With the additions to our 1926 Kuppersmith Project house framed up, the brick masons began work on the brickwork for the outside walls of the house.
Since the new brick on the addition had to blend seamlessly with the old, both bricks and mortar were carefully selected so they would match perfectly with the rest of the house.
We also installed the Fiberon composite decking from their Horizon series on the back porch floor. The decking I choose had an ipê finish, and contained 74% recycled material, making it very eco-friendly.
Hidden deck fasteners with stainless steel screws were used to give the floor a flawless appearance. Fiberon Horizon composite decking comes with a 20-year warranty against staining or fading.
Inside the house, our plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists were hard at work roughing in all the plumbing, wiring, and ductwork to get ready for inspection so we can begin installing insulation and hanging drywall.
That included installing the Broan-NuTone bathroom vent fans, which are tailored to the size and style of each bathroom, along with the piping for our central vacuum system.
In the master bathroom, our plumber installed the ioDIGITAL® shower valve from Moen that can be programmed to control every aspect of the showering experience – from water temperature to sprayers – for each member of the family.
In addition to all the other wiring, speaker wires for the audio system and specialty cables for high definition TV hook-ups were run through the walls and ceiling to a central electronics component closet.
Meanwhile, our construction crew finished up the installation of the JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, including a massive 8’x16’ double sliding glass door unit that will serve to separate the family room from the back porch.
Since motorized, retractable screens from Phantom Screens will be installed on the back porch, the framing for the porch columns and beams had to be done to the proper dimensions to allow for easy installation.
With the plumbing and wiring almost complete, the hundreds of sheets of drywall we’ll be using on the house were delivered.
We’re using UltraLight Sheetrock® from USG Corporation which weighs 30% less than standard drywall, is more sag resistant, and carries a Class A fire rating. It also is covered in recycled paper, making it an environmentally friendly choice as well.
Watch Videos from This Episode
- Matching the Bricks and Mortar on the Kuppersmith Project House
- Installing Composite Decking on the Kuppersmith Project House
- Installing Bathroom Vent Fans in the Kuppersmith Project House
- Programmable Shower Installed in the Kuppersmith Project House
- Framing for Retractable Screens on the Kuppersmith Project House
- Advantages of Drywall Used on the Kuppersmith Project House
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Wine Glass Rack
To display wine glasses, make a kitchen cabinet wine glass rack from pieces of T-molding, which is available at home centers for use on floor thresholds. Simply cut the molding to length, then screw it to the bottom of the cabinets, spaced so your glasses can easily slide into it.
(Watch This Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
HydroRight Dual Flush Converter
Older toilets use up to five times the water of new water saving models. Rather than replacing water guzzling toilets, save money and water by installing HydroRight dual flush conversion kits instead. HydroRight kits are available at The Home Depot and can reduce toilet water usage by up to 70%. (Watch This Video)
Thinking Green with Danny Lipford:
Leaky HVAC Ductwork
Leaks in heating and cooling ductwork can waste energy, increase utility bills, and allow dust and mold spores into your house. Having your ducts tested for leaks and sealing any that are found with special tape and mastic is both eco-friendly and can save you money.
(Watch This Video)
