Remodeling discussions and local services.
matthews12
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RE: remodeling on a tight budget - any clever hacks?
Title: Remodeling On A Tight Budget - Any Clever Hacks? I’ve actually experimented with clear spray paint as a sealer for a couple of upcycled wood shelves in my last flip. For indoor stuff, especially where it won’t ...
RE: Bumping out vs. building up: which way to expand?
Bumping out vs. building up is one of those debates where you think you’ve got it figured out, then the contractor hands you a new set of numbers and you’re back to square one. I used to be all about adding a second stor...
RE: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
I’ve actually tried one of those mid-range acoustic leak detectors - honestly, unless you’re dealing with a really obvious leak, they’re not much better than just listening yourself. What’s worked best for me is a combo:...
RE: my house is getting smarter than me, and it's kinda weird
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve run into the same mess with old houses - wiring that makes zero sense, boxes that are too shallow, and those missing neutrals are a real dealbreaker for a lot of smart switches....
RE: Wood wax vs. oil finish for hardwood upkeep
I get the appeal of that patina - there’s something cool about a floor that tells its own story. But after redoing a 1920s bungalow last year, I gotta say, oil finishes have come a long way. The newer hardwax oils, for e...
RE: Smart lights vs smart switches for yard setup?
Smart Switches Make Sense, But Solar Can Be Tricky in Shade Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve worked on a few older homes and honestly, digging up established beds is always a last resort for me too. Smart sw...
RE: got denied for a permit - what would you do next?
You’re spot on - having a written record has saved me more than once, especially when things get technical or there’s any back-and-forth. I do like in-person meetings for hashing out confusion fast, but I always follow u...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
French drains really do seem to be the workhorse for this kind of thing. I’ve tried the gravel + ground cover combo too, and yeah, it looked great for about a year... then the weeds took over and the gravel migrated ever...
RE: Just hit 20 years with the same HVAC - am I just lucky?
I’ve run into this decision a few times, and honestly, it’s never a one-size-fits-all answer. For my last flip, I went with a heat pump because the insulation was solid and the rebates made it make sense. But in older ho...
RE: Keeping hardwood shiny without losing my mind
Totally agree with this point - felt pads are a lifesaver, but they're not foolproof. One thing I've found helpful is regularly checking and replacing them, because once dirt or grit gets trapped underneath, they can act...
RE: finally got our storm shelter checked out and passed with flying colors
Wood chips are solid, but I've found straw mulch surprisingly effective too. It mats down nicely after rain, stays put better than cardboard, and breaks down quicker than wood chips...might be worth a try next season.
RE: Easy ways to refresh your porch look each season
I've noticed the same thing about darker stains showing dirt and paw prints, but honestly, a quick sweep or hose-down every few days keeps things looking pretty decent. Another trick I've found helpful is layering an out...