Recent content by Mr Toolman

My 1950s brick Home in Arizona has two sunlit walls. That are in direct sunlight at times and not only do let heat in during the day on hot summer months but retain the heat and radiate warmth long into the nights. My AC runs and runs with little signs of relief. Costing me way to much on...

Good observation, by code a 2" revile on top is required and 2" in the back from a wall. I've anticipated this by building a small flue that vents hot air outside above the fridge and the back on one sides spaced only 1 1/2 but Has 3" on the left. My names is Toolman for good reason. Code...

That won't fit in this space! Those were my words years ago as my brother demanded otherwise. Thing is, I'm the one who would have to do the work. It's kinda important for the builder to have faith in the plans. My brothers a smart man and holds my respect, however. So I'll do all I can to make...

That won't fit in this space! Those were my words years ago as my brother demanded otherwise. Thing is, I'm the one who would have to do the work. It's kinda important for the builder to have faith in the plans. My brothers a smart man and holds my respect, however. So I'll do all I can to make...

Emergency Pocket Bedroom build! At this time my 30'/30' Brick 1950's home has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a not going to mention yet back living area, living room and dining/kitchen. Almost the same as all the original homes on my street. Believe it or not these homes is were Dr's and lawyers lived...

Arizona Raised Garden Boxes Evolution Block walls and rocks. That describes my backyard when I moved in. I found a half crushed shrub growing in the ground. Looked like some kind of tree. So made a rock circle around it and planed an inventive raised garden a with the hopeful shrub at its...

First Ripe Fig. While trimming and weeding the garden area today. With the scent of the fig tree so strong and heavenly surrounding the area. I came opon my first ripe turkey fig of the season and it's a monster almost 2inches wide. This fig is simultaneously fresh and warm, it's sweet but...

This Closet ERV system has changed the homes internal environment from a stuffy, dusty and air pressure senitive place into to a clean refreshing oxygenated environment. Making an old home more air tight and efficient has its complications. The AC turns on less often now and unlike Swamp...

The effort toward home efficiency continues on my 1950s brick home. Home builders today strive to build air tight homes. For many good reasons but it's important to fallow the right steps to maintain a healthy home environment when making these...

Massive garage build Jason. Looking forward to further progress reports. What are your goals for this garage long term? Below a quick shot of my recent carport conversion into a wood workshop/vehicle mechanic/garage area. Two attached areas support its functions including tool room, vacuum...

Shade cloth is one of the least expensive and easy to install ways to shade sunlit walls and windows. Ideally one should insulate the exterior of my home. Locking the brick inside a cool envelope. We're its mass can help regulate temperatures and this is the plan once I can afford it...

Best window frame technology for hot, full sun exposure? It's more important the type of windows to consider than the brand. Especially in this case. Normal low E glass coatings can actually make your home hotter. Low E tint holds hot in and out. Not just out, so is best used in cold weather...