Remodeling discussions and local services.
sandrat45
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: If your closet could talk: the saga of the missing shoe
That’s spot on - musty smell is never just “airing out.” I’ve lived in old houses most my life, and every time I tried to shortcut with baking soda or those little moisture tubs, it just bought me a few weeks. Once I fin...
RE: WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT MID-PROJECT: WHAT'S YOUR MOVE?
Funny you mention that - last winter I was patching plaster in my old parlor and the fancy new LED work light just fizzled out after an hour. Ended up dragging out my ancient halogen beast. Nearly roasted my shins, but a...
RE: How do you pace your painting projects - slow and steady or all at once?
I know what you mean about the painter’s tape. I used to swear by it, but after a few years working on these old plaster walls, I realized it’s more trouble than it’s worth - especially when the tape pulls up a chunk of ...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
I get the idea behind landscape fabric, but honestly, in my old place (built 1920s, heavy clay), that stuff just turned into a soggy mess after a couple seasons. Maybe for a bit, but once the clay gets saturated, it’s l...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
That’s the part folks underestimate every time. My house is from the 1920s and the old stone basement walls don’t forgive much - one neighbor tried draining his pool too close and ended up with water seeping in for month...
RE: plumbing check-up dilemma: DIY or hire a pro?
Plumbing Check-Up Dilemma: DIY Or Hire A Pro? Been there more times than I care to admit. My place is pushing 120 years, so every “quick fix” is basically a gamble with the ghosts of plumbers past. I remember patching a...
RE: When the HOA demands rainbow gutters: a neighborhood saga
I hear you. When we redid our roof, the HOA was fine with us using the original-style shingles, but they nearly lost it over a discreet rain barrel tucked behind a bush. It’s wild what gets flagged and what doesn’t. Some...
RE: Making trim look pro without hiring out
I hear you on the painter’s tape - took me years to admit it’s worth the time. My stubborn streak had me free-handing until I finally got tired of scraping paint off glass panes. Ever try that trick where you run a putty...
RE: Why does load distribution always trip me up?
I get the logic, but I’ve always been stubborn about hiding rails and brackets. In my 1920s place, I’ve actually had better luck using butterfly anchors and patience - less patching later if I change my mind. Not everyon...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
I hear you on the “what’s behind the walls” anxiety. When we tackled our 1920s bath, I thought I’d just patch up what was obvious, but one loose tile turned into a whole wall of crumbly plaster. Didn’t hit any electrical...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
That bit about the veggie patch flooding brought back memories - once had my own backyard turn into a muddy mess after a poorly planned pool drain. “Not fun digging out soggy tomato plants after the fact,” is right. I’ve...