Enhancing Your Space with Awnings: A Smart Choice

By hostpond on September 28, 2023 in Uncategorized

An awning is a great improvement to your home or really any building. An awning is a roof structure that is attached to one wall of a building. This attachment is accomplished by the use of a “Ledger board”. (more about that later). Since an awning is mostly a roof structure, it usually ends up with 3 open sides. The Foundation of an awning is usually dependent on the “Attachment wall” on the end connected to the existing building and a set of concrete footings at the opposite end.

The tarp was securely fastened to the previously mentioned “Ledger board” that was also previously installed when the building was built. The clear tarp awning roof lasted for almost a year, creating a temporary dry storage area. (And a dry work area to dig the holes and mix the concrete). Sadly the temporary tarp became a casualty of an unexpected snow storm.

The next step is to dig holes and pour concrete footing as you see in the next picture. Metal brackets are added to the concrete before it cures to attach wood support posts for the framing.

The Framing comes next and is fairly simple. A good carpenter can frame this for you. The component parts are 3 – 4×4 posts, a beam, (this one is a glulam beam). You will notice that the beam is being easily lifted into perfect position by the use of threaded feet on the yellow scaffolding. Next comes the roof rafters. They are attached to the ledger board at the top with metal brackets. The other end of the rafters sits on top of the beam.

Plywood is installed, underlayment and composition roofing.

Here isthe finished awning. Wood trim and paint are added where needed to complete the project. An awning is a great project to create extra storage that is dry and shade from the sun. It will add additional value and usefulness to your home, garage or outbuilding.

Step-by-Step Guide To Building Your Own Tiny Home

By hostpond on September 28, 2023 in Tiny Homes

Are you looking to downsize and live a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle? Building your own tiny home might just be the answer. With an average size of 200-400 square feet, tiny homes offer a cozy and efficient living space that can be customized to your liking. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of building your own tiny home and provide some valuable insights along the way.

Components of the Job

The process of building a tiny home involves several key components that need to be considered. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

Carpentry Framing: This is the structural skeleton of your tiny home. It involves building the walls, floors, and roof using lumber and ensuring they are structurally sound and able to withstand the elements. This stage requires precision and attention to detail, as any mistakes made here can have far-reaching consequences.

Carpentry Siding: Once the framing is complete, it’s time to add the exterior siding. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your tiny home but also serves as a protective layer against the elements. There are various siding options available, such as wood, vinyl, and metal, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Windows and Skylights: The next step is installing windows and skylights to bring natural light into your tiny home and provide ventilation. Choosing energy-efficient windows will help to regulate the temperature inside and reduce energy consumption.

Roofing: The roof is another critical component that requires careful consideration. It needs to be weather-resistant and durable to withstand the elements. There are different roofing materials available, such as asphalt shingles, metal, or even a green roof, depending on your preferences and budget.

Painting: The final step in the construction phase is painting the walls and exterior of your tiny home. This is where you can showcase your personal style and make your tiny home truly unique. Consider using environmentally friendly paints to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Uses of a Tiny Home

Apart from being a primary residence, tiny homes have a wide range of uses. Here are a few ideas:

Art Studio: If you’re a creative individual, a tiny home can serve as your personal art studio. The compact size allows for a focused and clutter-free workspace.
Playhouse: Tiny homes can make excellent playhouses for children. They provide a safe and imaginative space for kids to play and explore their own little world.
Guest House: A tiny home can be a perfect guest house for visitors. It offers privacy and comfort while still being close to the main residence.
Vacation Home: Instead of spending a fortune on expensive hotels or vacation rentals, consider building a tiny home that can serve as your personal vacation retreat.

When to Call a Professional

While a tiny home can still be a DIY project, there are certain areas where it is advisable to seek professional help. Building an entire home, even a small one, requires expertise and knowledge that many of us may not possess. Hiring construction professionals for the most technical and consequential parts of the build can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes, delays, and catastrophes down the road.

The most common areas where DIY tiny home builders seek professional help are utilities and complex household systems, such as plumbing, electrical, gas lines, and HVAC. These systems involve potential risks and require specialized knowledge to ensure they are installed correctly and safely. A gas leak or faulty wiring could bring the whole place down, which is why it is crucial to leave these aspects of the build in the hands of professionals.

