[Build] From Gina: Tho'ts re remodeling the new space

[jim]

> On Wed, 2009-08-19 at 14:56 -0700, Gina wrote:
>   
>> Hi Jim,
>>
>>   I looked at the new space last night, and stayed for the meeting to 
>> recommend low-maintanence surfaces.  Below is a summary.  Any thoughts?
>>
>> Gina
>>     

>>
>> FLOORS
>>
>>  Lamont had already sanded a section, and cracks were filled in (see 
>> photo).    At least 5 members signed up to do remaining sections with a 
>> drum sander.  And Mike pulled up lots of needles from the floor with a 
>> magnet. 
>>     
> JS: i saw that, it looks good to me. i sanded some more 
> areas nearby but didn't fill them yet. 
>   
Thanks.  I'm also glad to see a low-toxic, water-based seal and finish.  
Hope it can hold up, as I've heard  water-based floor products are 
improving.  Has anyone used it successfully that we know of?



>> The kitchen floor- undecided.   The same wood, or vinyl was proposed.  I 
>> recommended linoleum over vinyl, since it's self-sealing and needs no 
>> finishing.  And may last longer.  What's your recommendation for heavy 
>> kitchen traffic?
>>     
> JS: i like linoleum, but it's difficult getting it without 
> an inane pattern. 
>   
Anyone who has a few minute might google Marmoleum brand, which I've 
heard good things about. I don't have direct experience with it, or seen 
the patterns.   In any case, linoleum is also one of the greener materials.
>   


>> Scott was working on the bathroom floor.  I recommended big ceramic 
>> tiles, with less grout to maintain.    I also recommended a drain, since 
>> members may have wet projects.  In any case, Scott chose gray grout, 
>> which won't show every spot.
>>     
> JS: big ceramic tiles are good, fairly easy to find such 
> that are simple and even elegant. linoleum is also 
> good for bathroom floors, in my view. 
>   
>   

>> I'll recommend walk-off mats inside and outside entrances. Along with 
>> keeping the whole space cleaner, it will keep outside soil from grinding 
>> down the floor finish prematurely.   Members bought one for Weise St, at my 
>> recommendation. Great!  But it's too short to do much good. And the 
>> thin, flimsy material curled up in no time flat. If I have time, I'll 
>> look for something more effective and durable.  The shops need walk-off 
>> mats, too, for their own entrances.
>>     
> JS: i don't know what is a "walk-off mat". 
>   
It's a doormat, only bigger, to accomodate a few adult footsteps.  After 
a few footsteps, most of the soil is captured before it spreads much 
further inside.  Used in commercial buildings to cut cleaning costs.
>>


>> WALLS
>>
>>  I recommended re-painting.  Rachel will coordinate that.  Someone 
>> recommended eggshell on most of the walls, and semi-gloss in the kitchen 
>> and baths.  But Rachel prefers using just one type throughout, to keep 
>> it simple.   Which would be better?  Durable, washable paint is a must 
>> for the kitchen, baths and anywhere hands or projects touch.
>>     
> JS: seems like we're going to paint them. rachel seems to 
> be for washing them before painting, and i agree. 
> i think eggshell oil is best. first an oil-based 
> primer, then an oil enamel in eggshell finish. the 
> satin finish is more glossy, and in my experience 
> glossy enough to be disturbing. 
>   
You might run this by Rachel.  If I'm correct, oil-based paint is banned 
in CA now.  Is there a low-VOC paint that will work decently?  Someone 
recommended Benjamin Moore, or Kelly Moore. 
>>


>> KITCHEN
>>
>> Milo will be working on what goes into the kitchen.   I'll be 
>> recommending any low-mtce. surfaces I  know of. For example, a sleek, "one-touch" faucet handle like at Weise St. cuts cleaning time in half, v. traditional double handles that require more detailed (time-consuming) cleaning.  
>>     
>>

>> SHOP ROOMS
>>
>> Ben was on this, but they haven't seen him recently.  I asked about 
>> vents and walk-off mats to keep shavings etc. from drifting out into 
>> halls and other rooms.  Nothing is planned for that, is what I gather.
>>
>>

>> UTILITY SINKS
>>
>> I recommend keeping at least one of the two existing utility sinks  for 
>> cleaning and project purposes.  To keep the kitchen and bath sinks 
>> cleaner and lasting longer.
>>     
> JS: good idea. 
>
>