Custom homes discussions and local services.
katieadams664
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How are motorized shade wiring and installation priced?
For the labor portion, it’s worth checking whether each bid prices installation per shade or by crew time, and whether tall or obstructed windows are included or charged extra. That makes the labor allowances easier to c...
RE: When Progress Hits a Wall: Surprising Facts About Failed Experiments
Honestly, I’m right there with you on the “good enough is good enough” approach, especially when you’re trying to keep costs down. I used to stress over every little thing, thinking it all had to look like those magazine...
RE: When You Think You Know Better Than Your Lawyer
WHEN YOU THINK YOU KNOW BETTER THAN YOUR LAWYER Had a similar thing happen with a contract for my small biz. I flagged a weird late fee structure that my lawyer kinda brushed off, but it would've cost me hundreds if I h...
RE: ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF?
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I care way more about price and if the work holds up over time. I mean, coffee cups in the garden? Eh. As long as my budget isn’t wrecked and stuff doesn’t fall apart, I can ...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER? Yeah, I totally see what you mean about people loving their big showers and tubs. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel a little fancy sometimes? But honestly, if cities really s...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
Yeah, I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I’m not sure paying people is the answer either. Like, I rent and keep a pretty close eye on my utility usage anyway, just because I hate waste. But if someone’s not already ...
RE: Weighing the pros and cons of switching to a 15-year mortgage
Yeah, those surprise repairs are the worst - my AC died last summer right after I’d finally built up a little cushion. I totally get the appeal of a 15-year for the interest savings, but man, those higher payments make m...
RE: HOW DO YOU REALLY SAVE WATER AT HOME? QUICK POLL
HOW DO YOU REALLY SAVE WATER AT HOME? QUICK POLL I’m with you on leak detection - caught a leaky toilet flapper once that was quietly adding to my bill every month. Dual-flush toilets are great, but honestly, I still th...
RE: ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF?
ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF? That’s wild about the lawn thing - stuff like that never comes up unless you dig for it. I always wonder if people feel awkward sharing the negatives, especially...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
Yeah, I get that. I’m all for saving money, but letting your yard just die off isn’t really a win for anyone - plus, the neighborhood starts looking pretty rough. I’d be way more interested if the city actually helped ou...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve had to double-check those online maps too, and honestly, it’s a pain. But yeah, better to be safe than sorry - moving a garage would be a nightmare for the wallet. That extra ho...
RE: Bank loan vs. investor funding, which makes more sense?
Honestly, that’s exactly what worries me too. I get that investors can bring good ideas, but I’ve seen a friend’s project get totally derailed because an investor wanted everything “their way.” At least with a bank, even...
RE: Finally upgraded my living room lights - anyone else tried smart bulbs?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’m in the same boat - my wallet’s still recovering from the last “simple” home upgrade I tried. Swapping out every switch just isn’t happening right now, especially since I’m rentin...
RE: Just put in a new kitchen sink and wondering if anyone else struggled this much
Title: Just put in a new kitchen sink and wondering if anyone else struggled this much Man, I feel this. I went in thinking I’d just swap out the faucet and be done before lunch, but nope - ended up spending half the da...
RE: Keeping track of your construction loan payments without losing your mind
I get the notebook thing, but honestly, I gave up on paper notes a while back. I used to jot everything down religiously, but then I'd misplace the notebook or spill coffee on it (true story, RIP my favorite planner). No...