Home Improvement: Do you have an Apple Watch? Then you have another set of eyes |
- Do you have an Apple Watch? Then you have another set of eyes
- First time homeowner about to get my master bathroom remodel professionally. Any advice or what to watch out for?
- Dedicated 20 amp outlet in garage for fridge?
- Finishing someone’s poor baseboard work
- Contractor Installed windows, but not confident of the structural framing afterwards.
- I have anxiety about installing a new toilet. Anything I should make sure I don't do?
- Epoxy Countertop help
- I screwed up with electrical - Help
- Removing grout haze on newly tiled floor
- First time home buyer, strange damage in garage
- Fairly odd ask...
- 2 inch rigid foam around dryer duct work?
- Who helps with Kitchen/Remodel design work?
- Inheriting a Fixer Upper...so grateful but..where do we even start?!
- How can I get a stain out of hardwood floor?
- How to Clean a Pebbled Shower Floor...?
- Just had carpets installed on the second floor over top very beat up hardwood. Now the doors get hung up on the carpet.
- Is there any way to stop a vacuum effect in a home?
- Can I turn a light switch into an outlet easily?
- To paint or not to paint
- Remove TV mount from wall
- Garage to home door.
- Value increase for solar?
| Do you have an Apple Watch? Then you have another set of eyes Posted: 23 Jan 2021 03:00 PM PST This may not be very interesting to others, but I had to pull some cables from my basement to my attic today. I saved myself some time by opening the camera viewfinder on my Apple Watch and pointing my iPhone at the opening in the basement that I was pulling wires through. From the attic I could now see if the resistance I was feeling was something in the wall or just the cable getting snagged on itself as it entered the hole. Felt like a genius... of course it still took 5x longer than I planned. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 06:06 AM PST Hi r/homeimprovement! First time posting here! The GC said I pick out the vanity, toilet, tiles, mirror and he will do all the labor. This makes me feel better so I don't get up charged on materials. He's bringing in a tile specialist as well. This guys seems on the up and up but would like to keep an eye on things and inspect each day after they leave. Any advice on what to watch out for or any questions I should ask him? In Denver if that matters. Thanks! [link] [comments] |
| Dedicated 20 amp outlet in garage for fridge? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 06:03 AM PST Hello folks, we're currently building a new house and the electrician guy told us if we're planning to place a fridge/freezer in the garage (we're planning to), he recommends a dedicated 20 amp outlet for it just to be safe. The garage will already come with 2 GFI outlets (along with one on top for garage opener). From reading around, it seems like NEC now requires those to be 20 amp outlets, correct? So should I get a dedicated 20 amp outlet for a fridge?? I don't think I'll do too much in the garage that requires lots of power? Maybe engine oil change, some light home improvement projects like sawing wood and stuff but definitely won't be building a dedicated wood shop or anything. I've heard most people say this is not necessary to do and fridge will be fine on a shared 15 amp circuit. But just want to be sure. Thanks! Edit: wow I didn't think this would get this kind of response. Seems like I have to get it now haha. Thanks so much! [link] [comments] |
| Finishing someone’s poor baseboard work Posted: 23 Jan 2021 06:12 PM PST I have inherited some poor baseboard work (or at least I think). Obviously other poor work as well but this is the one I need to start on right away. It looks like standard mdf baseboards. My untrained eye says I need to: a) Fix the gap between the top of baseboard and wall. b) Fill the outside corners. c) Fill the inside corners. d) Fill the nail holes. e) Fill the gap where two boards join mid wall. What's the best solution for each? I see a lot of different solutions online. Maybe they all work but I'd rather talk it out with some people here so I get the right products as I don't have time to redo it (the property is a long distance from me). I don't have any fillers, caulking, or anything else so I have nothing to reuse and will be buying everything so want to buy the right stuff. I am assuming I need wood filler or a putty for some of this. What grit of sandpaper do I use? And what sheen of paint is best for baseboards? And just primer and paint in one I assume? Sorry for the long post! I just want to make sure I have all the details. [link] [comments] |