Contact Us Today!

If you are ready to embark on the exciting journey of building your own tiny home and want expert guidance every step of the way, get in touch with our team today. Our professionals are here to assist you with the most technical aspects of the build, ensuring a safe and successful project. However, if you are interested in being taught the process yourself, we also offer courses and workshops designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge. Don’t wait, take the first step towards your tiny home dreams and call us today!

Benefits and Advantages of a Basement Remodel

By BizIQ on June 23, 2023 in Basement Remodel

Partially,Completed,Interior,Remodel,Of,Home.

Benefits and Advantages of a Basement Remodel

As homeowners, one of our ultimate dreams is to have a house that’s beautiful, functional, and meets our family’s needs. One part of the house that can be transformed to meet these requirements is the basement. If you’re planning to remodel your basement, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the benefits and advantages of this important home improvement project, what to expect during your basement remodel, and the components of the job.

What Are the Benefits and Advantages of a Basement Remodel?

Create More Living Space Without an Addition

Remodeling your basement is a great way to create additional living space without the need for an expensive home addition. You can use this space as a family room, home theater, exercise room, guest suite, or even a home office.

Increase Your Home’s Value

A finished basement can significantly increase your home’s value. It’s one of the home improvement projects that have the best return on investment (ROI). According to Remodeling magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, a basement remodel can recoup up to 72.1% of the cost.

Better Insulation and Energy Savings

When you remodel your basement, you have the opportunity to improve the insulation and air sealing, which will boost the energy efficiency of your home. By upgrading the building envelope, you can reduce air leakage and heat loss, which translates into lower utility bills.

Keep Your Family Safe

A damp or moldy basement can be hazardous to your family’s health. By remodeling your basement, you can address any moisture and ventilation issues, which will improve the indoor air quality and eliminate any potential hazards. You’ll also gain peace of mind knowing that you’re living in a safe and healthy environment.

What Can I Expect During My Basement Remodel?

At Bragg Construction and Remodeling, we follow a systematic approach to ensure that your basement remodel is as smooth, stress-free, and efficient as possible. Here are the steps you can expect during your basement remodel:

Step 1: Removing Dry Rot & Removing Carpenter Ants – Removing Framing

Before we can start the remodel, we need to identify any structural issues that need to be addressed. One of the common problems in basements is dry rot or carpenter ants, which can compromise the integrity of the framing and cause damage to the wood. We’ll inspect the basement for any such issues and take steps to remedy the problem. This may involve removing and replacing framing, repairing or replacing the concrete floor, and waterproofing the walls.

The wood framing And insulation had to be removed due to dry rot, bug damage and mold.

We ran our hepa filtration system while we worked in order to keep the air clean for the workers and customers.

Debris was removed through the basement window so we wouldn’t track junk through the upstairs.

Step 2: Wall Framing, Add Windows and Doors, Install DryWall, Interior Painting

Once we’ve addressed any structural issues in the basement, we move on to framing the walls and adding any windows and doors needed for access and egress. Next, we’ll install the drywall and add interior painting to bring some color and personality to space.

Components of the Job

Our team is highly skilled and experienced in all aspects of a basement remodel project. Here are some of the services we offer:

Carpentry

We’ll be working on framing and finishing carpentry during the remodel. This means that we’ll be constructing the walls, ceilings, and floors using quality materials and precise measurements. We can also add custom woodwork, such as built-in bookcases, cabinetry, and wainscoting.

Wall Removal and Framing

If you want to open up your basement for a more spacious feel, we can help you with wall removal and framing. We’ll remove any walls that need to come down, and build new ones to create the layout and design you desire.

Dry Rot Repair

As mentioned, dry rot can be a significant problem in basements. We have the experience and tools to diagnose and repair any dry rot issues that we find.

Interior Painting

Our team will help you choose the perfect colors and finishes for your new basement. We’ll handle all interior painting jobs with precision and care.

Trim

Finally, we’ll finish off the space with trim or molding, giving it an elegant, finished look.

