Custom homes discussions and local services.
snorkeler22
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RE: Cramped spaces and weird tile choices - anyone else?
Honestly, I get the appeal of ripping out old tile, but sometimes a full demo just isn’t practical - especially in older homes where you never know what’s lurking underneath. I’ve had clients go for high-quality epoxy co...
RE: Building on a hill vs. flat land: what would you do?
I get the appeal of hillside builds, especially when you see those amazing views and all that natural light. But I’ve worked on a few projects where the slope made interior planning a real headache - think weird ceiling ...
RE: Cramped spaces and weird tile choices - anyone else?
Cramped Spaces And Weird Tile Choices - Anyone Else? White subway tiles are like the jeans of kitchen design - go with almost anything, never really offensive, but maybe a little safe? I get the appeal, especially in ti...
RE: Color combos that oddly please the brain
Color Combos That Oddly Please The Brain Honestly, digital mockups are your friend here. Snap a pic of your room and use a free app (even just PowerPoint or Canva) to overlay color blocks. It’s not perfect, but it giv...
RE: Bank loan vs. investor funding, which makes more sense?
BANK LOAN VS. INVESTOR FUNDING, WHICH MAKES MORE SENSE? That’s the dilemma, isn’t it? I’ve been down both roads, and honestly, neither one is a walk in the park. You nailed it about banks and their obsession with paperw...
RE: Street Murals Are Popping Up Everywhere - Good Idea or Too Much?
STREET MURALS ARE POPPING UP EVERYWHERE - GOOD IDEA OR TOO MUCH? I’m with you on murals needing to work with their surroundings, not against them. I’ve seen some that actually make a street feel more inviting, but I’ve ...
RE: My Adventure With DIY Concrete Foundations
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS Plastic sheeting really does the trick for a neater finish, I’ll give you that. I’ve tried both tarps and plastic, and the difference is pretty obvious - especially if you care...
RE: My Adventure With DIY Concrete Foundations
Yeah, that line hits home. I’ve seen a few “permanent” quirks in my own projects - nothing like realizing your conduit’s off by half an inch after it’s too late. About the greener mixes, I’ve worked with fly ash blends a...
RE: Finally visualized my apartment layout and it changed everything
FINALLY VISUALIZED MY APARTMENT LAYOUT AND IT CHANGED EVERYTHING It’s wild how much people expect storage solutions to do the heavy lifting, right? I’ve seen folks drop thousands on shelving and organizers, but if you’r...
RE: Smart home ecosystems worth checking out
You’re not wrong - most of these hubs and sensors look like they belong in a server room, not a living room. I’ve had clients ask if we could “hide the robot boxes” more times than I can count. If you want something that...
RE: My Adventure With DIY Concrete Foundations
Honestly, I always tell people - don’t get seduced by a flawless finish if what’s underneath is shaky. I once designed a sunroom over a “perfect” slab that started cracking because the owner skipped gravel and drainage. ...
RE: Finally upgraded my living room lights - anyone else tried smart bulbs?
I had a similar experience with smart bulbs at first. Thought they'd be a quick fix, but honestly, they ended up being more hassle than convenience. My partner kept turning off the switches out of habit, and I'd constant...
RE: Hammer vs nail gun - what's your go-to?
Cordless has definitely stepped up its game, but honestly, for intricate trim or crown molding, I still lean pneumatic. Cordless can sometimes lag just enough to leave tiny imperfections - nothing huge, but noticeable if...
RE: MY NEW FIRE PIT SEEMS GREAT, BUT IS IT REALLY SAFE?
Yeah, Rutland's stuff is pretty reliable from what I've seen. But honestly, even with the right sealant, safety comes down to more than just materials. Did you also check your ventilation setup? A lot of people overlook ...
RE: Finally cracked the code on keeping construction costs in check
Haha, totally relate to that sanding burnout. Did plywood floors once - turned out decent, but the endless sanding and sealing... not sure I'd volunteer for round two. Maybe smaller spaces only next time?