Yeah, those hidden junction boxes are always a treat... nothing like opening up a wall and finding a rat’s nest of wires from three different decades....

I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had more issues with “old-fashioned” keys than with the smart stuff lately. Maybe it’s just my luck,...

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen folks blow their budget on “marine grade” everything, and half of it still corrodes or just doesn’t matter. Focus on th...

Man, you’re not kidding about the wires. I’ve had folks call me out thinking it’s just a 10-minute swap, then we’re both staring at a mess of neutrals...

Yeah, totally agree on the faux beams—I've had folks ask for those in a few basements and the trick is definitely making them look a bit “imperfect.” ...

LED strips behind crown molding or beams can actually work pretty well for indirect lighting, especially in basements where you’re fighting low ceilin...

Matte black is a solid choice—I've seen it work really well in older homes, especially if you're trying to bridge that gap between vintage charm and m...

Good point about being cautious with drilling holes—seen plenty of cases where a quick fix ended up causing more headaches later on. Silicone sealant ...

Haha, sounds about right. Honestly, these smart systems can be helpful, but sometimes they're just overly sensitive. Had a client whose thermostat kep...

Yeah, foam board's usually my go-to as well—pretty versatile stuff. Pre-made covers can be handy, but I've found they don't always fit perfectly, espe...

Been there, done that—it's amazing how lighting temp can totally change the vibe of your kitchen. I've had clients who didn't realize how clinical tho...

Yeah, totally get where you're coming from with SharkBites. I had a similar experience renovating my brother-in-law's basement—he was all about quick ...