Rob on Renos

anatomy of a bathroom reno

10/30/2020

After completing demolition, I installed cement board above the tub surround to prepare for tile installation. You can see the first sheet on the bulkhead is installed prior to the wall sheet going up.

In the next photo, you can see that I have added a dura-vent to facilitate proper airflow from the soffit area to the attic. The next step would be to insulate and install a vapour barrier.

Another important step in this project was to inspect the existing walls for straightness. In this case, a drainpipe behind the drywall was pushing the drywall out, creating a bow in the wall. This bow would have been problematic for the installation of the new vanity. I solved this problem by removing and shaving the drywall so that the vanity can now be installed flush with the wall.

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My Commitment to my customers

10/18/2020

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This week, I want to share with you my philosophy for running Benzinger Home Improvement. I am setting out to fill two specific niches that I have observed in the industry based on my own experience serving as the contractor for a home that I built, and based on the stories I have heard from family and friends.

First, I want to be able to serve the homeowners of WIndsor-Essex who need to have minor home repairs or small renovations done. Over and over again, I have heard that it is almost impossible to find anyone who is willing to come out and do a small job. Benzinger Home Improvement is different. I can and do take on and enjoy large renovations, but I also enjoy smaller home repair and handyman work. In fact, I have built that type of work into my business model. So, whether you need a front door installed, a simple backsplash done, exterior lights repainted or even just to hang a new mirror or piece of art, I will be there for you.

Secondly, my customers can always expect a number of things from me. I will quickly respond to you. I will show up when I say I am going to. I will always finish what I start . I will always deliver high quality results. Consistent craftsmanship is not just a tagline - it is how I do business and is my commitment to the homeowners of WIndsor-Essex.

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tools every homeowner should have

10/15/2020

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My wife often says that I own every tool on the planet. That isn't quite true but I certainly have more than most people given what I do. In my view, there are five tools that every homeowner should have (regardless of how handy they are).

1) Cordless drill and drill bit set- A cordless drill makes it infinitely easier to hang art, install mirrors and the like. You also want the option that a drill bit set provides to drill different sized holes.

2) Level - It is very difficult to hang items evenly or set appliances up properly without a level.

3) Hammer - We all know know why we need one of these.

4) Screwdriver Set - An essential for assembling furniture, installing anchors and changing batteries.

5) Tape Measure - The old adage" measure twice, cut once" says it all.

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innovative use of the corner in a closet

10/7/2020

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Over the years, I have often been asked about how best to use the corner in a walk-in closet. Most solutions end up wasting space or creating a very inconvenient "reach". With shoe lovers in mind, I used every inch of space in the closet shown below by designing and building a rotating shoe rack.

Materials: