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Home-owners...What are your current projects? (4 Viewers)

Lehigh98 said:
I did a rough set up on Friday night and was happy with how it worked out... really happy for $100.  But the supplied AV cable I plugged into my SONOS Connect Amp got really hot and started to melt.  The red and white audio were ok but the unused yellow video was so hot it was melting the cable.  I ordered new cables but didn't get a chance to try again since the mailbox took alot longer than I thought on Saturday.
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That's actually pretty scary as those cables shouldn't even get warm.  I can't really think of a cable failure that would still work but cause the cable to heat up.  You shouldn't be burning power in an AV cable like that.

 
Lehigh98 said:
Looking for a good pair of work gloves that will prevent blisters better than the ones I've tried, any suggestions?
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THESE Mechanix 4X Material ones are my go-to's.On Black Friday, and a few other intervals, they'll go on massive sale.  Last year they were $9.95/pair with free shipping.  I got 5 pair.  I'll usually go through 1-2 pair per season doing yard work in them.  Never had a blister on my hands with them.  Ever.

The key to a good work glove for out-doors, IMO, is to have limited (none ideally) seams on the palm.  That'll be where you get blisters, and that'll be what wears out and gets a hole.  I've never been able to wear a hole in these.  I BURNED a hole in them from grinder sparks one time, but I usually retire a pair when either they get so much dirt in them that the insides start getting my hands dirty, or in limited cases, I bust up the back side.

 
The Tick said:
That's actually pretty scary as those cables shouldn't even get warm.  I can't really think of a cable failure that would still work but cause the cable to heat up.  You shouldn't be burning power in an AV cable like that.
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Yeah.  This.  Got a multi-meter?  Put it on the yellow cable jack and see what the voltage is.  It should be really low.  Those RCA's are low power output.  The only thing I could think of is that either something shorted out and is sending higher voltage through that jack, or somehow you've got line-level sound outputs running through there (meaning you messed something up).  I'd bet the 1st one...

 
having 2 new AC units installed, but the side of the house has lots of run off/drainage issues. So I'm building an elevated platform/deck to place them on. This way water and other stuff can pass underhand around them without causing any erosion under the units. 

 
Anyone have any recommendations for blinds? We had someone come out to the house and they gave us an astronomical quote. Can’t really get the blinds from Home Depot or Lowe’s because of the sizes. Looking to spend no more than about 300 per window. 

 
I'd like to get some ambient lighting for my office.  Which is really just a euphemism for my videogame/computerlord chamber.  I'm not above blue lights.  Any one with some protips/experience on that?  

 
This is the state of my garage

Garage

3 weeks today since move in. The rest of the house looks pretty good, but this is a disaster. You can see my new workbench still in pile of wood form.

 
Otis said:
Just had plans drawn up, and variance approval from the zoning board, to put a covered porch on the back of the house in place of a slate patio.  Was surprised to price it out and learn it’ll cost me 70 grand—was thinking more like 40 — but that’s the price of poker on Long Island.  Also requires pouring foundation, and we are knocking out a back wall of our den/my office and replacing it with a wall of sliding doors.  I’m sure it would cost 30k in another part of the country. Oh well.  

also we’ll add on a paver patio at the foot of the covered porch at the step down (not priced in, but I figure another 7-8k for that)  

It’ll be nice and will add to our enjoyment of the house and the value of the house.  So we’ve decided to go for it.
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Finally breaking ground on this this week.  A lot of money, but I think will be worth it — will be a “new room” in the house and where we spend tons of time, with company and without.  In addition to a big ceiling fan to make it more comfortable in summer, Architect buddy had the good idea of putting these electric heaters in the ceiling (like they have in front of the fancy hotel entrances).  Going to look for a large/powerful/good quality fan, and between that and the heaters, we’ll be able to use this space nearly the entire year.  Also going to get some nice and good quality outdoor furniture that feels more like indoor furniture (a sectional, some comfortable chairs, coffee table, an outdoor rug).  Trying to figure out what else I should be planning for.  Going to have plenty of nice lighting all on dimmers, so we can adjust the mood; outlets in each corner for laptops, phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers etc.  In terms of drinks, I’m thinking we’ll just put small high top outdoor bar in there with a few stools, and a mini fridge.  Had contemplated something built in, but then you’re stuck with it forever—would rather have something cheaper and easier to reconfigure should we decide to.

