Questions tagged [remodeling]
The remodeling tag has no usage guidance.
305 questions
0
votes
1
answer
825
views
How often should clients look at the job site and talk to the contractor?
During a major kitchen remodel that includes removing structural walls and pouring new foundation piers and extending the house, along with the typical re-plumbing and electrical work, how often ...
- 703
2
votes
2
answers
275
views
How can I tell if a contractor is trying to scam me by charging more after starting a job?
I have a remodeling project for about $2,500 and I have already signed the contract. When the contractor was making a new door on the wall he found a wire inside the wall. Now he is asking for an ...
- 21
0
votes
0
answers
51
views
Replacement Window Rails Not Aligned
I had a custom Reliabilt window built by Lowes a couple weeks ago. I installed it and made sure everything was level and square but I noticed the rails are not in alignment. I took the window out to ...
- 985
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What order do I do projects on my kitchen remodel
I am refinishing cabinets, replacing counters, replacing back splash, floors and appliances. What order should I do the jobs in?
- 21
1
vote
4
answers
227
views
self-improvement vs licensed-contractors
This is a question about the ability of doing remodeling on one's own, compared to hiring licensed contractors.
I realize some remodeling/repairs require permits from your local township/city to be "...
- 190
3
votes
2
answers
207
views
Accidental plumbing leak. How bad is this? What should I have my contractor do?
I'm remodeling my 2nd floor bathroom and we are in the demolition phase. My contractor's plumber accidentally turned the main water on without checking the bathroom hot/cold lines. They were not ...
- 31
1
vote
2
answers
12k
views
What to do with floor drains in basement?
I'm looking to finish my basement, the house was built in 2005. There is a storage area (it will remain unfinished) with the water heater, hvac, sump pump and storage. There are two floor drains, that ...
1
vote
0
answers
575
views
Running bathroom vent duct through cold air return
I am remodelling a basement and I noticed that the old bathroom has the vent duct running through the cold air return ( for about 6ft, in and out, the entrance and exit are sealed) and then outside. ...
- 123
0
votes
0
answers
389
views
Refinish (reporcelain) a toilet?
We have a Kohler circa 1989 wall mount toilet; i.e., the seat and tank are both on an outside wall. It's also avocado green.
Is it possible to have the toilet refinished in another color? Pros? Cons?
- 213
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
Is mortar necessary for a single-row tile baseboard?
We recently remodeled our bathroom using tile to replace the former vinyl floors. For reasons of timing and indecision, the baseboard was not completed at the time. We have now decided to just use ...
- 206
1
vote
4
answers
11k
views
Shim Tub Surround for Cement Board
This has probably been asked a million times. Had a new tub installed today. The tub straps will interfere with my Hardiebacker, which I had planned to run right down to the top of the tub flange.
So ...
- 743
2
votes
1
answer
148
views
Is it acceptable that the only access to a service panel is through a master bedroom closet?
We are planning a remodel and I have a question about the location of the breaker panel. The remodel plans would leave the panel where it is, in laundry room. I am aware that the breaker panel will ...
- 21
2
votes
1
answer
129
views
What technique could I use to re-color the doors, moulding, and cabinetry in my house?
Our house is nearly 10 years old, and we are starting to feel that the color scheme adopted by the people that built it is starting to feel outdated.
As you can see in the pics, the flooring, doors, ...
- 23
1
vote
4
answers
3k
views
Is it worth using non-VOC or low-VOC interior paint?
I’m remodeling a condo and painting the walls and ceiling. For context, I've heard that Valspar paint has no VOCs and may be preferable to Sherwin-Williams for health reasons. However, my general ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
86
views
Move a shed vs. Demolish and install a new shed [closed]
We are remodeling and our current wooden shed needs to be moved to a new spot. One option is to hire folks to relocated the shed and the alternative is to demolish the current shed, dispose it and ...
- 1
3
votes
1
answer
268
views
Fixing up a 1920 rowhouse - front wall - to insulate or not
I tore down some 70s wood paneling in my front bedroom of a 1920 rowhouse and there is no insulation except for the plaster on top of brick. Someone told me just to put on sheet rock(the plaster ...
- 564
1
vote
2
answers
184
views
DIY Basement Remodel
I have a home that was built in the 1950's with an unfinished basement. I'd like to do a DIY remodel to the best of my ability, but am willing to hire a professional for some steps if a novice like me ...
