Most builders have the cabinets installed first if they are using laminate flooring, but I decided not to. The reasons for installing cabinets first are to save costs on flooring that you will never see or step foot on, and …
There are certain parts of home construction that are tedious and time consuming and can take days or weeks of work with little to show for the hours of labor. On the flip side of that, there are parts that …
The top of the spiral staircase is finished off with a wooden newel and ballusters were placed all around the perimeter of the landing. Again, it is important to notch the ballusters so they lock into the landing, and also …
Step 26c – Complete Top Railing and Apply Clear Coat Read more »
With the treads in place, it was time to attach the ballusters and railing. The ballusters are made from 2×2’s with small notches routed out of them so they lock in between the treads and ensure each of the treads …
Although the plans called for hardwood, I decided to cut costs and construct the treads from spruce 2×6’s. I contacted someone who had used the same plans who had also used softwood and he was really happy with how they …
I think my fascination with spiral staircases stems from my love of efficiency. With a standard staircase, there is a ton of wasted space on both floors. For example, with 8 foot walls, the steepest straight staircase allowable by building …
I was now finally ready to complete the finishing touches on the interior walls. There is a good reason that most owner/builders don’t do their own drywall. It is a marathon! By the time I was done I had gone …
All of the edges of the drywall sheets are now covered with tape except for two. The edges of the drywall that butt up against the floor, and the edges of the sheets that come together to form an outside …
Building your own home allows you to customize as much as you want. Learn how easy it can be to add beautiful drywall arches, curved walls, and custom niches. Drywall is easy to work with and also 100 percent recyclable. Simply use a utility knife to score the back (brown) side at 2″ intervals and snap the sheets at each of the scores. The white side of the sheet remains uncut to provide a nice, clean surface for finishing. For convex curves, use plenty of water on the back side so the gypsum will soften and bend easier. Clamp the sheet so it will dry in the new, curved shape and don’t attach the sheet to the framing until it is completely dry.
Decrease air infiltration and sound transfer while building your own net-zero home by using continuous drywall and resilient channel.