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5 votes

Is this surface too rough to plaster over?

No, it's not too rough. I've seen pros deal with far worse effectively. The key is to taper out far enough. You won't resolve this situation with an 8" knife, or even a 12". You want a 16&...
isherwood's user avatar
  • 129k
5 votes

What are these circles on my ceiling?

First and third look like there was a different light fixture there that had two ceiling mounts. The one poking out from under the current light fixture base strongly supports this idea. If the second ...
Ecnerwal's user avatar
  • 202k
3 votes

Why did my ceiling fan stop responding to the remote?

If you still have or can obtain the instructions for the remote, you could try re-pairing the remote to the fan control. Yes the light still works, but the little computers inside (everything nowadays ...
Triplefault's user avatar
  • 6,499
2 votes

Is this surface too rough to plaster over?

Given that one can plaster over a brick wall, hardly too rough. But I'd say it's not very convincing as to soundness. That hypothetical brick wall is a good solid substrate. The pictures here look ...
Ecnerwal's user avatar
  • 202k
2 votes

Why does my ceiling fan change direction 2 or 3 times before it finally stays in one direction?

Because there is no back EMF at zero speed, therefore motor has to start its rotation in a random direction. Once there is back EMF to be detected, then comes the direction to be assessed whether it ...
Zafar's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes

How can I fill a gap in a cornice after removing an intersecting wall?

I'm no plasterer and neither was my dad, but he was inventive, and did this… Get some Plasticene [children's modelling clay] & press it up against a matching section of the cornice further over. ...
Tetsujin's user avatar
  • 10.5k
2 votes

Can I hide my load wire behind a pvc raceway?

That is a perfectly reasonable plan. A few things to consider: All Junction Boxes Must Remain Accessible So you can put on a plain cover, painted to match the wall, but the cover must be removable ...
manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact's user avatar
2 votes

ceiling fan on after shutting off power

What cip659 said in a comment is the answer. It is on a different breaker. Keep turning off breakers till the fan stops. Make sure there is no power in that box after. You turned off the breaker(s) ...
FreeMan's user avatar
  • 43.1k
1 vote

Vapor Barrier possibly concealing leaks

Plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier can absolutely conceal leaks. Last summer I worked on a project where we didn't know the extent of the leak until we peeled back the vapor barrier. From the inside, ...
KMJ's user avatar
  • 9,207
1 vote

Insulation in exposed beam kitchen restoration

The only thing above them is roof - so insulate the roof. You can insulate on top of the present waterproof membrane (if you are careful not to damage it while insulating) or you can insulate and add ...
Ecnerwal's user avatar
  • 202k
1 vote

Why did my ceiling fan stop responding to the remote?

This is a long shot, but it has happened to me so I'll mention it. One day all my remotes in the living room stopped working at the same time. I found that someone had put a book down on top of a ...
MTA's user avatar
  • 10.9k
1 vote

How can I fill a gap in a cornice after removing an intersecting wall?

I would attempt to match the profile of the cornice. Even if you only come close it'll be much less conspicuous than a corbel at a seemingly random location. Cut a triangular block of wood to fit the ...
isherwood's user avatar
  • 129k
1 vote

How to get optimal starlight ceiling

I did something like that in my childrens' bedrooms many years ago. Bought long-glow paint that was almost white during the daytime, and used hundreds/thousands of tiny dots on the white ceiling of ...
Milwrdfan's user avatar
  • 3,773
1 vote

Repair edge of joist from water damage

Your option should work. I had an ele notch 6" out of a 9" nominal 2x10 doug fir 1920 wood with a 18' span. The civil engineer I brought in said it was already over span based on modern ...
Fresh Codemonger's user avatar
1 vote

Repair edge of joist from water damage

If the ends of the joist are not in a joist hanger and not fastened in any way, then I would definitely fix it properly. Especially in an earthquake prone area. Another consideration is. If you are ...
Rohit Gupta's user avatar
  • 5,090
1 vote

How can I safely work in my attic without a floor in place?

My approach with three feet of loose blown-in insulation (which resembles your photos); bring up a piece or two of plywood as a work platform, and a small shovel to move the insulation around. (A ...
keshlam's user avatar
  • 27.5k

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