Remodeling discussions and local services.
mentor55
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RE: Knocking down walls: living with one big space
Baskets are a trap - been there. I switched to a couple of big bins made from recycled materials. Less stuff out in the open, fewer containers to manage. Also, I’m ruthless about what stays visible. If it doesn’t get use...
RE: WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT MID-PROJECT: WHAT'S YOUR MOVE?
Couldn’t agree more on the cord mess. I’ve tripped over enough extension cords to know they’re not worth the hassle, especially in tight spaces or when you’re trying to keep things tidy. Headlamps might not win any style...
RE: Swapping out old faucets and toilets - what brands actually last?
Manual faucets just hold up better in my experience, especially if you’re not around to keep an eye on things. I swapped out a bunch of touchless ones in a duplex after tenants kept complaining about dead batteries and r...
RE: Smart lights vs smart switches for yard setup?
I get the appeal of smart bulbs for simplicity, but honestly, I still lean toward switches for outdoor setups. Less to fuss with if a bulb dies or you want to swap fixtures later. Plus, with a good weatherproof box and q...
RE: Convection vs. Conventional Ovens: Which One Actually Makes a Difference?
Yeah, convection can be a gamble with bread. I’ve covered loaves with foil for the first half - helps keep things softer, but you lose some crust crunch. And you’re not imagining it, chicken dries out way faster in conve...
RE: How picky are you about checking your own reno work?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to sweat every tiny paint drip, but after a while, you realize not everything needs to be perfect - especially if nobody’s ever going to see it. But yeah, a crooked outlet cov...
RE: Keeping Your Home Dry: Insulation Tips for Flood-Prone Areas
Tried closed-cell spray foam in a basement that had minor seepage issues - definitely held up better than fiberglass, but when we had a real flood, it still got compromised at the seams. It’s not a magic bullet. If water...
RE: Convection vs. Conventional Ovens: Which One Actually Makes a Difference?
I get the resale thing - people like options, even if they never touch half the features. From a remodel perspective, I’m always weighing energy use too. Convection ovens are supposed to be more efficient since they cook...
RE: If You Had to Redo Your Kitchen Lights, What Would You Pick?
Totally agree on dimmers - simple is best. I tried the app-controlled lights once, and after a week of fiddling with updates and connectivity issues, I was ready to toss my phone out the window. Never again. If I were r...
RE: remodeling in a flood-prone area - wish I'd known this sooner
Yeah, drainage is definitely the biggie here. Paint might help with minor splashes or dampness, but if you've got standing water, forget it. Learned this the hard way when I remodeled a basement a few years back. Thought...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
We didn't formally track ours, but just eyeballing the bills after we upgraded insulation and swapped to LED fixtures, there was definitely a noticeable dip. I agree simpler solutions often do the job without fuss - our ...
RE: plumbing check-up dilemma: DIY or hire a pro?
Gotta disagree a bit here. Sure, DIY plumbing can teach you stuff, but those small leaks add up. Wasted water, higher bills, and potential mold issues aren't exactly eco-friendly. Sometimes, hiring a pro upfront saves re...
RE: Turning my basement ceiling into a fantasy-inspired hangout
Totally agree about reclaimed wood - it's pricier upfront but saves a ton of hassle. Pallets seem great until you're knee-deep in sanding dust and splinters. Plus, pallets can be sketchy if you don't know where they've b...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
Same here - plumbing's just one of those things best left to the pros. Found some sketchy wiring behind our vanity though... previous owner clearly fancied themselves an electrician. Glad we caught it early. Also went wi...
RE: Keeping your sanity during home remodel chaos
Honestly, trying to keep things running smoothly during a remodel is kind of unrealistic. Better to accept some chaos upfront and just roll with it. Less stress that way...