Before you invest
Lee Packer, owner of Bella Patio, offers these tips for homeowners:
Do your research. Many patio covers require a building permit and approval from a homeowners association. Las Vegas residents can find building codes for patio covers online at files.lasvegasnevada.gov/ building-safety/when-do-i-need-a-permit. pdf.
Residents in a neighborhood governed by an HOA should get its guidelines for patio covers before meeting with an installer or builder.
“If any company or builder says you don’t need a permit, by checking ahead of time you can be sure,” says Packer, whose company submits all paperwork to municipalities for building permits.
Expect delays. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench into the procedure of many construction companies, Bella Patio included.
Companies that supply equipment and materials were shut down by the pandemic, so Packer says he has to wait longer than before. And his office staff is working from home, which can complicate communication.
Normally, the process for permits, HOA approval and getting materials would take four to six weeks, Packer says. “Now, because of the pandemic, it’s like eight to 10.”
Visit a showroom. Even during the pandemic, some companies are making appointments with customers. “It’s always better to see the materials in person,” Packer says.
Shade or style. “Where do you want to put your money?” Packer says. “You can build larger and have more shade coverage by using standard materials. More upgrades and more stylish materials increase cost.”
The procedure is easy: Simply slide the sweep along the bottom of the door and secure it. If this doesn’t do the trick, then replacing the threshold is the next step.
The threshold is originally installed as a pre-hung door unit along with the jambs and it slides into the framed opening for the door. The threshold is usually nailed or stapled to the side jambs. Usually, adhesive or caulking is laid down under the threshold to keep out the weather andbugs.
To remove the threshold, you will probably need to cut it in the middle and shimmy it out. You can do this with a back saw or a reciprocating saw, and you may need to break the bead of caulking or adhesive to free it up.
Removing it from the side jambs is next, and you may be able to lift up the threshold from the point where you cut it and pivot the end up to pull it away from the side jambs. You also can try moving it in a back-andforth motion. It’s a little like yanking out a tooth, minus the blood. Once the old threshold is out, pull out any remaining nails from the side jambs.
You must buy a threshold of the same style that will fit the opening. I had a customer that had a double door and she bought two smaller thresholds with the idea that she would just butt them together to span the opening — bad move. If you need to special order a size, then do it.
Once you have the correct one, swing the door out of the way or remove it so you can install the new threshold, which will screw into the floor. If you are installing over a wood subfloor, you can screw it into the wood. If you are installing into concrete, lay the threshold into place and mark the spots on the concrete and then you can drill the holes with a masonry bit.
Lay down a couple of thick beads of adhesive caulking so that when you install the threshold there won’t be any gaps for insects or breezes. Use Tapcon anchors (about $10 per package) and screw the threshold into place.
Swing the door (or rehang it if you had to remove it) back into place and check the fit. The door should close easily, and the sweep on the bottom of the door should just make contact with the top of the threshold. A slight rubbing of the sweep against the top of the threshold is expected. There shouldn’t be any gaps under the door whatsoever.
From inside the house with the door closed, look under the door for daylight. If you see daylight (assuming you are doing this during the daytime), then you need to make some adjustments.
The threshold will have some adjusting screws that are countersunk into the top of it. You can turn
the screws clockwise to decrease the rubbing and increase the space between the door and threshold.
By turning the screws counterclockwise, you will close this gap. If you have adjusted the screws as far down as they can go and you still have difficulty closing the door, as a last resort you may have to remove the door and plane off a small amount from the bottom of it.
When you’re done, lay a bead of clear silicone along the sides of the threshold where it meets the side jambs of the door. Then you will be ready to start swinging and slamming.
Mike Klimek is a licensed contractor and owner of Las Vegas Handyman. Questions may be sent by email to handymanoflasvegas@ msn.com. Or, mail to 4710 W. Dewey Drive, No. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89118. His web address is www. handymanoflasvegas.com. company has this level of expertise.
Try not to move at the beginning or the end of the month. Many moving companies have different pricing
structures depending on the time of the year and/or time of the month.
Read reviews. Online reviews from real customers may affect your decision.
Oversee your move personally. It is always best for you to be on site on the day of your move.
Separate and pack essentials. There may be a delay in receiving your belongings. Be sure to keep the essentials packed in a suitcase you can carry with you.
Purge and reorganize. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to take your clutter with you.