Home-owners...What are your current projects? (2 Viewers)

[Chaos Commish]

We had a major issue with ground hornets a few years ago.  One of them was under a dead juniper right against the house.  Since I couldn't use my normal method of pouring gas onto it and then lighting it, I actually bought a bee suit so I could cut the juniper out to get to the entrance hole.  

My wife has a video of me somewhere on her phone.  It's the middle of the night, and I'm in the landscaping in a bee suit, with my chainsaw and a hatchet, hacking at this juniper bush with a swarm of hornets all around me and I'm yelling, "You got nothing! DIE DIE DIE!"  I did end up getting stung once after I was done.  One of the little ######## had tunneled into the sleeve cuff, and when I pulled my gloves off, he got me on the wrist.  

Crazy. The Exterminator spray in a two can, double fisted, double barrel delivery around sundown as the hive is full and settling is pretty simple and worked. Bees that were still out of the nest were a small nuisance for two three more days. This hive was two cones about 2' each and the queen was inside the soffet under my eaves. I set off two indoor bug bombs under it the next couple days and both times bees swarmed out from under the eaves. But that seemed to finish them off.

 

[Copeman]

I have an annual war with hornets at my place.  I always win.  I actually look forward to it every spring.

 

[Raging weasel]

Also planning on putting in a garbage disposal at some point in the near future. Are they easy to install? I recently completely re-did the piping/tubing to our freezer ice-maker and dishwasher as the idiots who flipped the house had cold water going to the dishwasher. The way they decided to install the piping/tubing was so bizarre as the seals weren't great and it was way more complicated than it needed to be. Thankfully they did a pretty good job with the rest of the house...

As long as you have a power outlet under your sink already they are pretty easy to install. I'm not too handy with plumbing and took me about 90 mins but that included a trip back to home Depot for some additional piping.

 

[Fat Nick]

Crazy. The Exterminator spray in a two can, double fisted, double barrel delivery around sundown as the hive is full and settling is pretty simple and worked. Bees that were still out of the nest were a small nuisance for two three more days. This hive was two cones about 2' each and the queen was inside the soffet under my eaves. I set off two indoor bug bombs under it the next couple days and both times bees swarmed out from under the eaves. But that seemed to finish them off.

This nest was unique I think.  Most of my ground hornets I can do what you said - spray the entrance with the foamy stuff and they'll die/go away.  This one was challenging because the juniper was thick and low to the ground.  The trunk had a hard bend to it, and I couldn't actually SEE the entrance without being right up on it the way it was situated by the house.  I'd spray (and I tried professional stuff too Cypermethrin, 7-dust, etc) and I'd kill a few, but never got the full nest.  That's why I had to go the extra mile.  For most of my hedges now, I spray the bases with some cypermethrin preventatively and I've been good.

 

[Sullie]

So, I was getting ready to cut the grass yesterday, my wife was watering her plants and we lost power to all the outlets in the garage which includes the water softener and garage fridge.  So, we lived in the house for 7 or 8 years now, the previous owner used to tinker and there is an outlet near where my wife was watering.  Now every once in a while, in a hard rain, we'll lose power, I'll tap one of the three GFCI's out in the garage and it will come back but not this time. 

So, I went to Home Depot, bought new outlets, romex, wiring nuts, multimeter, spent 3 or 4 hours replacing the outlets including a new weatherproof outlet box, but still no luck.  It's 6:00 p.m., it's hot out, I've been without a water softener and garage fridge for over 24 hours and I have had enough at this point, I admit defeat.  I call an electrician and the guy says "I am swamped this week but I can be there in 20 minutes, this is about the only time I have all week."  So, he comes out, looks around and says "what's on that wall over there behind that toolbox?"  D'OH!  I completely forgot about the GFCI behind the toolbox, so he flipped that and I was back in business.

He said, okay, here's the thing, you're going to get charged for an hour, do you need anything else looked at?  I said "yes, can you look over my work?"  He said "absolutely."  Then he took out ALL the other GFCI's that were behind the main GFCI, replaced them with regular outlets he had off his truck, handed over my GFCI's back to me and said "you don't need these, is there anything else I can look at?"  I said "yes, I replaced these other outlets can you have a look at them?"  He said "yep, no problem."  And then he proceeded to explain to me why I did two of the outlets incorrectly, showed how to do it correctly and how to use the multimeter I just bought to check my work."  Super nice guy, I felt like a total idiot but there you go.  I have a lot to learn about electrical work.