| Contractor Installed windows, but not confident of the structural framing afterwards. Posted: 23 Jan 2021 08:15 PM PST Long story short, we ordered replacement windows, but the measurements were off. As a "courtesy," the window company and their third party contractor offered their services to fit the larger window in. My red alert radar went off when they explained that they're moving studs to do this procedure and when I asked about permit times, they said "moving studs this much doesn't require permits." (Westchester County NY btw). That seemed like a lie. After they put it in, the structural framing was left exposed as we wait for the trim to arrive. But something feels wrong. For one, one of the king studs doesn't reach the top nor bottom, furring strips were used below the windowsill as support (I think), top framing is cracked, and screws are protruding. My gut tells me somethings wrong. Given my situation, and if the job is deemed unacceptable, what's my recourse? I can't threaten to hold any money back because I used their 0% 12m financing offer handled by a third party (the window company already got paid) and I can't get inspectors involved because they'll just tell me to do it over on my own dime. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! [link] [comments] |
| I have anxiety about installing a new toilet. Anything I should make sure I don't do? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 05:43 AM PST I have an American Standard Cadet 3 that I need to install. Brand new level floor, plumber installed a brand new flange so I'm ready to go. I just fear that I'm going to mess something up and have a leak I don't see or something. Is there a best practice for installing these things? Edit: toilet is installed! Thanks for the tips guys [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 10:16 PM PST I did it finally. Didn't have the balls to do it beforehand and it was so simple. https://imgur.com/gallery/LtsiyTc?s=sms Anyhow, here is my small problem. The countertop surface is excellent. Like a mirror. The sides however are not uniform because the epoxy can't just sit there and find equilibrium or whatever is the right word. I did brush it and it didn't come out great. It's not awful but wondering if there is something I'm missing. Couple notes that I think add to this rather than repeat: 1) it's not an easy stir so I broke it down into 2 qts in 1 pitcher x2. My gf would stir one and I'd stir the other and we would get one combined gallon. 2) the pitchers were $1 each from Dollar Tree 3) Clorox wipes clean the epoxy off everything easily 4) after the pour, we took paint sticks and moved it around so all the pour areas were touching and that seemed to speed up the self leveling 5) the propane torch is key. It seems to raise the viscosity of the epoxy and it removes bubbles and flattens everything. 6) directions said 12 sf per gallon. 1 gal = 4 qts. We got 24 sf with 7 qts. [link] [comments] |
| I screwed up with electrical - Help Posted: 23 Jan 2021 08:35 PM PST So I don't know if this is the place to post, but here is what I did. In my home office I removed my ceiling fan and replaced it with a light, this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07QBBQPW2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title I also replaced the light switch to a dimmer switch. Now after turning the breaker back on, one wall in my office has no outlets working and the guest bath that shares that wall does not have working lights anymore. Everything else works, including my newly installed light and switch. What in the world did I do and how can I fix it? Edit for photos: https://ibb.co/hV6CWVp https://ibb.co/8MnMr83 https://ibb.co/C0RRZgb [link] [comments] |
| Removing grout haze on newly tiled floor Posted: 23 Jan 2021 06:57 PM PST Hi there! We just tiled our floor and are seeing a lot of grout haze. We have scrubbed, washed the floors with vinegar solution and regularly washed it several times. We have not sealed the grout yet. Do we seal the grout prior to trying sulfamic acid? [link] [comments] |
| First time home buyer, strange damage in garage Posted: 23 Jan 2021 07:56 PM PST First time home buyer, asking here ahead of the inspector. In the garage there's this strange looking damage; the realtor says its just mechanically sheared off, but could it be a sign of water damage? The master bathroom is directly above the garage, but there doesn't seem to be any visible leakage. https://imgur.com/a/uvPKLh5 [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 07:36 PM PST So we have a small house, three indoor cats, and really only one good place to keep the litter box. This is in the closet of the half bath, next to the stacked washer/dryer. Unfortunately, their aim is, shall we say, not always very precise. We have wood flooring and it's getting destroyed, since we're not always aware when one of them lets rip over the edge of the box. We've tried multiple mats, trash bags, etc. and nothing's worked. My next big idea is to encapsulate the bottom with heavy poly sheeting, leaving a one inch lip in front so we can get the box out to clean it. Here's my problem; I only need a 5' by 5' piece of sheeting. The smallest roll I can find online is 5' by 100'. I mean, it wouldn't break the bank to order it but it seems awfully wasteful. So here's my ask: do any of you fine people have any leftover sheeting they could sell and ship to me? Like I said, I only need 5x5', 10 mil minimum weight. Alternatively, I could probably buy a tarp and cut it to size, but would prefer the sheeting. Thanks in advance! Ps am in Fl, USA. [link] [comments] |
