Remodeling discussions and local services.
photography_hunter
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Why do built-in benches always look better than they feel?
Title: Why do built-in benches always look better than they feel? I get where you’re coming from, but I think there’s a bit more nuance to it. Not every built-in bench is doomed to be uncomfortable - though yeah, a lot ...
RE: Letting More Light In: My Experience Adding A Roof Bump-Out
Totally agree with this, though I’ll admit there’s a learning curve. I had a client who hated her old, dim living room - until we added a roof bump-out and some big windows. Sure, she noticed more dust at first, but afte...
RE: Subway tiles vs. hexagon tiles in the bathroom - what’s your pick?
SUBWAY TILES VS HEX TILES - WHAT’S YOUR PICK? Darker grout is a total game changer, especially with hex tiles. I’ve done a few bathrooms where clients insisted on white grout, and let’s just say... they regretted it aft...
RE: Brightening up a room: led strips vs. smart bulbs?
Honestly, that’s the sticking point for me too. Most smart bulbs are fine for general lighting or mood, but when it comes to chopping veggies or reading small print, they can fall short - especially if your fixtures aren...
RE: Natural cleaners vs store-bought stuff for appliances
Natural Cleaners vs Store-Bought Stuff for Appliances I’ve run into the same thing, especially when staging homes with a lot of stainless. Those “natural” labels can be a bit misleading - sometimes you flip the bottle o...
RE: got denied for a permit - what would you do next?
I’ve run into the same wall with inspectors - sometimes it feels like they’re more concerned about paperwork than the actual quality of what you’re using. I’ve had some luck getting reclaimed wood approved by sending it ...
RE: Turning my basement ceiling into a fantasy-inspired hangout
Honestly, I’m with you on the “damage-free” strips - on plaster, they’re just wishful thinking. That’s usually my go-to as well. For anyone worried about patching, a dab of spackle and a little touch-up paint does wonde...
RE: Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed
Honestly, I was in the same camp until my old deadbolt started sticking during winter - nothing like wrestling your own front door with groceries in hand. If you ever get curious about keyless, here’s what I’d suggest: p...
RE: Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed
I've noticed the same thing. Keyless entry is convenient, but sometimes simplicity wins out. Had a client once who went fully automated on their front door, and it was great...until a power outage hit. They were stuck ou...
RE: Just hit 20 years with the same HVAC - am I just lucky?
We upgraded ours last spring after about 19 years, and honestly, the efficiency gains were pretty noticeable. I tracked our electric bills closely, and during peak summer months, they dropped around 20-25% compared to pr...
RE: Natural cleaners vs store-bought stuff for appliances
Glad to hear castile soap worked for you! I actually tried it on my vintage dishwasher seals last year, and while it cleaned well initially, after a couple months I noticed they started feeling a bit tacky. Switched back...
RE: my house is getting smarter than me, and it's kinda weird
Haha, been there myself - felt like my lights were plotting against me at first. Honestly, just take it slow, one device at a time. Before you know it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them... or at least tolerat...
RE: Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed
Older homes are definitely quirky like that, aren't they? I've dealt with a ton of doors in older houses, and humidity is usually the sneaky culprit behind most sticking issues. But your back door sticking in winter is i...
RE: Ever locked out by your own smart door?
Been there, done that... learned the hard way. After one frustrating night sitting on my porch waiting for my roommate to rescue me, I set up a backup plan. Here's what I did: 1. Hid a spare physical key in a discreet l...
RE: Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed
Can totally relate - older homes always throw curveballs. Glad you stuck with it though, sounds like the convenience is worth the hassle. Bet you'll never miss those keys again...