There are a myriad of projects that a handyman can be called upon to work on and in this update we take a look at a recent project looking at installing solar power ceiling ventilation into a garden based studio. The client had an outdoor studio (separate from the main residence) that was used as a home office. The client was a publisher and had set up a very nice work space in the outdoor studio that offered a quiet space to work from away from the family home and that looks out over a nice garden space, making for a very productive work environment.

The problem with the studio was that it could get very warm during the summer months. The studio had been build pretty much like an elaborate garden shed and the construction techniques did not incorporate the use of ceiling insulation or wall insulation meaning that the room would heat up considerably from around 11 am on spring and summers day making it uncomfortable to work from for the client involved.

Solar Power Roof Ventilation System

The client had purchased a solar power fan based vent system that was purchased online and needed a handyman to install it. This is a fairly common situation for a handyman –  a customer purchases a product to achieve a desired outcome in their home, only to find that they do not possess the skills or tools (or both) to install or assemble the device, piece of furniture or equipment. A classic example is people purchasing ikea furniture or other ‘flat pack’ furniture. On opening the box the see a hundred or so parts and are daunted by the prospect of assembling the unit – this is when they contact their local inner west handyman to come and assist with the assembly and installation of their newly acquired unit!

handyman tool kit

A complete tool kit is a must to complete a wide range of handyman projects

In this instance, the ventilation unit comprised the following components:

  • a 120 mm d.c. (low voltage) 12 volt venting fan
  • the fan mounting hardware
  • a 400 mm by 300 mm silicon solar panel unit
  • the mounting bracket for the solar panel
  • a template for cutting out the hole to mount the cooling fan unit
  • associated screws, nuts and bolts

Installation Of The Fan

The unit came with detailed instructions. This is always welcomed by any handyman as it is more often the case than not that we are presented with devices to install that mysteriously have come without installation instructions! This unit came with a cardboard cut out template that was used to cut the correct sized aperture into the roof. The kit came with all necessary waterproofing and sealing components to ensure that the roof would not leak during heavy rain down pours once the fan unit had been installed.

Installation Of Low Voltage Cabling

Next, we had to install the run of 12 volt, 3 amp rated electrical cable. Being low voltage, in this instance 12 volts d.cventing fan removed from the mounting unit- handyman ventilation project. we did not need to call on a licensed electrician to do the wiring work. The cable comprised of 2 sections. Firstly one set of cables ran to the east end of the studio roof where the solar panel, that powers the venting fan, was to be installed. The second run of low voltage cable was run to a point inside the studio where an ‘on-off’ switch was installed. this switch was used to turn the venting system on and off. All cabling was secured using cable ties and small plastic ‘u’ brackets that kept the cable securely held to the wall of the studio.

Installing The Small Solar Panel

The solar panel came equipped with an annodised aluminium mounting bracket. This was screwed onto the end ‘barge board’ of the studio using stainless steel mounting screws that would not rust over time. Once the bracket was installed, the solar panel was then attached by means of 6 mounting screws. Once installed, the solar panel was oriented due north, to capture the maximum amount of sunlight, to optimise the output of the panel and ensure the venting fan has sufficient voltage to run it.

Testing And Checking The Unit In Operation – Venting Unit

The cabling came with industry standard waterproof electrical connectors that allowed for easy but reliable connection of the solar panel into the wiring cables. As stated above, in 2016 the handyman needs to be across a huge range of skills and sometimes technologies! The modern handyman is no longer just called on to paint that flaky ceiling or fix that tired garden gate. Many inner west Sydney property owners like to have a handyman that they regularly use for all of their property maintenance and repairs and it is very beneficial to be able to offer clients the widest possible range of handyman services.

Once the cabling had been connected between the on-off switch, the venting fan and the solar panel we were able to test the unit. The weather was a fairly overcast day. We turned the switch to on and were pleased the hear the quiet whirring of the venting fan. There was a very good breeze generated within the studio by the fan and the client is confident that it will achieve the desired result –  a more moderate and comfortable temperature to work in, within the studio – another satisfied handyman client and project completed!

Conclusion

This project demonstrates, hopefully, the benefits of employing a handyman with a wide range of skills. By definition, a handyman is not necessarily an ‘expert’ in all areas, this is clearly not possible. but having a handyman that can turn his skills to a wide range of installations, faultfinding and instruction reading is a great bonus when looking for someone to do home maintenance and repairs in your iner west home or business.