| 2 inch rigid foam around dryer duct work? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 07:23 AM PST Insulating a small area that bleeds cold air which includes a dryer vent that runs through the wall to the outside. My question is can I safety cut out a hole and fill around it with fire block spray foam or will the heat from the dryer vent cause issues with the foam board that is going against the wall. [link] [comments] |
| Who helps with Kitchen/Remodel design work? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 07:14 PM PST This may be a silly question... I am looking into doing a home addition/kitchen remodel. I have blueprints drawn for where all the cabinets/appliances/island will be but I'm really struggling with what types of cabinets/color schemes/hardwood type/counter tops etc. I have a few GC's bidding and they are largely in the "whatever you want I'll build it for you" camp. The Architect helped design the blueprint and where cabinets and appliances could be, but again he wasn't all that into visually assisting. I'd like to find someone who can look at the plan, look at my house in it's current state, and help me brainstorm a vision of what it will really look like and help me turn that over to the GC. What profession is that? Interior Designer? Is there such a thing as a Kitchen Designer? When I google it, it always seems to come back to full service companies and I already have GCs bidding to work on managing this project which is much more than just a kitchen remodel. I just want help picking color schemes for counter tops/cabinets/floors; as well as types of cabinets to put in (wine bottle holder, glass front, etc). Thanks in advance for any tips/suggestions! [link] [comments] |
| Inheriting a Fixer Upper...so grateful but..where do we even start?! Posted: 23 Jan 2021 09:21 PM PST My husband and I found out that we will be inheriting a home. It's a pretty long story but basically, someone else was living there and won't be anymore, so my MIL told us we can have it..mortgage free and just need to take care of property taxes and other fees. I can barely wrap my head around how lucky we are. Just found out today. We rent currently and live paycheck to paycheck but have been looking to buy- but it's just SO expensive in our area these days. So this is really exciting for us. It's a 2BR/2Bath, 1300 square feet. It basically needs a full overhaul. It's old, outdated, but in an amazing location and from what I'm told has great bones. They bought it 6 years ago for 147k and in the market now (looking at similar homes) it could easily go for 350-375k. Here is a picture. This is an old photo from google maps and all that I have currently, but as you can see it could use a paint job. It is much bigger than it looks and the back side of the house is built into the slope of the hill. It's on a half acre and has views! The interior is pretty bad..Has a weird layout, just looks..blah. Bad carpet and linoleum. Old appliances. No central heating and air (yikes). Poor insulation and it gets very hot in the summer and cold in the winter in this area. So, since we will not have a mortgage and both have steady incomes our plan is to pull out some sort of renovation loan and totally fix up the place. This is just very scary to me. At this point when I think about it, it almost seems like an impossible task and I have no idea where to start. I just know that structurally the house should be sound, it has a fairly new roof and had work done when they bought it. We would want to paint the exterior, replace the flooring, knock out a wall and totally re-do the kitchen and at least one of the bathrooms...an add new windows and central heating/air. We have time thankfully, the house isn't going anywhere and the current tenant still has over a month to move, and even after we can continue renting while the renovations happen- but that leads me to my next question- how long can full overhauls like this take? I know it's a broad bunch of questions but I'm just hoping to hear some experiences that you guys have had! This feels very daunting and to be honest, insane...but it's also very exciting! Thanks :) sorry for such a long post [link] [comments] |
| How can I get a stain out of hardwood floor? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 03:11 PM PST A certain member of the family thought it would be a good idea to leave a bottle of homemade febreeze under the desk. I was vacuuming today and picked it up only to see that it had leaked and left a nice stain on the floor. It's completely dry and is not coming off at all. Wonder if anyone had any advice before I got the sander out. Thanks in advance! The mix had fabric softener, baking soda and water. [link] [comments] |
