Vlogs

Kohler Whole Home Backup Generator

Well, they say timing is everything...I got my generator up and running a week ago and had my first power outage last night...this thing works as advertised!

In the middle of the night we heard a crack of thunder that shook the house, and my internal organs, and then i saw my iphone screen come on and it wasn't charging...a few seconds later power indicator came right back on, AC kept running, house operated per usual. Woke up this morning with line power and the generator off. Pretty stoked on this setup!

The Kohler Power website is a little tough to navigate, so here is direct link to the residential section:

https://kohlerpower.com/en/residential/generators/

I went with the 20kW whole home gen with Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and OnCue monitoring.

The ATS is key because that is the 'automatic' part of this whole thing. Without, you are going out in the storm to go start your generator manually - no thank you.

The OnCue I didn't talk about in the video because the cable is on back order at the moment, but this allows me to connect the generator to the internet and monitor all sorts of usage stats from my phone. Once that is hooked up I'll do another video on that and my updated thoughts on this unit.

Here is another helpful link if you wanna get an idea of cost...the Kohler generator sizer on their website asks you a bunch of questions and then based on your answers lets you know what size gen you need...

https://kohlerpower.com/en/residential/generators/generator-selector#your-home

Techo-Bloc Paver Patios

Anytime you're doing something for the first time you really want to make sure you are hiring the right crew to do it, and these guys were awesome. I learned a ton, and I could not be happier with the Techo-Bloc pavers.

My choices:

Light Grey Cobblestone: Champlain Grey Villagio
https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/pavers/villagio/

Dark Grey Cobblestone: Onyx Black Villagio
https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/pavers/villagio/

Large Format: Blu Grande Smooth
https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/blu-grande-smooth/

Fire Pit Kit: Valencia, wood burning
https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/fire-pits/valencia/

New Windows & Doors!

I used them on the Firehouse Project, and have been living with them in my home for almost 2 years now, so going with Renewal by Andersen again for my windows and doors was an absolute no brainer!

Huge THANK YOU to the RbA of Eastern NY crew who did the install, and if you're in the area - they are running a massive deal right now: no payments / no interest for 2 years! crazy.

You can see both of my projects with RbA here:
https://www.renewalbyandersen.com/get-inspired/get-inspired-with-anthony

#TheBuildTV #LoveTheProcess #Windows #StoneHouse #Construction #Design #Renovation #HomeRenovation #RenovationProject #InteriorDesign #Contractor #Builder #Designer #Catskills #catskillsmountains #mountainlife #mountainhideaway

Install & Thoughts on COREtec Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

This was the first floating floor install I have ever installed; both for straight plank and herringbone, and I'm super impressed with the install and the look!

Note: if you're a beginner DIY'er I would confidently recommend installing the straight plank. The Herringbone takes a bit more skill and preparation with the layout.

Luxury Vinyl Plank is a composite floor that is comprised of a cork bottom, a proprietary waterproof core structure, and a vinyl top. The technology has gotten so good that each piece has different/natural wood graining, and the floors are also micro-textured for a more natural feel.

Some of the major benefits to these floors:

  • 100% waterproof (you can install them in bathrooms without a worry)

  • Extremely scratch resistant = great for pets and high traffic homes

  • No underlayment required for install (thanks to the cork base its built in)

More Info on my flooring selection: https://coretecfloors.com

Straight Plank: Reserve Oak, COREtec Plus Premium 7”
https://coretecfloors.com/en-us/products/coretec-plus-premium-7/reserve-oak-vv458-02701

Herringbone: Rome Oak, all pieces are 26x4 and come with an 'A' and 'B' floor to allow the herringbone pattern to work flawlessly
https://coretecfloors.com/en-us/products/coretec-plus-enhanced-herringbone-(1)/rome-oak-vv497-00793

Sheetrock & Priming

The day has finally come! Sheetrock is the catalyst point in the project where you shift from rough work to finish work, and that shift happens fast. We sheetrocked the entire house in less than a week. Tape / Spackle / Sand takes considerably longer (3 weeks-ish), and then we got primer up on the walls. Using Benjamin Moore throughout; I love the quality of their paint, they have incredible color science, and the coverage is fantastic.
Pro Tip: Getting primer on the walls and ceilings before floors saves a lot of time...more in the vlog.

