DIY home improvements ITT

[Adarus]

That's impressive. I don't think I'd even attempt cabinets. Everything has to be to the gnats ass.

Worked all weekend but don't have much to show for it. Finished the curbing around the house on Saturday. Sunday I tried to recruit my wife to help with moving a pile of dirt from one location to the other. She got a half trailer full and called it quits. I probably shoveled over 10 yards of dirt to build a mound in the front yard area. It's crazy how much dirt it takes. I really need a tractor.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/1WFFPPb.jpg[img]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/5XfOErR.jpg[img]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/UociB84.jpg[img]

Nice job that landscaping is going to look awesome. I'll trade some cabinet work for some landscaping work, just come on over when you're done with your yard.

[phikappa]

Got 3 walls painted this weekend. Last one has a drywall patch that I need to prime tonight. Hopefully, I'll get the last wall painted tomorrow or Wednesday.

Went looking at beds this weekend. Saw one I really liked....for $3,400. Gotta shop around a bit more! It was fuking sweet, tho.

Looked at some carpet, too. Things have changed a lot since we last bought! Memory foam pads now. Carpets are "thinner" now (less material), but have better pads. Home Depot actually looks like a decent place to get carpet. We haven't decided yet, so we'll see.

[JDizleSwoleizle]

Got 3 walls painted this weekend. Last one has a drywall patch that I need to prime tonight. Hopefully, I'll get the last wall painted tomorrow or Wednesday.

Went looking at beds this weekend. Saw one I really liked....for $3,400. Gotta shop around a bit more! It was fuking sweet, tho.

Looked at some carpet, too. Things have changed a lot since we last bought! Memory foam pads now. Carpets are "thinner" now (less material), but have better pads. Home Depot actually looks like a decent place to get carpet. We haven't decided yet, so we'll see.

I got my matress and frame at Costco. King size Sterns and foster and a nice Mahogony Bed frame with storage. Both were about $800 each

Same one in this pic.

[Adarus]

I got my matress and frame at Costco. King size Sterns and foster and a nice Mahogony Bed frame with storage. Both were about $800 each

Same one in this pic.

[img]http://www.costco.co.uk/medias/sys_master/root/h0a/hcd/8839907213342.jpg[img]

I'd like to build a bed frame like that but I've already got the rest of my kitchen cabinets plus a dining table and chairs to build so the one I've got will have to do for a few years.

[phikappa]

I got my matress and frame at Costco. King size Sterns and foster and a nice Mahogony Bed frame with storage. Both were about $800 each

Same one in this pic.

Oddly enough, I was originally thinking about Costco for a bed. Add a memory foam topper and...done! But, this bed I tried this weekend was like...AWESOME! Like sleeping on a cloud. We'll see.

[dhawkeye1980]

Lawn and garden brahs, we just had a large 50 or so foot tree cut down that was hanging over our house in the backyard, we want to put in some water conservation plants and trees, not more then 10 to 15 feet high, anyone have any good plants they like?

[JayC24]

can't believe i've never seen this thread, subscribed. my dad owns a small construction/remodeling business back in my hometown, helped him a lot the first few years and learned a ton. still help with his bigger jobs from time to time.

here are two most recent bathrooms i've helped tile






i've done bathroom tile, kitchen tile, replaced floor/subfloors, laid hardwood floors, replaced/repaired joists, drywall, metal/shingle roofing, plumbing, ran wire, installed/replaced windows and doors, and maybe some other chit i've forgot.

about the only thing i haven't done is lay carpet, never got a chance to help him with that.

[JDizleSwoleizle]

Oddly enough, I was originally thinking about Costco for a bed. Add a memory foam topper and...done! But, this bed I tried this weekend was like...AWESOME! Like sleeping on a cloud. We'll see.

What kind of mattress was it??

[gixxer0.6g]

Nice job that landscaping is going to look awesome. I'll trade some cabinet work for some landscaping work, just come on over when you're done with your yard.

Deal. I need some for my bar way down the road.

I got my matress and frame at Costco. King size Sterns and foster and a nice Mahogony Bed frame with storage. Both were about $800 each

Same one in this pic.

[img]http://www.costco.co.uk/medias/sys_master/root/h0a/hcd/8839907213342.jpg[img]

Isn't that the bed that grew wings and went for a flight down the highway? I know all about flying furniture.

[phikappa]

What kind of mattress was it??

Real similar to this one.

http://www.jeromes.com/furniture/bed...sses,ESK18BD62

[JDizleSwoleizle]

Deal. I need some for my bar way down the road.



Isn't that the bed that grew wings and went for a flight down the highway? I know all about flying furniture.

