Remodeling discussions and local services.
margarett80
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Keeping Wood Floors in the Kitchen Looking Sharp
I get the “rustic charm” thing - been there myself, especially when I first started flipping houses. But after tripping over a warped board and nearly launching a casserole across the room, I realized some quirks just ar...
RE: Navigating red tape for building updates: did you see this?
Honestly, I hear you on the over-documenting - sometimes it does feel like you’re just giving them more ammo. But after getting burned once with a “lost” approval, I keep a paper trail for everything, even if it seems li...
RE: IS IT JUST ME OR ARE THERE TOO MANY ECO LABELS NOW?
That rings true for me too. I once tried a plant-based primer on some old doors, thinking I was making a better choice, but it didn’t even last through one winter. Ended up sanding and refinishing way sooner than planned...
RE: Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
Couldn’t agree more on the insulation front - cutting corners there just isn’t worth it. I once converted a garage where the previous owner had stuffed plastic bags in the wall cavities. Total nightmare to fix, but after...
RE: Lighting up the backyard fence: solar, wired, or something else?
I’ve run into the same issue with solar - shade just kills the output, and it’s tough to get consistent light if you’ve got trees or a tall fence. I’ve had luck running low-voltage wire through conduit, though. It’s a bi...
RE: Finding reliable help for home renos - what do you look for?
Photos are a must for me, too - there’s just no substitute for seeing what someone’s actually built. I’ve had contractors rattle off all the specs in the world, but if the finished product looks sloppy or half-baked, all...
RE: Making trim look pro without hiring out
That’s been my experience too - tape can be unpredictable, especially if the paint’s not fully set. I’ve noticed certain paints seem to stay tacky longer, even if the label says they’re ready. Sometimes I’ll skip tape al...
RE: WHEN DOES A "WEEKEND PLUMBING JOB" EVER ACTUALLY TAKE A WEEKEND?
It’s wild how a “simple” plumbing fix can spiral. I’ve had my share of those - what starts as a faucet swap ends up with half the kitchen in pieces. I always say, with older homes, you’re not just fixing the leak, you’re...
RE: Getting city approval: digital applications vs. old-school paperwork
It’s wild how digital plans have changed the game, but I hear you - sometimes it feels like reviewers are just looking for new things to question. Still, I’d rather deal with a nitpicky comment than lug blueprints throug...
RE: Natural cleaners vs store-bought stuff for appliances
I totally relate to that sense of accomplishment when you see baking soda and vinegar doing their thing. There’s a certain pride in knowing you’re not just blasting everything with chemicals. I’ll admit, though, when I w...
RE: got denied for a permit - what would you do next?
That’s been my move too. Last year, I got denied for a deck permit because of a setback issue, and the runner just kept passing messages back and forth - total waste of time. I went down there myself, sketched out what t...
RE: Keeping Your Home Dry: Insulation Tips for Flood-Prone Areas
I've tackled a few older homes myself, and moisture issues are always a tricky beast - especially when you're dealing with historic district restrictions. French drains are definitely a solid move; I've seen them work wo...
RE: Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed
You're definitely not alone there; silicone does tend to fade or yellow a bit, especially under direct sunlight. Have you considered any UV-resistant sprays or coatings to prolong their appearance? Curious if anyone's tr...
RE: got denied for a permit - what would you do next?
Inspectors usually have some flexibility with historic homes, especially if you're working within a designated historic district or landmark property. In my experience, it helps to approach them early on and openly discu...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
Epoxy grout definitely has its perks - I've used it in a couple flips myself and the difference is noticeable. Regular grout, even when sealed properly, tends to discolor or chip eventually, especially in high-traffic ba...