Gotchya. BTW, this was a great idea for a thread.
Ask Home Repair and Improvement Questions.
- Thread starter Cutlass
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Gotchya. BTW, this was a great idea for a thread.
Depending on what you have existing there, many pvc parts will screw together with the old metal ones. But I've had a few times when a pipe was rusted or damaged or had to be cut back. I've never had a problem with the coupling in those cases.
Fifty
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The insulation in my window is terrible in the area around my in-window AC unit. Its because its basically just this thin plasticy material between me and the elements. Here is a pic:
What can I put over the blue area that will give it better insulation, preferably cheaply and without being horribly ugly.
What can I put over the blue area that will give it better insulation, preferably cheaply and without being horribly ugly.
The insulation in my window is terrible in the area around my in-window AC unit. Its because its basically just this thin plasticy material between me and the elements. Here is a pic:
What can I put over the blue area that will give it better insulation, preferably cheaply and without being horribly ugly.
I'm in literally the same exact situation and would also be interested in an answer.
You can get stiff pieces of styrofoam type insulation at Home Depot or Lowes. With a knife you can trim it out to a pretty tight fit around your AC. And get a role of foam rubber to fill in the difference. If you can't stand the looks of that, you can get a piece of 1/4" plywood in 2'x4' or 4'x4' sections and cut out a covering piece for show. Those have a fine enough surface that you can paint or stain them to match your room.
edit: what the stuff looks like can be seen here http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com/foam-board-insulation-values/
edit: what the stuff looks like can be seen here http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com/foam-board-insulation-values/
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Hey guys,
I am bringing this thread back from the dead due to a question I have regarding baseboards.
Background: My house got flooded while I was in new zealand, due to a toilet-related problem. The water made its way through many walls and I basically came home to a place that's half destroyed.. walls and ceilings ripped out, flooring and carpets gone, etc.
Good news is that insurance is covering it all. Contractors have been working on and off putting in drywall, painting, etc. It's moving pretty slow, overall.
ANYWAY, as I was leaving to work today there was already a dude in the foyer working on stuff. He told me that the baseboards they got were a tiny bit taller than the ones I have.. but that the pattern is exactly the same. He said he couldn't find baseboards that match mine and are as tall so this was the best option. I was on my way out so I was like "ok whatever, you know what you're doing".. but when I returned home I had a closer look at the work he's done.
The new baseboards are maybe half an inch higher than the existing ones. In the foyer it's not a big deal cause most baseboards have been replaced - except for a 5 inch long or so part right by the livingroom.
Upstairs though, in my bedroom, almost 30% of the baseboards were replaced... and I have no idea if it's just bugging me cause I KNOW and have been thinking about it, but I don't think it looks very professional. The new baseboards haven't been painted white yet either, so they really do look different - and that's probably influencing my uncomfortableness about the whole situation as well.
So is this normal? Is it really that tough to find baseboards that match? Is it more important to have baseboards with a matching pattern over ones that have the same height? It probably wouldn't be such a big deal if they were closer in height - they dont' have to be EXACTLY the same height.
Have any of you dealt with contractors before? Should I be on their ass to find matching baseboards, or is it really impossible? The only other alternative I can think of is making them rip out ALL baseboards everywhere and replacing all that with the new stuff.. but insurance hasn't agreed to cover that - they are only covering the replacement of baseboards that got damaged.
What say you?
I am bringing this thread back from the dead due to a question I have regarding baseboards.
Background: My house got flooded while I was in new zealand, due to a toilet-related problem. The water made its way through many walls and I basically came home to a place that's half destroyed.. walls and ceilings ripped out, flooring and carpets gone, etc.
Good news is that insurance is covering it all. Contractors have been working on and off putting in drywall, painting, etc. It's moving pretty slow, overall.