Any thoughts on anything I could be missing/something you all would have done differently in such a project?

Anyway, very stoked for this to finally be underway.  Was hoping it would have been finished by now to enjoy all summer, but the trades in our area are all impossible to get ahold of—they’re so busy, so much construction, just hard to get their attention.  But hoping this will be done in a month or so, at least before the end of summer, so when the weather starts to cool heading into the fall we can really enjoy it.

 
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Otis said:
Finally breaking ground on this this week.  A lot of money, but I think will be worth it — will be a “new room” in the house and where we spend tons of time, with company and without.  In addition to a big ceiling fan to make it more comfortable in summer, Architect buddy had the good idea of putting these electric heaters in the ceiling (like they have in front of the fancy hotel entrances).  Going to look for a large/powerful/good quality fan, and between that and the heaters, we’ll be able to use this space nearly the entire year.  Also going to get some nice and good quality outdoor furniture that feels more like indoor furniture (a sectional, some comfortable chairs, coffee table, an outdoor rug).  Trying to figure out what else I should be planning for.  Going to have plenty of nice lighting all on dimmers, so we can adjust the mood; outlets in each corner for laptops, phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers etc.  In terms of drinks, I’m thinking we’ll just put small high top outdoor bar in there with a few stools, and a mini fridge.  Had contemplated something built in, but then you’re stuck with it forever—would rather have something cheaper and easier to reconfigure should we decide to.

Any thoughts on anything I could be missing/something you all would have done differently in such a project?

Anyway, very stoked for this to finally be underway.  Was hoping it would have been finished by now to enjoy all summer, but the trades in our area are all impossible to get ahold of—they’re so busy, so much construction, just hard to get their attention.  But hoping this will be done in a month or so, at least before the end of summer, so when the weather starts to cool heading into the fall we can really enjoy it.
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I don't see "TV" anywhere in your post. 

 
jwb said:
I don't see "TV" anywhere in your post. 
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Good posting.  I’ve been thinking about this.  initially the thinking was that we have plenty of TVs in the house, why put one out there where we’re supposed to be spending time together and talking (ok playing on our phones) etc.  But then it dawned on me it could be totally awesome to put a TV out there, watching games outside on the weekend, etc.  Need to map out where to fit one, but definitely going to figure out a way to put a Roku TV up in the rafters.  The beauty of TVs these days is you don’t need to do anything to plan for it like running cable.  Just need a power outlet.

 
Otis said:
Good posting.  I’ve been thinking about this.  initially the thinking was that we have plenty of TVs in the house, why put one out there where we’re supposed to be spending time together and talking (ok playing on our phones) etc.  But then it dawned on me it could be totally awesome to put a TV out there, watching games outside on the weekend, etc.  Need to map out where to fit one, but definitely going to figure out a way to put a Roku TV up in the rafters.  The beauty of TVs these days is you don’t need to do anything to plan for it like running cable.  Just need a power outlet.
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Yeah for sure. TV can be a time sink/antisocial thing or it can be something that enhances social interaction. Football while you play poker outside? The Kentucky Derby while you hang out in your awesome outdoor space? Etc.

We are looking at an extended patio in the back of our new house and I want to build a covered pergola sort of thing to be able to have 1) a ceiling fan, and 2) a TV.

 
Otis said:
Good posting.  I’ve been thinking about this.  initially the thinking was that we have plenty of TVs in the house, why put one out there where we’re supposed to be spending time together and talking (ok playing on our phones) etc.  But then it dawned on me it could be totally awesome to put a TV out there, watching games outside on the weekend, etc.  Need to map out where to fit one, but definitely going to figure out a way to put a Roku TV up in the rafters.  The beauty of TVs these days is you don’t need to do anything to plan for it like running cable.  Just need a power outlet.
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My brother in law built an outdoor area like you are talking about, and it's a really nice space that gets a lot of use 10 months out of the year (Jan/Feb are a bit cold for it.) He has a TV mounted, and indeed, watching a game out there is fantastic. 

