There’s many sides to a ceiling fan installation. Such as, is there already a fan installed that you want to replace? If there’s no fan currently there, then is there electric running to the location where you want the fan? In other words, is there at least a light fixture there? And failing that we’d have to find a power source, run a wire, and possibly put in a wall switch.

No Electric to the spot where you want the fan.

If there’s no power running the location, we’ll have to do some digging into the ceiling to run the wire. And we’ll then patch the plaster or drywall again.

And if you’re getting a fan that’s controlled by a remote, no wall switch is needed. However, if you want and old-school fan with pull chains, then we’ll have to install a switch as well as a wire.

Already a light fixture where you want the fan

Now, if there’s already a light fixture there we may have to upgrade the electric box. Reason for that is to make sure the fan is securely fastened to the ceiling. If the current electric box is not attached securely, it could wiggle and come loose, or even fall down.

Replacing an existing ceiling fan

Lastly, if there’s already a ceiling fan there we’ll have to make sure, once again, that’s it’s attached securely, so it doesn’t come loose. Time has a way making things come loose.

This picture is of the ceiling fan I just installed today. There had already been a ceiling fan there and I was able to put up the new one without too much modification to the existing box; I just added a couple additional screws.

Price Estimates

The cost of this was $200, and that’s the low end of the scale, and here’s the exact fan I installed today To replace the electric box could the cost could almost double, add maybe another $150 or so. And to run a new wire without a switch there’s going to be some drywall work, which might add another $750 to the cost of the job.

For more electrical services, please see my Other Services page.

Why Make Custom Nook Furniture?

The area available for this nook was maybe a couple inches short of a standard size of 6 feet.  Because a standard item could not be found they asked us to build them custom nook furniture.  I had made some cabinets in the past, and like doing challenging things, so we agreed to make the furniture.

Planning the Project

They gave us some pictures they had seen online as a basis for the work.  The design called for 2 benches with slanted backs that had a seat that swung up to reveal a storage area beneath.  Our design for this custom nook furniture called for 6 rounded feet on each bench and it would be painted white.

A project like this has to be thoroughly planned or you’ll waste a lot of time with missteps.  We made up our drawings and cut everything to size according to the plan.

The Design

We tried to make the storage area as roomy as possible.  It also had to be strong so a few people could sit on a bench without it eventually breaking down.  So we designed it with a solid food frame covered by plywood front and back. Then we used poplar board panels on the sides, which were connected to the front and back frames.  The frame give strength to the structure as well as providing a solid base to attach the feet.

The inclined back rest was made of solid wood tongue and groove boards for high strength and low profile.  This allowed the back to be very shallow so the table width could be maximized.  The top was purchased as is and only need a polyurethane finish. It was supported by the inside wall and a single leg on the outside middle.  This design would allow someone to slide their feet under the table without having to maneuver them past table legs.

The seat would be made of one solid board and hinged to a smaller board towards the rear of the seat.  When we tried to move it we found out that it was not only sturdy but heavy .  So heavy, in fact, we didn’t install the backs until the benches were brought into the nook area.

A Beautiful Result

As it turned out it was a nice addition to their brand new kitchen that we had just installed.  The trim boards on the bench sides were made similar to the design of the cabinet doors and the white paint matched the woodwork.  Please also see carpentry services for what else we can do.

Rebuild or Replace

This large shed, 10 x 20 feet, was just about demolished when a very large tree limb fell about 25 feet and crashed down on the length of the peaked roof structure. As you can see, the near side was obliterated when the roof was suddenly flattened. The force pushed the sides walls out, but 2 of the walls. front and far side, were intact. The shed needed extensive carpentry repairs.

The question was whether to rebuild it or replace it. The homeowner first got a price to have a new shed constructed on the same spot. The present shed would have been removed by demolition and thrown into a large 15-yard trash container parked in the driveway. That contractor specialized in shed construction. But then the homeowner also wanted a price to rebuild the shed so he’d have options.

Cost of Rebuilding

He said if we could rebuild it for $3000 we could do the work, but the price ended up about $4000. I didn’t ask how much the new shed would have cost, but I know how much I spent on materials. All the materials added up to $1200. Framing for the roof and 1 side, sheathing on 2 sides, roofing plywood and shingles, and finally paint and a new dusk-to-dawn light fixture in the front.

The Shed Carpentry Repairs

We started by cleaning out the debris and tossing it into the on-site 10 yard dumpster. Then we propped up the walls to get them plum. After that we built all the trusses in a mass production fashion on a makeshift table. With the trusses completed it was time for assembly.

As you can see, we nailed down the pre-assembled trusses one at a time, all on 16-inch centers. After that came the plywood for the roof and then the roofing shingles and trim. Also, we cut and nailed up the new siding on 2 sides and then built the soffits in the front and back. Also see my Carpentry page.

Why Rebuilding Was Better

The customer was happy because the shed had been there many years ago when they bought the house and they were glad to restore it. But not just as before, now with new framing, siding and roof the structure is ready for the next 20 years.