Step 77 - Vents, Smoke Dectors, and Fans

Smoke Dectector In Shrink Wrap

Smoke the Bear Would Be Proud

A new home should be designed with safety in mind, and having permanent smoke detectors are a good option for any new home.  These detectors are installed in every bedroom and wired in to the houses AC electrical system.  They have an internal battery that keeps charged from this connection in the event of a power outage, taking the risk of a dead battery out of the equation.  As an added measure, our detectors also have carbon monoxide sensors, which are helpful since we have an indoor garage. 

In each bathroom, we have standard ventilation fans installed that are routed outside.  We also opted for ceiling fan boxes to be installed in the bedrooms and living room so that we can easily add a fan at a later date. 

Things We Learned Along The Way

How to Install Ceiling Fans

The ceiling fan is a major fixture in a household. That is why it has to be carefully chosen, taking into consideration a number of variables, before thinking about how to install ceiling fans.

Location should also be taken into consideration. If it is going to be installed in a big room or area, then a big ceiling fan is needed. It has to be big enough to provide the ventilation required. Proportion is vital to ensure that it will operate at its fullest capacity. Putting a small ceiling fan in a big room will result to wasted electricity as well as a useless fixture. It will also not look as appealing.

As electricity is mentioned, it must be pointed out that electrical wiring is of utmost importance in the chosen location of the ceiling fan. It is a necessity that there is an electrical connection and outlet present, and that it can carry the voltage that the ceiling fan requires. Any possibility of circuit overload must be examined, as this could be a major fire hazard.

The aesthetic effect of the ceiling fan against the location chosen should also be a consideration. Installing a ceiling fan is relatively easy, only requiring a bit of drilling and coordination of electrical wirings. It still would be a hassle to install it, and then, to have to remove it simply because it is an eyesore.

Lastly, you must determine whether the ceiling fan to be installed is remote-controlled or manually operated. This has a direct relation on whether the ceiling fan will be installed in a room with high or low ceilings. Nowadays most models come with a remote or are remote compatible.

With the major groundwork out of the way, installation of the ceiling can now begin. Make sure that the ceiling fan set bought from the hardware store is complete. It should contain an electrical box, electrical box casing, a plate, the base, where the motor is encased, the sockets, if the ceiling fan comes with a light fixture, the blades, and the screws. Some sets may include wires needed to connect it with the location's electrical circuitry. However, a separate set may be purchased just to make sure. You can make sure you have all of the necessary parts by checking the fans supply list.

In addition, a ladder, drill, a pair of pliers, and screwdriver are needed during the installation. Likewise, ensure that the electrical current running in the chosen location is turned off to avoid being electrocuted. Keep in mind if possible to have an extra pair of hands around as they might be needed during the course of installation.

Should the manufacturer of the ceiling fan you bought have special instructions for the installation, make sure to take note of it.

1. If the chosen location still has a light attached, remove it and everything attached to the light.

2. Rewire the electrical box of the ceiling fan and screw it onto the ceiling.

3. Encase it with the electrical box casing, bolting it to the ceiling as snugly as possible without incurring damage to either the casing or the ceiling.

4. Fasten the plate with screws onto the holes on the casing.

5. After readying the mounting place, assemble the parts of the fan together with the blades.

6. When all the parts are assembled, attach the base onto the prepared mount by connecting the wires from the electric box onto to the ones in the base. This might the instance where the extra pair of hands is needed to ensure that the base is mounted securely to the plate.

7. Should the ceiling fan include a lighting fixture, it is the last one attached.

Successful installation of the ceiling fan will require patience, careful attention to instructions, and the proper tools necessary for completion.

Navigation

The Land

 

Planning

 

Construction

 

Framing Phase

Rough-in Phase

Drywall Phase

Interior Carpentry

Flat-work Phase

Paint & Stain

Finishing Phase

Completion