Reliable Remodeler - Latest Comments

Re: Are there any inexpensive granite look-alike counters on the market?

Max — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:28:42 -0000

Stay away from concrete counter tops, unless you hire a contractor that really knows what they are doing. My concrete countertops are cracked and looked like heck, and they are only 1 year old.

Re: Battling Black Mold and Renovations

Jacks — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:25:05 -0000

Mold is serious. I have seen many real estate sales collapse, because the mold is discovered in the buyer's due diligence process. The best thing to do is discover(and deal with) the mold before you put your house on the market.

Re: Finding the Sink for Your Kitchen Remodel

Online Outreach James Hardie — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:14:24 -0000

It’s true! Some of the best memories are made in the kitchen so it’s important you have appliances that are right for your cooking needs. Make sure to use a moisture protection product, like HardieBacker, to help prevent mold and other moisture damage in your kitchen! Then, get to the fun part… decorating!

Re: What is an easy patio brick pattern?

Jimmy — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:09:08 -0000

A running bond pattern is easy to install and requires not much brick cutting. I agree, the prep work is the hardest part...also make sure that you have a strong border for the brick patio as this holds the whole thing together. A herring bone pattern is another option which requires a little more skill but is doable for a beginner.

Re: Should kitchens be painted in flat or high gloss paint?

Gert — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:01:08 -0000

Go with glossy paint and save yourself time when cleaning!

Re: Installing a Bathroom Fan

austin remodeling — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:19:26 -0000

Fart fans are a necessity. Plus good for pulling moisture after showers

Re: Installing a Bathroom Fan

Marie — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:35:08 -0000

We definitely need a quieter fan. I actually have an "airbomber fan" -- I didn't know about the "sones" thing -- now it'll be much easier to look for a better (quieter) fan!

Re: Can White Euro-style Kitchen Cabinets be Refinished?

Rob — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:40:43 -0000

You can do two things. You can order new doors from a web site like cabinetdoors.com or a local modular cabinet shop. You can paint them but it is hard to get the paint to stick. You will need to sand them some and use a primer like BIN or Gripper prior to painting. A guy at a paint store that knows his paint would be able to give you some good tips.

Re: Setting Priorities When Replacing Windows

Eddie — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:23:34 -0000

Before you go with replacement windows check out your local area for a weatherization contractor. You may be able to get an energy audit to see if new windows will make enough difference to invest in them. window replacement can take over 15 years to pay you back in energy cost. Weatherization pays back usually within 18 months. If you want to change the look of the house then by all means go with windows, but if your after energy savings then look into weatherization.

Re: When to Replace Old Windows

Eddie — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:08:27 -0000

replacement windows are just the start. Weatherization is a better bet as far as return on investment through cooling cost. Our company does both here in alabama where cooling cost are our main focus. Your house can be tightened to help keep warm air out and hold the cool air in to lessen your cooling cost. Weatherization is a fraction of the cost of new windows, but it too is not a cure all. If you invest in new windows and do the weatherization you can optimize your energy cost returns. Also look up what the DOE has to say about replacement windows too.

Re: How big should a storage shed be to store garden tools?

Jeffrey — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:31:51 -0000

That's a good point Douglas, that would allow room for any other tools or toys that happen along over time. Thanks for the input!

Re: How big should a storage shed be to store garden tools?

Douglas McClurg — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:37:41 -0000

Hey guys..I think another garage Is In order here...If there's no room for that out back,build that shed as big as they'll allow you to.I'd recommend At least a 16x24 two story barn with all that stuff.

Re: New Lead Paint Laws for 2010

SWM — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:17:33 -0000

This law is detrimental and intrusive, towards contracters, under-the-table labor, and homeowners. I hope more then a few write their Reps..

Re: What is the different between double and triple pane windows?

Harry — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:39:48 -0000

Regardless of double or triple panes, make sure that you purchase a brand that is known for quality seals. Many cheaper models of windows leak at the sills, which means you lose the insulating gas, and eventually get moisture between the panes.

Re: Smart, Custom Kitchen Remodeling

Douglas A. Talley — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:11:19 -0000

Contractor Support First off, the good: Probably the best thing about Contractor Support is their estimation process implimented by there nationwide contractors and handymen. contractorsupportonline

Re: Removing Mold Safely

Bart — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:29:03 -0000

Most houses have some mold, some where. I don't think it is possible to clean your house of all mold, but I would certainly get rid of it if it was in living spaces.

Re: Installing a Bathroom Fan

Jobe — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:21:53 -0000

The toughest part of this job is installing the vent to the outside. When I did this in my own bathroom, I hit a wire when I put the hole in the wall. Do yourself a favor and hire a pro.

Re: Installing a Bathroom Fan

Boston roofing — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:32:05 -0000

Great info on installing a bathroom fan. It's a border line do it yourself type project. I'm thinking about installing a down draft fan in our new bathroom, do you have any insights?

Thanks

Re: New Lead Paint Laws for 2010

Painting Contractors in CT — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:28:16 -0000

However all contractors working on houses built prior 1978 must be Lead Certified. They must have taken the lead paint class and also trained or certified the workers.

Re: Hiring a Contractor: A Homeowner’s Checklist

Painting Contractors — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:18:59 -0000

Good advice!!

Re: Why does my composite deck make loud 'cracking' sounds in the winter?

Pat — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:52:57 -0000

It sounds like the decking was installed to close together which would cause some screw popping.

Re: Why does my composite deck make loud 'cracking' sounds in the winter?

Jason — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:08:44 -0000

I would say the same. If it sounds like a gun shot, it is probably the screw heads popping.

Re: How can I remodel a small bathroom on a $2,000 budget?

Anthony Crecco — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:43:06 -0000

well, thats very tight. this may limit you to repaint, maybe new toilet and sink. i suggest increase the budget if you can, or wait untill you get more funds. thank you

Re: Can we build over a front porch?

matthew — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:56:41 -0000

thats a good idea for extra space, the porch roof will have to be changed to flooring standards and the roof supports will also have to be changed to accommodate the new load

Re: What are some options for wood floor protection?

Floorsbybetton@aol.com — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:40:31 -0000

THERE ARE SOME SIMPLE SOLUTION YOU CAN DO. (A) YOU CAN PUT A 3*3 IN LAY OF TILE IN THE WOOD, (B) USE A EPOXY FINISH (C) TILE AREA WITH A WOOD LOOKING TILE (D) REMOVE SHOES BEFROE ENTERING THE HOUSE (E) USE MATS INSIDE AND OUT SIDE