Adding an addition to a house that has a lot barely wider than the home can present a challenge. We solved the problem by enclosing an outside courtyard and turning into a much needed bedroom, closet, and bath.
Bedroom Addition Foundation and Framing
We started by removing the roof covering the courtyard, then constructed a new roof over it for the bedroom addition. Fill dirt was brought in and compacted to form the base for pouring the concrete slab.
Next, the walls for the addition were framed up, and the exterior covered with plywood sheathing and housewrap.
Bedroom Addition Wiring and Plumbing
Once the addition was framed up and the roof installed, the wiring could be roughed in. Any pipes running under the slab were installed before the concrete was poured, but the rest of the plumbing was now put in place as well.
The existing heating and cooling system in the house wasn’t large enough to handle the additional square feet, so another HVAC unit had to be added and the ductwork run in the attic.
Bedroom Addition Finish Work
The windows and doors were hung next, and the trim molding installed. Batts of fiberglass insulation were stapled in place in the walls and ceiling. On the outside of the addition, the brick masons carefully matched the brick, mortar, and mortar joints to the existing house.
When everything was ready, the drywall was hung and finished. The walls and woodwork were painted, and the hardwood flooring laid.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Sponge Sanding Drywall
Sanding drywall joint compound with sandpaper to smooth it generates a lot of dust. To solve this problem, consider using a drywall sponge to wet sand the drywall compound instead. Dip the drywall sponge in water, wring it out, and rub the sponge in circular motions on the wall. The wet sponge will slowly dissolve the dry joint compound to smooth the surface without dust. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Danny Lipford:
DIY Faux Wall Finish
Now you can give the walls in your home old world charm with Behr Bellagio Faux wall finishes. The finish can be applied over existing wall paint, or you can roll on a new base coat. After the base coat has dried, apply the Bellagio Faux Finish with a nylon/polyester brush. Allow it to dry until the finish starts to lose its wet look, then use a trowel to give the wall the desired faux finish. Behr Bellagio Faux Finishes are available at The Home Depot.
Around the Yard with Tricia Craven Worley:
Control Erosion with Ground Cover
If you have an area in your yard that’s susceptible to erosion from rainwater runoff, consider planting ground cover. To prevent the ground cover from washing away before it becomes established, lay burlap over the ground first. Stake the burlap to the ground, and cut holes in it for each plant. Plant the groundcover, then cover the burlap with mulch. Once the ground cover has become established, the stakes can be removed. (Watch Video)