Working With Bragg Construction and Remodeling

At Bragg Construction and Remodeling, we’re passionate about helping homeowners turn their basements into beautiful, functional, and safe living spaces. We’re a team of experts who pride ourselves on quality workmanship, customer satisfaction, and attention to detail. Whether you need carpentry, wall framing, dry rot repair, interior painting, or trim work, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Dry Rot FAQs

By BizIQ on May 9, 2023 in Dry Rot Repair

Dry rot is a serious problem that can affect wood in any building. If left untreated, it can cause significant structural damage and even affect the health of residents. Unfortunately, dry rot is quite common, so it’s essential to be aware of it, how to prevent it and what to do if you suspect it’s present in your home.

In this post, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions about dry rot to help homeowners better understand this issue.

What is Dry Rot?

Dry Rot is a type of fungus that typically affects wood. It thrives in warm, damp conditions where wood can retain moisture for extended periods. As the name suggests, the fungus dries the wood out, making it brittle, cracked and weaker.

Dry rot can also spread to other types of building materials, including bricks and plaster. When left untreated, it can cause significant structural damage and even affect the health of residents, as the fungus can release toxic spores into the air.

How Can I Tell if I Have Dry Rot in my Home?

Spotting dry rot is usually relatively easy, thanks to the tell-tale signs of its presence. The following symptoms can be an indication of dry rot:

1) A musty, damp smell in the affected area

2) Wood that looks darker or has a reddish-brown tint

3) Cracked or brittle wood

4) Wood that crumbles when pressure is applied

5) White, cotton-like strands on wood or in cavities

6) Skirting boards or wood-based finishes that have become detached from the walls or floors.

If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get a professional to inspect your home thoroughly. Early intervention can prevent significant damage and save you money in the long run.

Do All Homes Get Dry Rot?

Any building that is made of wood is susceptible to dry rot, regardless of its age or condition. However, some homes are more prone to dry rot than others. Homes with inadequate ventilation, high levels of moisture in the air or an existing damp problem are more likely to develop dry rot.

What Causes Dry Rot?

Dry rot is caused by a fungal spore known as Serpula Lacrymans. The fungus requires certain conditions to thrive and grow, including a source of food (wood), moisture and warm temperatures. Any damp areas in your home can provide the perfect habitat for dry rot to take hold. This could be caused by poor ventilation or a water leak, for example.

How Can Dry Rot Be Prevented?

Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to dry rot. Here are some tips on how to prevent dry rot in your home:

1) Keep your home dry and well-ventilated – Ensure that your home is adequately ventilated, particularly in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens that are prone to damp. Use dehumidifiers to maintain low humidity levels.

2) Fix any leaks or water damage – Any water damage in your home should be repaired promptly to prevent damp from developing.

3) Inspect your home regularly – Regular inspections can help you identify any damp problems before they become severe.

4) Remove any areas of damp – If you discover any areas of damp in your home, such as water-stained walls or black mould, take steps to rectify the problem.

5) Treat any wood that may be exposed to damp – Wood that is in frequent contact with moisture, such as timber decking, should be treated with a protective layer.

Can Dry Rot Be Treated?

Dry rot can only be treated by a professional. DIY solutions are unlikely to be effective, and it’s essential to get an expert opinion on the severity of the rot problem.

In most cases, the infected area will need to be removed, as well as the surrounding wood. Any plaster or masonry that has been affected may also need to be removed and replaced.

Once the area has been cleared of all infected materials, a treatment will be applied to kill any remaining spores.

Final Thoughts

Dry rot is a serious problem that can cause significant structural damage if left untreated. While all homes are susceptible to dry rot, there are steps you can take to prevent it from developing and to mitigate damage if it does occur. Regular inspections and swift action at the first sign of damp problems can go a long way towards preventing dry rot in your home. If you suspect that you may have dry rot in your home, it’s essential to contact a professional for advice and treatment.

How To Find A Good Home Repair Contractor

By BizIQ on April 5, 2023 in Home Repair Contractor, Uncategorized

How To Find A Good Home Repair Contractor

Hiring a home repair contractor is an important part of any renovation project. It’s essential to find someone you can trust and communicate with well. To start, gather price quotes from a few good contractors. Next, meet with them in person to get a feel for their “chemistry” or rapport.

