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jbarkley84
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RE: Choosing Between Saving for Emergencies or That Dream Vacation
Title: Choosing Between Saving for Emergencies or That Dream Vacation I get what you’re both saying about finding that “enough” number for the emergency fund. I’ve been guilty of overengineering my own savings plan - do...
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RE: Digging up the backyard: found more than just dirt
I’ve done something similar with leftover bricks from an old chimney demo - used the broken ones to edge a flower bed. Here’s what worked for me: First, I sorted out the sharpest pieces (safety first), then laid them out...
RE: Finally upgraded my living room lights - anyone else tried smart bulbs?
Totally agree - the “compatible with everything” claim is usually more of a marketing stretch than reality. I’ve found that sticking to one platform (I use Hue for most rooms) saves a ton of headaches, but it does limit ...
RE: Smart home ecosystems worth checking out
SMART HOME ECOSYSTEMS WORTH CHECKING OUT I ran into a similar wall - literally - with my 1950s house. The original wiring and plaster are a nightmare for anything that requires in-wall installation. I get the appeal of ...
RE: Finally cracked the code on keeping construction costs in check
I get what you're saying, but honestly, I've had decent luck with budget cabinets. The trick isn't always price - it's installation and reinforcement. Even cheaper cabinets can hold up if you take the time to reinforce j...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
That's a rough one - surveys are great, but they're not foolproof. Had something similar happen when our survey missed an abandoned well. Neighbor tipped us off just in time... definitely pays to chat around before break...
RE: Smart home on a tight budget - is it doable?
Haha, raccoons are the best. I haven't had raccoons yet, but I did catch something pretty amusing on my front porch cam last winter. I'd just installed one of those cheaper Wi-Fi cams (you know, the ones you grab on a wh...
RE: When outsourcing goes hilariously wrong
Been there myself with lighting mishaps - it's surprising how often a small adjustment can salvage things. Had a similar issue once with kitchen cabinets installed slightly off-level. Initially drove me nuts, but after t...