Yes, yes it was. Can't notice it anymore, but it did help inspire a utility trailer purchase this summer which I still have to build a cage for.

Real similar to this one.

http://www.jeromes.com/furniture/bed...sses,ESK18BD62

Looks legit. That's a lot of cash for a bed tho.

[F2.]

What's everyone's opinions on privacy fences? One neighbor has one installed on one edge of back yard, nothing on one, and there used to be a giant gawdy shed that covered the other side(just had it removed). On one hand I don't want to nosy people being able to look at me, but I don't wanna seem like some douchebag hermit either. I suppose just being friendly and inviting them over once or twice a year would nullify those thoughts, but I'm 25 and all the neighbors are like 40's with young kids.

[Adarus]

What's everyone's opinions on privacy fences? One neighbor has one installed on one edge of back yard, nothing on one, and there used to be a giant gawdy shed that covered the other side(just had it removed). On one hand I don't want to nosy people being able to look at me, but I don't wanna seem like some douchebag hermit either. I suppose just being friendly and inviting them over once or twice a year would nullify those thoughts, but I'm 25 and all the neighbors are like 40's with young kids.

What's a neighbor? Seriously though I personally hate fences unless they're actually being used for the purpose of containing something. Our house now has one along the boundary of one side of our yard but that side borders a cattle field so obviously it's needed. But at my first house the previous owner and neighbor had gotten into it so he put up a fence between the two yards. I hated mowing/weedeating around it and the fact it made you feel boxed in so after I found out the story from my neighbor I tore it down.

I can see your point though given the neighbors have small kids. Do they come onto your property when they're outside?

[x ShAnE x]

To OP:

You rent or own?
Im in NC, decent credit, girl also has decent credit having a hard time getting approved for a home in even a low cost area (talking $80/sq ft status).

feel free to PM me.

[F2.]

What's a neighbor? Seriously though I personally hate fences unless they're actually being used for the purpose of containing something. Our house now has one along the boundary of one side of our yard but that side borders a cattle field so obviously it's needed. But at my first house the previous owner and neighbor had gotten into it so he put up a fence between the two yards. I hated mowing/weedeating around it and the fact it made you feel boxed in so after I found out the story from my neighbor I tore it down.

I can see your point though given the neighbors have small kids. Do they come onto your property when they're outside?

Well there is already a chain link fence around the entire yard, so the grass issue is already there, ha. My thoughts on wanting a privacy fence up are just more so for having people over for fires and stuff. Maybe try to contain a little noise, and prevent people from seeing any drunk shenanigans that are going on.

Other than that I don't really care about having a fence. Not trying to block people out, just try to contain shenanigans when I have friends over.

[Adarus]

Well there is already a chain link fence around the entire yard, so the grass issue is already there, ha. My thoughts on wanting a privacy fence up are just more so for having people over for fires and stuff. Maybe try to contain a little noise, and prevent people from seeing any drunk shenanigans that are going on.

Other than that I don't really care about having a fence. Not trying to block people out, just try to contain shenanigans when I have friends over.

Makes it more of a tough call, how close are your neighbors to you? I'd probably still say having a fence up all of the time wouldn't be worth the handful of times I'd actually want privacy but I also live out where there's nothing but farm land around me so I'm sure I take advantage of plenty of things that I wouldn't be able to do with close neighbors. The fact that I go outside to piss more than I go inside would be one of them. Is it possible to only fence in your back yard and leave the front and side of your house open? That way you can still have your privacy but you could still have the front part of your property open so you wouldn't seem shut off?

[gixxer0.6g]

Only reason I'd have a fence is for my dog. I swear, dogs are more expensive than kids. Trying to salvage your yard, home repairs, vet bills, fences, etc. The older I get, the less I want one.

[ugottabjoshinme]

I got my matress and frame at Costco. King size Sterns and foster and a nice Mahogony Bed frame with storage. Both were about $800 each

Same one in this pic.

[img]http://www.costco.co.uk/medias/sys_master/root/h0a/hcd/8839907213342.jpg[img]

Damn that seems like a really good price

[Adarus]

Only reason I'd have a fence is for my dog. I swear, dogs are more expensive than kids. Trying to salvage your yard, home repairs, vet bills, fences, etc. The older I get, the less I want one.

This is the big one for me. Doesn't matter what we take ours in for I never get out of the vet for under $200.

[cajone5]

this is the big one for me. Doesn't matter what we take ours in for i never get out of the vet for under $200.

iktf

[phikappa]

Lawn and garden brahs, we just had a large 50 or so foot tree cut down that was hanging over our house in the backyard, we want to put in some water conservation plants and trees, not more then 10 to 15 feet high, anyone have any good plants they like?