3 trips to Home Depot, I did it wrong and had to have a pro fix it, still didn't cut the grass, but ah well, at least I tried. . . I did get three of the outlets correctly wired, two were simple mistakes and the other was me not knowing there is a line and a load.  

 

[mr roboto]

So, I was getting ready to cut the grass yesterday, my wife was watering her plants and we lost power to all the outlets in the garage which includes the water softener and outside fridge.  So, we lived in the house for 7 or 8 years now, the previous owner used to tinker and there is an outlet near where my wife was watering.  Now every once in a while, in a hard rain, we'll lose power, I'll tap one of the three GFCI's out in the garage and it will come back but not this time. 

So, I went to Home Depot, bought new outlets, romex, wiring nuts, multimeter, spent 3 or 4 hours replacing the outlets including a new weatherproof outlet box, but still no luck.  It's 6:00 p.m., it's hot out, I've been without a water softener and outside fridge for over 24 hours and I have had enough at this point, I admit defeat.  I call an electrician and the guy says "I am swamped this week but I can be there in 20 minutes, this is about the only time I have all week."  So, he comes out, looks around and says "what's on that wall over there behind that toolbox?"  D'OH!  I completely forgot about the GFCI behind the toolbox, so he flipped that and I was back in business.

He said, okay, here's the thing, you're going to get charged for an hour, do you need anything else looked at?  I said "yes, can you look over my work?"  He said "absolutely."  Then he took out ALL the other GFCI's that were behind the main GFCI, replaced them with regular outlets he had off his truck, handed over my GFCI's back to me and said "you don't need these, is there anything else I can look at?"  I said "yes, I replaced these other outlets can you have a look at them?"  He said "yep, no problem."  And then he proceeded to explain to me why I did two of the outlets incorrectly, showed how to do it correctly and how to use the multimeter I just bought to check my work."  Super nice guy, I felt like a total idiot but there you go.  I have a lot to learn about electrical work.

3 trips to Home Depot, I did it wrong and had to have a pro fix it, still didn't cut the grass, but ah well, at least I tried. . . I did get three of the outlets correctly wired, two were simple mistakes and the other was me not knowing there is a line and a load.  

Really cool guy to spend the extra time. 

 

[Redwes25]

Ok, phase 1 of this project is in full swing.  I have updated the above description a bit as plans have settled/changed a bit.  Hope to be done by early December but prepared that it will probably take a bit more time.  Demo is basically done, fireplace addition and central air work is in process.  Currently we aren't living in the house but plan to move back in at the end of August as fireplace and AC addition are only work being done upstairs and they will be done the week of August 20th.   

Big development is next week two condensers will be placed on my roof (including steel to properly support it, etc.) by crane.  Hope to be able to post pictures of the crane in action for your viewing enjoyment.  

Ok as promised are pictures of the crane in action as well as a video for your viewing pleasure.  

https://imgur.com/a/3Z45rt9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxeK5BH2rwQ&feature=youtu.be

 

[rustycolts]

So I am the most unhandy guy you will ever meet.  I need to replace my sliding glass doors that leads to my patio because my bloodhound has taken it's toll on them.  I went to Home Depot and found some French doors that were reasonably priced $678 and sturdy enough to handle a bloodhound.  My sliding glass doors were standard size.  I had the subcontractors from Home Depot come out and measure.  So I get a call from Home Depot today total price for the doors and install is $1800.  That seems excessive to me basically $1100 to install doors.  To you guys that know is this too expensive?  Should I try to find a carpenter to do it for me.  Would that be more economical?  What are your suggestions on how to find a competent carpenter without having to worry about getting ripped off.

