Remodeling discussions and local services.
nancybaker214
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RE: Swapping out old faucets and toilets - what brands actually last?
That’s been my experience too - “universal” usually means you’ll spend an extra hour fiddling with something that almost fits. I swapped out an American Standard toilet last fall and, honestly, it went smoother than I ex...
RE: Regretting my fridge placement - anyone else have workflow issues?
Totally get the “historic charm vs. workflow” dilemma. I tried to keep my fridge out of sight too, but after a week of playing bumper cars with the pantry door, I gave up. Here’s what helped: I stuck painter’s tape on th...
RE: What would you do if your kid wandered into a half-demo’d kitchen?
Heavy furniture blockade - been there. When we redid our bathroom, I tried stacking boxes and chairs to block the hallway. My daughter just climbed right over. Ended up screwing a sheet of plywood across the doorway for ...
RE: Hidden costs that sneak up during home renovations
Hidden Costs That Sneak Up During Home Renovations That sounds about right - every “simple” fix seems to uncover a new problem. When I swapped out my kitchen sink, I thought it’d be a two-hour job. Ended up replacing th...
RE: finally got our storm shelter checked out and passed with flying colors
We actually did add a couple tweaks after the inspection - mostly little things, like extra hooks for gear and a battery-powered fan. Nothing wild, but those touches make it feel less like a bunker. I get what you mean a...
RE: locked out drama - what would you do?
Weatherproof lockboxes are a must, especially if you’re in a place where winter means actual ice storms and not just a dusting. I’ve had one for years - never failed me, even after a few blizzards. The fake rock thing al...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
That’s a solid breakdown, and I totally get where you’re coming from on the roots - those things are like nature’s little saboteurs. The swale + dry well combo is pretty much what finally worked for us too, after a coupl...
RE: If I wanted a backyard guest house, how deep would my pockets need to be?
Honestly, I’d push back a bit on the whole “older buildings let you get creative” thing. When I tackled my backyard studio, every “quirky” feature turned into a code headache or a surprise expense. Sometimes starting fro...
RE: Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed
Good tips on the lithium batteries - I learned that one the hard way too. Another thing I found helpful was insulating the battery compartment a bit. I cut a small piece of foam weatherstripping and placed it around the ...
RE: plumbing check-up dilemma: DIY or hire a pro?
Haha, exactly this. Plumbing always seems straightforward - until it isn't. Last month, I figured I'd tackle a dripping kitchen sink thinking it'd be a quick fix. Ended up having to replace half the piping underneath bec...