Projects/Home Improvement Thread

[GowerND11]

https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information

 

[ulukinatme]

We just sold our Minneapolis home, contingent upon inspection.

1908 home with a crawl space (as if you didn't know), and buyers elected to test for Radon.

Anyone know our chances of having radon? And then if so, any advice for installing radon mitigation system? I've seen cost between $500 and $2,500.

I've heard wooden spoons naturally absorb excess levels of Radon.

 

[Irish#1]

We just sold our Minneapolis home, contingent upon inspection.

1908 home with a crawl space (as if you didn't know), and buyers elected to test for Radon.

Anyone know our chances of having radon? And then if so, any advice for installing radon mitigation system? I've seen cost between $500 and $2,500.

Between 0% - 100%.

 

[BGIF]

I've heard wooden spoons naturally absorb excess levels of Radon.

Only when the bowl is faced downward to facilitate capture.

 

[dshans]

Only when the bowl is faced downward to facilitate capture.

Do bamboo spoons also work as radon deterrents?



[It's a grass, not a wood]



Twisted minds want to know ...

 

[Irish#1]

Koon, Here's the start of my bathroom remodel.

I tore out one of those one piece fiberglass tub/shower units and walls. The first pick is where I started putting up the cement board for tile. You can see the old water lines for the old unit. I'm putting in a shower and a separate free standing tub, so I had to do some plumbing. New drain for tub, move the drain for the shower and reroute water lines. The second pick is with the plumbing done and the closing the holes in the floor. I'm at a little bit of a standstill because the wall tile hasn't come in yet.

 

[Rack Em]

What's the easiest way to find a stud in plaster walls? I'm trying to not destroy the walls in our 117 y/o home tonight.

Also, how in the hell do I hang pictures on our walls which face the exterior? I'm pretty certain the plaster went right over the brick exterior because when I knock on them they sound solid like concrete.

Any help would be great.

 

[Wild Bill]

What's the easiest way to find a stud in plaster walls? I'm trying to not destroy the walls in our 117 y/o home tonight.

Also, how in the hell do I hang pictures on our walls which face the exterior? I'm pretty certain the plaster went right over the brick exterior because when I knock on them they sound solid like concrete.

Any help would be great.

Start from a corner where you know a stud exists. You should find a stud every 16 inches from that point. Run your tape to the general location of where you want to hang a pic, then use a two inch finishing nail to make sure you're on a stud. If it's not precisely on 16 inches, move to the left or the right until you find it. The small holes you make may be concealed with the pic, and if not, it's a quick patch/sand/paint.

You can probably get away with using a drywall screw right into the laths, unless you intend to hang something with considerable weight like your HS g/f.

 

[Rack Em]

Start from a corner where you know a stud exists. You should find a stud every 16 inches from that point. Run your tape to the general location of where you want to hang a pic, then use a two inch finishing nail to make sure you're on a stud. If it's not precisely on 16 inches, move to the left or the right until you find it. The small holes you make may be concealed with the pic, and if not, it's a quick patch/sand/paint.

You can probably get away with using a drywall screw right into the laths, unless you intend to hang something with considerable weight like your HS g/f.

I'm assuming I need to predrill those holes into the laths?

To the bolded, you have me confused with ACamp. Mine was top heavy in the front, if you catch my drift.

 

[Wild Bill]

I'm assuming I need to predrill those holes into the laths?

To the bolded, you have me confused with ACamp. Mine was top heavy in the front, if you catch my drift.

No, just screw right into it with a 1 1/2 inch or so drywall screw and you should be fine.

Pics or gtfo.

 

[ND87]

Respectfully disagree re drywall screws. They can break or chip plaster finishes, even if predrilled.

Suggest Ook Hooks. Very small predrill holes, that even paint can cover.
Come in different strengths, up to 100 lbs each iirc. No stud / lath hit needed.

I'm an art dealer /gallerist and use them for very heavy works and in my own home.

