The Remodeler's Way

Interior Trim Series: How to Install Base Moulding (Part 2)

Posted by Brad Way on Wed, Oct 12, 2011 @ 14:10 PM

Interior Trim: How to Install Base Moulding (Part 2) The Outside Corner

In Part 1 of the "Interior Trim Series," we provided instructions for installing base moulding in the inside corner of a room, and also included a list of tools that are needed to complete this "do it yourself" home improvement project. Part 2 of the "Interior Trim Series" will now focus on the installation of base moulding around a corner.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below, and use the picture to help with the installation process for the outside corner.

  1. Measure your first base trim piece. Remember that the base moulding will wrap around the corner, so your measurement from the corner will be the cut from the back side of the trim piece (for clarification, refer to the middle left picture).
  2. Set the miter box at 0 degrees for a square cut, and set the bevel at 45 degrees. This is only if the corner is a 90 degree corner, adjust the bevel accordingly for other degree corners (refer to the left most picture). Cut first trim piece at this angle.
  3. Reverse angle for next trim piece. Measure and cut the next piece at this angle. This piece of base trim should wrap around the remaining edge of corner.
  4. Hold trim pieces together at the corner to test for a proper fit (middle right and farthest right pictures). If the trim pieces create a tight seam, then they are cut properly and can be nailed into place. If not, adjust the bevel angle accordingly and try again.

Installing Base Trim Outside Corner

Remember that trim corner pieces do not always fit perfectly and adjustments may need to be made. For your first attempt at the corner, cut the base trim pieces slightly long. After all, you can always cut a little more off, but you cannot add any more wood to your piece.

In the next addition of the "Interior Trim Series," we will show you how to properly join trim pieces together when your wall is longer than your base trim piece. This can really come in handy with difficult trim pieces that have an inside corner on one end, and an outside corner on the other. If your unable to cut both, split it into two pieces.

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Until then, what questions do you have with wrapping base moulding around a corner? Need or have any extra tips?

Brad Way
Marketing and Sales Representative
Steve Way Builders, LLC - The Remodeling Specialist

Topics: Questions/Tips

Interior Trim Series: How to Install Base Moulding (Part 1)

Posted by Brad Way on Thu, Oct 06, 2011 @ 17:10 PM

Interior Trim: How to Install Base Moulding (Part 1) The Inside Corner

Today's carpentry tip will show you how to increase the value of your home by installing interior base trim in any room within your home. Replacing base moulding is a rewarding "do it yourself" project for the crafty homeowner looking for a weekend home improvement project.

Part 1 of this Interior Trim series will provide you with helpful tips, along with step by step pictures and instructions, for installing base trim within your home. It will focus on the first difficult area of trim installation, the interior corner.

Tools that will be needed for this "do it yourself" home improvement project include:

  • Hand tools (Tape measure, coping saw, hammer, pencil/pen, speed square)
  • Power tools (Miter box/saw, air compressor, air nailer)
  • Other (Air hose, nail set, trim nails for nailer)

With basic carpentry knowledge, installing base trim in your home is a fairly simple process. The trim is installed around the perimeter of the room at the base of the wall and tight to the floor. It is attached to the wall by using trim nails from the air nailer (a hammer and trim nails can be used if an air compressor and nailer are not available). Base moulding can be installed on floor and wall types. 

The first difficult area in installing base trim is the inside corner. The picture below will help walk you through the step by step instructions.

  1. Measure for your first piece of moulding. This piece can run the length of the wall and fit tight from one corner to the next. Cut the trim piece square (0 degrees on the miter box) so that it fits tight to the wall.
  2. Now you need to prepare the next piece of base moulding so that it fits tight in the corner with the first. This is done by cutting a 45 degree angle with the miter box (farthest left picture).
  3. The next step is perhaps the most difficult in the process. Take the coping saw and cut off the exposed section of the 45 degree angle cut. This will leave you with a perfect scribe to fit into the corner (middle two pictures). This process takes a little practice, so if your cut doesn't look very good, then try it again.
  4. The final step is to slide the trim piece into the corner and see how it fits. If your cut with the coping saw is accurate, the trim piece will slide into place, creating a tight fit with the first piece of moulding in the corner (farthest right picture). Once again, if your cut doesn't fit right, try it again as it does take practice.

Base Trim Inside Corner 2

The inside corner may be the most difficult part of installing base trim within your home. But with time and practice, it is a manageable "do it yourself" home improvement project for the crafty homeowner. In the next addition of the "Interior Trim Series", we will take a look at the steps taken to complete the outside corner for installing base trim.

What questions do you have regarding the interior corner? Any clarifications or other helpful remodeling tips?