Check Online Reviews

Online reviews are a huge part of the home repair industry, and can be used to help you find the right contractor. Whether you’re looking for a kitchen remodeler, a roofer or someone to perform plumbing work, reviews are an excellent tool in your search. To start, look for the big three review sites: Yelp, Facebook and Google. These are general review sites where businesses of all types have pages. You can also check niche review sites like Angie’s List and Houzz. They’re specifically designed to give you a better idea of how reputable the contractors you’re considering are, and can be a great resource for finding someone who does a good job in your area.

Check With The Better Business Bureau

Before you sign a contract with a potential home repair contractor, check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a free resource that you can use to find local and reputable businesses. A good way to begin your search is by calling each potential contractor’s references and asking them about their experiences with them. This will help you determine whether or not they are a good fit for your project. You should also ask each potential home repair contractor if they are licensed to do work in your area. You can check with your state licensing agency for information on licenses and certificates of insurance. The BBB also maintains a database of complaints filed against companies, charities and other organizations. These complaints are compiled from consumer reports filed throughout the country.

Check With Your Insurance Company

When it comes to choosing a home repair contractor, it’s essential to start by checking with your insurance company. In many cases, a homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for repairs in either replacement cost or actual cash value. The insurance company will send you a check for this settlement amount. It will be made out to you and, if you have a mortgage, to your lender as well. Some lenders might put a portion of the settlement money into an escrow account to help cover the costs of repairs. Once the work is completed and the lender has inspected it, they will release the remaining funds to you.

Check With The Contractor’s License

When hiring a contractor, it’s essential to ensure that they are licensed. This means that they have met certain qualifications, including training and passing tests. Licenses and certifications are typically regulated at the state and local level. They vary by city or county, but generally cover areas like electrical work, plumbing jobs and HVAC work. In addition, many states require contractors to be bonded. These bonds are a form of insurance that covers your home in case the contractor can’t complete their job properly.

Floor Framing Repair in Milwaukie, Oregon… Wood Boring Beetles, Carpenter Ants, and Dry Rot Oh My

By Robin Bragg on November 15, 2018 in Carpenter Ants, Dry Rot Repair, Exterior Siding

In the Pacific Northwest, the damage to your home from the elements and pests cannot be underestimated. This Milwaukie, Oregon home had extensive damage from Wood Boring beetles, Carpenter Ants, and Dry Rot — this trifecta caused extensive home exterior damage. Bragg Construction arrived on the scene to completely reconstruct one entire end of the house after it had dropped approximately 2 inches due to the hollowed floor joists.

Removal of damaged home exterior material from Milwaukie, Oregon home with damage from Wood Boring Beetles, Carpenter Ants, and Dry Rot by Bragg Construction

Inspection, Damage Assessment, and Identification of the Villains:

The home was a one-level ranch house with a brick facade with faulty drip flashing. To understand more about the downward spiral of water damage please read this previous blog post. Encouraged by the intrusion of water, some villainous insects had clearly caused damage. Research was done to determine the presence of both Carpenter Ants and Wood Boring Beetles. To learn more about Wood Boring Beetles please check out the OSU insect identification page.

A view of the home exterior damage caused by failed flashing between the home siding and brick facade and faulty roofing allowed water to enter the home’s frame

Navigating the crawl space and inspecting the floor framing, we determined at least 6 floor joist were nearly completely hollowed. A pocket-knife went through a 2 inch thick timber, wood powder came raining down, and it was time to remove the exterior siding to get started with the replacement of the floor timbers!

Home exterior view of damage caused by dry rot, Carpenter Ants, and Wood Boring Beetles

Jacking the house up

Notice the 3 wall jacks that were neaded to lift the hosue 2 inches

Removing the joists

Bragg Construction jacked the house up in order to remove the joists. Again, the Boring Beetles had done extensive damage, notice all of the holes in the joists.

Close-up of wood with Wood Boring Beetles exist holes in fir floor joist.

The core of the wood was hollow. The exterminator came in prior to Bragg Construction coming in to do the repairs.

