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kennethc56
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RE: Which Vision-Board Features Deserve Early Cost Pricing?
The allowances will only be useful if each one states the quantity and performance basis behind it. For example: - Window wall: approximate glazed square footage, operable versus fixed units, frame type, glass performan...
RE: Choosing between energy efficiency or water savings for green building points?
That’s a fair point, especially with how unpredictable things have gotten lately. I’ve worked on a couple projects where clients were laser-focused on energy efficiency - solar panels, triple-glazed windows, the works - ...
RE:
Title: Reclaimed Wood Surprises Yeah, that “what’s lurking inside” feeling is real. I’ve worked with a lot of reclaimed wood over the years, and I’ll be honest - sometimes you just don’t know what you’re getting until y...
RE: Switching to energy-saving bulbs: how many of your lights are actually LEDs?
I get the appeal of swapping everything out at once, but honestly, I’m still a bit picky about where I use LEDs. Some of the older lamps in my place just don’t look right with those super-white bulbs, even if they’re “wa...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER? Totally get it about the paperwork. I tried to get a rebate for switching to low-flow showerheads and almost bailed after page three. Honestly, if cities really want us to s...
RE: Weekend crafts: do you prefer building from scratch or upcycling old stuff?
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF? I’ve run into that problem with new lumber too - sometimes it just doesn’t hold up like the old stuff. I once reworked a battered oak dresser f...
RE: Trimming down expenses on project supplies
Trimming Down Expenses on Project Supplies Pooling for bulk orders sounds great in theory, but honestly, it’s been more trouble than it’s worth for me. Tried it once with a couple of other designers - ended up with way ...
RE: Trimming down expenses on project supplies
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried to cut corners with cheaper tape too, and honestly, it just ends up costing more in touch-ups and frustration. Reusing drop clo...
RE: Looking for affordable land - any hidden gems?
Title: Looking For Affordable Land - Any Hidden Gems? Honestly, I’ve seen some “cheap” land that’s basically a patch of swamp or a hillside you’d need a mountain goat to access. I hear you on the tax sales - sometimes i...
RE: Lighting tweaks made my workspace way better
I had a similar issue with glare when I first set up my workspace - thought I'd nailed it with a sleek overhead pendant lamp. Looked awesome, but it created these weird reflections right in the middle of my screen. Drove...
RE: Building base structures - what if you had to start over?
Totally agree about the ajuga - it’s relentless. I tried it once thinking it'd be a nice filler around stepping stones, but within a year it was everywhere. Lesson learned. Also, dwarf mondo grass is solid, but I've noti...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
Went through something similar when we bought our house. The online GIS maps showed a clear boundary line, but when we actually got a survey done (after a neighbor dispute, of course 🙄), turns out the real proper...
RE: Finally visualized my apartment layout and it changed everything
Totally get what you're saying about window films - some of them definitely mess with the view and colors. Sheer curtains are a solid choice if you're particular about lighting. Another trick I've used is layering sheer ...
RE: Finally visualized my apartment layout and it changed everything
Totally get the DIY enthusiasm - been there myself more often than I'd admit. But honestly, there's a fine line between a fun learning curve and a full-blown headache (and a flooded kitchen). It's great to tackle stuff y...
RE: Putting money aside "just in case" or relying on credit cards?
Yeah, you're spot on about that. I've had clients get blindsided by hidden plumbing nightmares after splurging on fancy eco-friendly upgrades. Always smart to stash some emergency cash - houses love surprises, and not th...