 

[koonja]

In the middle of inspection for the home we're buying, and looking for a reliable estimate to jack up a deck to repair the footing.

One of the deck footing's has shifted significantly, and it's at like a 15 degree angle. Inspector said it should be fine for use, but it looks bad and could create bigger issues down the road. The ideal fix would be to jack up the deck and re-secure the footing. Jeff should have a picture.

Without getting a quote on it, I can't find any sort of estimate to have someone come jack up the deck and repair the deck. We want to ask the sellers to drop the price by the cost it'd be to fix that.

Is this a $1,000 job? $5,000 job? Any one have any idea?

 

[ACamp1900]

Painting the room add on this weekend but still undecided on flooring... we want something that looks nice enough that is as cheap as humanly possible. Carpet is out for a few different reasons. WE were hoping to go SPC but just the materials are more than I would have guessed. thoughts??

 

[Irish#1]

In the middle of inspection for the home we're buying, and looking for a reliable estimate to jack up a deck to repair the footing.

One of the deck footing's has shifted significantly, and it's at like a 15 degree angle. Inspector said it should be fine for use, but it looks bad and could create bigger issues down the road. The ideal fix would be to jack up the deck and re-secure the footing. Jeff should have a picture.

Without getting a quote on it, I can't find any sort of estimate to have someone come jack up the deck and repair the deck. We want to ask the sellers to drop the price by the cost it'd be to fix that.

Is this a $1,000 job? $5,000 job? Any one have any idea?

First question, is the deck free standing or secured to the house? Attached to the house is going to cost more, but I would think a job like that would be $750 - $1,000.

 

[koonja]

First question, is the deck free standing or secured to the house? Attached to the house is going to cost more, but I would think a job like that would be $750 - $1,000.

Great question that I wasn't smart enough to observe/ask. I'll find that out. But either way sounds like it's something I should argue for $1,000 off of sale price, nothing outrageous.

 

[Irish#1]

Great question that I wasn't smart enough to observe/ask. I'll find that out. But either way sounds like it's something I should argue for $1,000 off of sale price, nothing outrageous.

If attached to the house, you better take a closer look at the ledger board (where it's attached to the house). If it's sinking at a corner, there's a good chance it's pulling the ledger board away from the house or it's pulling the joists away from the ledger board. It may not be extreme, but you'll want to correct that when you have it leveled.

 

[koonja]

First question, is the deck free standing or secured to the house? Attached to the house is going to cost more, but I would think a job like that would be $750 - $1,000.

So I actually used your $1,000 estimate, and they took it.

It's a 2002 house, and the Furnace is original, and the AC as installed in 2004. Both units are still in. The house is in excellent shape, other than the deck leg shifting, 5 outlets needing to be grounded (that we estimated at $500), and the furnace and AC being old (while in working in condition).

We asked for $3,500 of closing to be covered after inspection. $1,000 for deck, $1,000 allowance for future AC, $1,000 allowance for future furnace, and $500 for electric. They accepted the $3,500, which we were pumped to see.

To compare, my 1907 home, the buyers asked for $6,800 in repairs, we said we wouldn't go beyond $3,000, and they accepted. So we got rid of a 1907 home, got into a 2002 home, and actually made $500 through inspection.

Feeling really good right now.

 

[Wild Bill]

Respectfully disagree re drywall screws. They can break or chip plaster finishes, even if predrilled.

Suggest Ook Hooks. Very small predrill holes, that even paint can cover.
Come in different strengths, up to 100 lbs each iirc. No stud / lath hit needed.

I'm an art dealer /gallerist and use them for very heavy works and in my own home.

Nice. I'll definitely use these at some point.

Painting the room add on this weekend but still undecided on flooring... we want something that looks nice enough that is as cheap as humanly possible. Carpet is out for a few different reasons. WE were hoping to go SPC but just the materials are more than I would have guessed. thoughts??