 

[belljr]

So I am the most unhandy guy you will ever meet.  I need to replace my sliding glass doors that leads to my patio because my bloodhound has taken it's toll on them.  I went to Home Depot and found some French doors that were reasonably priced $678 and sturdy enough to handle a bloodhound.  My sliding glass doors were standard size.  I had the subcontractors from Home Depot come out and measure.  So I get a call from Home Depot today total price for the doors and install is $1800.  That seems excessive to me basically $1100 to install doors.  To you guys that know is this too expensive?  Should I try to find a carpenter to do it for me.  Would that be more economical?  What are your suggestions on how to find a competent carpenter without having to worry about getting ripped off.

The day rate for a contractor is usually anywhere between 400-550. How many days did they quote it would take?

ETA: Depensind on size and where you live 

here is the price for ~120" door for my area

	Basic	Better	Best
French Doors – Material Prices	$210.60 - $329.40	$334.80 - $432.00	$567.00 - $729.00
French Doors – Installation Cost	$448.20 - $656.64	$788.40 - $810.00	$864.00 - $918.00
French Doors – Total	$658.80 - $986.04	$1123.20 - $1242.00	$1431.00 - $1647.00
French Doors – Total Average Cost per square foot	$6.85	$9.85	$12.82

 

[Uruk-Hai]

So I am the most unhandy guy you will ever meet.  I need to replace my sliding glass doors that leads to my patio because my bloodhound has taken it's toll on them.  I went to Home Depot and found some French doors that were reasonably priced $678 and sturdy enough to handle a bloodhound.  My sliding glass doors were standard size.  I had the subcontractors from Home Depot come out and measure.  So I get a call from Home Depot today total price for the doors and install is $1800.  That seems excessive to me basically $1100 to install doors.  To you guys that know is this too expensive?  Should I try to find a carpenter to do it for me.  Would that be more economical?  What are your suggestions on how to find a competent carpenter without having to worry about getting ripped off.

Try homeadvisor.com.

The french door system you got quoted must be pre-hung (comes with an all new frame, too, in addition to the door panels), so the old slider and frame have to be taken out. $1,100 for labor seems high to me, but I've been out of the game for a good while and I don't know your market. Plus, if your existing door isn't standard and/or your house is older there could be some additional demo/remedial work to do.

 

[Otis]

Otis covered patio and outer patio coming along. Hoping they make some progress next week and knock this out. Then we get the village to come in and inspect and close out the permit. And then we add the outdoor kitchen and get my landscaper in to do some landscaping. Should be awesome when done.

Otis yard

 

[Chaos Commish]

Otis covered patio and outer patio coming along. Hoping they make some progress next week and knock this out. Then we get the village to come in and inspect and close out the permit. And then we add the outdoor kitchen and get my landscaper in to do some landscaping. Should be awesome when done.

Otis yard

Post progress pics if you take them. It's going to be a nice transformation.

 

[Otis]

Post progress pics if you take them. It's going to be a nice transformation.

Actually set up a wyze cam to take a picture every hour or so since we started the work. Should make a neat little set of its working right. 

 

[offdee]

Presently have a big tub type laundry room utility sink with faucet.  It takes up a lot of real estate in a small laundry room space.  The only thing the sink is used for is for the washing machine water to drain into (washer exhaust hose just perched over edge of big sink tub).  We never use the faucet and dont foresee the need.  

To gain back some extra storage space, I want to get rid of the bug tub and faucet and just have the washer hose drain into a smaller footprint drain.  Is it just as easy as removing the big tub and attaching PVC tube extension pieces that ultimately connect to where the old tub sink drain connected to?  

Maybe use larger tubing at top and have it taper down to the thinner tubing that connects to the old sink drain?  Want to make sure the tube holds and drains the water quick enough so no overflows, etc.  I did a test just now and it pushed out water that filled up a 4 gallon bucket rather quickly, so would think pipe that would hold and drain 6+ gallons would be safe.  Anything logical that i could attach to the top to hold any extra water and really negate overflow possibility...im picturing a skinny type of pail but not sure if they make something like that would attach and seal to pvc piping? (Or possible to cut hole in bottom of pail and make my own...how could i secure that to a pvc pipe and not have any leaks?)

 

[Chaos Commish]

Presently have a big tub type laundry room utility sink with faucet.  It takes up a lot of real estate in a small laundry room space.  The only thing the sink is used for is for the washing machine water to drain into (washer exhaust hose just perched over edge of big sink tub).  We never use the faucet and dont foresee the need.  