 
glvsav37 said:
having 2 new AC units installed, but the side of the house has lots of run off/drainage issues. So I'm building an elevated platform/deck to place them on. This way water and other stuff can pass underhand around them without causing any erosion under the units. 
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Our current AC units are off the ground on a platform attached to the side of the house.  When they kick on, there is alot of vibration through where they are connected to the wall though.  First thing is I'm getting them serviced next week to see if there's an issue... they are about 12 years old.  Second I was considering pouring a small concrete pad out there to set them down on.  (Now that I'm more comfortable with concrete after the basketball hoop and mailbox install)

 
Lehigh98 said:
Our current AC units are off the ground on a platform attached to the side of the house.  When they kick on, there is alot of vibration through where they are connected to the wall though.  First thing is I'm getting them serviced next week to see if there's an issue... they are about 12 years old.  Second I was considering pouring a small concrete pad out there to set them down on.  (Now that I'm more comfortable with concrete after the basketball hoop and mailbox install)
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interesting....Here is the platform just finished. I had a small concern about vibration, but my AC guy said it was cool to make this and the units will be on rubber pads (similar to the one on there now). The platform is not attached to my house though, so if it does vibrate a little, it may not be an issue. I needed 18 inches off the house for air flow, which seamed like a lot, but thats the code according to him. 

this will hold 2 36x36 central AC units and the smaller mini-split unit on it ready. Each unit needed 18 inches clearance around them. 

 
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No one in this thread has done an invisible dog fence yet?  

We just moved and have a house with a tiny yard.  Neighborhood requires a short iron fence (knew it going in).   What I didn't know was how damn much those things cost.  88ft and a gate was nearly $3500.  Plus it can only be 3ft high and I'm sure my dogs could jump it if they wanted.  

Watched a bunch of videos this weekend and they look pretty simple to install.  $350 and a few hours of plotting should save me a lot.  

Here's hoping.  

 
Otis said:
Good posting.  I’ve been thinking about this.  initially the thinking was that we have plenty of TVs in the house, why put one out there where we’re supposed to be spending time together and talking (ok playing on our phones) etc.  But then it dawned on me it could be totally awesome to put a TV out there, watching games outside on the weekend, etc.  Need to map out where to fit one, but definitely going to figure out a way to put a Roku TV up in the rafters.  The beauty of TVs these days is you don’t need to do anything to plan for it like running cable.  Just need a power outlet.
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and they make tvs that are basically waterproof now to i know yours will be covered from the sounds of things but even if it wasnt there are possibilities take that to the bank brohans 

 
jb1020 said:
No one in this thread has done an invisible dog fence yet?  

We just moved and have a house with a tiny yard.  Neighborhood requires a short iron fence (knew it going in).   What I didn't know was how damn much those things cost.  88ft and a gate was nearly $3500.  Plus it can only be 3ft high and I'm sure my dogs could jump it if they wanted.  

Watched a bunch of videos this weekend and they look pretty simple to install.  $350 and a few hours of plotting should save me a lot.  

Here's hoping.  
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Just did this a couple months ago, almost an acre of land, was $900. My 2 Shiba Inu caught on quickly...one doesn’t even need one of the collars anymore. 

Well worth it, I’ve got a pretty secluded lot in my neighborhood and didn’t really want to block it up with a real fence. 

 
jerry jones said:
Just did this a couple months ago, almost an acre of land, was $900. My 2 Shiba Inu caught on quickly...one doesn’t even need one of the collars anymore. 

Well worth it, I’ve got a pretty secluded lot in my neighborhood and didn’t really want to block it up with a real fence. 
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I got mine laid out yesterday.  Seems to work just by walking the collar near the fence.  I'll get my dogs back today and give it a go.  

We have a postage stamp of a lot and the houses are really close together.  The only tricky part now is if i want to walk the dogs they'll have to exit thru the garage.  

Its a no brainer on an acre....around here thats a $10-$12k for a wooden fence. Only to replace it every 10 years.  

 
We have the standard builder grade 80's wood oak railings on our steps....we loathe them.  