| How to Clean a Pebbled Shower Floor...? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 03:55 AM PST So it's been a few months since we had the bath tub ripped out and a walk-in shower installed, with a pebbled floor (cream grout). After using the shower for a few months now, there are a couple of patches that are darker and harder to clean, due to water slightly pooling in those areas and taking longer to dry. Before we apply a layer of impregnator and sealer, what can we use to use to properly clean the floor before sealing? Someone has suggested muriatic acid but I think it may be too strong... [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 03:00 PM PST I have a basic spinning sander that I was going to take to the bottom of them, but not sure if there is a better option. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks. [link] [comments] |
| Is there any way to stop a vacuum effect in a home? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 07:40 PM PST Our master bedroom door slams shut if the air kicks on when it's cracked so we either have to leave the door wide open or fully shut. I'd really like to be able to just leave it cracked. [link] [comments] |
| Can I turn a light switch into an outlet easily? Posted: 23 Jan 2021 05:23 PM PST Previous homeowners removed an exterior door when they did an addition years ago but left a light switch that is still hot about 6 ft off the ground which was perfect when you go up a couple of steps to go outside. Stairs are gone but switch remains. It's in a weird spot. The spot is however in a good spot for an outlet for a wall mounted TV. Is the fix as easy as hardwiring the switch to a bypass and just hooking the hot wires up to an outlet in the same box? [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 03:39 PM PST Hi! Hubs and I are closing on an awesome craftsman style bungalow in a month. We love all the original wood trim in the house and leaving it alone. Most likely going to repaint walls a nice white shade to brighten it all up. The question is, should I paint the built in bookshelves and built in dining hutch white? And if do, use chalk paint? EDIT: someone mentioned removing the white paint from the fireplace bricks. Is that actually possible? [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 04:58 PM PST I'm changing the TV location, I'm trying to remove the mount but can't remove the screws, neither with my wrench or drill driver What tool can I use to get them out? Another note, after I remove them, do I use a wood filler to fill the holes since these were mounts to a stud? [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 12:53 PM PST My house currently has an interior hollow core (30 inch) luann door, going from my garage to my kitchen. We ripped up the old vinyl and redid the hardwood floor underneath. Now there is about a 3 inch gap from the hardwood to the bottom of the door. The existing door also has a dog door in it, from previous owner. I want to replace this door to make the kitchen less drafty. Lowes and depot sell "garage to home" doors that are 20 minute fire rated. Are these much different than a solid core interior door? The garage to home doors, all have a threshold on them. Do I want to put an exterior door on this? Lend me your advice, reddit! [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2021 02:59 PM PST Ok, so first off if there's a better sub for this please let me know. I'm in FL with a ~$140/mo power bill. Average peak usage is around 47 kWh/day. Planning on selling the house within the next 3-5 years. Already talked to homeowners insurance and that matters on their side is readjusting the replacement cost of the house to include the panels (they said based on what is planned it'll be an extra $2.25/month) Been considering adding solar panels to the house, and have gotten a few quotes. Best one so far (IMO) will put about 6kW capacity on the roof and redo the attic insulation with open-cell spray foam (currently have blown-in fiberglass). Solar generation is less than current energy use but they say the new insulation will offset this by reducing AC cycles. System is set up with all panels in parallel with micro-converters on each panel and a remote monitoring system that they proactively check (bonus that it's Home Assistant compatible so I can track generation and usage). Solar cells are American-made and have a 30-year warranty on efficiency. Company warranties the install for 20 years and a lifetime warranty on the foam. They will also come out 2x/year to clean the panels (powerwash + RainX application) for the first 5 years. Total cost before discounts (offering to let them put a big sign on my corner lot) and tax credits is ~$30k. If what the sales guy says is true, this system will zero out our power bill and they structure the financing so the monthly payments are about $15/month less than the current power bill. Now - I'm trying to figure out a couple things about this...
Everything about this seems good - I want to add the panels both for increased value and the eco-boost - and at face value I can't seem to find anything outright bad about it. There just seems to be something holding me back from signing. In any case, thank you in advance for any advice/opinions/thoughts! [link] [comments] |
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