To gain back some extra storage space, I want to get rid of the bug tub and faucet and just have the washer hose drain into a smaller footprint drain.  Is it just as easy as removing the big tub and attaching PVC tube extension pieces that ultimately connect to where the old tub sink drain connected to?  

Maybe use larger tubing at top and have it taper down to the thinner tubing that connects to the old sink drain?  Want to make sure the tube holds and drains the water quick enough so no overflows, etc.  I did a test just now and it pushed out water that filled up a 4 gallon bucket rather quickly, so would think pipe that would hold and drain 6+ gallons would be safe.  Anything logical that i could attach to the top to hold any extra water and really negate overflow possibility...im picturing a skinny type of pail but not sure if they make something like that would attach and seal to pvc piping? (Or possible to cut hole in bottom of pail and make my own...how could i secure that to a pvc pipe and not have any leaks?)

A lot of washers drain into pipes behind drywall. There's just a hole in the wall with a pipe exposed and you hook the washer drain hose to it. It looks incredibly simple but you're right to be concerned about how fast the water exits the washer. I'm pretty sure there's a local code that will tell you the size pipe you need to run behind the wall (or anywhere else) and into the drain. Making it leak free is not the problem. Having it handle the flow and not back up is the issue. Narrowing the pipe anywhere before the drain is probably a bad idea.

 

[offdee]

A lot of washers drain into pipes behind drywall. There's just a hole in the wall with a pipe exposed and you hook the washer drain hose to it. It looks incredibly simple but you're right to be concerned about how fast the water exits the washer. I'm pretty sure there's a local code that will tell you the size pipe you need to run behind the wall (or anywhere else) and into the drain. Making it leak free is not the problem. Having it handle the flow and not back up is the issue. Narrowing the pipe anywhere before the drain is probably a bad idea.

Wasnt wanting to narrow any pipes before drain...basically start big tube (4” maybe) at top and taper down to the present 1.5” drain size.  Kind of a big funnel affect and allow the bigger pipes at top to take in and hold more water as it drains.   

And i dont need it to be pretty behind a wall...gonna put a pantry like cabinet in front of it to enclose and will just cut out the back to slip over any of these tubes.   Then just store vacuum and cleaning supplies in the pantry (in front of these pipes) 

 

[Slider]

Skimmer line to inground pool collapsed. I cut the concrete (9x7) at the expansion joint, lifted it out with long forks on a skid steer and now have a mini excavator coming to put a new schedule 40 line in. Disaster but it's been a rainy summer so not a big deal. Pool is still clean and useable. ?

 

[Otis]

Anyone here have a whole house generator?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Anyone here have a whole house generator?

I do

 

[Otis]

I do

Tell me about it. On natural gas?  Have to use it often?  Automatically kicks in when needed?  What’d it cost?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Tell me about it. On natural gas?  Have to use it often?  Automatically kicks in when needed?  What’d it cost?

I have a Genrac. I'll go down in a minute and report back on what size it is.

I got it about 5 years ago after the second time I had to throw away everything in my fridge because of power outages. I don't think it's had to run more than 20 minutes since   I don't care, though - peace of mind for me.

Mine runs on propane since we don't have natural gas here. I had to get tanks.

Yes, it automatically comes on after power goes out for, I think, more than 15 seconds. It also runs every week at a set time for 10 minutes to test itself.  I pulled a permit to have mine installed and, since then, code here changed and I added something - I can't recall what it's called - that will cycle something off  (usually the heat pump/AC) if it gets close to overload until it settles back down. That will never happen with me since I live alone and doubt I'll be running the washer/dryer/dishwasher at the same time while I'm out of power.

Otis, I think I spent around $9k total for everything but I'm out in the sticks - I'd think NYC prices would be a smidge higher. I also didn't need a large one since my house is small.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I have a Genrac. I'll go down in a minute and report back on what size it is.

I got it about 5 years ago after the second time I had to throw away everything in my fridge because of power outages. I don't think it's had to run more than 20 minutes since   I don't care, though - peace of mind for me.

Mine runs on propane since we don't have natural gas here. I had to get tanks.

