Home Improvement: [OPEN DISCUSSION] Weekly thread |
- [OPEN DISCUSSION] Weekly thread
- Is this acceptable from a paid contractor?
- Didn't know I needed a permit... Now what?
- Gah! Pulled off the shower tiles and...what is this?!?
- Inspector told us the builder should wrap our plumbing pipes... minutes after they poured our concrete. Are we screwed?
- Sprinkler water hitting AC units.
- Curb Appeal Suggestions
- Did you install a bidet? Were you unsure of your decision? Is it a game changer or does it mostly sit idle as an option for guests?
- Hot and cold suddenly reversed in shower??
- Bali horizontal blinds - anyone know who cuts the cords?
- Maintenance organization methods?
- How do I mount a curtain rod over a corner window?
- Milgard windows extremely hard to open
- Inspection is tomorrow, and I’m a first time buyer. What would you look out for, or wish you had known.
- Have you ever seen shoe molding installed flat like this?
- Regrouting the bathroom tiles - Any tips?
- How to fix front door slamming
- Did the previous homeowner get ripped off on radon mitigation? Or is the system just working insanely well?
- I need help choosing foundation repair plans.
- Missing chimney, do I still need a structural engineer?
- Under the sink supply valves
- How difficult is it to hang a door?
- Thermostat is Wrong?
- May be more of a legal question but can a structural engineer change his written report after it’s submitted?
- Teach me how to paint the ceiling
- Is this an easy fix?
| [OPEN DISCUSSION] Weekly thread Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:25 PM PDT Welcome to the (roughly weekly) Open Discussion thread.
We do this for a few reasons. We know some folks are hesitant to create a new post for a small question they may have. Well, this is the place to ask, and discuss. At the same time, with a growing community we find ourselves having to limit the posts that may be off-topic to the primary purpose of the sub (home improvement questions and project-sharing posts). These topics include home warranty companies, general painting advice, room layouts, or rants about companies, contractors, and previous owners. While these may be of interest, we are trying hard to provide a venue that will both allow, and constrain, the conversation. Thus, this thread. Thank you for participating.
Just a reminder to stay away from any personal or disrespectful commentary. From the sidebar:
If you haven't already, please review the sub guidelines.
Have fun and stay safe folks! [link] [comments] |
| Is this acceptable from a paid contractor? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 04:12 PM PDT We are building a house and the contractor in charge of laying tile did this in one of the bathrooms. To me, it looks really sloppy. No spacers and uneven lines all over the wall. https://i.imgur.com/cMEWKdW.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DyKL7nb.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jwMidb9.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bGKBc0V.jpg Am I being crazy here? [link] [comments] |
| Didn't know I needed a permit... Now what? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 02:06 AM PDT First time homeowner here. I just found out that I needed a permit to have the hot water heater replaced. What should I do? Should I try to get a permit now (after it has already been done) or hope that no one notices? Editing to say: I plan on selling my house within the next year or so also and I dont want this to cause a huge issue. Thanks everyone! [link] [comments] |
| Gah! Pulled off the shower tiles and...what is this?!? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 07:00 AM PDT We had a problem with recurrent mold in some of the shower tile grout. There was some slight buckling, so I thought maybe leakage, rot, no waterproofing... It's so much weirder. This was what is behind my shower wall tiles: https://imgur.com/gallery/02tCiuT How...? What...? Some kind of tough stone wall. And the tiles were put on with...loose cement? If you look at the cement, it has the slightly wavy pattern from the back of the tiles. Obviously the task right now is to fix the tiles, and I don't know where to start. I guess I could just put clean tile and grout on top of this. But am I looking at a lot of damage down the road? The "good news" is that it's all cement/rock behind there, and no wood or drywall to rot. I do see some damp and moldy spots on the concrete, but if I bleach these and patch the hole up again, am I ok? Love any advice on materials, next steps or (gulp) directions on a more major overhaul. This is a coop in Queens that we just bought from a nice lady who lived here for 30 years. Thanks! [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 11:11 AM PDT The only defect noted by our Pre Slab Phase inspection was the below, but we got the report at the same time that our builder started pouring the slab concrete any advice? or is this not a huge deal? PLUMBING PIPES NOT PROTECTED Plumbing pipes installed need to be protected Where are they will be in contact with the concrete. The pipe should be wrapped or have a mastic applied to them to provide protection from chemical reactions with the concrete and to provide space to allow for movement that will prevent cracking of the pipe during foundation settling. [link] [comments] |
| Sprinkler water hitting AC units. Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:40 PM PDT My wife and I recently moved into a single home. So this is all new to us. We have an irrigation system. I was wondering if it's good or bad to have our sprinklers spraying water into our two AC unit.