Image below on the left of basically what we have now, and know many would suggest to do what the right side of the picture shows to paint them out.  But, we just simply don't like all the curves, vertical lines, etc.

https://goo.gl/images/nLVKzS

Anybody upgrade their stair railings to something entirely more modern at a somewhat reasonable price?   I realize no matter how you slice this project, it's an expensive one, but looking for ideas and best source to start talking to for estimates (or do it myself ??)

Something more in this realm....

https://goo.gl/images/KiBdzP

https://goo.gl/images/444ZL5

https://goo.gl/images/vz9ZsT

 
jb1020 said:
I got mine laid out yesterday.  Seems to work just by walking the collar near the fence.  I'll get my dogs back today and give it a go.  

We have a postage stamp of a lot and the houses are really close together.  The only tricky part now is if i want to walk the dogs they'll have to exit thru the garage.  

Its a no brainer on an acre....around here thats a $10-$12k for a wooden fence. Only to replace it every 10 years.  
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Seems to work.  Followed the directs and kept the dogs on a leash and showed them the boundary.  Both ended up being zapped.  Now either will get off the porch.  

I hope they warm back up to getting in the yard cause both have started ####ting in the house.   :rant:

 
The other night Im laying in bed and hear water. I look up to the right and water is coming out the ceiling, straight line about 3 feet and the drywall tape falls down. One other spot about the size of a baseball 2 ft away.. No pipes above, just the wood ceiling, drywall and roof basically. Old house built in 1880(grandparents house) that I bought a little over a year ago. 

They had a old stove heater in the room at one point so there is a chimney stack on the roof, but I have that covered. Its poured down for 2 days since and no water has dripped. I checked the roof and didnt see any bad spots but I guessing it wouldnt be easy to see anything. The roof was redone in 2004. Any ideas? Im pretty useless in this area.

 
jb1020 said:
Seems to work.  Followed the directs and kept the dogs on a leash and showed them the boundary.  Both ended up being zapped.  Now either will get off the porch.  

I hope they warm back up to getting in the yard cause both have started ####ting in the house.   :rant:
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This happened to my female dog, I had to carry her around the yard so she could see how far she could actually go. It worked after a day or two. She’s the one now that doesn’t even wear one of the shock collars, if she gets close or on the fence we say “watch out Kira” and she quickly scoots back. Had the fence for 6 months and very happy with it. 

 
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jerry jones said:
This happened to my female dog, I had to carry her around the yard so she could see how far she could actually go. It worked after a day or two. She’s the one now that doesn’t even wear one of the shock collars, if she gets close or on the fence we say “watch out Kira” and she quickly scoots back. Had the fence for 6 months and very happy with it. 
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I'm mostly satisfied with ours.  We had one breach the other morning.  I had both my dogs out and someone was walking their dog down the sidewalk.   The lady didn't see us and her dog ended up 3-4 feet into our yard (basically on top of my fence) and my dogs both bolted.  They got buzzed, but then ended up on the other side of the fence.  

I'm sure its a liability, but I wish the fence would keep buzzing them until they got back inside the fence. I get the feeling my dogs know what the shock feels like now and they're probably fine with getting shocked if its worth it.  

We have a ton of foot traffic and dog walkers that it could pose an issue.  Its only been active for about 10 days so I'm going to remain optimistic.  

 
Otis said:
Finally breaking ground on this this week.  A lot of money, but I think will be worth it — will be a “new room” in the house and where we spend tons of time, with company and without.  In addition to a big ceiling fan to make it more comfortable in summer, Architect buddy had the good idea of putting these electric heaters in the ceiling (like they have in front of the fancy hotel entrances).  Going to look for a large/powerful/good quality fan, and between that and the heaters, we’ll be able to use this space nearly the entire year.  Also going to get some nice and good quality outdoor furniture that feels more like indoor furniture (a sectional, some comfortable chairs, coffee table, an outdoor rug).  Trying to figure out what else I should be planning for.  Going to have plenty of nice lighting all on dimmers, so we can adjust the mood; outlets in each corner for laptops, phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers etc.  In terms of drinks, I’m thinking we’ll just put small high top outdoor bar in there with a few stools, and a mini fridge.  Had contemplated something built in, but then you’re stuck with it forever—would rather have something cheaper and easier to reconfigure should we decide to.

