My Cozy Reading Nook | How I Found Extra Space

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About my HVAC systems…
Mr. Cool Universal Series: mrcool.com/mrc...
My video on DIY installation: Mr. Cool also makes DIY mini-split systems: mrcool.com/mrc...
My DIY mini-split installation: • DIY Ductless Mini Spli...
Things I Used in This Project:
Senco 15-ga Cordless Nailer: www.senco.com/...
Senco Cordless Framing Nailer: www.senco.com/...
DAP Dynaflex Ultra: www.dap.com/pr...
ISOtunes Hearing Protection: shop.isotunes.... (Use code April for 10% off!)
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Website: www.wilkerdos.com
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Facebook: / wilkerdos
Manufacturing and retail site: hillcountrywoo...
Welcome to the official April Wilkerson KZbin channel. I’m April and I’m the creator of Wilker Do’s. I'm not professional or have any training, so I just pick the project I want to tackle and figure it out step by step. On this channel you will find a variety of content like DIY home improvement, How-To’s, construction and more.

[@AprilWilkerson]

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[@steverosenbaum2469]

Ms. April, A suggestion for better operation of your HVAC system. With the vanes of the Return Air Grill facing op, this restricts airflow. Vanes facing down allows for more air flow and reduces pressure (less whistling). Do love the project.

[@modestohodesto7140]

What about a return filter. I don't see one.

[@steverosenbaum2469]

Filter is probably in FAU unit at the plenum where the return terminates. ​@modestohodesto7140

[@busterulmer7092]

Go back and vacuum out that return air plenum and as much of the flex duct as you can reach. Left as-is is beneath you

[@AlexBormel]

Definitely would have added a smart LED light and switch for more light. I like the ones that can switch from warm to cool. Either way awesome job it looks great.

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

It was very ingenious of you to use space from your attic to create your reading nook April! It's a great example of how thinking out of the box can really make a difference. 😉

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! I've wanted to do this since buying the house years ago. Thanks for always watching and being supportive.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

April, this is a really nice use of attic area! It turned out great and looks amazing! Thanks for sharing this step in your project.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@alanwilliamson9350]

Loving the nook. Looks like a cozy quiet spot to be. ❤

[@AprilWilkerson]

It truly is! I love it. Thanks for watching.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Imagine that !!! That was so cool, such a secluded and quiet cove to go to. Awesome job April. Thanks for sharing with us. Fred.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I just love it! You can just unwind and relax. Thanks for watching.

[@dennishinkle5010]

Warm in the attic is an understatement try miserably hot. This is a great project it looks so nice just watch your head sitting up. Thank you for sharing.👍

[@Terry_1111]

Love this idea and how you made it work! Very cool!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@louroberts5567]

Good morning, April! Well, I can only think of one word for this portion of the project. "P-E-R-F-E-C-T!" The way your eyes light up and your laugh gives us all the sense of wonderment and excitement you seem to be feeling as your work progresses. These days, my eyes close tightly, wondering when I'll be done and my excitement is thinking of finishing for the day and sitting in my recliner!🤣 Thanks for another great video! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@lucdoucette8302]

Expressing gratitude for your recent upload, your dedication to delivering value is evident.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@shelly1224]

This is such an awesome use of space

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@javiermunoz5084]

this is by far your best project in a while, love how its coming along

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for watching.

[@Jones572]

"Don't forget how important it is too imagine". Well said and "duly noted"! Great stuff, Thanks! ❤

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! Thank you!

[@carlwhite8225]

April, another great video, hope my wife does not see it as she wants a reading nook, Thanks.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Hmmm. There may be a reading nook in your future. Surprise her that you will make one. :) Thanks for watching.

[@pteddie6965]

I do admire your imagination and especially your creativity. Thanks for the video.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@chicagorandy]

Interesting projects. Any plans on installing a safety rail on that "loft''?

[@allenwilson9656]

I believe she said in an earlier video it was ordered but hasn't came in yet

[@AprilWilkerson]

It's being custom made and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos on this project that show every step. Thanks for watching.

[@chicagorandy]

@@AprilWilkerson Good news. Please understand it's not a slam, I'm simply terrfied of heights -lol

[@chipdayton1625]

Very clever!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@scottandgrace1]

That is very very cool. I think you could probably add some lighting to the area too because it looks a bit dark for reading a book. Of course you have access to the area behind so this will be pretty easy. I think some nice lighting will really make that area special! I have a similar looking area but a bit smaller and the same shape as yours... now I'm looking at it with the idea of a small loft... now, how will I tell my wife that I need to work on another project :)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes, I am adding Lighting to all areas. Stay tuned for additional videos of the Loft Library Series. I think your wife will be thrilled with the thought of having something as cool as that. Enjoy the build and thanks for watching.

[@warwickbourke]

Love it!!! Everyone needs a cozy reading nook in their life!!! Yes, even if you don’t read 😂

[@throttlebottle5906]

oh, the next hvac installer will absolutely love that! 🤣 they'll demo everything and charge you triple or more.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Nah, it'll be fine. I installed this complete new AC System not long ago. Thanks for watching.

