Remodeling discussions and local services.
sewist20
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How much upkeep do permeable pavers need to keep draining?
Seasonal saturation matters because it can slow the base’s drawdown even where the soil still infiltrates some water. The key is whether the stored runoff can drain between storms; if it can’t, the design needs a planned...
RE: How long do pipes really last under pressure?
Had a similar situation in a flip a couple years back - PEX right behind a furnace, and the fittings were basically turning to dust. The pipe itself was still flexible, but those connectors looked like they’d been left o...
RE: What would you do if your kitchen reno budget doubled overnight?
Title: If My Kitchen Reno Budget Doubled... I get what you mean about layout - nothing’s worse than bumping elbows or having to walk around three corners just to get to the fridge. But I learned the hard way that “inv...
RE: What would you do if your kitchen reno budget doubled overnight?
Funny you mention the “little” annoyances - last year I spent a weekend just rehabbing old cabinet doors and it made the whole space feel less cranky. Couldn’t agree more. Curious, did you keep any original flooring? I ...
RE: IS IT JUST ME OR ARE THERE TOO MANY ECO LABELS NOW?
IS IT JUST ME OR ARE THERE TOO MANY ECO LABELS NOW? Honestly, I used to feel the same about eco paints being a letdown in busy spots. But I gave one of the newer brands a shot in a mudroom last year - kids, dogs, the wh...
RE: How do you handle leaky pipes and clogged drains at home?
Bladders are a gamble, right? I tried one in an old rental and ended up with a wet mess behind the wall - never again. Hand auger’s my go-to for anything past the trap. Those enzyme cleaners are interesting... I’ve used ...
RE: How do you handle leaky pipes and clogged drains at home?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had some luck with those “quick fix” tapes in a pinch. Had a pinhole leak under a rental kitchen sink at 9pm - tape held up for weeks till I could swap the line. PEX is a...
RE: Lighting up the backyard fence: solar, wired, or something else?
Had a similar experience last year - put in some solar post caps on a rental, thinking it’d be an easy win. Half of them were dead by spring, and the tenants kept texting about dark spots. Ended up running low-voltage wi...
RE: locked out drama - what would you do?
Title: Locked Out Drama - What Would You Do? Man, the number of times I’ve had to do the “locked out shuffle” is honestly embarrassing. One time I was halfway up a ladder, realized I left my phone inside, and the door s...
RE: If I wanted a backyard guest house, how deep would my pockets need to be?
Honestly, I get what you mean about permits dragging on, but I’ve had a couple projects where the city was surprisingly quick - maybe just luck or the right day? That $150–$400/sq ft range feels high if you’re willing to...
RE: my house is getting smarter than me, and it's kinda weird
I hear you on the rewiring hassle. Been there myself - spent a whole Saturday crawling around in the attic just to get that neutral line in for a smart dimmer. Worth it, though, since no more ghostly flickering in the ha...
RE: If You Had to Redo Your Kitchen Lights, What Would You Pick?
Big pendant and under-cabinet LEDs is exactly what I did in a 1950s flip last year. The ceiling was a mess and I just didn’t have the patience (or budget) for recessed. I will say, though, if you ever do open up the ceil...
RE: Keeping hardwood shiny without losing my mind
Those sticky floors are the worst - nothing like feeling your socks grip the ground when you’re just trying to get coffee. I’ve tried vinegar a couple times and honestly, it left my floors looking a little dull. My neigh...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
Yep, those sneaky little items catch me every time. I remember one remodel where I thought I'd nailed the budget down to the penny... then realized I'd forgotten about door hinges and cabinet knobs - of course, the ones ...
RE: Turning my basement ceiling into a fantasy-inspired hangout
Haha, popcorn butter sounds oddly cozy at first, but I can see how that'd get old fast. I once repurposed some old wooden pallets for a rustic ceiling look - looked fantastic, but man, sanding splinters out of your hair ...