Building a mini brewery

While renovating the house I am also building a small home brew operation (17gal capacity or 1/2 bbl in brew lingo) Here is a shot of the whole set up and the Duda Diesel chiller we're using, i'll add some more pics shortly.

First weekends results, 15 gal double IPA and 5 gal oatmeal+chocolate stout

updated 11/14/13 with pics of bottling the first batches, ended up with 6.5 cases of bombers (22 oz) 

Replacing a window is never as easy as you think it will be

Here is the starting point, a small window that I would like to replace with a larger one before I remodel the kitchen. Easy right?

It is never as simple as you think....the original window is 36 x 24, I want to go to a 36 x 36 replacement, not a huge change but it will make a difference. So lets get into the wall and see what we're dealing with beside the outlets which will have to move.

Of course, plumbing! This vertical piece of PVC lies right in the path of the planned right edge of my new window, so my options are to move it, or to move the window. Before we go cutting into this pipe lets see whats on the left side.

After taking down the cabinet on the left and removing a little drywall I see we are clear of plumbing on this side, so to make things easier, I'll just shift my new rough opening to the left a little and avoid touching the plumbing or electrical on the right side. Since I'm remodeling the whole kitchen anyway, this little change wont matter.
Next we need to move the studs, replace the header with a longer one and relocate the electrical on the left side. I enlarged the opening a little and removed the insulation.

I then removed the outlet from the stud and exposed the header above the opening. Why is there a 2 x 10 header over what was a 24" opening? It's over kill but not a big deal, did require I go buy some 2x10 which was a minor pain though. Here is the header exposed and the studs on the left removed.

Replacing a window - Part 2

Start over with Part 1

So now that we have the opening restructured on the inside, we are ready to cut back the vinyl siding and trim on the outside, and then enlarge the rough opening. Here is where we are currently inside:

So lets go outside and start to remove the trim. Vinyl trim is usually nailed under the siding, and clipped into a retainer along the window, it helped that i pounded the nails out from the inside first. Be gentle when bending the siding, it's flexible, but it will break if you go too far.

so I have saved the house wrap as best I could and removed the trim, then cut back the siding on the left here. The next step is to do the same thing on the right side

Now our structure is done, the siding is removed, the electrical has been moved, everything is ready to cut the new rough opening...grab the sawz all and...

One more room done

Free efficiency upgrades

Why not get some help making efficiency upgrades?

Depending on where you live, there are programs that are mandated by state and federal governments to provide assistance (free stuff!!) to homeowners to improve the efficiency of their homes. For example, here in Massachusetts there is a program called MassSave provides all kinds of discounts on efficiency products and services. I have bought some intelligent power strips and CFL bulbs from Mass Save at a nice price, and the shipping was fast too. The U.S. Energy Information Administration tracks state programs, hit the link to check what your state is offering, you might be surprised.