[@throttlebottle5906]

@@AprilWilkerson you do realize it will be lucky to last ten years, let alone five. it's not 1950's to 1970's gear that often lasted 30+ years and was easily repaired. not trying to be a pain/rude/crude, but reality and the current history of it all dictates it will have an early demise. all brands, models and installion quality aside.

[@davebender8901]

I couldn't have one of those... I would end up falling asleep, and snoring so loud, it would loosen the roofing nails!😂🤣😅

[@GoodwillCriminalsOfDallas]

It looks like just past the back end is a pretty good-sized area at the end of the house. I would utilize that if I could. I built a secret play area for my nieces and a safe room for everyone in one part of my house like this.

[@jrpritchard1622]

So awesome April your reading nook is coming together cant wait to see what ya be doing next 💞👍🙂

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! It is an exciting project. Thanks for watching.

[@futublock]

I have really fun with your videos, and I learn to making things, you know how to learn with fun. Thanks for this moments, you work really hard and we don't realice that because we are enjoy with your work.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you for your kind words. Glad you are enjoying my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@jimmyjames3220]

This is beyond awesome April and I really liked seeing how you used SketchUp to envision the nook! Thanks :)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@allisonwoods6161]

Superb idea, use of space and a place to retreat and relax 🎉😊

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! Thank you for watching!

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

A surprise Friday video from April is a good way to start the weekend! 😃

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching.

[@kmacmckee2931]

It was cool to watch the Instagram feed and then your finished KZbin. keep up the inspirational work!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!! I appreciate your watching and also following along.

[@anthonysoprano3321]

Awesome!

[@richs5422]

Looks like a great napping nook to me...

[@AprilWilkerson]

Exactly! It is so relaxing. Thanks for watching.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great job April! the space is really taking shape' Thanks for always sharing with us💖👍😎JP

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much! I appreciate your watching and support.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

@@AprilWilkerson your very welcome April! Have a wonderful weekend😎

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Very nice use of space. Great job.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you like it!

[@ianpearse4480]

Very cool, literally. LOL. Like the idea of you can build what you can imagine. Off to build a spaceship! LOL. Guess I will settle for some wood shavings.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@doug2078]

Cool project !! Came out nice !!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I've wanted to do this since buying the house, it really is cool. :) Thanks for watching.

[@doug2078]

@@AprilWilkerson Ive done similar projects in past homes Ive owned. Its Awesome creating extra free space !!

[@allanstewart758]

When you're working in an attic in the summer. Disconnect a duct near where you're working and let it blow on you. I had a woman complain that it was hot in her bedroom. She was so great full that an electrician could fix her a/c

[@AprilWilkerson]

What a great idea! Thanks for Sharing and for watching.

[@GorgoScrobo]

Badass!! I wonder how much your home value increased from this project. Nice work and thanks for the videos

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! And thanks for watching.

[@velray1231]

Luv it

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@greenkitty6482]

Awesome!!!!👏

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Nice Nook April! 😃👍🏼👊🏼

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I love it!

[@russbowers3683]

Awesome series. I love the ingenuity and inspiration! I'm surprised that you didn't add a dimmer switch and light inside the nook as you built it. Oh well.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Stay tuned for more videos showing all the steps taken. Thanks for watching.

[@melvinfec]

It went from boop to boop 😂 Like the video's!!

[@yeetyeet6035]

Great build, whats you first nook book going to be?

[@Cdshakes]

The nook is a great use of space. I feel like putting that return vent in that tucked away spot isn't very efficient though.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I checked with HVAC people and they said it's fine. Thanks for watching.

[@terrygroce1594]

Looks great

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@bobbywweaver]

Might be nice to add a shelf, outlet, and/or light in that nook. It would be nice to be able to have a place for a drink, plug for a charger, etc.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Project still has several videos to go, showing all the steps. Stay tuned and thanks for watching.

[@bobbywweaver]

@@AprilWilkerson I'm very excited to see what you come up with! Great work. I think I see a reading nook in my family's future.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Awesome April! 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

@@AprilWilkerson You are a very welcome April! How did your husband thinks of this project?

[@AprilWilkerson]

It was my idea and I'm single. But I've wanted to do this project since buying the house several years ago.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

@@AprilWilkerson I see. I really enjoy watching your idea projects all are fantastic idea what you did to your home. Truthfully, You are fun to watch your work. 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@modestohodesto7140]

Great series. Love your work. One thing on the AC return that you moved. I don't see a filter?

[@georgem.323]

So I spotted that mdf that you put in the nook and liked the way it looked but wouldn't the mdf be concerning in the event of a water leak or excess moisture? I am currently trying to decide how I want to redo the ceiling in my laundry room in a manufactured home but always concerned about excess moisture and product that might otherwise dissintegrate. Apprecaite any incite you can provide. Thank you.

