Remodeling discussions and local services.
rwilson43
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Painting your walls without poisoning the planet?
I hear you on the durability. Tried a “green” paint on my old plaster walls last year - looked nice at first, but every time I move a chair, I get a new scratch. Not sure if it’s the paint or just these ancient walls ref...
RE: Knocking down walls: living with one big space
Sliding panels are a lifesaver in my old house, honestly. I love the open feel, but sometimes you just want to hide the chaos (or the dishes piling up). Pocket doors work too, but they’re a pain to retrofit in thick plas...
RE: Why do built-in benches always look better than they feel?
I get this. My old house has one of those built-in window seats - looks gorgeous in photos, but after ten minutes my back is begging for mercy. I tried adding a thicker cushion, but then it looked kind of awkward... Stil...
RE: When your kitchen reno dreams meet your wallet’s reality
Funny, I thought the same thing about lighting until I moved into my 1920s place. Swapping out those ancient fixtures for LEDs made it feel less like a cave, but I swear the creaky floors still steal the show. Drawer org...
RE: How Long Does It Really Take To Insulate A House?
I get the concern about cellulose settling, but honestly, I’ve seen just as many issues with spray foam in old houses - especially when the walls aren’t straight or there’s weird blocking. Sometimes the foam doesn’t fill...
RE: Why does load distribution always trip me up?
Totally get what you mean. My house is pushing 120 years, and it feels like every wall has a different personality. Sometimes I find a stud right where it should be, and other times there’s just endless plaster and air. ...
RE: Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
Totally get what you mean about heating - my attic’s always freezing in winter and roasting in summer. I’ve tried space heaters, but it’s never quite right. Still, those weird corners do make for some cool storage spots....
RE: Keeping hardwood shiny without losing my mind
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to obsess over every scuff on my old oak floors, but honestly, a little character just adds to the charm. High-gloss is gorgeous, but it’s a losing battle if you want perfecti...
RE: If I wanted a backyard guest house, how deep would my pockets need to be?
Yeah, I ran into the same thing with my place. The “simple” prefab option got complicated fast once I factored in my ancient sewer lines and weird lot shape. Not to mention, some of those companies don’t want to touch ho...
RE: my house is getting smarter than me, and it's kinda weird
Totally get this. My house is from the 1920s and half the time I’m just hoping the wiring holds up, let alone adding smart stuff. Tried a smart switch in the hallway - worked great until someone painted over it by accide...
RE: Wrapping My House Up Like a Sweater - Worth the Hassle?
I noticed a bit less echo after installing MLV behind our drywall, but honestly, it wasn't a huge difference acoustically. The room did feel slightly more "solid," if that makes sense - like tapping the walls had less ho...
RE: my battle with moldy closets and frizzy hair
A vent definitely helped in my old Victorian - though cutting into plaster walls was a nightmare. Curious, did you notice any difference in humidity levels after switching to fabric bins? My hair could use the help too.....
RE: Easy ways to refresh your porch look each season
LEDs were a game changer for me too, especially since my porch is on the older side and tends to look gloomy. I've been considering adding hanging plants, but I'm worried about moisture damage to the woodwork - anyone de...
RE: got denied for a permit - what would you do next?
Interesting experience, but I'm not sure it always works out that smoothly. We tried something similar - detailed restoration plans, historical references, the whole nine yards - but our inspector wouldn't budge. Ended u...