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Brad Way
Marketing and Sales Representative
Steve Way Builders, LLC - The Remodeling Specialist

Topics: Questions/Tips

3 Tips for Preparing and Deciding on a Home Remodeling Project

Posted by Brad Way on Sat, Sep 10, 2011 @ 09:09 AM

3 Tips for Preparing and Deciding on a Home Remodeling Project

Remodeling ProjectThere are several questions one should ask oneself before deciding on a remodeling project. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you when you are preparing for a major home remodel.

1. Establish Needs/Wants

Let's be realistic here. Most, if not all, home remodeling projects are thought of because we want something. There's nothing wrong with that, it is important to reward yourself once in awhile. But establishing the difference between wanting something and needing something is very important in determining a home remodeling project. This is different for everyone, so establish a balance before you jump into a remodeling project.

2. Establish a Budget

Now that you have decided on a project by separating your needs and wants, you need to create a budget. Whether or not you can afford the remodeling project is the ultimate determination for being able to complete it. If you have several projects you would like to complete, yet cannot afford the whole thing, separate it out. First complete your deck, then fix those floors, and so on. 

3. Prepare an Alternative Space

Once you have decided on a remodeling project, it is important to establish an alternative living space. Major remodeling projects take time and will limit the usage of the room being remodeled. If your kitchen is being remodeled, have another space in your home prepared so that you can store your pots, pans, plates and so on. This goes the same with a bathroom or dining room. Contractors will try thier best to keep a room livable, but it is impossible to keep it at 100%.

These are just few things to think about when deciding on a home remodeling project. It is important to understand the "big picture" of a major home renovation to ensure that all necessary steps are taken in order to be the most prepared. 

What other questions do you have? Leave your comments below and we will be happy to help.

Brad Way
Marketing and Sales Representative
Steve Way Builders, LLC - The Remodeling Specialist

Topics: Questions/Tips

5 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Remodeling Contractor

Posted by Brad Way on Fri, Aug 12, 2011 @ 18:08 PM

Got a Remodeling Question5 Common Questions to Ask when Choosing a Remodeling Contractor

Every home remodeling project is different. Each project is unique in its own way, and in turn, requires its own specific questions. But there are some common questions that should be asked when you are selecting the right remodeling contractor for your project.

1. Have you completed a project similar to this one?

It is important to know if the contractor has the knowledge and skills to complete the particular project being discussed. People have different talents. Be sure that their experience in the industry prove beneficial for your project. If your interviewing a contractor who only specializes in exterior renovations, why would you have them install kitchen cabinets and counter tops. Make the contractor can prove to you that they can complete the job successfully. Remember, it never hurts to ask ti see pictures of their work, or perhaps even seeing completed remodeling projects in person.

2. Referalls?

Ask the interviewing remodeling contractor for referrals. After all, a past customer is the best example for proving top quality work and craftsmanship. A contractor is bound to speak highly of themselves, and most of the time it is true. But let others who have already worked with them tell you how good they are as well. 

3. Who will be completing the work? Subcontractors? Self?

It is important to know who will be actually working on your home. Will you be meeting a new person everyday or dealing with the same people? Is there a crew leader that you will be dealing with? Getting to know and building a positive relationship with your contractor and his/her employees will ease communication and make the whole experience more enjoyable.

4. Who should I direct my questions to and how should this be done?

Once you have established who is completing the work, you need to know who to direct questions to and how it should be done. Some contractors prefer that all questions should be directed to them personally and not to those working on site. This way the crew can stay productive, and the whole "he said this and she said this" misunderstandings can never occur. Other times, contractors will have a crew leader on site that can answer all, or most, of your general questions regarding the work.

Since communication is very important during a remodeling project, it's best to keep it easy. Whether it is a question directed from contractor to home owner or vice versa, each party needs to know how it should be done. Should you strictly stick with talking over the phone or via email? If by phone, should you call the office/home phone or a cell phone? With the advances in social media and smart phones, sometimes it is easier to send emails or instant messages. It is up to you and the contractor to choose the form of communication that works the best.

5. How long will the project take to complete?

This question not only will help you compare contractors' knowledge and productivity, but it will also help you plan for the upcoming project. Having your home under construction can be very stressful and inconvenient. Simply asking this question will help you fully accept what is going on and what you will need to do to prepare for it. It is just like the well know saying, "It's easier said that done."

These are only a few questions that should be asked when planning your home remodeling project and choosing the correct contractor for the job. Feel free to add to this list.

What other questions would you ask and why?

Brad Way
Marketing and Sales Representative
Steve Way Builders, LLC - The Remodeling Specialist

Topics: Questions/Tips