Custom homes discussions and local services.
jhiker87
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RE: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks? I’ve tried the peppermint oil trick too - mixed results for me, honestly. Maybe my mice just like the spa treatment? The real game changer was shoving copper mesh in...
RE: Quick check-up trick to avoid plumbing nightmares
That’s actually my go-to as well. The towel trick is simple but tells you right away if there’s a problem. Ever tried using colored paper towels? Makes even slow leaks stand out more, especially in bad lighting. Flour se...
RE: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
I put a standing seam metal roof on my last place, and honestly, the hail thing is real - got a few dings after a nasty storm, but nothing that actually messed with the function. Color fading was super minimal after five...
RE: Weighing the pros and cons of switching to a 15-year mortgage
I get what you mean about the discipline - having that bigger payment staring you down every month definitely keeps you honest. For me, though, I sometimes wish I'd had more wiggle room when unexpected stuff popped up. E...
RE: When Progress Hits a Wall: Surprising Facts About Failed Experiments
WHEN PROGRESS HITS A WALL: SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT FAILED EXPERIMENTS I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually found a couple smart devices that pull their weight. For example, my smart thermostat has saved me...
RE: Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors
Totally get this. I tried those trendy glass knobs once - looked amazing for about a week, then fingerprints everywhere. Brass has been my go-to lately too, but I’m still curious if anyone’s had luck with stainless steel...
RE: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
Funny you mention the IR camera - I borrowed one from a buddy last winter and was honestly surprised by what I found. The worst cold spots in my attic weren’t where I expected at all. Turned out, there were a couple spot...
RE: Why does every outlet in my house need to be GFCI now?
WHY DOES EVERY OUTLET IN MY HOUSE NEED TO BE GFCI NOW? Totally get what you mean. I’ve run into the same thing with old houses - trying to keep that vintage vibe while still ticking all the boxes for safety. I’ve wond...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER? I hear you on the irrigation headaches - man, I’ve spent more weekends than I care to admit fixing busted drip lines. But do you think everyone’s ready to ditch lawns for na...
RE: Casting vs injection molding - which method works better?
That's a really interesting question. From what I've seen, injection molding tends to mix additives pretty evenly because of the high pressure and heat involved - it forces everything to blend thoroughly. Casting, on the...
RE: Finally visualized my apartment layout and it changed everything
Totally get that skepticism - I felt the same way about smart thermostats. Seemed like just another overpriced gadget until I installed one and realized how much easier it made managing temps throughout the day. Funny ho...
RE: Smart home on a tight budget - is it doable?
Yeah, lowering the thermostat a bit usually gives you more noticeable savings than timers alone. But even newer heaters can lose heat through pipes - have you checked if your hot water lines are insulated too? That can m...
RE: My Adventure With DIY Concrete Foundations
Totally get where you're coming from with the eyeballing thing. I've done a few small concrete pads myself, and honestly, sometimes simpler really is better. A laser level is awesome, no doubt, but for something like a p...
RE: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
Dogwoods can definitely be tricky near roofs - I've noticed the same brittleness with some maples around my house. Do you think it's more about species choice or just consistent pruning? I've been debating swapping out a...
RE: My neighbor's remodel got shut down by city rules
Good points all around. Have you ever found city planners to be pretty approachable? I've had mixed experiences - some were super helpful, others seemed too busy or vague. But yeah, checking online resources first defini...