UNIQUE KITCHEN MODS

In collaboration with the customer, we came up with a design to add to the kitchen counter so the couple could work together in the small space. The project features a tempered glass top supported by 3x3" fir posts and shelves of fir veneer plywood with fir banding on the edges.  The sink is a hand made unit from Mexico. A plumber hooked up the drain and water supply.

The right side of the counter features a resin slab with embedded sea shells which will be lit from underneath.

Totally custom, made on site. One of a kind! The customer was thrilled.

NO FLOW? CHECK FOR CRUD

Whether it's water coming in or going out, it needs to flow. If the water exiting the faucet is slow it could be a clogged aerator, the screen that attaches to the end of the faucet.    SEE PHOTO

Once cleaned the flow will return to normal. Same applies to shower head screen and washing machines with an in-line filter.

As for drains, the leading cause of a plugged drain is hair. Look into the drain and if the cross member is clogged with hair, pull out the hair mass with a pair of needle nose pliers or other similar tool. Check the drain by opening the taps and notice the flow. If the obstruction was completely removed the water should quickly travel down the drain. There should be no pooling of water in the basin regardless of how open the taps are.

Once a month run some degreaser though all your drains to keep them flowing smoothly.

NOTE: In older homes with steel pipes (supply and drain) rust can build up inside the pipe, restricting flow. Sometimes the corrosion is so bad it causes perforation which may become worse if the pipe is disturbed.

YOUR NOSE KNOWS - WEIRD ODORS ANYONE?

Recently I diagnosed a potentially dangerous issue with a dryer. The customer complained of an odor from the dryer. I discovered the plug and receptacle were corroded and the resulting arcing on one terminal had caused overheating at the point of contact, leading to melting of the plug base which was where the odor originated.

An electrician replaced the faulty parts.

CHECK YOUR DRYER  & STOVE  PLUGS: TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE DRYER/STOVE AND PULL THE PLUG OUT OF THE RECEPTACLE. IF ALL IS GOOD, THE PINS SHOULD LOOK SHINY. IF ANY SIGNS OF CORROSION OR BLACKNESS, HAVE  A PROFESSIONAL INSPECT IT.

REUSE & RECYCLE = GREEN

Recently I did a demolition in  a restaurant and the cabinets were too good to throw away so I found a home for most of them at a customer's whose garage I had just finished painting. They were thrilled to have them and hired me to install them. So it was a win-win for everyone and the environment.

I always try to reuse or recycle whenever I can. It doesn't always make economic sense to do so however. This is why so much goes to the dump.

If you would like to follow my lead and do good for the environment, consider buying used items at the Habitat ReStore in Langford (NOW ALSO ON OAK STREET, Victoria)

The cabinets here were make of high quality maple veneer plywood. The hardware alone was worth about $100!  

LATEST PROJECT

The original tub was longer than today's "standard" so the end wall had to be restructured. Roxul was used to insulate the walls and GPs DensShied backer board was used for it's excellent waterproof properties. Parts of the floor had to be repaired using spare and salvaged tiles. 

All tiles were set in mortar for strength, mold resistance and longevity.

The window was replaced with a custom sized unit from Van Isle Windows. The window sill was fitted with a one-piece custom cultured marble slab, pitched to shed water.