Question: what is the best system for HVAC for 100yrs old wood frame 2 story 2 family house?
a house with about 1500sf at ground floor, 1200sf upper floor.
two units(5rooms 2 bedroom and 8rooms 5 bedroom) side by side.
currently has steam heating with oil boiler.
should it be a DIY project or a work by a licensed plumber?
any suggestion will be welcomed.

Answer:

Answer by margret t
Slant Fin natural gas steam heat with registers

Question: New Wood Truss Roof With New Metal Roofing Many Questions?
My Roof is awful. Built in 1926 with 3 ft on center beams and 2 add-ons, not to mention added on garage witch gives my roof a “M” shaped profile, with this huge valley in the middle that causes bad drainage issues.
I have priced new wood trusses that add much needed floor and storage space up there for appx $ 5000.
My questions are:
1. Can I skip decking? I have seen this done on pole barns and am trying to save $ , so…
2. Anyone know the estimated MATERIAL cost for metal roofing (cheaper pre painted stuff is ok by me) 22 squares.
3. Any other guesses on materials costs I haven’t mentioned that I may need to finish the project
4. Any advice for the DIY’er

Answer:

Answer by Breath on the wind
Your question leads to quite a few more.

1. can you skip decking? Sure but you have some problems to consider. Most metal roofing has some shape to keep it ridgid. If the guage is not enough when combined with the shape it may not be self supporting and may not support a snow or even worker load. A cheaper roofing material will be of a thinner guage. Best to check with the manufacturers recommendations. Also how will you seal the edges. Also what about high winds getting under the roofing and blowing it off. Also the decking will also act as sound insulation. (different than thermal insulation) That pole barn you saw is so noisy in the rain that you couldn’t hear someone talking next to you. You might not want those conditions in your home.

2. Material cost will partially depend upon the availability of the material you select in your area. Something unusual with few dealers is going to cost more. You could check the web or yellow pages for current prices.

3. To finish and seal edges like shaped pieces are sometimes available. I have seen these of wood and foam. I don’t know how big your planned trusses are. You may have to add some expense, eithor manpower or hoisting equipment to get them in place. Also I have been reading quite a bit about passive solar design homes recently. If I was approaching such a re roofing project I would also consider redesigning the overhang so that windows might be shaded in the summer and exposed in the winter. Typically, this would be a larger overhang than was originally built in 1926.

4. As with any project, (not only a costly one), good advanced planning will save time and money. Imagine each part of the work and how you plan to work through it. Make a list of each task or job on a left columb and the associated materials and tools in two other columbs. Make sure you have everything in place before you start. Know if you run into problems where you are going to run to.

Good luck with it and enjoy.

Question: do I need moisture barrier under a basic wood floor before installing Laminate Flooring?
I have wood floors and my basement gets wet during the rainy season. I want to know if I’m going to install Pergo Laminate Flooring do I need to use some kind of moisture barrier. I have carpet there right now and there is a thin layer of wood material underneath. Please let me know, I want to do this DIY first time job correctly.

Answer:

Answer by gofish
Can you do anything about that moisture ? It’s not a good idea . A sheet of plastic under your laminate is highly recommended anyway .

Question: How much would it cost to lay wood floors on my kitchen? DIY style?
the kitchen is pretty small, and leads into the nook, which is about 7 x 9 maybe?

I would like to use really nice materials that look sharp. Can you give me a range of how little to how much it might be? thanks!

Answer:

Answer by pissy_old_lady
The cost will depend on what your are laying on the floor…lminate can range from $ 0.99-$ 3.00 or hardwood can range from $ 3.50-$ 15.00+. I just suggest you do not buy the cheapest of whatever flooring you want to get.

A before look at my old dingy oak floor and some prep work removing moulding. DIY 108 and 109 show the sanding and finishing phases of this project.