What's the subfloor, concrete or wood? Is it perfectly level?

 

[ACamp1900]

Nice. I'll definitely use these at some point.



What's the subfloor, concrete or wood? Is it perfectly level?

Level concrete but has all the left over crap from the previous title... think I decided on cheap laminate... we have title, really nice wood flooring and carpet through the rest of the house but this is gonna be a man cave and sits way off to the side... I found on pe that blends well enough.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

So I actually used your $1,000 estimate, and they took it.

It's a 2002 house, and the Furnace is original, and the AC as installed in 2004. Both units are still in. The house is in excellent shape, other than the deck leg shifting, 5 outlets needing to be grounded (that we estimated at $500), and the furnace and AC being old (while in working in condition).

We asked for $3,500 of closing to be covered after inspection. $1,000 for deck, $1,000 allowance for future AC, $1,000 allowance for future furnace, and $500 for electric. They accepted the $3,500, which we were pumped to see.

To compare, my 1907 home, the buyers asked for $6,800 in repairs, we said we wouldn't go beyond $3,000, and they accepted. So we got rid of a 1907 home, got into a 2002 home, and actually made $500 through inspection.

Feeling really good right now.

Good deal!
$500 for some open grounds was robbery! Lol

 

[Wild Bill]

Level concrete but has all the left over crap from the previous title... think I decided on cheap laminate... we have title, really nice wood flooring and carpet through the rest of the house but this is gonna be a man cave and sits way off to the side... I found on pe that blends well enough.

If it's level and moisture free, laminate is probably your best option. But you get what you pay for with laminate - the more you spend the better it looks. But you can get something that works for a really good price.

 

[Irish YJ]

Level concrete but has all the left over crap from the previous title... think I decided on cheap laminate... we have title, really nice wood flooring and carpet through the rest of the house but this is gonna be a man cave and sits way off to the side... I found on pe that blends well enough.

I'd recommend looking at Bamboo (floating) and tile. Both can be had for a buck fifty per sqft. Do you plan to install yourself? If so, you have almost all options open to you at cheap prices.

Whatever direction you go, pay close attention to hardness rating (AR for lam / Janka for wood). Low AR rating on laminate will scratch easy and within a couple years you'll be kicking yourself. I had several buds with rental property (had some myself), and most make the mistake once.... When you start looking at the higher AR ratings, the laminate is as much as other options. WB said you get what you pay for, and it's spot on when it comes flooring. That's not to say you can't find some steals on clearance.

Prep wise, laminate requires smoothest surface (sounds like you have crap to deal with). Floating floors use a cheap underlayment that is forgiving of some imperfections. Tile is also a bit forgiving.

Strongly recommend a trip to your local Floor and Decor. Already knew how to tile (my grandpa was a tiler), but got a great education at FandD on hardwoods, laminates, and much more. Their website is pretty decent too. I think you're in Cali where they have several stores. In Atlanta, they will recommend installers (good and cheap) if that isn't your gig. IMO a floating bamboo or floating hardwoods is the easiest/quickest install. Great clearance in my experience as well.

https://www.flooranddecor.com/store-results?dwfrm_storelocator_countryCode=US&dwfrm_storelocator_distanceUnit=mi&dwfrm_storelocator_searchTerm=ca

 

[ACamp1900]

Thanks, I'll look at the ratings... we know which floor we'd want but just the supplies are a bit much for our remaining budget... yes, installing it myself.

 

[Irish#1]

New pot lights and fan/light combo installed. also installed the shower pan and made a small indented shelf for shampoo and whatever else. Next step is to close that wall which won't take much time.

 

[Irish#1]

So I actually used your $1,000 estimate, and they took it.

It's a 2002 house, and the Furnace is original, and the AC as installed in 2004. Both units are still in. The house is in excellent shape, other than the deck leg shifting, 5 outlets needing to be grounded (that we estimated at $500), and the furnace and AC being old (while in working in condition).