ANYWAY, as I was leaving to work today there was already a dude in the foyer working on stuff. He told me that the baseboards they got were a tiny bit taller than the ones I have.. but that the pattern is exactly the same. He said he couldn't find baseboards that match mine and are as tall so this was the best option. I was on my way out so I was like "ok whatever, you know what you're doing".. but when I returned home I had a closer look at the work he's done.
The new baseboards are maybe half an inch higher than the existing ones. In the foyer it's not a big deal cause most baseboards have been replaced - except for a 5 inch long or so part right by the livingroom.
Upstairs though, in my bedroom, almost 30% of the baseboards were replaced... and I have no idea if it's just bugging me cause I KNOW and have been thinking about it, but I don't think it looks very professional. The new baseboards haven't been painted white yet either, so they really do look different - and that's probably influencing my uncomfortableness about the whole situation as well.
So is this normal? Is it really that tough to find baseboards that match? Is it more important to have baseboards with a matching pattern over ones that have the same height? It probably wouldn't be such a big deal if they were closer in height - they dont' have to be EXACTLY the same height.
Have any of you dealt with contractors before? Should I be on their ass to find matching baseboards, or is it really impossible? The only other alternative I can think of is making them rip out ALL baseboards everywhere and replacing all that with the new stuff.. but insurance hasn't agreed to cover that - they are only covering the replacement of baseboards that got damaged.
What say you?
Any time you renovate or repair a place that was built before the 70s or so, and some places built after, you run into the problem that many things have become much more standardized since then then they were before that. What that means is that, unless it is very high end stuff, you get more of the use of just a small number of common things.
I don't know when your house was built, but there are several reasons things like the trim (and window and door sizes, should you ever chose to change them) are of a type or size that aren't really used now.
But that does not mean you have to settle for trim that does not match what your house previously had. Because as long as you have an example of the old trim, you can have as much of the same thing custom made as you happen to want. You live in a city, so somewhere there is a lumberyard or some other business that will run off as much of the stuff as you want to buy. It's actually a very easy process. Though I couldn't tell you what cost you will pay in your area.
If your contractor didn't know that, then he's less than a master of his craft. If he knew it and tried to get away with something that you didn't want, then he's being cheap or trying to go too fast. Tell him you are unsatisfied with the change, and you want him to get matching trim custom made. See what he says to that. Perhaps your insurance won't pay for that. But you can try.
I don't know when your house was built, but there are several reasons things like the trim (and window and door sizes, should you ever chose to change them) are of a type or size that aren't really used now.
But that does not mean you have to settle for trim that does not match what your house previously had. Because as long as you have an example of the old trim, you can have as much of the same thing custom made as you happen to want. You live in a city, so somewhere there is a lumberyard or some other business that will run off as much of the stuff as you want to buy. It's actually a very easy process. Though I couldn't tell you what cost you will pay in your area.
If your contractor didn't know that, then he's less than a master of his craft. If he knew it and tried to get away with something that you didn't want, then he's being cheap or trying to go too fast. Tell him you are unsatisfied with the change, and you want him to get matching trim custom made. See what he says to that. Perhaps your insurance won't pay for that. But you can try.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Thanks for the input, that's how I'm gonna play it. Could you estimate the cost for doing something like that where you live? It's probably not going to be the same, but it's a better starting point than "I have no idea" 
If insurance isn't covering it, do you think it's better to get the same pattern? or a more similar height? What more important here? Is there a 'standard' of what's usually done when it's not possible (or when it's too expensive) for the trim to match up? I'm having a hard time picturing what would look more 'natural'.
I was thinking.. if it's so easy to get a custom baseboard done.. and considering that the baseboards they installed have EXACTLY the same pattern - wouldn't it be even simpler to just cut off the bottom and make it the same height? (and cheaper)
If insurance isn't covering it, do you think it's better to get the same pattern? or a more similar height? What more important here? Is there a 'standard' of what's usually done when it's not possible (or when it's too expensive) for the trim to match up? I'm having a hard time picturing what would look more 'natural'.
