Remodeling discussions and local services.
toby_explorer
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Picking the right windows for your house vibe
Yeah, I hear you on the automated blinds - seems like every time I try to go high-tech, something jams or the batteries die at the worst moment. I’m curious though, have you tried layering cellular shades with lighter cu...
RE: Dealing with old pipes during a bathroom overhaul - worth replacing or just patching up?
Honestly, I get wanting to save money for the visible stuff, but if you’re already tearing into walls, it feels like a missed opportunity not to swap out old pipes. I’ve had a “looks fine” copper line spring a leak a yea...
RE: Swapping out old faucets and toilets - what brands actually last?
I’ve had the same luck with off-brand valves - sometimes they just outlast the “good” stuff. As for repairs, I’ll usually try swapping out cartridges or washers before tossing the whole faucet, but some of those premium ...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
I hear you on the trip hazard thing - my kid wiped out on one of those old-school grates once, so I was anti-drain for a while. But honestly, trench drains with the decorative covers are way less ugly than I expected. Cl...
RE: Need ideas for draining my pool without flooding the yard
I used to think the low-profile, hidden drains were the way to go, but after digging up a clogged one last summer, I’m not convinced anymore. Ended up wishing I’d just gone with a sturdy grate - at least you can spot pro...
RE: Green board in the news - worth the hype for bathrooms?
Been there too. I used green board behind a tub surround once, figuring it was “good enough” since it’s supposed to be moisture resistant. Two years later, I noticed some soft spots near the faucet - ripped it out and, y...
RE: Why Does Running Power to a Detached Garage Feel So Complicated?
Yeah, I’ve seen that domino effect too - one project turns into three. Honestly, unless you’re planning on heavy-duty stuff right away, I’d lean toward a smaller subpanel and just keep an eye on what you’re running at th...
RE: Dealing with city red tape for building approvals
I know what you mean about the rotating inspectors - had a similar mess when I was redoing my porch. One guy told me my railing was fine, next week a different inspector flagged it for not meeting code. No one seemed to ...
RE: Bumping out vs. building up: which way to expand?
Honestly, I’d rather bump out than build up just to avoid that mess. Second stories always seem to bring ceiling weirdness - plus, stairs eat up a ton of space. If you’ve got the lot for it, expanding out keeps things si...
RE: Brightening up a room: led strips vs. smart bulbs?
Couldn’t agree more. LED strips are a game changer for renters. I’ve used double-sided tape and even velcro for easier removal - less mess than caulk, but not as sturdy. Smart bulbs are just plug-and-play, but they don’t...
RE: Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
I get where you’re coming from, but I think waiting for obvious signs can backfire. Not saying you need to go full inspector mode every month, but a quick look-over once in a while saves headaches. I skipped checking beh...
RE: how much did your bathroom remodel run you (roughly)?
Yeah, I hear you on the lath and plaster. I tried to keep mine too, but honestly, the patching was a pain and not cheap. Ended up finding some old knob-and-tube wiring back there, which was a whole extra headache. In the...
RE: EARTHQUAKE-PROOFED MY FIRST BUILDING AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED
Honestly, I wouldn’t trust stud finders alone - mine’s been way off, especially in old houses with weird framing. I usually just open up a section of drywall if I’m really unsure. Sometimes that’s the only way to know fo...
RE: How picky are you about checking your own reno work?
Same here, honestly. I used to obsess over every tiny gap or uneven line, but with these old houses you’d drive yourself nuts trying to get things “perfect.” At some point, you realize that nothing in a 100-year-old plac...
RE: Keeping Your Home Dry: Insulation Tips for Flood-Prone Areas
I hear you on the hydraulic cement - fast setup is both a blessing and a curse. I’ve had it seize up in the bucket before I even got to the last gap. I’m with you on the vapor barrier too, it’s not worth skipping. Curiou...