Remodeling discussions and local services.
andrew_anderson
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Knocking down walls: living with one big space
I get the appeal of big open spaces, but in my 1920s place, knocking down walls gave me a whole new set of issues. Echo was rough - old plaster doesn’t help much. I ended up hanging some heavy tapestries (not exactly my ...
RE: Keeping Wood Floors in the Kitchen Looking Sharp
Yeah, the walnut trick is solid for scratches, but I’ve found it only blends in lighter marks - deep gouges are another story. For water spots, I’ve had better luck with a bit of paste wax instead of olive oil. It buffs ...
RE: locked out drama - what would you do?
I get the appeal of a classic deadbolt, but honestly, I’ve had more issues with old locks sticking or keys snapping than with my keypad lock. At least with a code, I’m not fumbling in the dark or worrying about losing ke...
RE: Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
Curious if you ran into any code issues with ceiling height or egress windows. In my case, the old rafters barely made the cut for legal bedroom space. Ended up having to add a dormer just to get enough headroom - defini...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
That “forever” solution is exactly why I went with epoxy too. I’ve noticed the yellowing in sun too, but it’s subtle. For me, the real win is no more crumbly grout around the old cast iron tub. Worth every penny, even i...
RE: Making trim look pro without hiring out
Floetrol’s actually been a lifesaver for me on some of the old oak trim in my place. It really does help level out those brush marks, especially when the wood grain’s all over the place and you’re dealing with weird humi...
RE: Bumping out vs. building up: which way to expand?
Yeah, found a “treasure” of knob-and-tube up there once - took weeks to sort out. If you’re expanding, bumping out keeps you away from all that mess, and you can isolate new wiring. Building up means more integration hea...
RE: WHEN DOES A "WEEKEND PLUMBING JOB" EVER ACTUALLY TAKE A WEEKEND?
Never just a weekend, at least not in my experience. Old houses are the worst for this - nothing’s standard, and “universal” parts almost never fit without some kind of hack. Last time I replaced a toilet, the flange was...
RE: locked out drama - what would you do?
I’ve tried a couple smart locks on my 1920s place - Schlage and one of the cheaper August models. Fit was a pain, honestly. Old doors swell, nothing’s ever plumb, and you end up shimming or chiseling more than you’d like...
RE: how much should I budget to renovate a beach house?
Title: How much should I budget to renovate a beach house? Honestly, I’d push back a bit on the marine grade hype. I’ve restored two places near the coast, both over 80 years old, and the original fittings (solid bras...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
I get the logic with catch basins, but in my experience with older properties, they can actually back up if you’re not careful - especially if the city storm drains aren’t maintained well. Sometimes just grading the yard...
RE: Keeping Your Home Dry: Insulation Tips for Flood-Prone Areas
You’re not being paranoid - moisture is a real headache in older homes, especially with crawlspaces. I’ve seen too many folks jump straight to wall insulation and regret it after the first big rain. Your point about prio...
RE: Turning my basement ceiling into a fantasy-inspired hangout
Tried the LED strip thing in my 1920s basement - definitely agree about the color temp issues. I had to swap out a set because the “warm white” looked more like hospital lighting. Ended up using aluminum channels for hea...
RE: EARTHQUAKE-PROOFED MY FIRST BUILDING AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED
Sounds like you both had your hands full, but honestly, sometimes those old-school "fixes" aren't as useless as they seem. My place is a 1920s bungalow, and the previous owner had wedged random wooden beams under the joi...
RE: Keeping hardwood shiny without losing my mind
Totally agree on microfiber pads, they're a game changer. Also found that distilled water helps - our tap water is pretty hard, and switching made a noticeable difference in streaking. Worth trying if your water's minera...