Custom homes discussions and local services.
richard_shadow
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RE: How should I budget a curbless shower with a concealed linear drain?
I’d push back on treating waterproofing outside the shower area as automatically required for every curbless installation. The allowance should identify the wet-area extent required by the selected membrane system and lo...
RE: Making fountains and ponds fun for everyone
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen too many projects where folks regretted locking everything down with mortar. It’s great until you want to swap out a pump or realize the waterfall isn’t quite right - then yo...
RE: Nailing the first property check: finally got the green light
I hear you on the old-school fixes not always cutting it. There’s only so many times you can slap on another draft excluder before you start feeling like you’re living in a padded cell. I’ve been through the wringer with...
RE: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks? I hear you on the rabbits - they always seem to be two steps ahead. I tried the whole hardware cloth thing too, even doubled up on the edges with zip ties and...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER? Honestly, I’ve always suspected the paperwork is half the point - if it’s a pain, fewer people bother, right? The smart meter idea just makes sense. They already have the da...
RE: Finally swapped out old carpet for something spill-proof
FINALLY SWAPPED OUT OLD CARPET FOR SOMETHING SPILL-PROOF I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve gotta admit, I was a bit skeptical about radiant heat under new floors at first. The upfront hassle and cost just seemed ...
RE: Why does my browser keep forgetting stuff?
Why does my browser keep forgetting stuff? Honestly, I don’t buy the idea that it’s just “too many tabs” every time. Chrome’s notorious for being a memory hog, sure, but I’ve had it lose my saved boards with only a hand...
RE: How much does your house design actually help with the weather?
Honestly, I’m with you - nothing beats good design from the start. We inherited a ‘70s ranch with tiny eaves and it’s like living in a toaster half the year. Thermal curtains help, but I’d trade them for a couple of well...
RE: Builder's timeline keeps shifting - normal or red flag?
Builder's Timeline Keeps Shifting - Normal or Red Flag? You’re not wrong to be wary when the updates start sounding like a script. I’ve been through two builds and, yeah, delays are part of the game, but there’s a big d...
RE: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing?
Title: Digging into property easements - anyone else find online tools confusing? I get the appeal of starting with tech, but honestly, I’ve been burned by relying on those online maps a few too many times. Last year, t...
RE: HOW DO YOU REALLY SAVE WATER AT HOME? QUICK POLL
Couldn’t agree more - people obsess over gadgets and forget the basics. I had a neighbor who replaced every fixture in his house, but his irrigation timer was busted and ran all night. Native plants are underrated too. F...
RE: Weighing the pros and cons of switching to a 15-year mortgage
That’s exactly what tripped me up when I considered the switch. The banks love to talk about how much interest you’ll save, but they gloss over how tight things can get if your income takes a hit. Ever notice how they ne...
RE: What if your city paid you to use less water?
I hear you on the rebates not really moving the needle. When I swapped out my old lawn for drought-tolerant stuff, the city’s rebate barely covered the cost of ripping out sod, let alone new plants or drip lines. It’s ni...
RE: Building On Level Ground: Step-By-Step Tips For Making The Most Of A Flat Lot
That’s the thing most folks miss - those “couple inches” make or break your basement. I learned the hard way after a storm turned my crawl space into a wading pool because the builder got lazy with grading. Honestly, I’m...