Thanks. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:51 PM PDT Hi all, here's a request for input/ideas on the curb appeal of this house, mostly concerned about the structure itself. Roof color, exterior paint, etc. Not sure where to go with the color for these items. Would really appreciate your input. Single tone(not multidimensional) roof color would be ideal. https://imgur.com/a/bWwxV5q edit: since I guess it needs to be said, the photo is outdated, the Christmas lights are not up. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:12 PM PDT Thinking about buying one. I always feel my bum isn't clean enough even when the paper comes back clean. Ive been thinking about getting one but I'm pretty stubborn and don't like change. Should I get one? Is there a toilet paper that holds up to the moisture better than others? E. Thanks y'all, I'm totally convinced now. I should specify. Which kind did you get? Is there one type that's generally better or more user friendly? [link] [comments] |
| Hot and cold suddenly reversed in shower?? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:13 PM PDT I rent my spare bedroom out on Airbnb, and have showered and cleaned the shower 100 times. After my last guest, somehow when I turn the knob to the left, it's cold water, and to the right is hot! This is definitely backwards from what it used to be. How the heck to this happen, and how do I fix it? No sign that the knob has been removed, or any indication that my guest would have done some thing because Zara like this. The hot and cold and the rest of the appliances serve by the water heater are normal. [link] [comments] |
| Bali horizontal blinds - anyone know who cuts the cords? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 02:52 PM PDT Wondering if the pull cords are cut by manufacturer or installer - they are only a foot long and we would need a ladder to reach them. All measurements were taken by the installer. [link] [comments] |
| Maintenance organization methods? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 12:02 PM PDT Just bought a home. How do you stay organized with all the regular maintenance? Do you have an app that alerts you to when you need to change your air filter? A calendar to schedule your AC tune ups? What do you do/recommend? [link] [comments] |
| How do I mount a curtain rod over a corner window? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 04:01 PM PDT I'd like to hang some blackout/noise-reducing curtains in my NYC apartment but I'm not sure how to mount a curtain rod over my window because it's angled and runs all the way up to the ceiling (link to picture below). I'm not very handy and am also a poor student so I'm looking for the simplest and least expensive setup that will support a heavy pair of curtains. I wasn't able to drill into the ceiling so I don't think that's an option. Picture: https://imgur.com/a/IuIRhz1 [link] [comments] |
| Milgard windows extremely hard to open Posted: 28 Aug 2020 02:31 PM PDT First off I don't know a lot about working on houses. I am attempting to help my parents with their upstairs windows. They got replaced about 5 years ago and I'm pretty sure they were taken for a ride because these are utterly garbage. They're single hung aluminum Milgard brand windows, I'm guessing it's a bargain basement brand. The problem is that you can open the window like a microscopic amount and it binds on the weatherstripping then you have to pull VERY hard and you can hear an almost suction cup noise as it lets loose. My parents are getting older and they don't have the strength to open them, they just leave them cracked all the time which isn't safe. I discovered when I pulled out the weatherstripping at the top it moves much smoother. The weatherstripping is supposed to slide in and out and is a pile type, it is 3/8 inch wide by 3/8 inch high. I cannot for the life of me find a replacement online. They don't have enough money to buy new windows and if I could just find some weatherstripping that isn't so fat that it impedes the function of the window. Our only solution so far is pieces of wood cut long enough to keep it closed but short enough not shut them all the way as locks, and saving up to replace them. Just thought I would run it by you all, I am completely lost. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 08:22 PM PDT The house was built in the 30s but has renovations. The area gets all four seasons (Northern USA), and by all accounts the inspector is upstanding and good at what he does. But I want to prepare myself as much as possible. The previous buyers were "taking too long to get specialists" so they backed out of the first offer and gave it to me. That's a pretty solid red flag that something is off. I'm not going to buy the house if there are extensive issues that the seller isn't going to give credits for, so I want to make sure I'm buttoned up with whatever issues the first buyer was wanting to inspect. Any advice for this hopeful homeowner? [link] [comments] |
| Have you ever seen shoe molding installed flat like this? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 12:26 PM PDT I had laminate flooring installed, and they were pretty sloppy with the cuts and left huge expansion gaps (up to 3/4" in some places). So instead of installing the shoe molding vertically with the tall side against the baseboard, they laid it flat with the tall side against the floor and the short side against the baseboard. I've never seen it done like this and feel like it was a sloppy job. Unfortunately, there's no way to fix the gaps without redoing the entire perimeter so I don't think that's an option. At this point I need an idea of what kind of trim would look best to cover such large gaps. They also aren't mitering the edges where it ends and are just leaving blunt edges exposed. The floor itself looks great, but I'm not happy with this trim. Thoughts? [link] [comments] |
| Regrouting the bathroom tiles - Any tips? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 11:44 AM PDT Been meaning to touch up the grout in-between the tiles in the bathroom for ages and it's got to the point where it might as well be redone. I'm going to take this task on myself so looking for some tips. I very rarely do DIY so any beginners tips, tools to use and general advice would be much appreciated. I live in the United Kingdom (Scotland) if that makes any difference. Thanks. [link] [comments] |
| How to fix front door slamming Posted: 28 Aug 2020 02:53 PM PDT |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 12:33 PM PDT My house (on a slab) has a standard radon-mitigation system installed (sealed sump pump, vents out above the roof). This was installed by the previous owner 4 years ago. I have no idea what the levels were before the mitigation was installed, by my long term radon monitor consistently gives levels below .3 pCi/L. I've never seen it go above 1, even in the winter. These levels are from the basement where I'd assume radon levels are the highest. No other houses in my neighborhood seem to have mitigation systems. Mostly just curious, I'd obviously never remove the system since I didn't pay for to and it gives peace of mind. These numbers just seem super lower even for a mitigated house. [link] [comments] |
| I need help choosing foundation repair plans. Posted: 28 Aug 2020 12:54 PM PDT Location is San Antonio, Texas. I've got a crack in floor tile and foundation that runs across the slab foundation that appears to be getting worse and a back door that's started jamming so I had three 'big' companies come out and give estimates. I was quoted $6900/$14200 (6 piers in back corner/12 piers on left side), $8300 (11 hybrid piers around the back half), and $9100/$17800 (9 piers around the back half/18 piers around back and front). Images Here. https://imgur.com/a/JwNWo1c I have a few questions.