I was thinking.. if it's so easy to get a custom baseboard done.. and considering that the baseboards they installed have EXACTLY the same pattern - wouldn't it be even simpler to just cut off the bottom and make it the same height? (and cheaper)
It's easy to find companies that do that kind of work. I don't recall what city you live in, so you'd have to find someone closer to home. For cost, you'd have to determine how difficult a molding you have and how much of it you need and what wood you want it made of. I'm afraid it would take me as long as it would you to do that. So I'll leave you to it.
http://www.invitinghome.com/molding_crown_wood/wood_molding.htm?gclid=CKeixPSGjqcCFac65QodPjU4cA
http://customturnings.com/mouldings.php?gclid=CIyD__SGjqcCFQQ65Qod4GBDeQ
http://jjwohlferts.com/
http://www.starkdoors.com/
http://www.tmmill.com/custom-wood-trim.html
This is your home. Not mine. Your home is both a major investment of yours, and something you have to live with day to day. So I can't make those decisions for you.
If you are really unhappy with it, change it. Call your insurance agent, and tell him that you aren't satisfied, (if the contractor stalls you) and see if they will cover the costs to get it done to your satisfaction. And you can tell the contractor that if he doesn't satisfy you, you will discuss it with the insurer. This is your home, but the insurer is paying. Your contractor probably won't want a black mark next to his name with your insurer.
Personally, if you don't have that common clamshell stuff, I would want to try and match it if it didn't cost too much to do so.
Another consideration to keep in mind is that if you ever sell, something like that may stand out to potential buyers, and turn them off.
Your trim would have to be very unusual to not be matched up. Since you said they were painted, you don't have to match colors or wood patterns. So that makes it much easier and cheaper. Pine will do.
If it's exactly the same except for having a little more room on the bottom, then your contractor has the tools to trim that height. It's work, but not an exceptional amount for a skilled carpenter.
If he didn't do that, he's probably trying to rush through the job and hoping you won't complain. Prove him wrong.
Remember, this is your home. You paid for insurance to return it to its previous condition. Your insurer is paying to return it to its previous condition. Your contractor is being paid to return it to its previous condition. If he's not doing that to your satisfaction, you have every right to complain.
http://www.invitinghome.com/molding_crown_wood/wood_molding.htm?gclid=CKeixPSGjqcCFac65QodPjU4cA
http://customturnings.com/mouldings.php?gclid=CIyD__SGjqcCFQQ65Qod4GBDeQ
http://jjwohlferts.com/
http://www.starkdoors.com/
http://www.tmmill.com/custom-wood-trim.html
This is your home. Not mine. Your home is both a major investment of yours, and something you have to live with day to day. So I can't make those decisions for you.
If you are really unhappy with it, change it. Call your insurance agent, and tell him that you aren't satisfied, (if the contractor stalls you) and see if they will cover the costs to get it done to your satisfaction. And you can tell the contractor that if he doesn't satisfy you, you will discuss it with the insurer. This is your home, but the insurer is paying. Your contractor probably won't want a black mark next to his name with your insurer.
Personally, if you don't have that common clamshell stuff, I would want to try and match it if it didn't cost too much to do so.
Another consideration to keep in mind is that if you ever sell, something like that may stand out to potential buyers, and turn them off.
Your trim would have to be very unusual to not be matched up. Since you said they were painted, you don't have to match colors or wood patterns. So that makes it much easier and cheaper. Pine will do.
If it's exactly the same except for having a little more room on the bottom, then your contractor has the tools to trim that height. It's work, but not an exceptional amount for a skilled carpenter.
If he didn't do that, he's probably trying to rush through the job and hoping you won't complain. Prove him wrong.
Remember, this is your home. You paid for insurance to return it to its previous condition. Your insurer is paying to return it to its previous condition. Your contractor is being paid to return it to its previous condition. If he's not doing that to your satisfaction, you have every right to complain.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Thanks man. I had no idea this was such an easy process. I mean, what the hell do *I* know about baseboards?
