Tag:Tips
Outdoor Living Update
Progress is continuing on the outdoor living project previously discussed here. The perimeter walls are going up now. These walls are solid concrete retaining wall block. They are double sided allowing them to be dry stacked vertically and used as both the inner and outer wall finish. A separate cap stone will be installed where the wall serves a a seat wall. Around the kitchen area, shown in the progress picture to the right, a granite counter top will be installed once the stainless steel kitchen appliances and cabinets are in place. The stone floor progress can be seen in this picture as well.
We are currently waiting for the bar stool structures to be delivered. They will be installed using a cantilever support system by Seating Innovations that will be mounted to the floor behind the wall. It will then extend through the wall. The chairs themselves will be aluminum to simulate the stainless steel finish of the cabinets. The seats will be cherry. The seats do not come with an outdoor finish from the factory, so we will be getting them raw and field finishing them with a marine finish. It will require maintenance, but should be good for several years before retreatment.
We’re installing the ceiling at this time as well. We are using vinyl soffit material as the ceiling finish. The flexibility of the vinyl allows it to conform to the wood framework of the barrel ceiling. The ceiling is being installed using screws to allow for future accessibility. This will allow access to the attic area for additions or changes to the electrical system or sound system. Can lighting is being installed throughout along with some ceiling fans and chandeliers. There are also surround sound speakers planned for enhanced television viewing. There will be hurricane shutters that require periodic maintenance as well. When necessary, the ceiling can be removed to access the shutters and actually lower them for service if necessary.
Vinyl Base Installation Tip
This tip comes from observing Pat Creamer of H & D Creamer in Warsaw install vinyl base at LaPaz Garden Court. Outside corners are always difficult to perfect with vinyl base. It’s not unusual for the adhesive to lose its grip and allow gaps at the corner.
Using scrap cardboard, cut a form to fit the corner. This can be used to fit any corner dimension or configuration, whether 90 degree or not. Each form can be duplicated as necessary using a razor knife. Once you have forms for your corners, here are the steps for using them to create perfect corners:
- Cut the base to fit the linear dimension required.
- Heat the base with a heat gun to maximize flexibility. Be careful not to over heat as this could cause discoloration or could actually melt/burn the vinyl.
- Apply adhesive to base and wall. Place base while adhesive is still tacky. Reheat if necessary, but take care not to over dry the adhesive.
- Apply the form to the corner with an appropriate weight. Leave the form in place until adhesive has set. (Read the specifications for the adhesive you’re using to determine recommended curing time.)
Thanks Pat!
CFL’s
Although compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s) still offer a large amount on energy savings, it turns out that they might not last as long as expected.
According to the Wall Street Journal, when PG&E Corp. first started the CFL rebate program, it expected the bulbs to last 9.4 years. But, the company has decreased the estimated lifespan to 6.3 years, therefore limiting energy savings from the bulbs. Higher burnout rates were experienced in certain locations throughout the home, like in bathrooms and in recessed lighting. Turning them on and off a lot also seems to impair longevity.
From Hardware Retailing Magazine, March 2011
Adam Cooper Quote on Education
You don’t need fancy highbrow traditions or money to really learn. You just need people with the desire to better themselves.
– Adam Cooper
Marshall County Economic Development partners with Small Business Develoment Center
Marshall County Economic Development is pleased to announce that in partnership with the North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, free, confidential, one-on-one business assistance will be available at our Plymouth office on Miller Drive once a month beginning Wednesday, March 23rd.
Individual appointments to meet with Alan Steele, ISBDC Business Advisor, will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. This opportunity is open to entrepreneurs considering starting a business and those new to business ownership. But it is important to note the wealth of information and support services that SBDC can provide to ANYONE making critical decisions about how to improve their small business – particularly useful for existing strong Marshall County businesses facing new challenges brought by the digital-global-information age!
See the range of services provided below and at the SBDC website at http://www.southbendbcg.com/ for more information on how SBDC can help you succeed in taking your business to the next level.
