Remodeling discussions and local services.
tyler_clark
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RE: Lighting up the backyard fence: solar, wired, or something else?
I hear you on the wired lights - definitely brighter, but man, trenching is a pain if you’ve got roots everywhere. I tried solar spots under my oak and yeah, they’re pretty weak, but I did find some low-voltage LED optio...
RE: Ever regretted a fireplace facelift? Quick poll time
I get the appeal of matte black, but yeah, it’s a magnet for every speck of dust and pet hair in the house. I tried it on my own fireplace surround and regretted it almost instantly. Satin is definitely the sweet spot - ...
RE: locked out drama - what would you do?
Had this exact debate with myself last year after getting locked out in the rain - nothing like standing on your porch, soaked, to make you rethink “historic charm.” I tried hiding a lockbox behind a planter, but it alwa...
RE: If I wanted a backyard guest house, how deep would my pockets need to be?
You’re not kidding about labor costs. I tried to save by doing demo myself - never again. There’s always some hidden mess behind the drywall, and you end up paying for it one way or another (either in cash or chiropracto...
RE: Wood wax vs. oil finish for hardwood upkeep
Totally get where you’re coming from. There’s something satisfying about how waxed floors just sort of “wear in” instead of looking beat up. I’ve tried both, and honestly, oil finishes can be a pain to patch - especially...
RE: how much should I budget to renovate a beach house?
Totally get where you’re coming from - coastal places are notorious for those hidden headaches. I used to think 20% was enough too, but after my last reno, I’m with you on bumping it up. Opened a ceiling and found a squi...
RE: my battle with moldy closets and frizzy hair
I’ve always wondered if those DampRid buckets are just a placebo for peace of mind. I tried them in my old basement and, honestly, the air still felt sticky. Pulling up the carpet made a way bigger difference - kind of l...
RE: EARTHQUAKE-PROOFED MY FIRST BUILDING AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED
Haha, plaster dust is basically the glitter of home improvement - once it's there, good luck ever getting rid of it completely. But seriously, props for tackling earthquake-proofing yourself. Did you find any particular ...
RE: Ever locked out by your own smart door?
I had a similar issue with my side door, and sealing definitely helped more than sanding alone. But honestly, even after sealing, I still noticed some minor swelling during really humid days. Exactly this. Sanding's ...
RE: remodeling in a flood-prone area - wish I'd known this sooner
Haha, sounds familiar. I swear, every time I open up a wall in my house it's like playing detective - what were these people thinking? Flood-prone areas definitely make things trickier though. I've seen some sketchy DIY ...
RE: Wrapping My House Up Like a Sweater - Worth the Hassle?
Definitely agree with this part - sealing gaps is crucial. But I'm curious, has anyone here actually measured their indoor temps before and after doing the wrap? I get the comfort factor, but I'm still skeptical about wh...
RE: Humidity Hacks: Little Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier
I get what you're saying about trays not being enough for larger plants, but I wouldn't completely dismiss them. I've found that grouping several plants together on a large humidity tray actually creates a noticeable mic...
RE: how often do you actually check your deck for safety?
You're definitely right about drainage - it's sneaky how quickly moisture can cause hidden damage. Another thing I've noticed is that people often overlook the hardware itself. Even treated lumber can outlast the screws ...
RE: Little-Known Hacks for Keeping Your Patio Looking Fresh
Haha, relatable. I tried Corsican mint once around our fire pit area - smelled amazing, but it didn't hold up well to frequent foot traffic. Have you considered creeping thyme? Seems tougher and still smells nice when st...
RE: Backyard Happy Hour: Are Home Bars the New Patio Trend?
We've had a similar issue with squirrels - they're relentless. I swear one stared me down while eating a chip it stole off our table. As for bug zappers, we tried one briefly but honestly found it more distracting than h...