Custom homes discussions and local services.
patbiker348
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RE: Smart gadgets that actually cut down your electric bill
The thermostat scheduling and remote adjustments are probably doing more work than the novelty gadgets, especially if they prevent heating or cooling an empty house. An energy monitor is a useful next step before adding ...
RE: Digging up the backyard: found more than just dirt
Honestly, I’ve had a couple of “oh no, where did that go?” moments after a purge, but most of the time, I don’t miss the stuff. The extra breathing room is worth it. There was this old pile of bricks I held onto for year...
RE: Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors
Yeah, I get that. I do try to keep the old stuff when I can, but sometimes those old mortise locks just don’t want to cooperate - especially if the door’s already seen better days. One thing I’ve found is that some of th...
RE: What should I look for before signing with an interior designer?
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? Totally agree about the importance of actually experiencing the materials and furniture in person - photos can be so misleading. One thing I’d add is to a...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
Honestly, I’ve had more luck with old plat maps than some of the fancy online layers. GIS is great for a quick look, but I’ve seen it be off by several feet - kind of a big deal when you’re trying to stay on the right si...
RE: Building base structures - what if you had to start over?
Yeah, totally hear you on the moisture thing. Cellulose is awesome for air sealing, but if your attic ventilation is sketchy, it can be a bit of a gamble. I’ve seen a couple older houses where cellulose got a little clum...
RE: Color combos that oddly please the brain
Color Combos That Oddly Please The Brain Yeah, mixing chalk paint can get a bit unpredictable - I've ended up with streaky patches before too. But honestly, that kind of imperfection sometimes adds to the charm. Olive g...
RE: Color combos that oddly please the brain
Color Combos That Oddly Please The Brain Totally agree about dark trim with lighter walls - it just has this way of making everything look intentional and a bit more luxe, even if you’re working with basic materials. I’...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER? Totally agree that just throwing money at the problem isn’t enough. I’ve seen neighbors rip out their lawns for rebates, then complain about how “dead” their yards look. May...
RE: Weighing the pros and cons of switching to a 15-year mortgage
Totally get where you’re coming from. I went the 30-year route for similar reasons - just didn’t want to be stretched so thin that I couldn’t do the green upgrades I cared about. Like, I wanted to swap out my old windows...
RE: Lighting tweaks made my workspace way better
I get where you’re coming from about contrast and mood, but I’d actually push back a bit on the idea that dimmers should be everywhere by default. Don’t get me wrong - dimmers are awesome for flexibility, but a lot of th...
RE: When the night sky turns to day: what if your neighborhood was lit up 24/7?
WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7? You nailed it with “less is more.” I’ve been in neighborhoods where the porch lights are on all night and it just feels... off. It’s wild how m...
RE: Looking for affordable land - any hidden gems?
Honestly, I love seeing folks get creative with those oddball lots. Sometimes the quirks are what make a place feel special, you know? Plus, if you’re into green building, those weird shapes can actually help with passiv...
RE: Builder Insurance - Ever Wondered Who Covers the Mishaps?
Honestly, I totally get where you’re coming from. I remember when we were doing our kitchen reno, I asked the builder for proof of insurance and he seemed almost offended, like I was accusing him of something. But after ...
RE: Using sunlight to heat your home - yay or nay?
That's a great suggestion, actually. I tried clematis on a trellis last year, and it filled in surprisingly fast. By midsummer, it was already giving us some decent shade on our patio doors. Plus, the flowers were a nice...