting to kick in on adjustable rate mortgages, the housing market is sour. It's a bad time to sell, but a great time to build home equity.
Well, part 2 in the Deck Building article series is now available for reading. This one is about the types of materials needed (pressure treated lumber, hardware and fasteners, and concrete) and basic deck framing.
A deck is a mighty fine thing to have in the backyard for family gathering, entertaining, and rolling out the barbeque pit. It also makes for less grass to mow! But on a more practical level, it makes good financial sense – your home is your biggest investment and installing a deck is a great way to increase equity in your property.
But I Mentioned Real Estate Instability
Yes, unless you live under a rock, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by news of the housing market imploding. Hopefully you’re not the owner of one of those sub-prime loans. It’s obviously not a good time to be selling a home. And it’s a shame that some folks are going to lose their homes. But too many people bought into bad borrowing advice and easy money; even when the buzz for the past year has been about the impending collapse of the real estate bubble.
Good Home Improvement Projects to Tackle
These are some I’ve done in 2007 –
A deck is a mighty fine thing to have in the backyard for family gathering, entertaining, and rolling out the barbeque pit. It also makes for less grass to mow! But on a more practical level, it makes good financial sense – your home is your biggest investment and installing a deck is a great way to increase equity in your property.
But I Mentioned Real Estate Instability
Yes, unless you live under a rock, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by news of the housing market imploding. Hopefully you’re not the owner of one of those sub-prime loans. It’s obviously not a good time to be selling a home. And it’s a shame that some folks are going to lose their homes. But too many people bought into bad borrowing advice and easy money; even when the buzz for the past year has been about the impending collapse of the real estate bubble.
- Mortgage Trivia – The word mortgage comes from the old French and means death pledge. Chilling isn’t it?
Good Home Improvement Projects to Tackle
These are some I’ve done in 2007 –
- A new roof
- Install ceramic tile in the living room
- Install laminate flooring in the bedrooms
- Wall painting
- Fascia board repair