Yes, it automatically comes on after power goes out for, I think, more than 15 seconds. It also runs every week at a set time for 10 minutes to test itself.  I pulled a permit to have mine installed and, since then, code here changed and I added something - I can't recall what it's called - that will cycle something off  (usually the heat pump/AC) if it gets close to overload until it settles back down. That will never happen with me since I live alone and doubt I'll be running the washer/dryer/dishwasher at the same time while I'm out of power.

Otis, I think I spent around $9k total for everything but I'm out in the sticks - I'd think NYC prices would be a smidge higher. I also didn't need a large one since my house is small.

Mine is 17 kW

 

[Otis]

I have a Genrac. I'll go down in a minute and report back on what size it is.

I got it about 5 years ago after the second time I had to throw away everything in my fridge because of power outages. I don't think it's had to run more than 20 minutes since   I don't care, though - peace of mind for me.

Mine runs on propane since we don't have natural gas here. I had to get tanks.

Yes, it automatically comes on after power goes out for, I think, more than 15 seconds. It also runs every week at a set time for 10 minutes to test itself.  I pulled a permit to have mine installed and, since then, code here changed and I added something - I can't recall what it's called - that will cycle something off  (usually the heat pump/AC) if it gets close to overload until it settles back down. That will never happen with me since I live alone and doubt I'll be running the washer/dryer/dishwasher at the same time while I'm out of power.

Otis, I think I spent around $9k total for everything but I'm out in the sticks - I'd think NYC prices would be a smidge higher. I also didn't need a large one since my house is small.

Good stuff thanks. I’ve had estimated for 12-15k around here installed. So doing it. 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Good stuff thanks. I’ve had estimated for 12-15k around here installed. So doing it. 

I got a pretty basic model. They have computerized versions that'll let you monitor it by a phone app. I didn't get that.

That's actually cheaper than I thought it would be up there. Nice. Part of my cost included getting the tanks and have gas lines run, which it sounds like you won't have to fool with as much.

One thing about the noise: when it's running its regular test mode, it's not all that loud. When that sucker kicks on when the power goes out, you and everyone in your county will know it. I'm looking into putting some baffles near mine just so I don't deafen my neighbors.

 

[bucksoh]

Beginning of the week I take the van to.the local mechanic,  A.C. not working properly after consistently working on the problem.  So two days later I call to see how things are going and he tells me he has bruised/cracked his ribs and he's  unable to work on it for several weeks but he has the part finally in.

I tell him I need it for vacation for Saturday, and if I can have the part and I'll do it myself.  Thinking I can just watch a YouTube video and I'll be fine.  No video on YouTube replacing an evaporator for my van,  I've worked on some cars changing brakes and what not no big deal, man I was wrong, so I finally have it off and compare the new part to the old it's half the freaking size!

I go back to the mechanic and tell him we have a big problem for which he agrees, he then tells me it took two weeks to get that part but he'll get on the phone and have them overnight the right part, seeing I didn't have much confidence I ordered another part online.  Finally get it Friday and to keep this from be a novel, I finally get it installed.  All at the same time i was dealing with buying another rental property.  Of which it's a total gut job, that I'll be doing the work myself.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

We have the standard builder grade 80's wood oak railings on our steps....we loathe them.  

Image below on the left of basically what we have now, and know many would suggest to do what the right side of the picture shows to paint them out.  But, we just simply don't like all the curves, vertical lines, etc.

https://goo.gl/images/nLVKzS

Anybody upgrade their stair railings to something entirely more modern at a somewhat reasonable price?   I realize no matter how you slice this project, it's an expensive one, but looking for ideas and best source to start talking to for estimates (or do it myself ??)

Something more in this realm....

https://goo.gl/images/KiBdzP

https://goo.gl/images/444ZL5

https://goo.gl/images/vz9ZsT

The third picture is the exact same picture that our designer sent us last week as a potential option for our stairs. 

https://imgur.com/L2GGJ6h

I like that look. The house is going to be finished in a contemporary/modern manner so this will fit it. 

Did you decide on something?

 

[offdee]

The third picture is the exact same picture that our designer sent us last week as a potential option for our stairs. 

https://imgur.com/L2GGJ6h

I like that look. The house is going to be finished in a contemporary/modern manner so this will fit it. 

Did you decide on something?

