After nearly 50 years, this foundation just had ‘enough.’ The foundation wall was showing serious signs of stress but the owner didn’t know exactly what the problem was, or how it could be repaired. First thing: assess the damage and get the structural engineer involved. After he looked at it, we talked through the options for repair and came up … Read More
Remodeling Features: Structural – Rotted Floor System – water in the crawl space
Rotted Floor System Found: This particular project arrived through my plumbing contractor, and the situation would have been entirely avoidable. The plumber had been called in to replace a sump pump under the floor of the living room. The subsoil area had standing water and needed to be pumped ‘dry’. Then the pest company was to finish their work of … Read More
Remodeling Features: hot water circulating systems – getting the Hot Water where you want it, when you want it
Hot Water Circulating Systems – hot water when and where you want it: I recently did some research on some different hot water circulating systems (sometimes called ‘on-demand’, ‘recirculating’, etcetera) for a home remodel that I have been working on. Here’s a comparison of what seem to be the most common features, approximate costs for each, as well as some … Read More
Remodeling Features: Cabinets
Cabinets, Storage Spaces, Shelves & Such Here are some photos of a few of the cabinets we’ve built and/or installed. Even most of the factory-built items have needed modifications or repairs before installation could be completed. One time we had a kitchen cabinet unit come from an east coast manufacturer and the largest cabinet (the pantry) that had to be … Read More
Remodel Project Preparation
How we start new remodel projects . . . Remodel Preparation – getting it done right, starting at the very beginning STEP 1 – Discovery Stage: the Most Fun for Now! Determine the real need for your remodel. Then, determine the anticipated scope of work of your remodel: walls to remove; lighting, electrical and plumbing changes; bringing in outside light; … Read More
My Floor Was Soft!!! (a follow up post)
(continued from My Floor Is Soft) What we found . . . Here’s a follow-up on the post I did recently (see link above) showing a floor that was in real need of repair. We found damage within the floor system and in the head wall of the tub/shower, plus in the wall adjacent to the toilet. Now, here’s what … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 6 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 5) Which contractor am I most comfortable with . . . If a new potential bidder shows up later to ask if they can bid on the project, remember all of the research and other homework you did to get this far, and tell them graciously, “Not on this project. Maybe next time.” You … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 5 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 4) Does something ‘lurk’ behind the shininess? 24. Does the contractor have a safety program in place? Again, a safety question here. It’s also a regulatory requirement. I have had a safety program in place since 25. Does the contractor have a couple of good ideas when you first meet? The first meeting is … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 4 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 3) It also tells a bit about how they run the business. 15. Is the person you first meet with the one who will be on the job everyday, or running the project for you? This is important because there will be more continuity throughout the project. It also gives you a sense of … Read More
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