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kathyg92
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RE: Color combos that oddly please the brain
Lighting really does mess with your head when it comes to color. I’ve had projects where a wall looked like a calm blue in the studio, but once we got it up in the client’s space, it leaned almost lavender under their pe...
RE: Building On Level Ground: Step-By-Step Tips For Making The Most Of A Flat Lot
BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT Funny, I’ve had mixed results with landscape fabric too. Used it under gravel paths on a flat site last year - worked great for keeping thing...
RE: Weighing the pros and cons of switching to a 15-year mortgage
WEIGHING THE PROS AND CONS OF SWITCHING TO A 15-YEAR MORTGAGE I totally get where you’re coming from. When I bought my place, I was tempted by the 15-year too, but in the end, the flexibility of a 30-year just made more...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
Totally get what you mean. I’ve used city GIS maps and county records before, and while they’re supposed to be “official,” the interface is usually clunky and the data isn’t always up-to-date. Had a project where the eas...
RE: Building green? Watch out for those sneaky VOCs
Mineral paints have been my go-to for a few years now - agree, the color range is usually on the “earthy” side, but they really do hold up in tricky spots. I’ve tried a couple of natural oil finishes for wood (Osmo, Rubi...
RE: What’s a “normal” length for construction loans these days?
What’s a “Normal” Length for Construction Loans These Days? I’ve definitely had lenders get antsy about anything over 12 months, too. It seems like once you cross that one-year mark, they start worrying about risk or ma...
RE: When was the last time your city changed its construction rules?
Honestly, I think some of the gray areas are there for a reason. Not every project fits neatly into a box, and sometimes that flexibility helps us get creative solutions approved. Sure, it can be a headache when reviewer...
RE: Building green? Watch out for those sneaky VOCs
Building Green? Watch Out For Those Sneaky VOCs You nailed it - marketing can be a minefield with these “green” paints. I’ve had clients swear by Natura, but I’ve also seen Harmony go on a bit patchy if the prep isn’t s...
RE: My Adventure With DIY Concrete Foundations
That's exactly right, sealing helps a ton. I'd also suggest checking your exterior drainage situation - sometimes moisture issues start outside. Had a client whose basement stayed damp until we improved the grading aroun...
RE: Building base structures - what if you had to start over?
Good points all around. When we redid our backyard a couple years ago, I initially thought we'd have to spend a fortune on drainage solutions. But honestly, the simplest fix ended up being the most effective - just resha...
RE: Finally visualized my apartment layout and it changed everything
Totally agree about Earthborn Claypaint - I've recommended it to a few clients and they've all been pretty happy with the results. You're right about the application technique too; eco-friendly paints often dry quicker, ...
RE: MY NEW FIRE PIT SEEMS GREAT, BUT IS IT REALLY SAFE?
Good point about evergreens - I learned that the hard way when my neighbor's juniper hedge caught a stray ember. Thankfully, nothing serious happened, but it was a wake-up call. As for bricks, kiln-fired ones definitely ...
RE: Figuring out the right lot size without losing your mind
Ha, this is so true. I've lost count of how many times clients have insisted they absolutely need storage for stuff that ends up collecting dust. One couple I worked with swore they'd get super into gardening once they h...
RE: Putting money aside "just in case" or relying on credit cards?
Had a similar wake-up call when my card got declined at a lumber yard due to some random bank security check - talk about awkward timing. Now I keep a bit of cash tucked away, especially for quick supply runs or tipping ...
RE: Hammer vs nail gun - what's your go-to?
I've been using a cordless nail gun for a while now, and honestly, it's been a game changer. I was skeptical at first too - especially about battery life and reliability - but after lugging around compressors and trippin...