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RE: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
Ain’t that the truth. I’ve tried the geo-textile route too, but honestly, it’s only as good as your install and the critters’ determination. Last year, I watched a squirrel dig straight through two layers just to stash a...
RE: Digging up the backyard: found more than just dirt
Honestly, this is exactly why I push for using what you’ve already got before running out to buy new. Those old bricks? Way better as garden edging than sitting in a landfill or even getting recycled - less energy wasted...
RE: ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF?
ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF? Honestly, I’ve always been skeptical when every reference is just glowing. Had a builder once who looked perfect on paper - references all sunshine and rainbows....
RE: Sink fixtures driving me nuts lately
I get the resale worry, but honestly, most buyers are way more concerned about water efficiency and durability these days - at least in my experience. Have you looked into any of the eco-friendly finishes or low-flow opt...
RE: WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Honestly, I learned the hard way that not every designer cares about energy efficiency or sustainable materials. I had to push back a lot - if you want a house that actually works with your environment, you can’t just le...
RE: Finally visualized my apartment layout and it changed everything
Title: Finally Visualized My Apartment Layout And It Changed Everything Honestly, I used to think every quirky piece would just magically work somewhere, but I've definitely had a few regrets - especially stuff that l...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
Honestly, if cities want people to use less water, they need to make the rewards obvious and automatic - no one wants to jump through hoops for a few bucks. Real-time tracking on your bill or app could actually motivate ...
RE: My Adventure With DIY Concrete Foundations
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS Honestly, I’m not totally sold on the “eco-friendly” label for a lot of those sealers. Some of them just swap out one questionable chemical for another and slap a green sticker...
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 Not gonna lie, I’m all about paying less interest to the bank. I still get grumpy thinking about how much money just vanishes into thin air over a 30-year lo...
RE: Building green? Watch out for those sneaky VOCs
Honestly, I’ll take a little “salad bar” over breathing in mystery chemicals for weeks. The “plastic-y” look from water-based poly bugs me too, but at least I’m not trading my lungs for shiny floors. If someone ever crac...
RE: Struggling with ventilation inspection requirements lately
STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY Honestly, the inconsistency drives me nuts too. One inspector’s nitpicking is another’s afterthought - makes it tough to know what’ll actually matter on any giv...
RE: Sink fixtures driving me nuts lately
SINK FIXTURES DRIVING ME NUTS LATELY Honestly, I’ve never understood the obsession with these “statement” finishes. I went with brushed stainless in my last reno because it’s durable and doesn’t scream for attention, bu...
RE: Looking for affordable land - any hidden gems?
LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE LAND - ANY HIDDEN GEMS? Can’t argue with the headaches of a weirdly shaped lot, but I’ll say this - if you’re willing to build small and efficient, those odd parcels can be surprisingly eco-friend...