The Home Improvement Thread

[Ahuch]

Originally Posted by Twitchy15

If you buy a shed that’s say 10 ft by 8 ft would the best base to have be a concrete pad?

Any opinions on this? Concrete pad vs building your own?

Concrete is probably better, but I built a similar size shed with pressure treated 2x4s and 3/4" treated plywood. It's quite sturdy, and it was easier to shim the base a bit instead of making the yard perfect.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Twitchy15

If you buy a shed that’s say 10 ft by 8 ft would the best base to have be a concrete pad?

Any opinions on this? Concrete pad vs building your own?

also depends if you want it to stay there forever or not, if you think you will want to move or get rid of it in the future Id go with gravel or concrete pavers

[BlackArcher101]

If you do a concrete pad, isn't it then considered a permanent structure under bylaw and not a shed?

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

If you do a concrete pad, isn't it then considered a permanent structure under bylaw and not a shed?

Yep, it will also have to be added to the RPR and follow city bylaws (distance from property line etc)

[timun]

If it's less than 10 m² it doesn't need a permit and doesn't count toward your lot coverage under the Land Use Bylaw. It does however still have to meet minimum bylaw requirements; doesn't matter whether it has a concrete pad under it or not, or whether it's "temporary" or not. (Even those $500 tent garages sold at Cambodian Tire have to meet bylaw requirements about height, setbacks, etc.) You can go right up to the property line if the exterior is "maintenance-free" and doesn't drain water or have an eave projecting onto the adjacent property.

And whether it's larger than 10 m² or not, whether it's got a concrete pad or not, your RPR should include it.

[Ahuch]

Is there a single company that makes a decent refrigerator these days? Reading through online reviews is a train wreck, seems like they all fail constantly...

[Ozy_Flame]

Anyone have good tips for buying a used lawnmower for the spring? Haven't dealt with one in years but need one this year. Is TORO still a good brand? I remember it being pretty solid when I was a kid.

[Fuzz]

Check with the lawnmower repair places. I'm sure they have some they have refurbished for sale.

[speede5]

Originally Posted by Ahuch

Is there a single company that makes a decent refrigerator these days? Reading through online reviews is a train wreck, seems like they all fail constantly...

I have a ten year old GE that is still working fine. I would buy another.

[rohara66]

Originally Posted by Ahuch

Is there a single company that makes a decent refrigerator these days? Reading through online reviews is a train wreck, seems like they all fail constantly...

Our guy at Trail told us to avoid the fridges with lots of fancy features as you're just more likely to replacing parts over time.

No touchscreens, no cameras, no ice dispensers inside the fridge (ours is in the pullout freezer drawer) and consider the additional warranty (if those are your jam).

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Check with the lawnmower repair places. I'm sure they have some they have refurbished for sale.

That's a great idea. Thanks!

[Scroopy Noopers]

Has anyone dealt with insulating an addition (without a foundation)? The previous owner had laid batt insulation in the crawl space underneath, directly on the ground, which is obviously now a home to critters. I have ripped it out and am now looking into spray foam insulation underneath. Also wondering if I should seal up the crawl space or keep it ventilated.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by rohara66

Our guy at Trail told us to avoid the fridges with lots of fancy features as you're just more likely to replacing parts over time.

No touchscreens, no cameras, no ice dispensers inside the fridge (ours is in the pullout freezer drawer) and consider the additional warranty (if those are your jam).

Fridge camera? Why?

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Fridge camera? Why?

So you can see who stole your last slice of pizza, and ground them. Work fridges NEED these too!

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Has anyone dealt with insulating an addition (without a foundation)? The previous owner had laid batt insulation in the crawl space underneath, directly on the ground, which is obviously now a home to critters. I have ripped it out and am now looking into spray foam insulation underneath. Also wondering if I should seal up the crawl space or keep it ventilated.

Is the crawl space heated? Dirt floor or slab?

Separate just curious question, what’s the support if there’s no foundation?

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Is the crawl space heated? Dirt floor or slab?

Separate just curious question, what’s the support if there’s no foundation?

Dirt, not heated. On concrete columns off the back of an old brick bungalow.

Had rats move in and this Alberta boy is mortified.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Dirt, not heated. On concrete columns off the back of an old brick bungalow.

Had rats move in and this Alberta boy is mortified.

Definitely spray foam then.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Definitely spray foam then.

Oh yeah 100% on board for that. I guess my main question is if I should be allowing airflow through for moisture concerns or if I can turn it in to Fort Knox to avoid any future critter entries. Wooden floor.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Oh yeah 100% on board for that. I guess my main question is if I should be allowing airflow through for moisture concerns or if I can turn it in to Fort Knox to avoid any future critter entries. Wooden floor.

If you were in Alberta I’d say unventilated would be fine since it’s always so dry but I’m not sure about Ontario. You could always put a humidity level reader in there after you do the spray foam since it sounds like you have access. If it seems high you could then figure out ventilation. Are you thinking air transfer directly outside or circulation to a basement?

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

If you were in Alberta I’d say unventilated would be fine since it’s always so dry but I’m not sure about Ontario. You could always put a humidity level reader in there after you do the spray foam since it sounds like you have access. If it seems high you could then figure out ventilation. Are you thinking air transfer directly outside or circulation to a basement?

Previously it was skirted with vented soffit. Likely wouldn’t vent it inside, mostly to prevent adding animal access points.