Any thoughts on anything I could be missing/something you all would have done differently in such a project?

Anyway, very stoked for this to finally be underway.  Was hoping it would have been finished by now to enjoy all summer, but the trades in our area are all impossible to get ahold of—they’re so busy, so much construction, just hard to get their attention.  But hoping this will be done in a month or so, at least before the end of summer, so when the weather starts to cool heading into the fall we can really enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Project in full swing.  They hammered through a lot of the masonry, did demo, poured foundation, and built the upper patio (will be the covered one) and then a lower patio, and some walkways.  Looking awesome.  Better yet, after a convo with the contractor and masonry guy, they convinced me to put in a built-in outdoor kitchen.  Won’t be huge, but a nice 8 foot long countertop with a sink and a fridge, and then branches into an L shape with a 36” grill.  Built into the lower patio.  Gonna be totally awesome.

Framing starts next week.  Purchased the Marvin doors and windows, ceiling fan, and heaters for the covered porch.  So so stoked for this.  

 
This doesn't really fit here, but the motor on my ice maker has been going.  I have been manually helping it for a couple of months, but finally broke the plastic, hacking away at the device.  I plan on selling this house in the near future, so I figured repairing this thing would be around 500-.  I started looking at a new fridge, in the 2400- range since I need a GE to match appliances.  wife said to me just fix it.  I googled the replacement ice maker and found it for 55-.  now as a jew, even basic home repair eludes me sometimes, but I am better than the average jew.  video says it's only 2 screws and  unplugging the device.  got it and it took 5 minutes to replace.  been making ice like a fiend.

 
Does anyone have any ideas on the best product/method to clean vinyl siding?

I have been using 409, but I bet there is something better. 

 
I have a bee hive hanging from the eaves by my chimney. Bees are coming in through somewhere I have yet to find. I've called everyone I thought would help. Exterminators are two days out and bee keepers aren't interested. I'm about to go spray it. Pray for me.

 
Chaos Commish said:
I have a bee hive hanging from the eaves by my chimney. Bees are coming in through somewhere I have yet to find. I've called everyone I thought would help. Exterminators are two days out and bee keepers aren't interested. I'm about to go spray it. Pray for me.
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So a youtube vid showed the cheap Exterminator brand at walmart did better than more expensive brand names. I bought two cans. Left them in the sun for a few minutes to make sure they had lots of pressure and soaked the hive with both cans at the same time. My neighbor, whose carport was buzzing with these bees, said it was a bad### move. Haha

Completely soaked the hive in a thick white foam the bees couldn't excape to attack. We ran inside anyway. 20 minutes later there's a few scouts looking around but the hive fell to the ground and there's hundreds of dead bees around it. I feel bad considering the bee population stuff but man they were coming indoors and I have people coming this weekend. 

 
leftcoastguy7 said:
Does anyone have any ideas on the best product/method to clean vinyl siding?

I have been using 409, but I bet there is something better. 
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Clean it or remove mold/mildew?

 
Hoos First said:
The other night Im laying in bed and hear water. I look up to the right and water is coming out the ceiling, straight line about 3 feet and the drywall tape falls down. One other spot about the size of a baseball 2 ft away.. No pipes above, just the wood ceiling, drywall and roof basically. Old house built in 1880(grandparents house) that I bought a little over a year ago. 

They had a old stove heater in the room at one point so there is a chimney stack on the roof, but I have that covered. Its poured down for 2 days since and no water has dripped. I checked the roof and didnt see any bad spots but I guessing it wouldnt be easy to see anything. The roof was redone in 2004. Any ideas? Im pretty useless in this area.
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Is there an attic, or just drywall on the roof rafters?  The leak thru the ceiling is not always directly below where it is getting thru the roof.    Leak could be at the peak of the roof, once it gets through the roof it can run down the plywood until it hits a seam, or something else that causes it to drip onto the drywall ceiling.   Those drips can take a while to develop a puddle that is big enough to soak through the drywall and show up as a wet spot.

Quick answer is to get visual access to the underside of the roof above that area, and then pressure test from the roof.  You watching from inside, someone on the roof with a hose spraying it, not just letting the water run.  Start at the peak and soak the area for a while.  Wait a day and then try another area.  Hopefully at some point you will hit the spot and see water inside. 