I am waiting for the contractor guy to show up so I can talk to him about it. We have gotten along so far so I am hoping to resolve it with him. If not, I will call his boss. If not, insurance.
I am waiting for the contractor guy to show up so I can talk to him about it. We have gotten along so far so I am hoping to resolve it with him. If not, I will call his boss. If not, insurance.
Disgustipated
Deity
I'm terrible at carpentry work, and I have never tried tiling. I'm not good at making things look nice and neat.
I can do plumbing and electrical, however.
But I'm too lazy to do any work around the house. I just fix stuff as it breaks. It saves a lot of money on buying a plumber. As my plumbing is starting to develop problems (unknown to me, I moved into a house that had plumbing that was recalled back in the 80's). I saved so much money not hiring a plumber for all the leaks I've had.
I can do plumbing and electrical, however.
But I'm too lazy to do any work around the house. I just fix stuff as it breaks. It saves a lot of money on buying a plumber. As my plumbing is starting to develop problems (unknown to me, I moved into a house that had plumbing that was recalled back in the 80's). I saved so much money not hiring a plumber for all the leaks I've had.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Update on my baseboard situation (as if anyone cares, but whatever!)
I'm sick and staying at home today.. and the supervisor of the contractor came by with a notepad (instead of the contractor) to check up on the work. I pointed out the baseboards to him as well as several other things I've noticed, and he said.. that they're going to take care of it
Holy crap that was easy! I was freaking out for no reason. Thanks again Cutlass for beating some sense into me btw.
Another question: I have picked out this floor for my basement (see all those samples on the right? those were my options. still kinda are, i can change this if i want, it's not fully finalized)
What wall colour would go well with it? It's a basement, so it should be relatively warm (i'm renting it out, might be selling at some point, etc.).. but the basement does have some windows - my house is on a hill so the basement opens up onto the backyard. I suck with picking out colours, any help will be appreciated
I'm sick and staying at home today.. and the supervisor of the contractor came by with a notepad (instead of the contractor) to check up on the work. I pointed out the baseboards to him as well as several other things I've noticed, and he said.. that they're going to take care of it
Holy crap that was easy! I was freaking out for no reason. Thanks again Cutlass for beating some sense into me btw.Another question: I have picked out this floor for my basement (see all those samples on the right? those were my options. still kinda are, i can change this if i want, it's not fully finalized)
What wall colour would go well with it? It's a basement, so it should be relatively warm (i'm renting it out, might be selling at some point, etc.).. but the basement does have some windows - my house is on a hill so the basement opens up onto the backyard. I suck with picking out colours, any help will be appreciated
Sometimes getting what you want is as simple as knowing what you can ask for, and sticking to it.
With a wood floor like that, you aren't limited in colors. But the 3 points you raised, it's in a cellar, so the light probably isn't great even with some windows, you may rent it, and you may sell it, all point to the same things: Very light colors. You want neutrals because you don't want to clash with something that some other person may bring in. And that suggests whites and beiges. If you look at the paint selection cards at the stores, whites go in 2 directions, towards beige/yellow/brown or towards gray. I think if you're going just a little off pure white in, probably the gray direction I think you'll find something that would work. It might be called something like China White, Navajo White, or Smoke. You don't want anything darker in a basement work area, because it will feel cave-ish. Very pale blues, greens, or lavenders could be light enough, but you can't count on them appealing to other people.
So you get a result something like this:
Or this:
With a wood floor like that, you aren't limited in colors. But the 3 points you raised, it's in a cellar, so the light probably isn't great even with some windows, you may rent it, and you may sell it, all point to the same things: Very light colors. You want neutrals because you don't want to clash with something that some other person may bring in. And that suggests whites and beiges. If you look at the paint selection cards at the stores, whites go in 2 directions, towards beige/yellow/brown or towards gray. I think if you're going just a little off pure white in, probably the gray direction I think you'll find something that would work. It might be called something like China White, Navajo White, or Smoke. You don't want anything darker in a basement work area, because it will feel cave-ish. Very pale blues, greens, or lavenders could be light enough, but you can't count on them appealing to other people.
