I paid a guy to finish some stuff I had started. Bathroom had been painted, cabinet was installed, but sink/faucet was not hooked up and neither was toilet. The guy only asked for $100 for all of the following (including a trip to Lowes), but I paid him a lot more just because he has helped me out in the past.
- Install new sink with new faucet.
- Replace sink and toilet valves in one bathroom.
- Install light fixture in bathroom.
- Hang mirror in bathroom.
- Hang medicine cabinet.
- Install new wax rings & replace flusher assembly on two toilets.
+ all the caulking, shimming one toilet because the floor wasn't level, etc...


I could do all the work he did, but finding a spare day to get it done wasn't happening anytime soon. It was pretty nice to just sit there working for work while someone else did all this stuff that I didn't want to do. I might have to start hiring people to do stuff like this more often.

9/22/2009 2:00:04 PM

Good for you paying him more than $100, sounds like you both ended up with a good deal.

I was laid off back in February and got a decent severance, and now that I've gotten a new job I want to put some of the money to use.

I have an old AC unit that has been leaking lately and assume I'll have to get it replaced. Anyone have experiences with how much you've paid? This is for a condo, about 1250 sq. ft.

My disposal isn't responding anymore, it's not clogged just doesn't turn on when I flip the switch. Hopefully that won't be too pricey.

9/22/2009 3:08:28 PM

disposals are pretty easy, all the ones i've worked on anyway. provided you're installing the same one or a similar model...it's like the alternator of home repairs. couple screws, two wires and some o rings...boom. done.

9/22/2009 4:30:52 PM

Im assuming you did, but did you try the reset button on the disposal?

9/22/2009 10:19:10 PM

Quote :

"I might have to start hiring people to do stuff like this more often."

yeah, i've definitely migrated away from DIYing for most things just because it's not worth wasting my vacation days just to do house projects. Exceptions are the more 'fun' projects, or stuff that's only an hour or two.

9/23/2009 10:10:14 AM

3 1/4" wide planks or 5" wide planks for flooring? Thoughts?

9/23/2009 10:21:51 AM

Quote :

"My disposal isn't responding anymore, it's not clogged just doesn't turn on when I flip the switch."

There's a reset button on the motor. Go hit it.

9/23/2009 10:43:16 AM

Yep, I actually did some research and hit the reset button and it still didn't respond. I'm thinking it may be the motor.

9/23/2009 11:15:48 AM

Quote :

"3 1/4" wide planks or 5" wide planks for flooring? Thoughts?"

5" is sweet, but tends to be pricey. If you find a good deal then I say go for it.

9/23/2009 1:54:25 PM

theres something up with our place that keeps making 1 of our cats throw up. he's pretty dumb (likes to eat tape, roll around on shoes, etc) so i think he's eating something which is upsetting his stomach. last night i could hear him throwing up and woke up to find 6 seperate small vomit spots. he's polka-dotting our carpet. we want to rip out all the carpet and put in all tile/wood cause this shit is not going to be cleanable much longer (already like 13 year old carpet anyways).

9/23/2009 2:03:22 PM

^^I've got a quote for about .10 more / sqft than the 3.25" wide. Sure wouldn't take as long to lay it down.

9/23/2009 3:04:00 PM

Quote :

"My disposal isn't responding anymore, it's not clogged just doesn't turn on when I flip the switch. Hopefully that won't be too pricey."

they also sometimes get jammed... i've had to use my ax handle to stick down in it and force it to move, and it gets the job done.

9/23/2009 8:01:37 PM

i had to pull one out once it was jammed so bad. i can't remember what ended up being the problem.. i think a spoon or something got jammed in there

9/23/2009 8:13:39 PM

selling???

cause that is about to be my woe

maybe selling at present time. sigh.

9/23/2009 8:25:34 PM

finally closed on my place last week. the DAY BEFORE CLOSING i found a sagging dining room floor. i crawled under the house and damned if the ledger and joists under that room aren't completely rotted. there's a concrete porch that water pooled up in and that water caused the rotting. i have a hard time believing the inspector didn't see it, but that's water under the bridge now. i had a guy come out today to look at it, should be getting an estimate tomorrow. I've got a feeling its going to be $texas and i get to take a sledge hammer to the front porch. i hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

fuck me.

9/23/2009 9:20:09 PM

for a 1940s house, it probably is a sign of things to come.

good luck though

9/24/2009 7:48:48 AM

Quote :

"they also sometimes get jammed... i've had to use my ax handle to stick down in it and force it to move, and it gets the job done."