 
Chaos Commish said:
So a youtube vid showed the cheap Exterminator brand at walmart did better than more expensive brand names. I bought two cans. Left them in the sun for a few minutes to make sure they had lots of pressure and soaked the hive with both cans at the same time. My neighbor, whose carport was buzzing with these bees, said it was a bad### move. Haha

Completely soaked the hive in a thick white foam the bees couldn't excape to attack. We ran inside anyway. 20 minutes later there's a few scouts looking around but the hive fell to the ground and there's hundreds of dead bees around it. I feel bad considering the bee population stuff but man they were coming indoors and I have people coming this weekend. 
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You probably could have found a local beekeeper to get them

 
Redwes25 said:
Ok we are in the planning stages of a fairly large renovation of our 1902 brownstone in Brooklyn.  The house consists of three floors (garden floor, 1st floor and 2nd floor) and a true basement that is only usable for storage as it is entirely below ground.  1st floor has large stoop entryway and garden floor has entryway under the stoop.  

The prior owners had used it as a two family with top two floors as owners duplex and a garden floor rental but we plan to convert back into its original form as a single family house.  Total house size is about 3,000 square feet (excluding the true basement).  The prior owner had taken excellent care of the top two floors and includes many original details (stain glass windows, original modelings, original parquet flooring, original pocket doors, hand carved original woodwork, etc.) though kitchen needs updating and is small. Both bathrooms on upper floors were done in last 5 years so they are fine.  On the other hand the garden floor he didn't spend his money on so is in a bit of disrepair and doesn't fit our needs. Luckily the prior owner in creating the rental had just closed off an internal stairwell with a wall where the banister would be and a door at the top of the stairwell on the 1st floor so we are already using it as a single family by just keeping that door open.  Our plans are in two phases with first phase starting in early summer and second phase maybe a year later.  I have lined up the two phases below.   

Phase 1 (gut renovation of existing garden floor)

- Remove an existing kitchen and replacing it with a wet bar (sink, small dishwasher and a second fridge)

- Creating a large family room (about 24 by about 18) by removing wall between kitchen and existing living room (wet bar will be in this room).

- Remodeling bathroom that was put in place in mid-sixties (bathroom will be moved slightly as well to push it into the existing bedroom on garden floor to make family room larger)

- Expanding and remodeling front entryway to create a family mudroom.  We already use this entry for kids as 1st floor entry is formal and old fashioned (not really good hanger/coat/shoe space)

- shrinking size of bedroom on garden floor which is currently very large and not necessary for our needs to make family room larger and create mudroom .  A bed for guests will remain in the room but it will be primarily be my home office.  

- Replacing back wall with single door with two sets of french doors to expand light into garden floor.  There is a chimney from basement on back wall so can't make it full glass back wall without extensive changes elsewhere.    

- Replacing old worn out cement back patio with new bluestone patio

- Add central air throughout the entire house

- Adding fireplace on parlor floor in the front parlor.  Note all 5 original fireplaces had been removed and sealed up.  We are opening 1 back up and making it a gas fireplace

Phase 2 (expand and update kitchen)

- Remodel entire kitchen including by removing the existing wall between kitchen and dinning room to create large eat-in kitchen with island and dinning room table.

- Remove wall and door used to separate 1st floor from garden floor and install original banisters from 1902 that the prior owner saved when creating the wall and dividing the house.

Idea behind phasing is that garden floor needs much more work and since it is brownstone the only access to backyard is through the house so materials for backyard need to be brought in and carried through the house so backyard and garden floor should be done at the same time.  Also, we can close off the entire floor while it is in construction so hopefully it doesn't impact our lives too much as there is enough room on top two floors for us to live on.  My wife and kids plan to move to the beach house for the summer for phase 1.  Phase 2 will probably be year later with goal to try and complete as much as possible over a summer as wife and kids can move to beach but could be delayed another year.  I of course need to stay in NYC to work and pay for all of this. 
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Ok, phase 1 of this project is in full swing.  I have updated the above description a bit as plans have settled/changed a bit.  Hope to be done by early December but prepared that it will probably take a bit more time.  Demo is basically done, fireplace addition and central air work is in process.  Currently we aren't living in the house but plan to move back in at the end of August as fireplace and AC addition are only work being done upstairs and they will be done the week of August 20th.   