Wood Boring Beetle Damage to Floor Joists

Shreds and powder are all that remains of this floor joist removed due to Wood Boring Beetle damage.

New sill plate and Joists

Bragg Construction inserted 4 full length 12′ floor joists.

View of the 4 new 12′ lumber floor joists.

Straight on view of the new sill plate and floor joists

Rim Band Put in Place For Completion

Rim band goes into place to complete the repair.

Historic Home Repair Dry Rot Damaged a Portland, Oregon Home in the Alameda Neighborhood

By Robin Bragg on September 15, 2018 in Dry Rot Repair, Historic Home Repair

This beautiful home in Portland’s Alameda neighborhood had a knee brace fall off due to poor attachment and dry rot. The pieces that fell weren’t badly rotted so they did not need to be rebuilt, only reattached. Here is the process of historic home repair as performed by Bragg Construction and Remodeling.

Beautiful home in Portland’s Historic Alameda Neighborhood.

Elaborate Architectural Details on this Historic Home

A knee brace holds up the edge of the roof. (The dark green things). The wide board here is known as a “barge board” Notice the beautiful detailing!

Wonderful architectural details on this Historic home in Portland’s Alameda neighborhood.

Ladder Up to the Porch Roof

Notice the missing knee brace, upper right corner of photo.

Bragg Construction sets up ladder to get to the dry rot portion above the porch roof.

Scaffolding Setup for Working Safely and Efficiently

Bragg Construction and Remodeling creates safe work platforms for efficient working.

Scaffolding set up with adjustable feet on sloped porch roof.

Scaffolding Helps to Hold Knee Brace in Place

The diagonal part of the knee brace has been drilled and glued ready to lift into position.

Scaffolding is used to assist in holding the knee brace.

Scaffolding Helps in a Multitude of Ways

The scaffolding holds the craftsman, tools and provides a platform for the house jack. A one inch lift is accomplished so that the restoration is Perfect.

Scaffolding is helping in many ways

The diagonal portion of the knee brace is placed and ready for the roof to be lifted.

What are we doing with the Bungie Cord?

The carpenter makes the final lift while attaching with long screws and glue. The bungie simply provides a “helping hand”.

Diagonal brace is temporarily held by the scaffolding and the bungie

Diagonal brace is temporarily held up by the scaffolding and the bungie.

The knee brace is repaired, caulked, and ready for paint

All that is needed now is painting and regular maintenance.
Repaired right knee brace, caulked and ready for paint!

Historic Home Repair… The house is healed!

Historic home preservation takes care and skill.

Wonderful architectural details on this Historic home in Portland’s Alameda neighborhood.

Stone Fireplace Installation by Bragg Construction and Remodeling

By Robin Bragg on July 15, 2018 in Fireplace, Interior Remodeling

Bragg Construction and Remodeling builds beautiful stone fireplaces. This stone fireplace installation project has several parts: The stone wall surround, A Granite hearth stone, A Fir wood mantle, and a slate floor. Here is how it is done:

Stone and granite fireplace with fir mantle custom build

The cement floor is cleaned and prepped with an isolation barrier. The corner layout is established with a compass.

Making way for the hearth by prepping cement floor

Framing material is installed with glue and nails. See the laser line on the wall?

Hearth framing and installation tools

Bender board establishes the front edge.

Continuation of hearth framing with Bender board

Plywood is cut as a base to granite hearth stone.

Plywood base for hearth

Granite hearth stone is fitted.

Granite hearthstone install

Wall surround and Fir wood mantle is installed.

The granite hearth is protected by padding as the fir mantle is built and installed

Slate floor is installed.

Slate floor is professionally installed right up to the hearth

After flooring installation, Slate floor is sealed with silicone sealer for protection.

Silicone sealer is used to protect the slate flooring from damage.

All four parts of this project come together -the stone surround, the granite hearth, the fir wood mantle, and the slate floor.

Slate floor after being sealed with silicone sealant

The stove is installed and project gets final cleaning. This is a great project for the fall as the weather changes and the thought of a winter fireplace comes calling. This project took about 2 weeks. Bragg Construction and Remodeling guided the clients through the material choices for this project as it is important that the right materials are used at each stage of the build. Now this Portland, Oregon home is ready for the winter with their new stone fireplace installation.