- 11
2
votes
1
answer
8k
views
Cathedral ceiling retrofit with no ridge beam or ridge board - what are my options?
I'm buying my first house (we close in one week!!) and I'm remodeling almost the whole house before moving in. One thing I'm considering is putting in a cathedral ceiling on the 2nd floor. I'm not a ...
- 732
0
votes
4
answers
16k
views
Is the receiver for my ceiling fan defective or do I need to modify my wall switch?
I just got this minka aire wave ceiling fan an completed the installation but it will not turn on (neither with remote nor switch) UNLESS i take the receiver out altogether and just operate it with ...
- 61
0
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Prevent drywallers from cutting wires
New boxes, wires, outlets and drywall. How do I keep the drywallers from rotozipping through the wires in the boxes? I've already had to deal with that before.
We gutted our house after the great ...
- 207
1
vote
0
answers
2k
views
Convert Den into Bedroom
I'm looking at a house that has a room that is listed as a den. It looks like a bedroom without a door or closet. It does have a regular sized window for a bedroom.
What would I have to do in order ...
- 297
1
vote
1
answer
5k
views
How should I connect new drain?
I am updating my basement shower and need some help to connect a new drain. I have cast iron that runs under the foundation. Where it comes up in the shower I have no way to connect to it. Once the ...
- 11
-1
votes
3
answers
37k
views
Is a 6x6 beam good enough for a span of 10ft
I'm opening up a wall between two living rooms. The wall use to be an exterior wall which runs east to west and used to have a large window which was closed up when they added the back living room. ...
- 1
23
votes
3
answers
27k
views
Do new wire runs in an existing ceiling need to be stapled down?
I've heard some people say that code requires wiring in the wall to be stapled to framing every so often (how often?), but when you are doing a remodel, is that necessary?
I have a two story house, ...
- 28.3k
4
votes
1
answer
562
views
Wood floor protection during demolition of roof
I need ideas how to best protect wood floors while roof is coming down during remodel. Roof is made of heavy materials (concrete,brick, metal, etc.)
2
votes
1
answer
8k
views
Filling interior door trim gap
The doors were installed at the same time as the paneling. Now, however, there is 1/2" drywall, and if I try to install the trim around the doors, there's a huge gap between the door frame and the ...
- 21
2
votes
0
answers
840
views
Want to add lights to existing outlets - beginning of circuit or end?
thanks in advance for help
Question is this. I have romex running from the panel to a set of 6 outlets. If I want to add lights and a switch, can I simply add them FROM the first outlet? Details ...
- 21
1
vote
2
answers
759
views
moving electric water heater to old shower cove
doing extensive remodeling of a small (1400 sq ft) house. I want to move the electric water heater to an old shower cove. Getting the wiring there will be easy (its about 5 feet away and all the walls ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
219
views
Pull Up All Laminate Boards Or Cut One Board in Doorway and Start From There
Now that I have installed Pergo XP laminate flooring I've discovered that there is a soft spot from the doorway which transitions from the kitchen into the dining room. When walking into the dining ...
1
vote
1
answer
5k
views
Diagonal Cut-in Brace Removal?
I am working on renovating my dining room and while tearing out drywall I found a diagonal cut-in brace which is running from the front of the house along side an exterior wall.
I am trying to ...
- 39
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
Found Lath and Plaster wall under remodel drywall. Is it restorable?
I'm currently in the process of restoring my 1906 home's bathroom.
At some point in the last 10-15 years the bathroom was given a cheap remodel. New plumbing and outlets were run and drywall was hung ...
- 269
2
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Adding more floor joists in a crawlspace. Originals are 5' OC and need more support
I just bought a 1956 ranch house in Portland, OR and am facing an issue. I've gutted the bathroom for a remodel and it's down to the studs. There was a bit of water damage to the subfloor around the ...
- 769
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Should toilet be close to sewage pump?
I am adding a bathroom in basement which will have a sewage pump. I am finalizing the bathroom layout and the ideal setup will have the toilet 8 ft away from the sewage pump. Is there any reason of ...
- 333
7
votes
6
answers
18k
views
Previous owner didn't get permits for remodel, am I now liable?
Location is Hillsboro, OR (suburb W of Portland).