Info on the products I mentioned...

Paint: Benjamin Moore Aura

Wood Stove: Vermont Castings Defiant

Gloves: https://firmgrip.com

How Much Space Do You Need Around a Dining Table? ANSWERED.

Different kind of vlog today...lemme know if this is helpful, or if you have any additional questions.

Dining Table: General rule is you want to leave a minimum of 2' of width per person/chair at the table, and you want to have at least 3' clear behind the chair. The rest of it is dependent on your floor plan and flow...

Documents: This is the first time I have used these document sleeves, but I will tell you THIS is the way to do it! I love my job binder, but its just not as efficient as having all the cut sheets and plans screwed to the wall in each room right where the guys need them - all the subs loved this method too - seriously cut down on questions (including 'where's the job binder?')

Direct link to the sleeves I bought on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OQYNyJ

Let There Be Heat!

If there is one MAJOR difference between the #firehouse and the #stonehouse builds, it’s that I'm doing this one through the #winter...in the mountains. Brutal. So I was very keen to get my Trane units fired up and get some heat into these walls! And having lost power at least 6 times since the start of this renovation, I am very pumped to get my Kohler 20kW whole home backup generator on site and ready for install!!!

More Info on the above:

Trane: https://www.trane.com/residential/en/

What I used:
Furnace:
https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/gas-furnaces/s9v2-vs/
Condensor/Heat Pump:
https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/heat-pumps/xv20i/
Air Filter:
https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/indoor-air-quality/cleaneffects/

Kohler Generator I chose:
http://www.kohlerpower.com/home/home-generators/products?prodNum=20RCAL

Generator selector - you want your Electritian or an electrical engineer to size this for you based on the loads in your home:
http://www.kohlerpower.com/home/home-generators/selector#your-home

Product Spec: Countertops by Neolith

Countertops are always one of the most asked about items in a kitchen renovation; durability, aesthetic, staining...what's the best combination of features. Well, we are getting to the point where you really don't need to compromise anymore...and Neolith is the perfect example of that.

https://www.neolith.com/en/

https://www.instagram.com/neolithnorthamerica/

Product Spec: Tile Selection

Tile can be one of the most difficult selections of the job simply due to the sheer number of options you have; sometimes too many options gives you that 'deer in headlights' kinda feel where you can't move, can't decide. That is precisely where a good supplier comes in, and that is exactly why I work with Garden State Tile. These guys sell and distribute massive amounts of tile, and the folks that work in their showrooms not only know their product inside and out, but are designers themselves, so utilize their design skills and product knowledge to your benefit...and as you'll see here, the more you work with the same person, the easier it gets!

For more info on Garden State Tile:
https://gstile.com
https://www.instagram.com/gardenstatetile/

Product Spec: DCS Outdoor Appliances

Site Work, Day 01

There is nothing quite like having heavy machinery show up to your property, along with some seriously skilled operators, to watch them make quick work of transforming your backyard from what is...to what you designed. 🤙🏼

If you're interested to learn more about any of the products I mentioned, here are their links:

Shipping Container Swimming Pools: https://tanglepools.com
Pavers: https://www.techo-bloc.com
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets: https://www.urbanbonfire.com
Outdoor Furniture: https://www.polywood.com
16' Wide Double Slider: https://www.renewalbyandersen.com

Wallpaper on the Ceiling & The Coolest Wine Rack Ever!

When you're hangin' wallpaper you know the end is near! I love getting all the finishing touches in place; seeing my initial vision come together at the end of projects is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work.

Wallpaper by JuJu Papers: https://jujupapers.com

Exact paper I choose:
https://jujupapers.com/collections/wallpaper/products/jujupapers-a-view-of-the-woods-grey-and-mink-on-cream-roll

Wine Rack by WineHive: https://www.winehive.com

I used the 18 bottle kit:
https://www.winehive.com/collections/cell-kits/products/winehive-cell-18-bottle-kit-black-satin

#TheBuildTV #LoveTheProcess