Remodeling discussions and local services.
surfer34
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Digital apps vs old-school pen and paper for planning a reno?
I hear you on the “sneaky expensive” part - printer ink is right up there with specialty screws for draining a budget. I’ve tried a bunch of apps, but honestly, most of the free versions are either too basic or they lock...
RE: Keeping Wood Floors in the Kitchen Looking Sharp
I’ve actually tried a couple of those commercial polishes - Bona and one of the cheaper hardware store brands. Honestly, they’re not all created equal. Some do leave a bit of a film, especially if you don’t buff them out...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
Can’t argue with you on the cleaning front - epoxy grout’s been a game changer in my experience too. I used to dread scrubbing those old cement grout lines, especially around the tub where mildew loved to settle in. The ...
RE: Building a backyard gazebo: what permits did you need?
It’s wild how much red tape there is for even the simplest backyard projects these days. I remember when I put up a pergola a couple years back - had to submit a full site plan, too, and the city wanted to know the exact...
RE: Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind
Keeping corners sharp without tape is a pain, I hear you. Those blue tools are handy in theory, but I’ve had the same issue - too much flex and you’re chasing waves. What’s worked for me is running a 6-inch knife down ea...
RE: Just hit 20 years with the same HVAC - am I just lucky?
Twenty years is impressive, but I wouldn’t count on much more. I’ve seen units limp along past 25, but efficiency drops off a cliff and repairs get pricier. If you’re handy, you can squeeze out another season or two with...
RE: Inspector's coming tomorrow, but your kitchen's still a disaster - what do you do?
Had a similar situation a few years back - kitchen was half demo'd, tools everywhere, and the inspector showed up early. I just calmly explained the situation, cleared a safe path, and made sure all electrical and plumbi...
RE: navigating building codes without losing my mind
Totally agree about framing your project around their priorities - inspectors usually respond better when they see you're taking their concerns seriously. I've found that asking their opinion early on can help avoid head...
RE: my battle with moldy closets and frizzy hair
Had a similar issue a couple years back - closet on an exterior wall, mold kept popping up no matter how often I cleaned it. Ended up insulating the wall properly and adding a small vent to improve airflow. Those silica ...
RE: Bathroom plumbing nightmare - how big a deal is this?
Good points overall, but honestly, sometimes checking shut-off valves beforehand isn't enough. I've had valves that seemed perfectly fine until I actually needed them - then they decided to leak or snap off completely. L...