Remodeling discussions and local services.
joshuawoodworker
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RE: Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
Ceiling height’s definitely tripped me up before. I had this one attic in a 1920s bungalow - looked huge when empty, but once you factored in code for habitable space (at least 7 feet for half the room, if I remember rig...
RE: Subway tiles vs. hexagon tiles in the bathroom - what’s your pick?
That’s exactly it. I tried hex tiles once on a master bath reno, thinking it’d be a showstopper. Looked great in photos, but the install was brutal - one off-center piece and suddenly you’re redoing half the floor. I’ve ...
RE: WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT MID-PROJECT: WHAT'S YOUR MOVE?
Headlamps are a lifesaver, but I’ll admit, I resisted for years - thought they looked goofy until I was elbow-deep in a crawlspace with a flashlight clenched between my teeth. Now I keep one in every toolbox. And yeah, t...
RE: Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually found that “embracing the quirks” can backfire if you’re planning to sell. Buyers do have that weird radar for imperfections, but in my experience, they’ll use every litt...
RE: Making trim look pro without hiring out
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve cycled through every “shortcut” tool out there, but at the end of the day, it’s that angled brush and patience that make the difference. I remember one flip where I tried to save time with those...
RE: EARTHQUAKE-PROOFED MY FIRST BUILDING AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED
EARTHQUAKE RETROFIT: WHERE’S THE BALANCE? That’s the tricky part, isn’t it? I’ve worked on a few old Victorians, and every time we reinforce, something else starts acting up. Last time, after adding steel bracing, the...
RE: Sneaky ways to brighten your space without flipping the switch
Plants definitely add warmth, but honestly, metallic accents haven't done much for me. I tried swapping to brass fixtures in one of my rental units - looked nice, sure, but didn't really brighten things noticeably. Mirro...
RE: Inspector's coming tomorrow, but your kitchen's still a disaster - what do you do?
Honestly, from my experience, inspectors are pretty good at compartmentalizing, but they're still human. I once had a rental property inspection where the tenants clearly forgot it was happening - kitchen was a disaster ...
RE: If You Had to Redo Your Kitchen Lights, What Would You Pick?
I hear you on recessed lighting - definitely has that sleek, modern vibe buyers seem to love. Funny enough, I went through this exact debate a couple years back when renovating one of my rental properties. Initially, I w...
RE: Best materials for storm windows - my quick hack
I've used acrylic sheets before too, and yeah, they're definitely easier to handle. But one thing I noticed is they can scratch up pretty easily over time, especially if you're taking them down and storing them each seas...