After passing the HVAC and rough framing inspection, I now had permission to enclose the walls of the house. The first step was to ensure that I had minimal air leakage through the wall. Air in motion is quite efficient …

Step 22 – Air Sealing & Insulation Read more »

One of the great things about using pre-painted siding is the feeling you get when you finish installing a couple rows and stand back to admire your work. You immediately get to see the finished exterior come to life. I …

Step 21c – Install the Lap Siding Read more »

With the window trim completed, it was time to move on to the corner trim. I purchased two different sizes so that I could attach them together at a right angle but still have both sides extend the same distance …

Step 21b – Install Rim Joist and Corner Trim Read more »

Trim siding is used primarily for visual purposes, but is also a great tool to use when it comes to weatherproofing corners of the house. You want the corners to match up tightly with each other so they form a …

Step 21a – Install 4/4 HardieTrim Read more »

With a break in bad weather, it was high time to get going on installing the siding. Tyvek water resistant barriers are designed to be protected by siding and will break down if they are left uncovered for too long. …

Step 21 – Install Exterior Siding Read more »

Nearly 4 months ago I posted that I was dried in, and it wasn’t a lie.  The water resistant barrier was fully continuous across the entire surface area of the house.  What I left out was the fact that I …

Step 20 – Install the French Doors Read more »

The last step in installing the ERV was to duct the supply and exhaust to the exterior of the house. The manufacturer recommended using insulated flex duct for this portion of the install, since these ducts will run through unconditioned …

Step 19c – Exterior Ducting and Control Wiring Read more »

Installing ductwork properly is quite a bit more difficult than running pipes for plumbing or wires for electrical.  It is, in fact, so difficult that “more than half of new HVAC systems in U.S. homes do not perform to their rated …

Step 19b – Install the Ductwork Read more »

I meticulously planned out my electrical and plumbing runs before I even submitted my plans to get a building permit.  Unfortunately I had not done likewise with my ductwork.  I had planned for a conditioned space in the attic to …

Step 19a – Plan Out the Ductwork Read more »

Not too many people have ever heard of an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator), or the very similar HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator).  The machines are relatively new to residential buildings so you would be hard pressed to find one in anything …

Step 19 – Install the Ventilation System Read more »