So you get a result something like this:
Or this:
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
I like the look of those 2 rooms, but doesn't the fact that 1 wall is darker make the room look more 'interesting' than an otherwise fully whiteish/very light room?
Here's what my basement looks like right now
What they told me is that I can request any colour, as long as they can cover it in 2 coats.. which I think limits me somewhat. I am going to be taking paint chips to a paint store and ask them what I can use and ask for advice as well.
I actually like the colour that's down there, but, yeah, it could be a bit lighter! One thing I'm worried about is that it might clash with the floor,which is brownish. I'm going to photoshop the floor into this pic this weekend and see how things look, maybe it will give me some ideas
Here's what my basement looks like right now
What they told me is that I can request any colour, as long as they can cover it in 2 coats.. which I think limits me somewhat. I am going to be taking paint chips to a paint store and ask them what I can use and ask for advice as well.
I actually like the colour that's down there, but, yeah, it could be a bit lighter! One thing I'm worried about is that it might clash with the floor,which is brownish. I'm going to photoshop the floor into this pic this weekend and see how things look, maybe it will give me some ideas
Photoshopping is good to get a general idea of how it will look, but nothing compares to actually looking at the tile/flooring in the space with paint chips, or even better a sample painted on the wall. Nothing will replicate the actual light in your room just right.
See if you can get some samples of the flooring and then take the chips (preferably a sample painted on the wall) and see what you like best.
And don’t forget – if you make a mistake in picking a paint color, paint is one of the easiest things to change yourself.
See if you can get some samples of the flooring and then take the chips (preferably a sample painted on the wall) and see what you like best.
And don’t forget – if you make a mistake in picking a paint color, paint is one of the easiest things to change yourself.
shadowplay
your ad here
The dry wall (I'm not even sure if it technically is that, it's very weak, almost like cardboard) downstairs is very old and has acquired holes and dents in it. Is this difficult to fix on my own, or would it require a professional?
A lot depends on what your actual problem is. Drywall, often called sheet-rock, is more or less a plaster between 2 sheets of paper. If it's in good shape you can knock on it and it's a lot like knocking on a sheet pf plywood. If you can knock on it and it feels more like cardboard, then it has probably been damp a lot. And if so, then it's ruined.
Now you can, and it's best to have a helper, replace that yourself. Or you could hire someone to do it. One thing to keep in mind is that if dampness has ruined it once, it can do so again. There is a kind of sheet-rock that is designed to be moisture resistant. So you're probably better off using that. If you want to do a complete renovation and reduce the dampness of your cellar, well that is a major job. But putting up new moisture resistant sheet-rock will suffice for most people. Whether you do it yourself depends on your budget and how comfortable you are with home repairs.
That's why the building I showed you was built as it was. The brick and clapboard walls are to accent the whole room and make it more interesting. In addition to finishes like that, you can panel a wall, wallpaper it, or just paint it a different color. Here's what my basement looks like right now
What they told me is that I can request any colour, as long as they can cover it in 2 coats.. which I think limits me somewhat. I am going to be taking paint chips to a paint store and ask them what I can use and ask for advice as well.
I actually like the colour that's down there, but, yeah, it could be a bit lighter! One thing I'm worried about is that it might clash with the floor,which is brownish. I'm going to photoshop the floor into this pic this weekend and see how things look, maybe it will give me some ideas
A primer and a finish coat will cover anything. I once painted a room that the tenant had painted bright red. 2 coats and it was white, and no bleed through. Just use a superior stain blocking primer for the first coat.
A white, off white, beige will not clash with a wood floor. In fact, with a wood floor you can get away with almost anything on the walls. Though I wouldn't try anything too brownish.