Big development is next week two condensers will be placed on my roof (including steel to properly support it, etc.) by crane.  Hope to be able to post pictures of the crane in action for your viewing enjoyment.  

 
Just finished a day of laying sod.    We had a big rock circle under 2 front trees that was obnoxious so we relaid the rock so was a smaller circle and looked better....but it left a big dirt ring around it.   Instant grass now!  Finished up about an hour ago and now it's a nice downpour of rain...perfect timing.

 
offdee said:
We have the standard builder grade 80's wood oak railings on our steps....we loathe them.  

Image below on the left of basically what we have now, and know many would suggest to do what the right side of the picture shows to paint them out.  But, we just simply don't like all the curves, vertical lines, etc.

https://goo.gl/images/nLVKzS

Anybody upgrade their stair railings to something entirely more modern at a somewhat reasonable price?   I realize no matter how you slice this project, it's an expensive one, but looking for ideas and best source to start talking to for estimates (or do it myself ??)

Something more in this realm....

https://goo.gl/images/KiBdzP

https://goo.gl/images/444ZL5

https://goo.gl/images/vz9ZsT
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I redid my deck and used stainless steel 1/8” wire, turnbuckles, carriage bolts, eyelets and whatever the things are that allow you to loop the steel around. 

I’ll post some pics in the next day or so

 
So, not really related to home improvement but I figured I'd just post in here instead of creating a new thread...Anyway, I just received an email for renewal on my home insurance policy in a little less than 2 months. My premium went up almost 35%!!! What in the!?! I did have a claim in November when we had a blockage in a drainage pipe and it overwhelmed the sump pump, causing our basement carpet to get completely drenched. I was planning on replacing it anyway since it was cheap and crappy while also having no padding underneath it. The damages were NOT covered in the policy as I had to then add sump pump/drainage damage as a separate coverage, which I highly recommend everyone review their policies and add if not included. It's inexpensive and can be well worth it, although the deductible is usually still pretty high. Regardless, I cannot for the life of me figure out why the rate jumped up so much. My only thought is that perhaps I didn't include our basement when we originally purchased the policy in October...? That combined with the fact we had a claim would justify an increase I guess, but 35%? Hoping I can find something much cheaper with around the same coverage.

 
Also planning on putting in a garbage disposal at some point in the near future. Are they easy to install? I recently completely re-did the piping/tubing to our freezer ice-maker and dishwasher as the idiots who flipped the house had cold water going to the dishwasher. The way they decided to install the piping/tubing was so bizarre as the seals weren't great and it was way more complicated than it needed to be. Thankfully they did a pretty good job with the rest of the house...

 
BlueDredSo said:
 That combined with the fact we had a claim would justify an increase I guess, but 35%? Hoping I can find something much cheaper with around the same coverage.
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My homeowners jumped by ~20% without any claims.  I'm guessing with all the flooding and storms in 2017 they are raising rates to recoup some losses and try to cover for crazy weather patterns that are becoming the norm.

On the plus side I shopped around and found a policy with Erie that maintains the same coverage and is cheaper than what I was paying in 2017. 

 
Chaos Commish said:
I have a bee hive hanging from the eaves by my chimney. Bees are coming in through somewhere I have yet to find. I've called everyone I thought would help. Exterminators are two days out and bee keepers aren't interested. I'm about to go spray it. Pray for me.
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We had a major issue with ground hornets a few years ago.  One of them was under a dead juniper right against the house.  Since I couldn't use my normal method of pouring gas onto it and then lighting it, I actually bought a bee suit so I could cut the juniper out to get to the entrance hole.  

My wife has a video of me somewhere on her phone.  It's the middle of the night, and I'm in the landscaping in a bee suit, with my chainsaw and a hatchet, hacking at this juniper bush with a swarm of hornets all around me and I'm yelling, "You got nothing! DIE DIE DIE!"  I did end up getting stung once after I was done.  One of the little ######## had tunneled into the sleeve cuff, and when I pulled my gloves off, he got me on the wrist.  

 
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