KASHAS BLOG
Guest Post – Geothermal Heat Pump at Project Homestead
Submitted by Nick Cabianca with Geonomic Developments Energy Efficient Design For most homes, the largest energy expense and environmental impact comes from space conditioning (heating and cooling), typically accounting for more than half of the overall energy used....
Project Homestead #12 – Standing some walls
Framing started about three weeks ago along with the owners, John and Julie, moving to the island permanently (although temporarily renting some digs until the house is finished). As all wise carpenters do, Les started by building the most difficult walls. Â The south...
Project Homestead #11 – Installing the concrete floor
This past week Les made a trip home to take care of his surly maltese pooch Jacques while the Mrs. was visiting relatives. Â Before heading home on Thursday the concrete crew finished placing and finishing the entire garage, carport and house floor in 3 days. Â That's...
Project Homestead #10 – In floor radiant heat
The past week was spent getting prepared to pour the concrete floor. Â Rigid insulation was set over the compacted gravel base, then wire mesh for reinforcement and finally the in floor radiant heat pipes. After being inspected we're ready to pour some mud! We started...
Project Homestead #9 – Preparing the concrete floor
It was an abbreviated work schedule this past week as Les ventured the six hours home on Friday morning to  acquire provisions (reinforcing wire mesh) and to attend his grandson's high school graduation.  He returned on Tuesday with a load of wire mesh tethered to...
Project Homestead #8 – A solid foundation
Building a quality home starts with a quality foundation. Â Getting the foundation right makes everything that follows go more smoothly. Â If it's off (out of square, not level, hold downs in the wrong place) everything that comes after is a battle. Â Being the wise...
Project Homestead #7 – The First Week of Construction
Now the real fun begins! The first week of construction is now in the books. Â Les picked up the permit at San Juan County on Wednesday and hit the ground running. First, he staked out the foundation and footing locations for the excavator. Since the house is being...
How to Organize a Remodeling Project
How to organize a remodeling project Let’s face it, hiring a contractor to remodel your home is a bit scary.  You’ve probably heard plenty of horror stories about blown budgets, missed deadlines and homes that look and feel like a war zone for months on end.  It...
Project Homestead #6 – Permit and Construction Loan
It's been 3 months since my last post. Â There's lots to report, so here goes. Building Permit John took plans and the permit applications to San Juan County on March 3rd. Â It was pretty painless - he was in and out within 20 minutes. Â Normally as the designer...