Remodeling discussions and local services.
baker14
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RE: Keeping up with eco labels is harder than I thought
Honestly, I used to obsess over every eco label too, but after a while it just gets overwhelming. Half the time, the “green” stuff isn’t even that durable, and you end up redoing things way sooner. I’ve also switched to ...
RE: Knocking down walls: living with one big space
You’re not alone - open layouts are awesome until you’re trying to make a dinner party feel different from a workday. I’ve tried the bookcase trick too, and honestly, it only goes so far. Rugs have been surprisingly effe...
RE: When your kitchen reno dreams meet your wallet’s reality
Title: When your kitchen reno dreams meet your wallet’s reality I get where you're coming from about the “one year rule” - honestly, I think it’s too rigid for kitchens. I’ve run into this exact thing with my own tools....
RE: Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ll admit, I went the other way with my attic project. We had an old cape with barely enough headroom to stand up straight, and after a few months of ducking and weaving, I finally bi...
RE: WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT MID-PROJECT: WHAT'S YOUR MOVE?
Been there - crank lights sound great until you’re halfway through a job and realize your arm’s cramping and you still can’t see squat. Rechargeables are a game changer, especially the magnetic ones. Headlamps are clutch...
RE: WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT MID-PROJECT: WHAT'S YOUR MOVE?
Yeah, I’ve been there - trying to finish up with a headlamp and convincing myself it’s “good enough.” Never is. I’ve learned the hard way that unless it’s something totally foolproof (like demo or cleanup), it’s better t...
RE: How Long Does It Really Take To Insulate A House?
Honestly, I’ve lost more pens and notepads in crawlspaces than I care to admit, but I totally get the backup thing. My handwriting turns to chicken scratch when I’m balancing on a joist anyway - half the time I can’t eve...
RE: Green board in the news - worth the hype for bathrooms?
Green board’s fine for what it is, but I wouldn’t call it a game-changer for bathrooms. It’s still just drywall with a bit of moisture resistance, not waterproof by any stretch. I’ve seen people get lulled into a false s...
RE: Natural cleaners vs store-bought stuff for appliances
Honestly, I caved once and bought a pack of those wipes when we moved into our place last year. They worked fine - definitely made the fridge look shiny for about a day - but I swear the effect didn’t last any longer tha...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
Tried a dry well once in my old place - clay soil just laughed at it. Water pooled up like I’d dug a kiddie pool. French drains didn’t do much either unless I ran ‘em way downhill. Anyone else just end up with a swamp?
RE: If I wanted a backyard guest house, how deep would my pockets need to be?
Yeah, I’ve seen those “smart” upgrades go sideways more than once. One time I tried to install a fancy thermostat in my own workshop and ended up with no heat for two days… sometimes the basics just work better. When I b...
RE: Natural cleaners vs store-bought stuff for appliances
I’ve tried the baking soda and peroxide combo, but honestly, it still took a ton of scrubbing for me. Ever tried just straight vinegar and steam? I’ve found that loosens up the gunk faster, but the smell isn’t for everyo...
RE: If I wanted a backyard guest house, how deep would my pockets need to be?
Nailed it on the “unknowns” - they’re like clockwork. Last time I did a backyard build, I thought I’d planned for everything, but then the city wanted a soils report. That was another $2k just to tell me my dirt was... d...
RE: Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind
Never got the hang of wet sanding either - always seemed to leave a weird texture for me, especially on larger patches. I’m with you about sponges rounding over corners; drives me nuts when I want a sharp inside edge. Ha...
RE: If You Had to Redo Your Kitchen Lights, What Would You Pick?
Voice controls definitely aren't for everyone, but have you considered motion sensors instead? I swapped out a couple of my kitchen switches for occupancy sensors, and honestly, it's been pretty convenient. No yelling at...