Remodeling Advice 101

Installing a Base Cabinet
Simple instructions

Using a stud finder, locate the wall studs to which the cabinet will attach. With a pencil, mark the stud locations on the wall. Make sure you will be able to see the marks after the cabinet is in place. Draw a straight vertical line to indicate the center of the studs.

Level the cabinet from front to back and from side to side. Use shims if necessary to raise it the high point of the floor or otherwise change its position. Some vanities adjustable levelers built into the legs eliminate the need for shims on the floor.

Drive screws through the cabinet back rail and shims into the wall studs. Trim the shims with a sharp chisel or knife so they will not be visible when the countertop is in place. With the sink and faucet set installed, position and attach the countertop to the cabinet from underneath.

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Obtaining a building permit ensures oversight of the project and can actually be to your advantage. Think of your professional building inspector as a guardian angel. Their job is to ensure your project is being done safely and to standard of practice. Your permit might catch a problem that could otherwise block the sale of your home in the future.

Some projects require more than one permits; such as electrical, plumbing and heating. A do-it-yourself book from the lumber yard is never a good idea for mechanical work; hire a professional for this work. Also, a building inspector may require proof of a professional's license before they will sign off on the your project.

Before you start any remodeling or new construction project, check with your local building department to find out what the city code is and if you will need to obtain a permit for your project.Permits ususlly have a fee & some can be down-right pricey. So, consider this cost BEFORE you start.

Permits will include instructions on how and where they must be posted. It is important that each inspector's signature be included at each stage of completion.

Read all pertinent sections of the building code so you know exactly what items will be flagged by the inspector.

If your project is turned down for a permit, do not give up. It may be possible to obtain a variance. (which is a topic for another day)

Click HERE to see our web site for more information about doing it yourself

MOLD INFORMATION

Imagine coming home to find water on your kitchen floor.
Your first step is always to find the source of the water. If the dishwasher or kitchen pipes are leaking, you can shut off the valve that supplies that fixture and stop the leak. If a pipe is broken, it will probably be necessary to shut the water to the entire house until the leak is repaired.
Next, do what you reasonably can to minimize the water damage. This may be as simple as sopping up the water with towels, or using a wet/dry vacuum to suck up standing water. However if the water source is coming from the toliet, bacteria in the water can be dangerous to your health and needs to dealt with using proper protective & cleaning techniques.
Also, as soon as possible, move all contents above or away from the water, either by moving them to another room or by lifting them and setting plastic or even small blocks of wood underneath. Pay particular attention to cardboard and paper products, which absorb water very rapidly, and also to wood furniture. These will be sources of mold later. Much of today's furniture is made with a thin wood veneer over a core of particleboard, and this material also will rapidly absorb water.

A common mistake is to crank up the heat in an attempt to dry things out. Excessive heat can suck the moisture out of surfaces but leaves bacteria which if not completed cleaned, will result in mold growth.

Mold can be deadly. If you smell, see mold, or start to have physical symtoms, call a PROFESSIONAL immediately.

Call Anderson Contruction Services (515) 967-1670. Certified Mold Inspections $45

Anderson Construction Services, LLC
Iowa Home Remodeling & Repair, Iowa New Home Construction and Commercial Construction, Home Improvement, Certified Home Inspector, Certified Mold Inspector, Master Carpenter.Anderson Construction, LLC - Serving Iowa: in Altoona, Ankeny, Baxter, Bondurant, Colfax, Colo, Clive, Des Moines, Grinnell, Huxley, Kellogg, Kilduff, Johnston, Mingo, Minburn, Mitchellville, Monroe, Newton, Perry, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Prairie City, Reasnor, Runnells, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines

Email: andersonconstruct@mchsi.com
(515) 967-1670 or Toll Free: 877-442-4471

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