Custom homes discussions and local services.
jon_river
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: When “Smart” Devices Aren’t So Smart After All
WHEN “SMART” DEVICES AREN’T SO SMART AFTER ALL Can’t argue with needing a backup. I’ve seen projects stall because someone’s “smart” lock refused to connect - suddenly nobody can get in. For critical systems, I usually ...
RE: Switching to energy-saving bulbs: how many of your lights are actually LEDs?
SWITCHING TO ENERGY-SAVING BULBS: HOW MANY OF YOUR LIGHTS ARE ACTUALLY LEDS? I’ve swapped out probably 90% of my fixtures for LEDs over the years, but I still keep a couple of incandescents in my office. There’s just so...
RE: Building base structures - what if you had to start over?
Funny how “perfect” on paper rarely means perfect in real life. I’ve seen plenty of builds where folks did everything by the book, but ignored the site’s quirks - especially drainage. Even a slight slope can make all the...
RE: Struggling with ventilation inspection requirements lately
Struggling With Ventilation Inspection Requirements Lately Yeah, I’ve run into this a lot - especially when clients want something that looks clean and integrated. Inspectors can be sticklers for “standard” details, eve...
RE: Why does every outlet in my house need to be GFCI now?
I actually prefer the breaker setup for bigger renovations, especially when you’re already touching the panel. It does make things neater, and for some clients, that’s a big deal. Resetting at the panel isn’t ideal, but ...
RE: Building base structures - what if you had to start over?
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen people spend a fortune on “future-proofing” only to never touch half the conduit they installed. Focusing on main tech zones and leaving access panels elsewhere is just smart. Honestly, mos...
RE: Why does every stud seem to be warped these days?
That's fair, and honestly, most of the time you can get away with a little warp if you know where it's going. I’ve been on plenty of jobs where we sort through the stack, pick out the worst offenders for blocking or shor...
RE: Trimming down expenses on project supplies
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES I’ve run into the same issue - too much stuff in storage just leads to confusion and wasted time. There was a project last year where we spent half a day just sorting through o...
RE: MY NEW FIRE PIT SEEMS GREAT, BUT IS IT REALLY SAFE?
Definitely agree with this. A good rule of thumb I've always followed is to have at least 10 feet of clear space around the fire pit, especially if you've got trees or shrubs nearby. Sparks can travel farther than you'd ...
RE: Figuring out the right lot size without losing your mind
I've noticed that too - there's definitely a tipping point. A client of mine once insisted on a huge yard, thinking they'd use every inch. A couple years later, they were overwhelmed by maintenance and ended up scaling b...
RE: Building green? Watch out for those sneaky VOCs
Activated charcoal can help, but honestly, I've found sunlight and fresh air to be way more effective. Had a similar issue with some reclaimed beams we used in a client's renovation - tried charcoal bags first, but the s...
RE: Finally cracked the code on keeping construction costs in check
I've wrestled with this exact issue on a few projects. Last year, I was working on a renovation where the client was really keen on using reclaimed wood flooring. At first glance, the price per square foot looked great c...
RE: Thinking about tapping into home equity - good idea or risky move?
Tapping into equity can be okay if you're strategic and disciplined about it. I've seen clients upgrade spaces they genuinely use, like your patio, and it pays off in daily enjoyment. Just don't get carried away - set cl...