We asked for $3,500 of closing to be covered after inspection. $1,000 for deck, $1,000 allowance for future AC, $1,000 allowance for future furnace, and $500 for electric. They accepted the $3,500, which we were pumped to see.

To compare, my 1907 home, the buyers asked for $6,800 in repairs, we said we wouldn't go beyond $3,000, and they accepted. So we got rid of a 1907 home, got into a 2002 home, and actually made $500 through inspection.

Feeling really good right now.

Congrats. Your furnace and AC probably have more miles left on them then you think.

 

[koonja]

Any wood workers/kitchen table people on here?

We are looking for a dining room table, and found this guy locally who makes them. We really like the white legged ones he puts together with the dark walnut stain if you flip through the pics. If we go through him, we’ll save ~$1,000 on our dining room table set.

Anyway – I went to visit him yesterday and see the table he has in progress, and it checks out. As beautiful in person as they are in pics. However, he uses pine, which is a soft wood. And I heard this can leave indents, especially if say, you write with a pen on a single sheet of paper on the table. For what it's worth, he puts 5 coats of poly on it, so not sure if that helps prevent the indenting or not.

How big of an issue is this? Any experience with soft wood table? Worth the deal?

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/fuo/d/farmhouse-dining-room-table/6458065317.html

 

[Rack Em]

Any wood workers/kitchen table people on here?

We are looking for a dining room table, and found this guy locally who makes them. We really like the white legged ones he puts together with the dark walnut stain if you flip through the pics. If we go through him, we’ll save ~$1,000 on our dining room table set.

Anyway – I went to visit him yesterday and see the table he has in progress, and it checks out. As beautiful in person as they are in pics. However, he uses pine, which is a soft wood. And I heard this can leave indents, especially if say, you write with a pen on a single sheet of paper on the table. For what it's worth, he puts 5 coats of poly on it, so not sure if that helps prevent the indenting or not.

How big of an issue is this? Any experience with soft wood table? Worth the deal?

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/fuo/d/farmhouse-dining-room-table/6458065317.html

Ask him if he'll use a harder wood like oak or maple and then just pay him the difference in his materials. Pine might be fine for you and your supposed wife. But I would be careful if you somehow impregnate her and have little koons running around la casa de Koon.

 

[koonja]

Ask him if he'll use a harder wood like oak or maple and then just pay him the difference in his materials. Pine might be fine for you and your supposed wife. But I would be careful if you somehow impregnate her and have little koons running around la casa de Koon.

We got one due in July, so that's a factor.

 

[Irish#1]

Any wood workers/kitchen table people on here?

We are looking for a dining room table, and found this guy locally who makes them. We really like the white legged ones he puts together with the dark walnut stain if you flip through the pics. If we go through him, we’ll save ~$1,000 on our dining room table set.

Anyway – I went to visit him yesterday and see the table he has in progress, and it checks out. As beautiful in person as they are in pics. However, he uses pine, which is a soft wood. And I heard this can leave indents, especially if say, you write with a pen on a single sheet of paper on the table. For what it's worth, he puts 5 coats of poly on it, so not sure if that helps prevent the indenting or not.

How big of an issue is this? Any experience with soft wood table? Worth the deal?

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/fuo/d/farmhouse-dining-room-table/6458065317.html

Depends on the type of pine. White pine is soft and is what is used for general construction. Yellow pine is much harder. Ask what type he's using. If he's cheap, it's probably because he's using white pine. Five coats of poly will help but won't totally prevent indentations. Like RackEm said, if you're looking for something to last a long time, have him quote with a harder wood. It will be worth the extra money.

 

[dshans]

Where were you when I was selling my house in MPLS back in 2015?
I had a beautiful, oak dining room table (4' X 8', with all three 1' leaves in and 8 chairs.

I abandoned it since I could find no buyers. I paid $900 for it in 1983 (even then it was considered an "antique" and I would have let you have it for $400.