What part of the country are you in? Your zone will determine what plants are best to use.


http://bonnieplants.com/library/find...ardening-zone/

[ugottabjoshinme]

Got some face frames built and installed on my cabinets this weekend. If Lowe's would hurry up and get the plywood I'm using back in stock I could start on some more of them.

Over the fridge cabinet. Got some strips in the center to help brace it until it's finished and installed.


Few shots of the face frame assembly and install. Used pocket screws to build the frames and tenons to attach them to the carcass. It was expensive but the Festool Domino is the chit.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/ihIUwf8l.jpg[img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/Mc1PxFyl.jpg[img]

Corner cabinet with the frame installed. Currently having to store any cabinets I build in the spare bedroom, or "room for the extra junk we don't have space for" as it should be called.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/bQFedOjl.jpg[img]

Hey cabinet brah I am replacing my cabinet doors and drawers and leaving the existing frame and counter top. How in the world do I attach the false drawer fronts under the sink since I can't access behind them very well?

[ugottabjoshinme]

Also, I need a new cordless drill for use around the house. What kind of drills have you guys had the most success with? It will be mostly for around the house use but I would like it to be useful on heavier projects that may come up.

[Jmart07]

can't believe i've never seen this thread, subscribed. my dad owns a small construction/remodeling business back in my hometown, helped him a lot the first few years and learned a ton. still help with his bigger jobs from time to time.

here are two most recent bathrooms i've helped tile






i've done bathroom tile, kitchen tile, replaced floor/subfloors, laid hardwood floors, replaced/repaired joists, drywall, metal/shingle roofing, plumbing, ran wire, installed/replaced windows and doors, and maybe some other chit i've forgot.

about the only thing i haven't done is lay carpet, never got a chance to help him with that.

aside from the title, is the bathroom just like any other room (wood studs and drywall)? i woulda thought there would be something different

[wings_unhinged]

I wish I had the skills to do this stuff. Is there a good starting point?

[Tormoz]

Also, I need a new cordless drill for use around the house. What kind of drills have you guys had the most success with? It will be mostly for around the house use but I would like it to be useful on heavier projects that may come up.

Makita brushless Impact combo. I've used those two for concrete, decks, sheetrock, rv and car repair.

[JayC24]

aside from the title, is the bathroom just like any other room (wood studs and drywall)? i woulda thought there would be something different

studs are there yes, but normally on bigger tile like whats used on the wall you put up concrete board (the 3x5 ft grey sheets going horizontal in bottom picture, top picture was taken before laying the concrete board) and stick the tile to them with a grey adhesive "paste" called mastic which is basically the same stuff that is used to lay brick, more or less.

if you're in a kitchen and you're wanting to put up a row of smaller sized tile for a backsplash then sticking them to the drywall is fine but it's done with a different kind of white adhesive called thin-set.

[Adarus]

Hey cabinet brah I am replacing my cabinet doors and drawers and leaving the existing frame and counter top. How in the world do I attach the false drawer fronts under the sink since I can't access behind them very well?

Couple of options here. The simplest/quickest solution I've seen people do is to just glue them to the face frame of the cabinet. Personally I don't care for this method as you only have about 1/2" area of the false front that's touching the face frame.

The next option, and preferably the right way to do it is to disconnect your plumbing and take your sink out of the counter top so that you have plenty of room to get inside your cabinet and attach them so that they're properly braced from the back side of the face frame. If you go this route you might look into doing the false front trays like these:



http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Acces.../dp/B000PGOPWS

At $20 they're good storage for all that chit that's usually laying around the corner of your sink. Plus they'd make it more worth the time of taking the sink out.

[Adarus]

Also, I need a new cordless drill for use around the house. What kind of drills have you guys had the most success with? It will be mostly for around the house use but I would like it to be useful on heavier projects that may come up.

I picked this Dewalt 20v up on Black Friday last year after my batteries for my Hitachi drills started giving out. It works great for small stuff and more demanding jobs. I used it for putting all of my decking boards down on my deck this past spring and never had a hiccup with it. The batteries drain a little faster than other lithium drills I've used but it came with 2 and the recharge time is very quick so I never had any downtime without a battery.

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...&ved=0CKIBELkk


Edit: I do still have a Hitachi impact driver that I use for certain projects but at some point I plan on trying to find one that will work with the Dewalt batteries I have now.

[Adarus]

I wish I had the skills to do this stuff. Is there a good starting point?

What all are you looking to get into doing and what tools do you have available?