Thanks everyone. [link] [comments] |
| Missing chimney, do I still need a structural engineer? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 03:45 PM PDT Hi all, scoured the Internet for an answer but can't seem to find it so posting it here in hopes someone can advise! We've recently purchased our first home (UK) which has a ground floor chimney breast that we'd like removed. There isn't one on the second floor and there don't seem to have been any building regs submitted to the council so not sure what the situation in the loft is with the stack (or how secure). Whilst we wait for Surveyor's to do their bit we're trying to get quotes for removal. My question is, do we still need a structural engineer since the ground floor chimney doesn't seem to be supporting anything else? Apologies if the answer is obvious, very new to this world! Thank you :) [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 03:40 PM PDT Hello - I've a leaky valve I want to replace. I am uncertain whether I can unscrew the valve from the PVC or if I should just attempt to cut the valve off and put a new one on. Or is there another option? There's only about 3/4" of PVC sticking out from the wall and no slack behind the wall, I don't know if I've got enough to work with. Welcome any thoughts, thank you [link] [comments] |
| How difficult is it to hang a door? Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:43 PM PDT I'm a not terribly healthy woman in her 60s. I have no carpentry experience, but in general I'm kind of handy. I'm pretty sure if I look for it hard enough I'll find my power drill. I decided to start storing things in my barn, so it's time to put in a functional door. The one that's there now is extremely broken. It measures 32" by 77", but the top of the door frame is non-existent so the new door can extend up as much as another 9" There is no lock set on the current door, and no strike plate on the door frame. I'm assuming I'll have to install some sort of hasp and padlock it shut to even pretend it's secure. It doesn't have to be pretty. There are a lot of how-to's on the internet, this question is more "should I even try." [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:28 PM PDT So I've recently moved into a new house, which is older but has been remodeled and updated to more modern design and appliances etc. One recurring problem I have noticed in the past month is my thermostat often reads a temp that is way higher than it actually is in the house. This causes the fan to constantly run, feeling as though it needs to cool the house, even on an auto setting. I am worried to see my first electric bill, so I have come to Reddit for suggestions! It is a new thermostat and AC system. The house generally feels nice and cool. We like to keep the setting at 71-73, which is what it always feels like. But often the thermostat reads 78-82 and I know for certain this is not the temperature in the house! What can I do? Thanks! [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 06:57 PM PDT So long story long.. I'm in the closing process of buying a house. An assessment was done and the bank is now refusing to push the loan through because a concrete patio is slightly sinking with a roof( home owner said it's been like that for over 30 years). So I had to hire a structural engineer and his report says it needs to be fixed. Asked the homeowner to fix it (her son is against us) but the sellers realtor isn't cooperating either and she wants to go to the engineer and get him to reverse his decision on needed fix later instead of now so the owner won't have to pay. So the question is... is this even legal for him to change his ruling? If they get the report changed then I'm responsible for the repairs in the future or would lose my deposit money (3,000) if I back out. [link] [comments] |
| Teach me how to paint the ceiling Posted: 28 Aug 2020 10:32 PM PDT I've looked through some past posts about ceiling paint and I'm still not sure I want to DIY. I consider myself a pretty good painter- at least on walls. Please help me out! All tips are appreciated.
[link] [comments] |
| Posted: 28 Aug 2020 02:49 PM PDT https://m.imgur.com/gallery/OQg4V3U So it looks like the wall is bulging out because the HVAC duct is pushing against the drywall. I opened up the cover to see if I could push the duct in about half an inch or so but its quite rigid. I don't mind ripping out a section of the drywall, but just wondering if I'd be able to fix this issue once I do. Would really appreciate any guidance that I could get. Thanks!! [link] [comments] |
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