Normally if it gets jammed, does it make a noise when you flip it on? Currently, when I flip on my disposal nothing really happens. I don't remember hearing even a whirring like it was trying to go but was jammed.

9/24/2009 8:27:16 AM

Quote :

"finally closed on my place last week. the DAY BEFORE CLOSING i found a sagging dining room floor. i crawled under the house and damned if the ledger and joists under that room aren't completely rotted. there's a concrete porch that water pooled up in and that water caused the rotting. i have a hard time believing the inspector didn't see it, but that's water under the bridge now. i had a guy come out today to look at it, should be getting an estimate tomorrow. I've got a feeling its going to be $texas and i get to take a sledge hammer to the front porch. i hope this isn't a sign of things to come."

Yeah man, you got burned by that inspector. There is no excuse for that. Were you there when he did the inspection? Did he even go under the house? I'd give him hell for it; possibly even report it to whatever sanctioning body gives him his license. Get pics before your contractor starts work.

Quote :

"for a 1940s house, it probably is a sign of things to come. good luck though"

Possibly, but a lot of times those old houses are much more solid than anything you'd find today. Plus, if there is going to be a problem there has been plenty of time for one to show up unlike new construction where you really don't know until a few years down the road.

I still say the most solid house I looked at was on Grand St., right behind the fairgrounds. It was built in 1936 iirc. Had all original oak hardwoods and not a single sag or creak in the floor. I couldn't believe how solid it was. I actually made an offer or two on the house, but decided not to get in a bidding war with some folks who offered above the asking price on it. I was planning to do a lot of work on the plumbing and electrical for such an old house, but the actual structure was unbelievable.

[Edited on September 24, 2009 at 8:44 AM. Reason : l]

9/24/2009 8:38:51 AM

Call the inspector and let him know about your problem:

Quote :

"Q: What should I do if I feel something has been missed on the inspection? A: Before any repairs are made (except emergency repairs), call the inspector or inspection company to discuss the problem. Many times a “trip charge” can be saved by explaining the problem to the inspector who can answer the question over the telephone. This also gives the inspector a chance to promptly handle any problems that may have been overlooked in the inspection."

http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/HILB/Documents/NCHILBFAQ.pdf

I also found this in a list of inspectors that were disciplined by the board:

Quote :

"Failure to inspect the structural components of the floor system is a violation of the Standards of Practice."

http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/HILB/Documents/HILBActions2009.pdf

So I would imagine that, barring some crazy circumstance, missing something that important would be negligence on his part and you have a legitimate claim for recourse. I think some home inspectors have insurance for things like this, although I'm not sure if it's required (I think my home inspector used being insured as a selling point).

9/24/2009 9:03:20 AM

I'd sue that inspector.

9/24/2009 6:14:48 PM

i haven't looked up the georgia statutes yet, but there's a clause in the inspection report that says they can only be held liable for an amount up to the cost of the inspection.

still waiting on the estimate. i think i'm just going to have the contractor do the ledger and joists. i can do the demo and install the subfloor/flooring myself.

Quote :

"for a 1940s house, it probably is a sign of things to come. good luck though"

overall the place is remarkably sound. its all solid wood contruction, original hardwoods in every room except the kitchen and baths. it certainly shows its age, but except for the floor situation (so far) its nothing that can't be repaired/updated over time. i still feel okay about the purchase, just pissed that i have to use the money that i'd set aside for updating on the floor repair instead.

9/24/2009 9:20:32 PM

Holy shit, georgia is apparently one of worst states as far as home inspectors go. There are no requirements to become one and they even vetoed a bill in 2008 to add some.

Quote :

"CURRENT LAW Georgia Trade practice act (Chapter 3, Title 8) enacted in 1994. Law requires them to provide written docs with certain info.: 1) must include the scope of the inspection; 2) include structural elements and the systems to be inspected; 3) state that it is a visual inspection; 4) that they will notify the person in writing of any defects; No Education or CE requirements. HOUSE BILL 1217 was Vetoed by Governor Purdue on May 14, 2008 HOUSE BILL 1217 An individual must obtain a license to perform home inspections in the state of Georgia. Qualifications for licensure: 1.) 18 years of age or older 2.) Good moral character 3.) Not been convicted of a crime that has a direct bearing on the person's ability to perform competently and fully as a licensee 4.) Successfully completed high school or its equivalent 5.) 80 hours of approved education** 6.) Pass state examination **Individuals that have been practicing home inspection for compensation for 3 years priors prior to July 1, 2010 and have performed not fewer than 100 home inspections for compensation may present documentation to surpass the 80 hour education qualification. Continuing Education: 30 hours every 2 years"

http://www.home-inspect.com/legislation.asp#GA

So in theory, your home inspector could be a 16 year old high school dropout and convicted felon. I imagine that to get anything other than a refund for the inspection, the report he gave you will probably have to say that he inspected that exact area and found no problems. Basically you'd have to catch him in a lie or some other way where he breached the contract.

