Episode 9
Last time on the Model Remodel Show, we were pulling siding out of the box and putting it on the wall.
And as long as we had it on the wall, we nailed it.
Inside, there was a lot going on, too.
"Finishing up all of our subtrades, getting the mechanical rough-ins completed, and moving towards insulation on the interior while at the same time, guys are rolling with getting the siding on the exterior."
—Ben Bogie, remodeler
And Ben was happy with the choice of Grayne Shingles
"It's really a pretty convincing look that allows us to hit a cost point for clients that's achievable while getting a higher-dollar look to the home. It gives a level of class and a level of flair to the exterior of the building that previously would have been financially unattainable.
So we're very happy with the product—especially when it is matched with the rabbeted Kleer Konceal product so we have no j-channel. It's really a sharp-looking exterior on a building."
This week we’re taking delivery of the custom shower surround system coming from Caldwell, Idaho at Bestbath Systems.
The panels come with custom strips to fit whatever tile you want. Installation begins with cleaning the surface to provide a good place for the epoxy to stick.
Ben lays out the tile for a dry run to make sure it sits where it should, then he protects the surface against an epoxy fail.
Use a notched trowel to spread the epoxy before laying the tile in—gently.
And don’t get your fingers in the epoxy.
Then, Ben taps it down with a rubber float.
While that epoxy dries, Ben spreads some more on the floor to set the low profile shower pan.
Weigh it down with a couple of buckets of water and screw it into the framing.
The back of the shower has two pieces. The lower piece snaps into the pan, and screws into the framing.
Plastic barbs align the upper piece...
...which snaps into the lower section.
The clips for the sides are coated with sealant and the sides can snap into place.
They too are screwed into the framing.
The vertical and horizontal seams are caulked with silicone sealant for an invisible connection.
Weep holes at the bottom are left open.
During the finish phase, they'll install the removable threshold which opens up the shower to universal access.
"We started this morning with no shower in this bathroom, and now, six and a half hours later, and with cameras following me around the whole time, we have a complete shower—water-tight and ready for valves and trim.
Pretty impressed. This is a nice-quality product. The decorative tile pockets—I was aprehensive at first, but I'm really impressed. The system goes together really well. If were were looking at doing a traditional waterproof and tile shower, all said and done through all of the processes, we're looking three to four days, best case scenario. And substantially more cost to complete it.
If I run into a situation or another project down the line where I have the opportunity to use one of these, I'll be using it."
And we’ll use that cue to cue up next week’s project: Installing balanced ventilation equipment.
We’ll install a supply fan with air tempering, and an exhaust fan above that shower we just put together.
Of course, we’ll also do a little ductwork origami and seal them tight with Mastic. As long as we’re at it, we’ll twist on some wire nuts at Professional Remodeler’s Model remodel.
—The Model Remodel Show is a production of the SGC Horizon Media Network and was shot on location at the 2017 Model Remodel project in southern Connecticut.