Stone and granite fireplace with fir mantle custom build

Professional tile and laminate flooring installation in Milwaukie, Oregon

By Robin Bragg on May 16, 2018 in Carpenter Ants, Interior Flooring

Bragg Construction and Remodeling has been providing professional Tile flooring installations for over 30 years. The old vinyl floor was removed. The dry rot and carpenter ant damage were repaired, (and exterminated). New cement board has been glued and nailed to the repaired sub floor. The Tile flooring has been professionally installed.

Cement board subflooring ready for tile

Properly undercutting a door jam and casing

A piece of the tile and 2 paint sticks help to determine the thickness of the finished floor. The tile acts as a spacer and a guide, the paint sticks allow for the thickness of the cement adhesive.

Undercutting a door jam and casing to make room for tile

Properly make height adjustment to allow room for mortor:

The under cut is complete, the tile is cut, time to check the fit.

Spacing sticks make room for mortor for correct casing cutting

Confirm fit of properly notched tile to slide under the casing:

The tile is cut and “dry fit” to be sure that it will easily slide under the jamb and casing.

Properly cut tile slides under door jam

One Final Tile to be Cut and Set:

Here is the other side of the door and the final tile will be cut and set in mortor.

Cement board, embedded metal transition piece, ready for last piece of tile

Cement Board Ready for Tile Setting

Cement board, glued and nailed, fiberglass mesh tape on the seams, pencil guide lines, ready to set tile.

Cement board sub flooring ready for tile (1)

The Finish Tile Floor

The tile floor is completed with motor and silicone sealer.

Completely finished tile floor in kitchen that is waterproof and indestructible which is always a good recommendation for a kitchen or bath

Turning to the Laminate Floor in the Living Room:

The kitchen got a new tile floor and the living room got a new laminate floor.

Continuation of laminate flooring installation in Mailwaukie living room

Continuation of laminate flooring installation in Milwaukie living room

Repairing Carpenter Ant Damage and Dry Rot Repair in Milwaukie Oregon

By Robin Bragg on April 11, 2018 in Carpenter Ants, Dry Rot Repair, Interior Flooring

Water damage causes dry rot. Dry rot is an invitation to Carpenter Ants. Once you’ve got Carpenter Ants eating away at your home you’ve got trouble. The downward spiral continues to feed the dry rot and colony of Carpenter Ants. Carpenter Ants can do thousands of dollars of damage to your home. They eat wood to make room to build their nests which weakens the structure of your home. You’ve got to remove the dry rot to get rid of the Carpenter Ants.

Floor Framing with Caprenter Ant in Milwaukie, Oregon Home

Floor Framing with Caprenter Ants in Milwaukie, Oregon Home

Remove the finished flooring:

One of the most common places for dry rot to start in your home is near Kitchen and Bathroom fixtures. Often a very small leak will begin the downward spiral.

Reveal the subfloor to determine the extent of damage:

The only good news about dry rot and Carpenter ant damage is the opportunity to get a new floor. In an older home it may already be time for a new floor so . . let the work begin. First the old floor must be removed to expose the sub floor and the extent of the damage. This project had an ugly vinyl floor with a chip board, (particle board sub floor).

Removal of Subfloor revealing Carpenter Ant damage

Remove the damaged framing:

Another bit of good news on this project is that the carpenter and and dry rot damage was only about 2 square feet. Since this was an active nest an exterminator was brought in to destroy the ants.

Damaged subfloor removed and ready for repair

Replace the subflooring:

Bragg Construction and Remodeling builds Tile floors to last. Tile Floors are very durable if built on top of a cement sub floor. We glue the cement floor to the sub floor and nail with ring shank nails. Notice the pencil lines with a suggested lay out for the 1 x 2 tiles.

Cement board subflooring ready for tile

Install a new flooring:

The skills of the Master carpenter are also useful in the installation of tile. Notice the professional product: Undercut door jambs and casings, Good layout, and Straight lines make for a professional installation.

Completely finished tile floor in kitchen

The finished Product:

The best choice for Laundry rooms, bathrooms and some kitchens is a quality, professionally installed, tile floor.

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