Remodeling discussions and local services.
hiking_zeus
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RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
Dry wells can definitely help, especially if you’re dealing with clay soil that just refuses to drain. One thing I’ve found is that adding a layer of sand or even some biochar at the bottom of the pit can speed up infilt...
RE: How Long Does It Really Take To Insulate A House?
Rim joists are such a pain - totally agree, they’re easy to overlook but make a huge difference. I actually ended up pulling out the old attic insulation because it was pretty gross and patchy, but man, what a mess. Did ...
RE: Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind
Quick-set mud is a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s awesome for patch jobs or when you’re on a tight timeline, but I’ve found it sets up faster than I expect - especially in warm weather. I usually mix smaller batches t...
RE: Just hit 20 years with the same HVAC - am I just lucky?
I get where you’re coming from - air leaks are sneaky, and I’ve seen plenty of folks blame windows when it’s really the baseboards, outlets, or even attic hatches letting all the heat out. But I’d push back a little on t...
RE: EARTHQUAKE-PROOFED MY FIRST BUILDING AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED
Mixing old and new hardware is pretty much the only way I’ve found to keep both character and function, especially in houses that have seen a few decades (and quakes). I totally get wanting to save those glass knobs - th...
RE: my battle with moldy closets and frizzy hair
Right there with you - bleach just feels like overkill most of the time, and the fumes are brutal. I’ve actually had better luck with a combo: first, prop the closet door open for a few hours (even just a crack helps), t...
RE: plumbing check-up dilemma: DIY or hire a pro?
Not sure I totally agree that calling in a pro is always the best move once things get complicated. I mean, yeah, old houses can throw some real curveballs - like you said, “pipes that seem to be on their own secret miss...
RE: Inspector's coming tomorrow, but your kitchen's still a disaster - what do you do?
Yep, been there myself - easy oversight. Another thing inspectors often notice is blocked or partially obstructed vents. Had a stack of cabinet boxes near mine once, and got flagged for airflow issues...lesson learned.
RE: Wrapping My House Up Like a Sweater - Worth the Hassle?
Totally agree with your approach - restoration often beats replacement, especially in older homes. I've done similar projects, and it's amazing how much life you can breathe back into original windows with some patience ...
RE: Green home upgrades: rebates or tax deductions?
Contractors definitely streamline things, but I've noticed it can depend a lot on their experience with eco-friendly upgrades. When I did solar panels, the first contractor was kinda clueless about rebates. Did you find ...
RE: my house is getting smarter than me, and it's kinda weird
Interesting you mention waist-height - I actually found placing mine slightly higher (around shoulder height) worked better for me. I initially had them lower too, but my dog kept setting them off constantly. Raising the...
RE: Humidity Hacks: Little Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier
Yeah, charcoal bags are pretty good for small spaces or closets, but they're not gonna cut it if you've got serious moisture issues. I'd also recommend checking your gutters and downspouts - sometimes water pooling near ...