Alright folks, I recently wrapped up a pretty involved project: expanding our barndominium to include a new bedroom, and the saga of getting a mini-split AC installed. Let me tell you, it was a learning experience, and I figured I'd share the process and some of the hiccups along the way.
We’re calling this phase of the build the “bedroom expansion” because the little guy waited over a year to get his own space after we moved in. Now, we didn't just slap up a few walls; we also poured concrete for a lean-to extension which meant more space. This involved some real thought about where and how everything would go.
First up was the mini-split install. We went with a 12,000 BTU unit, opting for a DIY approach since we knew we’d be adding more in the future, including the garage. The video shows how I mounted the head unit, making sure to use extra studs for support. Leveling is absolutely critical here, something you'll find in any historical accounts of building (especially with things needing a proper drain line!) This isn’t some newfangled requirement: proper alignment and leveling are essential when installing anything that requires drainage or for optimal performance in any number of old world applications.
One thing I’d stress, that we learned the hard way: use a good quality manifold kit. Our initial attempts were plagued by a faulty manifold set. It turned out the rubber gaskets were cheap and falling apart, causing leaks and preventing a vacuum. We ended up swapping to a Pittsburgh kit from Harbor Freight with better gaskets which seemed to remedy the problem, highlighting the importance of a dependable seal. This isn't just about modern AC. Consider the old ways of sealing wooden barrels, which relied on precision cutting and swelling the wood to ensure a proper and durable seal. The same principles apply here; quality materials and attention to detail are paramount. We learned to make our own lines and have the tools now (thankfully).
We ran into a problem with the hole for the lineset. My measurements weren't perfect, and the hole ended up being a bit larger than I intended. It's a good reminder that while you can’t always trust your measurements, it’s important to learn from those mistakes and move forward. We're still brainstorming the best way to cover up that gap. Maybe some trim, maybe some patching. The issue was the wall studs were in specific places, meaning the wall mount had to be in a spot that did not have a lot of leeway.
After getting the mini-split installed we focused on the floor. We chose an underlayment that allows for the floor to “breathe” and used the “staggered” approach. This is a great trick to avoid obvious patterns and color variations, giving a more natural look. If we look back at the history of construction, techniques like these have been used for generations: the way bricks are laid to avoid straight lines, creating a stronger bond, or using varied wood grain to make visually appealing floors.
Now, if I could go back, I'd absolutely make sure my manifold was of better quality from the jump, and to be more diligent when it came to making the wall cut for the lineset. I’d also recommend that you torque your fittings according to the manual specifications. The torque wrench adapter was something we needed and made all the difference. I’d also stress that lines should be as straight as possible, minimizing kinks and bends. The mini split was a pain to troubleshoot!
Despite the issues, we did get the vacuum leak figured out thanks to a buddy of ours. The problem ended up being that the cheap adapter we had was the culprit. All of our lines were good, and everything works now! It really does highlight the value of having people you can rely on and good tools to fix things right.
In the end, the new bedroom is finally done, and it was great seeing the expression on my son’s face when he walked in and everything was put together for him for his birthday! He was a great sport for waiting so long for his own space.
I'm always learning, and this project was a great example of that. I am happy with how this turned out, and it’s great to be able to share what I’ve learned here on the forum.
#RoomMakeover #DIYProject #HomeImprovement #BirthdaySurprise #RoomReveal #DIYHomeDecor #HomeRenovation #FixingAC #FlooringSolutions #CreativeSolutions #FamilyVlog #DIYChallenge #MakeoverMagic #HappyBirthdayLink #BeforeAndAfter #ProjectComplete #HomeDecorIdeas #TransformationTuesday #RenovationTips #DIYVideos #RoomTransformation #DecorInspiration #Homestyle #InteriorDesign #CraftyHome
We’re calling this phase of the build the “bedroom expansion” because the little guy waited over a year to get his own space after we moved in. Now, we didn't just slap up a few walls; we also poured concrete for a lean-to extension which meant more space. This involved some real thought about where and how everything would go.
First up was the mini-split install. We went with a 12,000 BTU unit, opting for a DIY approach since we knew we’d be adding more in the future, including the garage. The video shows how I mounted the head unit, making sure to use extra studs for support. Leveling is absolutely critical here, something you'll find in any historical accounts of building (especially with things needing a proper drain line!) This isn’t some newfangled requirement: proper alignment and leveling are essential when installing anything that requires drainage or for optimal performance in any number of old world applications.
One thing I’d stress, that we learned the hard way: use a good quality manifold kit. Our initial attempts were plagued by a faulty manifold set. It turned out the rubber gaskets were cheap and falling apart, causing leaks and preventing a vacuum. We ended up swapping to a Pittsburgh kit from Harbor Freight with better gaskets which seemed to remedy the problem, highlighting the importance of a dependable seal. This isn't just about modern AC. Consider the old ways of sealing wooden barrels, which relied on precision cutting and swelling the wood to ensure a proper and durable seal. The same principles apply here; quality materials and attention to detail are paramount. We learned to make our own lines and have the tools now (thankfully).
We ran into a problem with the hole for the lineset. My measurements weren't perfect, and the hole ended up being a bit larger than I intended. It's a good reminder that while you can’t always trust your measurements, it’s important to learn from those mistakes and move forward. We're still brainstorming the best way to cover up that gap. Maybe some trim, maybe some patching. The issue was the wall studs were in specific places, meaning the wall mount had to be in a spot that did not have a lot of leeway.
After getting the mini-split installed we focused on the floor. We chose an underlayment that allows for the floor to “breathe” and used the “staggered” approach. This is a great trick to avoid obvious patterns and color variations, giving a more natural look. If we look back at the history of construction, techniques like these have been used for generations: the way bricks are laid to avoid straight lines, creating a stronger bond, or using varied wood grain to make visually appealing floors.
Now, if I could go back, I'd absolutely make sure my manifold was of better quality from the jump, and to be more diligent when it came to making the wall cut for the lineset. I’d also recommend that you torque your fittings according to the manual specifications. The torque wrench adapter was something we needed and made all the difference. I’d also stress that lines should be as straight as possible, minimizing kinks and bends. The mini split was a pain to troubleshoot!
Despite the issues, we did get the vacuum leak figured out thanks to a buddy of ours. The problem ended up being that the cheap adapter we had was the culprit. All of our lines were good, and everything works now! It really does highlight the value of having people you can rely on and good tools to fix things right.
In the end, the new bedroom is finally done, and it was great seeing the expression on my son’s face when he walked in and everything was put together for him for his birthday! He was a great sport for waiting so long for his own space.
I'm always learning, and this project was a great example of that. I am happy with how this turned out, and it’s great to be able to share what I’ve learned here on the forum.
#RoomMakeover #DIYProject #HomeImprovement #BirthdaySurprise #RoomReveal #DIYHomeDecor #HomeRenovation #FixingAC #FlooringSolutions #CreativeSolutions #FamilyVlog #DIYChallenge #MakeoverMagic #HappyBirthdayLink #BeforeAndAfter #ProjectComplete #HomeDecorIdeas #TransformationTuesday #RenovationTips #DIYVideos #RoomTransformation #DecorInspiration #Homestyle #InteriorDesign #CraftyHome