Custom homes discussions and local services.
andrewblogger
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RE: If you had to rig up your own home security on a tight budget, what would you do?
Totally agree - sometimes the door itself is a huge part of the issue, especially if you’re dealing with old rentals or houses that have settled weird. I had a similar experience upgrading a hollow-core to a solid one fr...
RE: Why does my browser keep forgetting stuff?
Honestly, exporting bookmarks manually has saved me more than once when sync went haywire. It’s a bit of a pain, but compared to losing everything? Worth it. I do wonder if the sync issues are worse when you’re juggling ...
RE: What happens if your house isn’t finished when it’s time to switch loans?
That’s fair, but honestly, the padding still bugs me. On my last build, the lender held back way more than what was needed for the punch list - like, triple what it cost to fix the actual issues. I get wanting to cover r...
RE: ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF?
ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF? Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve noticed the same thing - references are always glowing, but who’s gonna put a grumpy client on their list? I actually ...
RE: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF I totally get the appeal of metal, but when I was shopping around last year, the sticker shock nearly made me fall off the ladder. I know it’s supposed to last longer, but if y...
RE: No more fumbling for keys: did you know this?
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS? I’m with you there, and honestly, I’ve been burned by prioritizing looks over practicality too. I get wanting a clean, seamless space - who doesn’t? But I’ve found that ev...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS - ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING? You’re definitely not alone. I’ve spent hours trying to make sense of those clunky GIS maps, and half the time I’m left more confused than when ...
RE: Finally cracked the code on keeping construction costs in check
Couldn’t agree more about the “invisible” stuff making a bigger difference than people realize. I’ll admit, I used to be all about the finishes - until I moved into a place with zero insulation and paper-thin walls. The ...
RE: Building base structures - what if you had to start over?
Couldn't agree more - though I admit, when budgeting got tight, I was tempted to cut corners on the foundation. Glad I didn't... seeing neighbors deal with cracked slabs and moisture nightmares convinced me structural in...
RE: Smart home on a tight budget - is it doable?
I've had similar experiences with budget smart gear - it's definitely doable, but you have to be strategic about it. For instance, I bought some cheap Wi-Fi plugs that were constantly disconnecting at first. After diggin...
RE: Builder Insurance - Ever Wondered Who Covers the Mishaps?
Yeah, insurance clarity upfront is crucial, but honestly, builders sometimes pass those insurance costs onto us clients, inflating quotes. I get wanting thorough coverage - had a friend whose minor roof leak turned into ...
RE: Looking for affordable land - any hidden gems?
You're spot-on about reclaimed wood - it's beautiful but can quickly turn into a time sink once hidden issues pop up. I actually went with rough-sawn lumber from a local mill last summer. Saved me money and hassle, plus ...
RE: Sink fixtures driving me nuts lately
I've always been a tape person too, mostly because it's cheap and easy to find. But honestly, after dealing with a leaky shower connection for the third time in a year, I finally switched to paste. Haven't had an issue s...
RE: Dealing with itchy pink nightmare in my attic
Glad to hear cellulose worked out well for you - I had a similar experience. When I moved into my current place, the attic was full of that itchy pink fiberglass stuff, and honestly, it was a nightmare every time I had t...
RE: The Hidden Price Tag of Hiring Help
Yeah, flexibility is great, but honestly, too much wiggle room can get expensive fast. From personal experience, every time I had to pivot mid-project, my wallet felt it. I mean, spreadsheets might seem over-the-top, but...