DIY Network

Completing the Home Office Transformation From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-111

In this last installment of a three-part transformation, homeowners Paul and Shelly Kukuk and host Michael Ray Wisely install flooring, an air conditioning unit and add the finishing touches to complete Paul's new home office.

Before: A cluttered backyard storage shed.

After: A chic (and air-conditioned) home office!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Rubberized Linoleum Floor Installation

Materials:

1/4 cork material
Flooring adhesive (mastic)
Linoleum roller
Utility knife
Rubber gloves
1/8 trowel
Drywall square
Measuring tape
Rubberized recycled linoleum

1. To clean up the sub floor, use a hammer to knock down any protruding nails.

2. Next, roll out 15 lb. asphalt saturated felt overlapping each piece 6 inches. The felt creates a vapor barrier and prevents moisture from coming up through the floor (figure A).

3. Place felt snugly against the walls with a utility knife and use a hammer/ tacker to hold the felt to the subfloor.

4. Place an underlayment on top of the felt of 3/8" plywood. If using an A/C grade plywood, be sure that the A side, or smooth side is facing upward, while the C side, which typically has knotholes, should be facing downward.

5. Leave a 1/4-inch gap at the walls to allow for the wood to expand and contract. Also, stagger the seams to create a stronger floor.

6. To secure the rubber floor, apply mastic with a 16" notched trowel (figure B). Once the floor is applied, use a linoleum floor roller (figure C) to remove any air pockets and to smooth the floor.

7. Follow the same pattern for the next strips of flooring material being laid down. For the last piece, set the flooring up against the trim to find the correct height. Use a Japanese handsaw to notch the base of the door trim (figure D).

8. Again use the linoleum floor roller to smooth out the rubberize flooring to the wall. As a finishing touch, install mitered baseboard trim around the base of the walls.

	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Threshold Installation

Materials:

Oak threshold w/vinyl seal
Cordless drill
Phillips #2 hex bit
Measuring tape

1. On the doorway entrance, measure and mark a center point. Also measure and mark the center point onto the threshold stock.

2. Next, trace the outline of the doorjamb onto both ends of the threshold use a hacksaw to notch (figure E). Dry fit the threshold in the doorway.

3. Measure and mark the length of the door way onto the aluminum sill nosing. This aluminum sill will act as an additional moisture barrier for the wooden sill. Use the hacksaw to cut the aluminum sill nosing to size (figure F).

4. Test the fit of the aluminum sill nosing in the doorway. To enable the nosing to fit under the doorjamb, cut kerfs at the bottom of the doorjamb stock (figure G). This will allow the aluminum sill nosing to slide in.

5. To further weatherproof the entrance, run a bead of caulk along the door entrance before the sliding in the aluminum sill nosing.

6. Once pre-drilling the holes in both the threshold and sill, secure them all in place with screws.

7. Finally, cut the weather stripping seal to size. Then to get the door to properly fit, score the base with a utility knife and cut below the line with a hand saw. Finally, sand to the score line with a belt sander.

	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J
	Figure K

Air Conditioner Installation

Materials:

Trim stock/casing stock
Level
2X4 stock
AC unit
Screwdriver
Nailer
Framing nails
Window/portable A/C

1. Drill pilot holes through the siding to outline the boundaries on the exterior of the shed where to cut. Connect the pilot hole dots on the exterior of the shed and then carefully use a circular saw to cut the opening for the AC unit (figure H).

2. Next, slide the metal AC unit sleeve through the hole and secure with screws (figure I).

3. On the exterior of the shed, weatherproof the AC unit by applying a bead of caulking around the seams.

4. Seal the corners with a self-adhesive rubberized flashing (figure J). Install the rubberized flashing on the inside sill as well.

5. To finish the exterior, install trim over the rubberized flashing (figure K).

6. On the interior, trim out the opening with miter-cut trim stock.

7. Install a 20-amp receptacle for the AC unit. If not comfortable with electrical wiring, contact a licensed electrician.

8. Slide the AC unit into the sleeve.

Figure L

Good Ergonomics

After air conditioning is added, track lighting and landscaping complete the home office. Finally, ergonomic expert Wendy Young consults with Paul on working in a home office comfortably (figure L). An ergonomic designed office help keep comfort, reduces injury as well and increases productivity.

• Seat, arm rest and chair height should be adjusted so feet are flat on floor, lumbar is supported and elbows are slightly above height of arm (to prevent raised shoulders).

• Desk height should be at comfortable level, with wrists straight and eyes looking straight ahead. Mouse should be close to body.

• Take a break every hour. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to minimize eye strain.

RESOURCES :

Rubberized Flooring
Black with Eggshell Flecks
Amorim Solutions
26112 110th Street
Trevor, WI 53179
Phone: 800-255-2675
Web site: www.amorimsolutions.com

Adjustable Sit/Stand Table
Color: Laminate Gray
Ergopro
4914 Bissonet, Suite 101
Bellaire, TX 77401
Phone: 800-ERGOPRO
Web site: Ergopro.com

Adjustable Chair
Style: High Back in Black
Ergo Pro
4914 Bissonet, Suite 101
Bellaire, TX 77401
Phone: 800-ERGOPRO
Web site: Ergopro.com