LD0506 Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 You shouldn't look at it as strictly dollars and cents, you end up with tools, you learn how to do things, there's the satisfaction of knowing you made it happen and, if ever anything else happens, you know that job intimately and can attack it without remorse. There are an awful lot of tools to be had on Craigslist, garage sales, FreeCycle, etc. that can fill out your toolbox. I've gotten whole lots several times, took what I wanted and moved the rest for just about breakeven on the $$. The real downside of it is that the wife always thinks I can fix anything, she doesn't quite get it that there are some things beyond fixin'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elessar78 Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 You shouldn't look at it as strictly dollars and cents, you end up with tools, you learn how to do things, there's the satisfaction of knowing you made it happen and, if ever anything else happens, you know that job intimately and can attack it without remorse. There are an awful lot of tools to be had on Craigslist, garage sales, FreeCycle, etc. that can fill out your toolbox. I've gotten whole lots several times, took what I wanted and moved the rest for just about breakeven on the $$. The real downside of it is that the wife always thinks I can fix anything, she doesn't quite get it that there are some things beyond fixin'. I agree, I'm constantly watching Craigslist for tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckus Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 (edited) A few light switches are making a very slight crackling sound while being flipped. It is noticeable if you press the switch slowly. I have read online that it is a defective light switch - and changing them looks easy enough. But is this something bigger? My house is only 1 1/2 years old and I have noticed the problem with 3 switches. Should I get an electrician in to check this out or just replace the switches? Edited October 7, 2013 by Duckus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elessar78 Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 A few light switches are making a very slight crackling sound while being flipped. It is noticeable if you press the switch slowly. I have read online that it is a defective light switch - and changing them looks easy enough. But is this something bigger? My house is only 1 1/2 years old and I have noticed the problem with 3 switches. Should I get an electrician in to check this out or just replace the switches? What's the warranty on your new house? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckus Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 What's the warranty on your new house? Standard builder warranty. Different years for different things. I think electric is 2 years - need to look it up. If it is just the switches it is a $2-$3 fix that I can do - but not sure if the issue is bigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoony Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 It could just be a loose connection causing an arc. Switches are cheap and cam be replaced in minutes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elessar78 Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Standard builder warranty. Different years for different things. I think electric is 2 years - need to look it up. If it is just the switches it is a $2-$3 fix that I can do - but not sure if the issue is bigger. Right, but it doesn't seem localized so it could be wholesale changes that need to be made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 So finally bought a house last week. Decided to take all the carpets our and put down hardwoods. I have installed several hardwood floors before but have never tackled an entire house before..holy crap. Seeing the stupid hardwoods in my sleep...that better not end up in the out of context thread. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattFancy Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Did a nice weekend project for the wife. Added a chalkboard calendar in our kitchen. Looks like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63774260/chalkboard-wall-calendar-with-memo-vinyl Was really simple to do. Just need a quart of chalkboard paint, nylon paint brush, regular painters tape, and 1/4" painters tape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Nice, thats looks pretty cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chew Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Did a nice weekend project for the wife. Added a chalkboard calendar in our kitchen. Looks like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63774260/chalkboard-wall-calendar-with-memo-vinyl Was really simple to do. Just need a quart of chalkboard paint, nylon paint brush, regular painters tape, and 1/4" painters tape. Looks nice. Wife did the same thing on the inside of our kitchen pantry door. puts stuff up there daily for the grocery store runs on weekend. @ STLO, I wish I knew how to install hardwoods. The labor charges are a monster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Looks nice. Wife did the same thing on the inside of our kitchen pantry door. puts stuff up there daily for the grocery store runs on weekend. @ STLO, I wish I knew how to install hardwoods. The labor charges are a monster. Its surprisingly very very easy to do with the right tools. I am no handy man by any means. Lowes has a video on youtube. A little step by step thing. Its pretty much right on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 It is that. Putting down hardwood flooring was and is one of the easiest things I've done in carpentry all these years. I've put