9/25/2009 11:20:23 AM

Check out this sweet garage upgrade this dude did.

http://hyundaisantafemessageboard.yuku.com/topic/5933/t/Upgrading-the-Garage.html

9/25/2009 12:03:35 PM

Quote :

"they even vetoed a bill in 2008 to add some"

i'm not surprised. georgia is the most backwards state. unless it has to do with keeping the illegals from taking our jobs or keeping sundays dry, good luck getting anything passed.

thanks for looking that up, though. got the estimate today, worst case scenario is $3400 turnkey, not including the hardwoods. he said if i do the demo myself, to knock a grand off. which in my mind means best case scenario is $3400. he's going to let me borrow a jackhammer to tear down the porch and having a dumpster delivered on monday.

on the plus side, i've met a couple neighbors, they seem friendly. one chick invited me to go the neighborhood bar but i had to decline.

[Edited on September 25, 2009 at 8:30 PM. Reason : .]

9/25/2009 8:28:54 PM

my biggest woe is i wanna de-thatch my lawn before aerating+seeding, and every time i make some time to do it, it rains like a mofo the day before or day of. i'm assuming i want a halfway dry lawn before i start ripping stuff out or i'll pull out grass too...

whens the latest i can lay down some fescue seed and not have it die?

and also a friend recommended pennmulch pellets to put down after the seed (he is from pennslyvania though). anyone used this stuff or anything like it?

oh and i was planning on putting down lime with the fertilizer before i seed...no problem with that right?

9/28/2009 7:51:07 PM

I'm planning to seed tomorrow...Finished leaf blowing and cutting the grass today. No idea on the dethatching though. I've never done that. I seeded much later in the year last year and the grass did fine. May have been partially due to the great rain we got this spring/summer though. It seemed like this was a good year.

[Edited on September 29, 2009 at 8:36 PM. Reason : l]

9/29/2009 8:34:32 PM

Having my yard graded out and seeded finally tomorrow morning. My yard will finally not look like Afghanistan! I know my neighbors will be happy to see all the work going on.

9/29/2009 9:04:51 PM

I had the inspector come back out today and of course he played it off like it wasn't that big of a deal. he did note a rotted window sill (which actually is in the inspection report) was likely the area of water intrusion rather than the pooling water on the porch. there goes another grand. too bad I've already started tearing down the porch.

9/29/2009 9:12:01 PM

Rotting beams and joists???? Nah, kid; that's normal...Nuthin' to worry about. All houses have it.

If it's not that big of a deal I guess he won't mind helping to foot the bill out of his payment then. Did you pay with credit? Might be good for a chargeback in that case.

[Edited on September 29, 2009 at 10:14 PM. Reason : `l]

9/29/2009 10:13:20 PM

I need about 3 50lbs bags of fescue. Where do I go?

9/30/2009 4:44:28 PM

http://familyhomeandgarden.com/

This place is very knowledgeable about what works around here afaik.

9/30/2009 5:50:08 PM

Hudson's Hardware in Clayton (used to be Southern States, then Family Home and Garden) had what I thought was a good deal on some. They also have a location in Garner. They are extremely helpful in there.

Are you mixing in some annual rye too?

9/30/2009 8:01:08 PM

do I need to? I just thought I'd throw some fescue and I would be good to go.

9/30/2009 9:30:50 PM

well, the rye will come up quick and give the fescue a little bit of protection.

it also gives your lawn a very bright green hue.

seeding rates are generally 50lb per half acre (but i did 3 times that)

as far as fertilizer, 1lb of Nitrogen per 1000 s.f. (no matter what mix)

so if you buy 25lb of 16-8-12 like I did, and you are fertilizing 4000 sf

16% of 25 = 4lb of nitrogen per bag, so one bag would be enough (one bag per tenth acre for this mix)

[Edited on September 30, 2009 at 9:56 PM. Reason : .]

