Beyond Blue Home Improvement Thread

[geoff]

Hi everyone. I'm Geoff and have been a dedicated Volunteer on the forums for 13 years. I am proud to have stopped some of the stigmas that are associated with mental health as well as doing my best to help others too

Before my health went south I was a builder in all aspects of home construction and renovation. If you don't have a handyman around I hope I can offer you some tips that may be of help. I have had many years of experience in home renovation and will do my best to help you out if you are stuck and need some advice

I hope my experience may be of help to the people on Beyond Blue and make their life a little bit better. Even if you need help with the most basic painting job or putting up a shelf I can help there too with some tips

I will do my best to get back to anyone that has a question when I can as this is social yet important thread

Geoff

[ecomama]

Hey guys who are battling cold weather....

have you got hot water bottles??

They're old fashioned lol but AWESOME. If I'm super cold I put one down my jumper on my tummy to keep warm. We have to leave our back door open 24/7 for our dog.

I've been known to take 2 to bed with me lol... one for my feet and one for my belly. Super toasty.

And you can make one up first thing in the morning when you make your cuppa.

An old pillowcase is great for a cover.

I just love them lol.

xxEM

[Hanna3]

Hi ecomama',

That was kind of you to post your thoughts thank you! Yes I had a look at a couple of other fibro houses and they seem to have a bracket screwed or bolted somehow into the outside wall, but I could only look from a distance not close up as I'd have to walk into people's properties. I've been so caught up with paperwork today I haven't had time to ask about handymen yet but that's a good point about the hourly rate, thanks so much for that tip!

Really appreciate you stopping by! Cheers!

[geoff]

Hi Sleepy, the thicker the glass the better chance it has in keeping the warmth and likewise the cooler air in and if you need to replace any glass it may have to be 6mm thick, the glazier will know.

There is a window film of insulation that can be used, I haven't but could be a waste of money, I don't know.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hi EM, lourve windows were always good, cheap to replace and easy to use, the only downfall is burglars can take them out and the heat/cool can easily escape.

Window air con are quite easy to install, the main body slides out from the casing which can then be placed in the open window, where you decide how much overhangs into the bedroom/loungeroom, then screw it into any available stud a couple of times, and you can also make a false stud the other side and do the same.

You will need two people to lift the engine/bulk of it and slide it back into the casing and there should be small screws to attach the bulk to the casing, this stops it from moving.

The part in the window that is now left open (next to air con) you can buy small partitions or fill in yourself.

You will need a powerpoint as well plus heating is more expensive than cooling.

I know my heating is rather high but I've cut back on other commodities, I'm not going to freeze/boil these days.

You can screw 2 brackets under the air con or a waterproof shelf, and if no stud then use 'toggles'.

To put in an air con through the wall is another situation.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hello Hanna, RX and Paul, (hope I haven't missed anyone) I remember years ago when studying, the little fan heaters on my feet was so gorgeous, Dad was paying the bill which I never knew how much it was, but as soon as you turned it off was a terrible feeling.

What I forgot to say with the air con is that it has a drainage pipe which you can push on a part of the garden hose and position where it should drain, on a garden bed or just down the driveway.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Hanna3]

Thanks Geoff, but is this still do-able in a fibro asbestos home? An old one with old wooden sash windows like mine? I'm worried about paying hundreds for the window box aircon and then finding it can't be installed here because of the fibro-asbestos walls.. that they have to screw the bracket to support the window aircon into... thanks Geoff!

[ecomama]

geoff said:

Hi EM, lourve windows were always good, cheap to replace and easy to use, the only downfall is burglars can take them out and the heat/cool can easily escape.

Thanks Geoff....we're installing the louvre windows to enclose a downstairs undercover porch.
We will have a glass sliding door, but this may remain unlocked.
So the 2 back doors will still be in place for security.

But whatever culprit would be caught on 3 CCTV cameras too.

We decided to do it this way to keep the rain out and create an all weather indoor / outdoor space for us all. The woodburning Pizza oven is nearby and it's handy to eat in the new porch area but the windows & doors will help keep the smoke out lol.
The glass will also help create a wind break - we live near the water and the winds are BIG lol.

We don't intend on heating or cooling the area at all.

In Summer it's the place to be but the kids still use it even now in Winter just because they like that area.

We have a split system air con I installed upstairs, so we're covered upstairs.

I was thinking of putting a window one in for my teens who choose to live downstairs but they're barely here soooo I might leave it.

My Uncle is coming back this week to continue with the porch area. He liked the installation idea so all good.

Thankyou for the advice Geoff!

EM

[geoff]

Hi Paul, sorry I forgot to say that $150 would be a reasonable price and you can barter with them, especially if you pay by cash.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[blondguy]

Hi Geoff and thankyou for helping me out with Hanna's question!

I have meranti door architraves (which are banned now) that were stained 30 years ago in a matt Californian Redwood stain....

Can I paint over them with interior Dulux paint without sanding or using a primer?

any advice would be greatly appreciated

Paul

[geoff]

Hi Hanna, the air con can certainly be put in a sash window, then if you move you can take it with you and no damage made or if need be move it from room to room, although it still has to be made secure.

If you're handy it's not a problem, but if you have to pay someone, then finance needs to be considered.

I remember the first air con that I installed was in a sash window, such a relief with two young children.

Know what you mean EM and lease let us know how it goes.

Pity I can't be there.

Geoff.