[@ralphwoodard609]

I like your loft and everything April but aren’t you forgetting about safety railing?

[@AprilWilkerson]

No, as I've said in the previous videos, the railing is being custom built and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos in the Series showing all the steps. Thanks for watching.

[@davebender8901]

If you enjoy reading a murder mystery, try the "Lincoln Ryme" series by Jeffery Deaver... So many twists and turn, it will have your imagination buzzing!

[@ourv9603]

You got the OK from your HOA before you began right? !

[@elvisvasquez]

Nice

[@scotttovey]

Cats just love cozy little places like tha.... You're part feline!

[@AprilWilkerson]

And high places also! I've always loved being up high, even as a child. So I may be part cat. :) Thanks for watching.

[@jeffkuipers1030]

my son who still lives with us in the basement put a MR COOL in for his bedroom and money well spent he said he paid for the whole install his idea.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! Mr Cool is an amazing product. Thanks for Sharing and for watching.

[@stephenmoncrieff2056]

I am loving this series but I have to say I'm surprised there isn't a railing put up around the edge .

[@AprilWilkerson]

As said in previous video, the railing is being custom made and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for upcoming videos showing the rest of the steps. Thanks for watching.

[@didz2064]

The joys of reading the comments, knowing that the project isn't finished yet 😂 Your gracious responses to each one shows your kindness and humility! ❤

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks. I do my best. With my schedule I can't reply to everyone but try several times a day to catch at least a few. Thanks for staying along for the ride.

[@rickyt3961]

very nice! curious as to why you didn’t install a recessed light; just wondering. it looks great anyway 👍🏾😉

[@AprilWilkerson]

The project still has several videos to go so stay tuned to see all the steps. Thanks for watching.

[@rickyt3961]

i will! 😃

[@travisg1759]

Will there be lighting in the nook?

[@AprilWilkerson]

At the end of the video you see me reading with a lamp on but there will be other videos in the Series showing all the steps, including lighting. Thanks for watching.

[@anth5189]

Do you have a light? It looks a little dark for book reading.

[@AprilWilkerson]

At the end of the video you see a lamp on, with me reading. There's also more videos coming in the Series showing the rest of the steps, including lighting. Thanks for watching.

[@ColeSpolaric]

I could still see that one jagged cut under the vent 👀

[@AprilWilkerson]

That's ok. Out of the entire video and that's what you take from it? Ha! Thanks for watching.

[@ColeSpolaric]

@@AprilWilkerson yeah.... I couldn't help but notice. It would honestly drive me nuts. Overall it looks good though

[@mrDavo111]

Insulation around the nook?

[@AprilWilkerson]

As I said, it was done afterwards. If I show everything the video would be way too long. People tend to skip through then click away to watch something else. But I say what I don't show. I think only my Mom watches everything from beginning to end. :) Thanks for watching.

[@rjcarlson72]

Did you add an electric outlet for a light?

[@AprilWilkerson]

Stay tuned for more videos on this project that shows all the different steps. Thanks for watching.

[@garydargan6]

So when do you put railings around the loft platform?

[@AprilWilkerson]

They are being custom made so will install them in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos on this project. Thanks for watching.

[@dukefrywokker6470]

Where's the light in that dark corner?

[@AprilWilkerson]

At the end of the video you see a lamp on, with me reading. There's also more videos coming with the rest of the project including lighting. Thanks for watching.

[@robcarnaroli269]

Why is it my GC looked at me funny when I said just move this from boop to boop??? 🙂

[@LoganKearsley]

Aaaah! You broke the thermal envelope! You need to insulate the new walls and rafters! (It's probably small enough to not be a big deal, but its the principle of the thing!)

[@95dodgev10]

She said she insulated afterwards since she had access to everything. I was thinking the same thing as she put up the wall paneling but then she clarified shortly after.

[@jimmyjam838]

Didn't see you put in any insulation. Did you? If not, how much heat is going to radiate through the roof and attic space.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I said in the video I came back later and installed it. People tend to skip through videos then click away to watch other things so I try to keep videos short. Others want longer videos but except for my Mom, rarely do people watch all the way through. :) Thanks for watching.

[@creiij]

So much sponsorships... it's like watching tv in the nineteen again...

[@AprilWilkerson]

I have always shown what I used and explained why. Many of my particularly Beginner Builder Viewers appreciate the explanation. Also, this is my business, I'm not just a weekend hobbyist. Thanks for watching.

[@chriscutress1460]

What are you going to do regarding railing ? It would be tragic if someone walked off the edge and fell to the floor below. My building code would require kid proof railing along the open sides even no kids live in the house.

[@AprilWilkerson]

The Railing is being custom made and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos in the Series showing all the steps. Thanks for watching.

[@kingkong7617]

The library loft looks really good and it is a very good use of the space. I think if you put some railings around the out side of the loft, with wire inserts to keep it open would finish the look.

[@AprilWilkerson]

The railing system is being custom made and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos on this project. Thanks for watching.