Remodeling discussions and local services.
phoenixastronomer
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RE: Painting your walls without poisoning the planet?
I’ve tried a couple of those plant-based “washable” paints - one was from Auro, the other was ECOS. Honestly, they’re not miracle products, but they held up better than I expected in my mudroom. Still, if you’ve got a se...
RE: Why is it so hard to find eco-friendly lumber that doesn’t cost a fortune?
I get what you’re saying about kiln-dried being more predictable, but I’ve actually had some kiln-dried stuff twist on me too, especially if it wasn’t stored right at the yard. With air-drying, at least you know exactly ...
RE: How Long Does It Really Take To Insulate A House?
Yeah, those random blocks and fire stops are a real pain - I've run into that too, especially in houses from the 1920s. Sometimes you think you’re almost done, then you hit a spot where the hose just won’t budge. How lon...
RE: Bumping out vs. building up: which way to expand?
Matching old hardwood is the worst. I tried to patch a spot in our dining room once - ended up with three different stains and still couldn’t get it right. Transition strips aren’t perfect, but honestly, after a few week...
RE: locked out drama - what would you do?
Yeah, those fake rocks are basically an open invitation for trouble - either from pets or anyone with half a brain looking for a spare key. I’ve definitely tried shimming a warped frame way past the point of reason, thin...
RE: plumbing check-up dilemma: DIY or hire a pro?
Resale value’s always in the back of my mind, especially with plumbing. I’ll patch a leaky faucet or swap a valve, but once you’re talking soldering copper or touching main lines, I don’t mess around - bad plumbing is li...
RE: locked out drama - what would you do?
Man, that’s the worst - had it happen with a WiFi drop during a storm, and there I was trying to troubleshoot over the phone half asleep. I started leaving an old-school key in a coded outdoor hide-a-key as backup. Not p...
RE: Natural cleaners vs store-bought stuff for appliances
Natural Cleaners vs Store-Bought Stuff for Appliances Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried every combo of vinegar, baking soda, and elbow grease on my oven door, and honestly, sometimes it just feels like I’...
RE: Natural cleaners vs store-bought stuff for appliances
I've tried the citrus peel and tea tree combo before, and while I agree it smells way better than vinegar, I found it didn't quite cut through the tougher grime on my oven or microwave. Maybe my appliances were just extr...
RE: Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind
Been there myself - thought I could get away with just a 6-inch knife on my first drywall job. Ended up with waves that drove me nuts every evening when the lights came on. Wider knives and patience...definitely worth it...
RE: If You Had to Redo Your Kitchen Lights, What Would You Pick?
Totally agree on the under-cabinet LEDs - they're a game changer for prep work. I went with recessed LEDs in my last remodel too, and while I didn't have insulation issues (luckily), I did find the lighting a bit harsh. ...
RE: finally got our storm shelter checked out and passed with flying colors
Battery-backed LEDs are a great idea, especially if you're prone to outages. About the moisture absorbers - mine usually last 2-3 months, but that depends heavily on your shelter's ventilation. If yours fill up quicker, ...
RE: Keeping hardwood shiny without losing my mind
Yeah, totally agree on this. I once made the mistake of using a popular floor polish thinking it'd give me that showroom shine. Looked amazing at first, but after a few weeks, it started getting cloudy and patchy in high...