down thousands of feet of the stuff. Hardest part is finding that nice straight line for the first run,(well after the many times difficult decisions of what kind of hardwood and choosing the direction you want to go). After that,it's largely pretty easy,(not always so on the back knees of course). It's tough to be out of your league when it comes to flooring for the average DIYer if you show a little patience. Speaking of DIY projects,I'll have to post a pic of the landscaping makeover from this past Summer and Fall. Turned out pretty good I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 Does anyone have any tips for installing crown molding? I got the cutting down..getting ready to hang it tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclops Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 (edited) Does anyone have any tips for installing crown molding? I got the cutting down..getting ready to hang it tonight. Not really much to it. Get a mitre saw to get your angles right if you are doing multiple walls. Measure out and Cut to size Nail down. Some finishing nails would be fine. White silicon caulk for the bead Paint to the caulk line for any marks you have created. If you don't have the original paint can and/or the paint is over 5 years old you will probably see the paint line. Appropriate wood putty to clean up your nail holes. Done job. A little tiring holding it up. Edited January 20, 2014 by Cyclops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PleaseBlitz Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share Posted January 20, 2014 (edited) What is the best primer on the market? I just bought a new home (new to me, at least). Pretty much move-in ready except one of the bathrooms is PINK. I mean like NEON PINK. There is no pink that is pinker than this pink. That must be eradicated immediately. If I don't want to have to prime it like 4 times, I am going to need a coat that is the consistency of paste. Edited January 20, 2014 by PleaseBlitz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfitzo53 Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 The fluorescent lights in our garage went out recently. I have new bulbs, but I don't think that's the issue, the switch was crackling like somebody mentioned above. Now when I flip the switch there's no crackling, and nothing comes on. The first step is to try the new bulbs I guess, but if that doesn't work, and I have a sneaking suspicion it won't, should I try new ballast first or a new switch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 The fluorescent lights in our garage went out recently. I have new bulbs, but I don't think that's the issue, the switch was crackling like somebody mentioned above. Now when I flip the switch there's no crackling, and nothing comes on. The first step is to try the new bulbs I guess, but if that doesn't work, and I have a sneaking suspicion it won't, should I try new ballast first or a new switch? The switch would be the cheaper of the two so maybe try that one first...but sounds like the ballast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 you can simply jump across the terminals on the switch to test it( or connect both wires to one terminal) usual safety lecture not included Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfitzo53 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 you can simply jump across the terminals on the switch to test it( or connect both wires to one terminal) usual safety lecture not included It's cool, I saw every episode of Home Improvement as a kid. I know what I'm doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWFLSkins Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Does anyone have any tips for installing crown molding? I got the cutting down..getting ready to hang it tonight. Always cut the molding upside down, fence is the wall, mitre base is the ceiling. use a 22.5 lap joint for field seams, hides the crack, never butt joint field seams. Caulk shrinks, use spackling instead, and lightly sand off excess before painting. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclops Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 The fluorescent lights in our garage went out recently. I have new bulbs, but I don't think that's the issue, the switch was crackling like somebody mentioned above. Now when I flip the switch there's no crackling, and nothing comes on. The first step is to try the new bulbs I guess, but if that doesn't work, and I have a sneaking suspicion it won't, should I try new ballast first or a new switch? If they are fluorescent tubes the starters are probably out. Hopefully not the ballast. Not particularly hard but just a pain in the ass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattFancy Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 What is the best primer on the market? I just bought a new home (new to me, at least). Pretty much move-in ready except one of the bathrooms is PINK. I mean like NEON PINK. There is no pink that is pinker than this pink. That must be eradicated immediately. If I don't want to have to prime it like 4 times, I am going to need a coat that is the consistency of paste. Well those walls would be good for strawberry milk stains at least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I have a new found respect for anyone who can caulk without making a total mess. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.T.real,lights,out Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 Getting ready to install new cabinets in the kitchen. Anyone have any tips? Anyone ever use the EZ-level? Or do you just typically use shims. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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