Yeah thats a goof look and will look great for you!  Nothing decided yet....main level bathroom and laundry room overhaul is focus presently. 

 

[Otis]

What’s the best way to go with outdoor speakers?  Sonos setup with Bose speakers?  Other?  Want something I can connect to from my phone and play tunes. 

 

[Chaos Commish]

What’s the best way to go with outdoor speakers?  Sonos setup with Bose speakers?  Other?  Want something I can connect to from my phone and play tunes. 

When you say the best, I start thinking Otisbucks and get excited. You can spend a fortune, but what you're thinking is fine. Bose gets a lot of grief but their high end outdoor speakers are very decent. I've heard Polk Audio 8" Atrium speakers and that big woofer makes all difference if you have space. KEF makes a great outdoor speaker too if you want higher end than Bose or PA. But I'm just scratching the surface. 

 

[wilked]

Do in-wall / in ceiling speakers. Polks are a good choice. 

 

[wilked]

Finishing up new floor in my kitchen. Had tile, wife wanted oak. Found a guy willing to install for $1500 all in, sounds great, but he doesn’t do demo. 

Ended up demoing out myself. Got one of those bagster things, pulled baseboards, pulled all appliances out and island, radiator... then started swinging the sledge hammer. Was a lot of work getting tile out, thought the worst was behind me...nope. The backer board had nails every 2 inches. Must have pulled out > 1000 nails, nothing to do but go one by one. That was a long day. 

Kitchen baxk together now, floor looks good. Just need to put new coat of paint on baseboard 

 

[Otis]

Do in-wall / in ceiling speakers. Polks are a good choice. 

 But what do you wire them to?  Like, if I want to be able to connect to it from my phone wirelessly, when do the speakers run to?

 

[Otis]

When you say the best, I start thinking Otisbucks and get excited. You can spend a fortune, but what you're thinking is fine. Bose gets a lot of grief but their high end outdoor speakers are very decent. I've heard Polk Audio 8" Atrium speakers and that big woofer makes all difference if you have space. KEF makes a great outdoor speaker too if you want higher end than Bose or PA. But I'm just scratching the surface. 

I stayed at a house recently that had two outdoor Bose speakers over the patio and they sounded amazing. It was somehow hooked up to Sonos. No idea how to make all this happen. 

 

[wilked]

 But what do you wire them to?  Like, if I want to be able to connect to it from my phone wirelessly, when do the speakers run to?

Sonos amp to power everything. Speakers are hardwired. You can have the amp inside, everything is controlled from your phone 

 

[Chaos Commish]

I stayed at a house recently that had two outdoor Bose speakers over the patio and they sounded amazing. It was somehow hooked up to Sonos. No idea how to make all this happen. 

By the stuff and hire the guy who sells it come set it up for a nominal fee.

 

[shuke]

I think we've talked about whole house fans a few times.  I'm now committed to putting one in. Can someone explain to me in dumbed down language how to calculate the size of this thing I need?  It has to do with square footage of the attic, but also I think the square footage of the ventilation in the attic, and then there is some adjustment factor and blah blah blah.

 

[offdee]

I think we've talked about whole house fans a few times.  I'm now committed to putting one in. Can someone explain to me in dumbed down language how to calculate the size of this thing I need?  It has to do with square footage of the attic, but also I think the square footage of the ventilation in the attic, and then there is some adjustment factor and blah blah blah.

Cliff notes on the advantages of a whole house fan?

 

[glvsav37]

What’s the best way to go with outdoor speakers?  Sonos setup with Bose speakers?  Other?  Want something I can connect to from my phone and play tunes. 

if you have sonos already, then just get another amp or 2 and wire it to any outdoor/waterproof speaker you want. just keep the sonos amp somewhere inside or weather proof. 

 

[shuke]

Cliff notes on the advantages of a whole house fan?

If you have a two story, helps keep the upstairs nice and cool when you don't want to run the A/C.  Not only does it pull cooler air upstairs, but it forces hot air out of the attic.

 

[wilked]

If you have a two story, helps keep the upstairs nice and cool when you don't want to run the A/C.  Not only does it pull cooler air upstairs, but it forces hot air out of the attic.