9/30/2009 9:55:20 PM

well after a couple of weeks of back and forth, the inspection company today told me they would take care of the damage they missed including the demolition, ledger, joists, and subfloor. that's a lot better than i was expecting. i'm still on the fence about letting them do the work, but really, its hard to turn down a "free" repair. on one hand they have their professional reputation to uphold, but on the other hand, its in their best interest to do it as cheaply as possible.

10/5/2009 7:11:27 PM

Alright so here is my first woe (second actually)

sept 14th had my water switched. The gage read 716 ccf's. They read the meter next on sept 17th and it read 722 ccf's. That's 4488 gallons and a 38 dollar bill (not including the new service charge) for 3 days! So immediately after receiving this bill, I read my meter yesterday and it read 730.12. So in 3 days I used 6ccf's and in 17 days i've used 8 ccfs. Makes no sense.

To confuse the issue, nothing was moved in those 3 days and no water was running. We do have an irrigation system, but to the best of my knowledge, it has not been on. I'm sure I would have noticed wet grass at least once between now and then.

I've called the water company and they will only come out to test the gage to make sure it is working properly. I checked myself between an hours time without using water and saw no movement at all in the gage. So, if there was a leak of this size, I feel like within an hour I'd be able to see something.

Any ideas of what to do? The person will come out in ten days... until then, if I have a leak, I don't want to charge myself a ton of money by waiting. Any tips or tricks?

Another oddity is that the people prior to me weren't living there and there last three water bills were 45 up to 75 bucks. I would have thought they would have noticed, but whatever.

10/6/2009 10:39:00 AM

maybe a neighbor is leeching?

10/6/2009 10:48:51 AM

^^tell your husband to check and make sure the toilets aren't running and try turning the irrigation valve off to make sure there is not a leak there.

10/6/2009 10:57:52 AM

^^ the thought has crossed my mind. still though, who needs 5500 gallons in 3 days? I think I'll go knock on some doors.

^ I am my husband. No toilets are running and I have yet to check the irrigation properly although I'm leaning towards it not being the problem.

[Edited on October 6, 2009 at 10:59 AM. Reason : ]

10/6/2009 10:58:04 AM

are you sure they read the meter when the water was cut on?

did you read the meter prior to the water being cut on?

sometimes, they do not lock the meters out when there is no service being billed to it, and the previous tenant could have paid through your first meter reading and the water you were billed for was to make up for the usage between billed tenants

if the water wasn't cut off, then the hose bibbs on the outside of the property would be operable and someone could run water on your tab.

either that, or the irrigation system could have been set to run while it was vacant.

10/6/2009 1:11:59 PM

well, the water was still on in the house and they switched service on the 14th. They told me they sent someone out that day. I know that someone could have used my water outside of the house and i guess the irrigation system could have been set for those few days. Things I need to look into.

10/6/2009 1:18:20 PM

Fucking anthills. I need to just pour gasoline everywhere and set the damn lawn on fire.

10/7/2009 11:48:42 AM

Make a mixture of dish liquid soap and water and dump on the hills, or if you have a hose end feeder put dish liquid in the canister for maximum coverage. The soapy water kills bugs like ants better than just about any kind of Raid or other poision (short term anyways).

10/7/2009 3:44:20 PM

I have some of that fire ant hill powder that you sprinkle on top and then slowly pour water on top of that. It works pretty well.

10/7/2009 4:01:52 PM

ok so I threw out seed and put straw on top - so how long do I wait to take off the straw?

I put it out last Friday and I could see the grass popping through this morning.

10/9/2009 8:25:17 AM

I wouldn't worry about taking the straw off....

once the grass gets +/- 5" tall, mow it down to 4".

this will mulch up the straw with the clippings.

10/9/2009 9:38:45 AM

I didn't even think about putting down straw when I seeded and I had a big area that is just dirt from where I removed a couple of large bushes. Now I need to get some I guess.

10/9/2009 10:48:28 AM

The problem with straw is that it always has seed in it, and it'll end up as weeds in your lawn.

10/9/2009 1:00:41 PM

I'm gonna lay a patio next week....any recommendations on places to get pavers? I've only checked lowes so far and they have a few types I like, but I want to see a wider variety.

10/9/2009 3:22:38 PM

"investor" in my neighborhood just listed 8 houses as short sales.

I am already 40K in the hole, should I even bother to keep making mortgage payments.

At this point, I won't have the money to buy a house in 7 years anyway, so I really don't care about my credit.

What's the worst thing (other than credit hit) that can happen from a foreclosure or DILOT?

10/11/2009 12:14:36 AM