I'm considering purchasing a house that had significant remodeling done a few years ago (kitchen and bathrooms incl. plumbing).
If the previous ...
- 587
1
vote
3
answers
1k
views
How can I protect ultra thin paint on new kitchen cabinets?
I just got new kitchen cabinets, and the paint on the doors (which are hard wood) is ultra-ultra thin. It seems like it will scratch very easily. Is there a way to protect?
They are being installed ...
- 451
0
votes
1
answer
516
views
Remodel Condo: Where to start and finish
I'm preparing to remodel my condo and need an idea of where I should start. This is important because I will be living in the condo as I remodel and cannot do it all at once so to speak. My condo is ...
user50756
0
votes
1
answer
116
views
Is it work making a small bedroom smaller by installing built in booksheves? [closed]
I have a 100 square foot or so bedroom in my townhouse that is my guest room/library/yoga room. I really want to add built in booksheves around the window, essentially reducing the room size by about ...
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can I get bathroom permit in old house (1950s) which doesn't quite meet modern codes?
I want to add bathroom in my basement. The house was build in 1950s so its old. The basement ceiling hight is not great, max 7 ft (unfinished area).
I have had couple of contractors and plumbers come ...
- 333
1
vote
1
answer
8k
views
Is a sandwiched beam made out of 2x4s laid flat a suitable for a 15' span that doesn't carry a load?
After working to remove a wall that runs parallel to the ceiling joists, I've run into a little problem. The builder used a 2x6 for a nailer (to attach the ceiling drywall) on top of the 2x4 stud ...
- 113
3
votes
1
answer
15k
views
90 degree angle in air conditioning ducts, should I avoid them?
I have forced air at my home and air ducts run pretty much straight. However I want to add bathroom in the basement and because of low ceiling hight, the main air conditioning duct has to be re-routed ...
- 333
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
Will my tub drain properly if I create a P-trap by running it under a 4 inch floor joist?
Remodeling bathroom in old house. Water always backed up in the tub. I've replaced the waste lines and pitched them properly. The original line from the tub went under a double floor joist and across ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
545
views
Covering knob holes in bathroom tile
I have recently replaced an old leaking shower manifold (three handle) with a one handle model. In hindsight I should have used an adapter plate like this one to cover the two outer holes and expose ...
- 111
1
vote
2
answers
413
views
Review of my electrical plans
I am finishing a basement. It is wide open with no rooms, just a structural cinder block/I-beam wall. I am adding a home office to one corner.
This is a bit long, but I want to be sure to include all ...
user4302
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Moving a pair of studs 4 inches
We are trying to put in an interior window between a room and an addition to the home that was added later. We cut out a hole in the drywall between the studs of the original room. However the studs ...
5
votes
4
answers
35k
views
Can new wall go over tile floor?
Looking at moving my laundry upstairs, and the right answer is to combine two adjacent closets to get the width and move one of their walls a foot or two into the kitchen to get the depth.
The ...
- 33.2k
1
vote
1
answer
136
views
Window Replacement
I'm remodeling a home. The kitchen has a garden window I wish to replace. The walls are open from the inside, but we are "out of time" (for various reasons) to remove the exterior siding and install a ...
- 83
2
votes
2
answers
486
views
How should I contain dust during a remodel?
I am about to start on a remodel project that involves framing in part of the attic for a bonus room. More importantly this will also involve knocking down a few walls near the living room and kitchen ...
- 2,080
0
votes
1
answer
256
views
Building staircase from first floor to the attic with a Dorm window for headroom. Large 40 x 12 attic space. [closed]
I want to add a staircase by taking space from the living room for the staircase then adding a large dorm window space to give headroom (gable roof) at the top of the stairs so that I can enter the ...
- 9
1
vote
1
answer
304
views
New "Hardwood" Floor Layout
Redoing a big a portion of the first floor in our 1984 home.
Need some advice on layout of floor planks.
I understand the material we end up choosing will affect layout pattern, but for now we are ...
- 350
5
votes
1
answer
854
views
Are these walls near a skylight, load bearing?
My master and guest bathroom are back-to-back (toilet-to-toilet). Both bathrooms have a tall skylight this size (~4' square). The skylights are about 5 feet apart from one-another.
Master Bathroom, ...
- 83