Determining the amount of airflow in cubic feet per minute (cfm) that the whole house fan should provide involves a simple calculation. Multiply the total gross square footage of the house (include upstairs area) by the ceiling height (typically 8 feet). Select a fan that delivers between one half to one times that amount of cfm at 0.1" static pressure. For example, a 25'x40', one-story home is 1,000 square feet and would need an 8 x 1,000 x 0.5 = 4,000 cfm fan or better. A manufacturer sells a two-speed unit that delivers 4,500 cfm at the high setting (240 watts) and 3,200 cfm at low (120 watts); this unit should be adequate

last step is to ensure you can exhaust that air out of your attic. Determine what venting you have there, size it, come back here and post and I can check it 

 

[wilked]

Found this one also

http://www.ilocano.net/suburbanFan/

 

[Otis]

Our covered porch and patio project has been frozen for a few weeks. Partly because the roofer has been tied up and partly because the wall of doors is back ordered. I’ve had two layers of tarp taped on the back of our house for a while. Really hoping for some progress next week. 

Ceiling fan and heating units have been delivered.  

Spoke to our guy about installing outlets up in two of the corners so we can hang a television.  Also going to have him run wires for a couple of decent outdoor speakers. This is gonna be awesome. 

 

[JuniorGong]

Just had an outdoor patio with fire pit put in a few weeks ago off of our deck. First party today with the new set up. Had a fire last night, fire pit much bigger than my old one and was able to get a roaring fire going last night.

Drunkenly told my wife She had 50K to spend on whatever home improvements she chooses over the next two years. She is going to be pissed when I tell her I was just kidding.

 

[offdee]

Determining the amount of airflow in cubic feet per minute (cfm) that the whole house fan should provide involves a simple calculation. Multiply the total gross square footage of the house (include upstairs area) by the ceiling height (typically 8 feet). Select a fan that delivers between one half to one times that amount of cfm at 0.1" static pressure. For example, a 25'x40', one-story home is 1,000 square feet and would need an 8 x 1,000 x 0.5 = 4,000 cfm fan or better. A manufacturer sells a two-speed unit that delivers 4,500 cfm at the high setting (240 watts) and 3,200 cfm at low (120 watts); this unit should be adequate

last step is to ensure you can exhaust that air out of your attic. Determine what venting you have there, size it, come back here and post and I can check it 

If our second level is all vaulted ceilings and no true attic than this doesn't seem to be an option for us i assume. 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Spoke to our guy about installing outlets up in two of the corners so we can hang a television.  Also going to have him run wires for a couple of decent outdoor speakers. This is gonna be awesome. 

Otis, put in twice (I'd personally do 3x, but I am insane) as many outlets as you think you may need - speaking in general here, not just for the TV. They are cheap and you WILL be thankful you did. I'd also have some USB ports in the outlets.

 

[Osaurus]

Otis, put in twice (I'd personally do 3x, but I am insane) as many outlets as you think you may need - speaking in general here, not just for the TV. They are cheap and you WILL be thankful you did. I'd also have some USB ports in the outlets.

 This is excellent advice.  So much easier and cheaper to do it now.

 

[Otis]

Otis, put in twice (I'd personally do 3x, but I am insane) as many outlets as you think you may need - speaking in general here, not just for the TV. They are cheap and you WILL be thankful you did. I'd also have some USB ports in the outlets.

Understood and agreed 100%.  I already had him build four outlets in each corner of the covered patio, they're built right into the short brick wall on either side of the patio.  So we'll have plenty of power out there.  Good call on those USB outlets.

 

[shuke]

last step is to ensure you can exhaust that air out of your attic. Determine what venting you have there, size it, come back here and post and I can check it 

This is the part I’m unsure of

 

[glvsav37]

Otis, put in twice (I'd personally do 3x, but I am insane) as many outlets as you think you may need - speaking in general here, not just for the TV. They are cheap and you WILL be thankful you did. I'd also have some USB ports in the outlets.




 

replaced a few of my outlets with the USB ones when we renovated and they are sooo much easier. No more "Ok, i have the cable, now where is that dumb square plug thingie!!" 

 

[wilked]

This is the part I’m unsure of

Do you think you’re capable of determing type / size / area of vents?