Building a House with Wood

[Harvey]

I have to start picking lights for the interior of the house.

I need a design, can't just leave this to chance.

Can anyone make recommendations? I'd like to talk to an expert.

 

[Campgottagopee]

I built the deck (uncovered)on my home about 20 years ago. I used actual 2x6’s as the decking instead of the standard 1” decking. I use a solid color stain on it every other year. 3 years ago I actually sanded the entire deck surface down back to bear wood as there were areas where the stain wasn’t holding anymore. As I contractor I can say that I have replaced a lot of 1” pressure treated decking that was 10 years or less in age, but never had any maintenance done to it.

The PVC coated decking cleans up great. I do on average 8 to 10 jobs a year with it, even some handicap ramps as well, and I’ve never heard any complaints back as to it being slippery. Also, I highly recommend using a hidden fasteners system vs face screwing it - much better finished product.

My deck is 2x6 as well. I use a clear/natural stain on it every 3 years.

I have composite deck furniture, definitely expensive, but we'll worth it imo. My dad has had it for at least 10 years with no issues.

 

[Sick Bird Rider]

I have to start picking lights for the interior of the house.

I need a design, can't just leave this to chance.

Can anyone make recommendations? I'd like to talk to an expert.

I'm no expert but maybe something like this?

https://craftsmanlightingdesign.com/

 

[gorgonzola]

Is your designer able to help? Not sure if your referring to decorative fixtures or can/high hat layout, kitchen etc....

things I'm glad I did: all living spaces have dimmers, switched outlets above the kitchen upper cabinets - cheap christmas light strings make effective uplights and chochkie lighting (wife's idea), ceiling fans everywhere, closet lights, ceiling speakers

things I would do: more kitchen lighting cans/high hats, floor outlet(s) in living room - couch/chairs are in center of room not against wall (although I probably would have gotten the layout wrong anyway)

 

[Harvey]

I think I am getting help. Not sure how I am paying for it though.

Other things:

Every switch is a dimmer
Ambient lighting in from downward pointing LED "can type" in the great room. Other rooms too.
Floor outlets good idea!

 

[Sick Bird Rider]

Dimmers rule.

 

[Harvey]

There's a chance I may have to use 100% spray foam insulation based on something called a flow test or blow test.

I know @sig said he wished he'd done 100% foam. I was thinking fiberglass or woolrock for the walls to get some breathability.

Any opinions on 100% foam, or a mix?

@Sbob @Joneski73

 

[Sbob]

There's a chance I may have to use 100% spray foam insulation

based on something called a flow test or blow test.
P
I know @sig said he wished he'd done 100% foam. I was thinking fiberglass or woolrock for the walls to get some breathability.

Any opinions on 100% foam, or a mix?

@Sbob @Joneski73

Lights aren’t my thing. I f’d up recently. I have a couple old track style lights in my living room and loft. They were a pain to change when they burned out. I replaced them with Leds then they started burning out. I bought some self contained “for a lack of words “ Led track lights that fit in the old track. Now my bedroom track Leds flicker when the loft or living room lights are on.

I have mixed feelings about foam, great insulation properties but now you’ve made your home basically airtight. So the solution is to add a energy recovery ventilation to bring fresh air in?
One more thing to maintain and use power.

 

[Harvey]

I have mixed feelings about foam, great insulation properties but now you’ve made your home basically airtight. So the solution is to add a energy recovery ventilation to bring fresh air in?
One more thing to maintain and use power.

I'm not even mixed. I want some breathability. I may not have a choice.

 

[Sbob]

Is your designer able to help?
Not sure if your referring to decorative fixtures or can/high hat layout, kitchen etc....

things I'm glad I did: all living spaces have dimmers, switched outlets above the kitchen upper cabinets - cheap christmas light strings make effective uplights and chochkie lighting (wife's idea), ceiling fans everywhere, closet lights, ceiling speakers

things I would do: more kitchen lighting cans/high hats, floor outlet(s) in living room - couch/chairs are in center of room not against wall (although I probably would have gotten the layout wrong anyway)

I think I am getting help. Not sure how I am paying for it though.

Other things:

Every switch is a dimmer
Ambient lighting in from downward pointing LED "can type" in the great room. Other rooms too.
Floor outlets good idea!

Are can lights a thing anymore? I’ve seen some pretty cool disc type Led lights that are pretty thin. They also have a switch that you can change light spectrums .

I know older can lights had a thermal overload that would trip if they had too much insulation around.