Redneckmodern chronicles the renovation of an Eichler-built home in Concord California... since then, it has also become a repository for Eichler-specific know-how; general renovation information; and, mid-century-modern restoration tips.
It all started as joke between friends*, then became a blog, then something else. We're still here even if the project is almost complete... you might pick up something from our mistakes (and successes).
It's been a few months since our panels were installed and we started production — and all is going well. We chronicled the investigation phase and doing so helped us to openly share information about the project with all folks involved. We're happy with the installation and would recommend Got Watts (GW) for anyone else who is chasing down solar... we also just roughed-in our taxes and the rebates promised hold true. Yay! An unexpected bonus: It has been fun watching the daily production of energy.
[The metrics provided by the Enphase app are quite detailed — it's been fun to watch.]
Continue reading "Solar Install Update + Got Watts Recommendation" »
Mira (former Eichler owner in San Jose) asked me about building a new pool at her new house in Denver. I bemused not having posted a definitive pool-building blog post, but in answering her questions, I kind of did. I'll include it below.
[This was an impromptu snap of the MicroEichler. Find more pics on Instagram.]
We've been exploring the idea of photovoltaic (PV) solar for a while, but are now pulling the trigger. Of course, the Coronavirus pandemic hasn't made this easy, but hopefully we can start to compile a team to get panels on our roof sometime this year. I'll create a few posts to try to keep things in one place for all of the parties involved.
Step 1 // Identifying the goals
There are a lot of reasons people might choose to install PV-solar. For us, the primary driver is cost-savings. Our average electric bill is about $300/month — higher in the summer with air conditioners and lower in the winter when the gas kicks on for the boiler. With solar, we'd opt to use more electricity and less gas (i.e.: use the mini-splits in the winter for heat) — then there's the eventuality of an electric car at some point (for everyone — not just us). If we were to boil down our motivating factors into a list:
In a recent renovation, I kind of* invented something: the $5 house jack. Using two pieces of material — in this case: composite decking (with good compressive strength) — and some common hardware, we were able to lift the beam holding the house, the 1/2in necessary to install a secondary support post. Check it out.
[The house jack in action ... below a cut-to-size 4X4 post]
As a builder, every time I pick up a hammer,
I realize something that I got wrong as a designer...
By day, I spend my time as a designer and design-educator dreaming up new ways to solve visual problems with a bit of beauty or interest. However, early-on in my career, I took a strong liking to the craft of production... on the journey, I've picked up a few new monikers: builder, maker, craftsman (or the latest: "super-detail-oriented-customer"). Between cabinetry designs, bath renovations, door installs and now audio builds, I'm keeping myself busy.
This has given a unique perspective on how to get stuff done that looks great and works well. I has also dispelled the idea that "good design" isn't about uniqueness, but has as much to do with what can be produced — and repeated if necessary... and last a long time. This spans the gamut from material choices to installation techniques... and along the way, I've learned a few things. Here are three tips that might come in handy when planning a project:
[Over the years, my boots have seen a lot of muck, but each time I step in it, I learn something new.]
The latest set of stencils are available at EichlerStencils.com and the Eichler Network has stepped in to get the word out.
Special Thanks to Marty Arbunich for his interest and to Dan Smith for the interview and great attention to detail in the article in general. Given their format, word count is at a minimum, but here in blog format, I can expand a bit on what Dan said in his original text.
Continue reading "Eichlerstencils.com + Kind words from the Eichler Network" »
Our friends Sean and Tracy are selling their house on Wilson. While we'll be sorry to see them go, we suspect they'll stay close, so we'll still see them often... and someone else gets to pick up a sweet house.
It's a "flat roof" model which is a bit under-appreciated in my opinion... I've always liked the simplicity of the flow and — to me — it feels a bit more vintage that the other two models in our tract. It also has the largest garage of the three. I was able to stop by the other day for some photos and to check out some of the work that Sean and Tracy have done to prepare for the sale.
Yes, you can fit Ikea's Utrusta hinges (specifically the 153-degree type) to older Akurum cabinets (w/ Integral hinges) with slight modification. You'll need:
At first glance, the older Integral hinges and the 153-degree Utrusta are identical. They are not. They're close — and usable — but they are not direct bolt-on replacements. In order to use them, you'll need to drill larger keyholes in your doors. If you have your old/existing T-style mounting plates, you can re-use them (they are a direct bolt on), but if you don't, you'll either have to find some in an Integral set or drill new holes for the Utrusta / Flat-style as the hold configuration between the cabinets are different (side/side vs. top/bottom). Neither are hard, but if you're not careful, you can screw up a door that is no longer made. Here's how to do it and avoid catastrophe:
You can see the key "nuggets" are a bit larger on the Utrusta necessitating that you either shave them off or drill slightly larger keyholes in your doors.
Continue reading "Fitting Ikea Utrusta hinges to Akurum Cabinets" »
This spring, we tackled a small project that turned into a major one that was going to turn into an even more major one and then we got sidetracked... and then it was October.
Long story short, the workshop was stripped bare and reorganized.
Ellen lives a few streets over and needed a new door... as most folks know, the original doors are hollow-core 1-3/8 interior doors — not really suited for exterior use... especially 50+ years of exterior use.
She has the same model as we do (and the same as Chris/Sara and Lindsey/Jeff and Chris/Laura, Glen/Molly and Judith/David...) so it was a fairly familiar fit. However, in a past repair, someone had jacked up the framing a good bit which necessitated a good bit more repair work around the jamb, including sawing out the old bore-locations and replacing with new redwood... (tip: this is how it's s'posed to be done... leave the Bondo at home, kids).
Ellen also opted for both the top and bottom plates. As an avid cyclist (and grandmother of rowdy kids), protection at the bottom corner from kicks and tires will be nice.
She likes it so much, she's started to dress like it. ;)
... and there's a good bit more landscaping and construction going on around the house, too.