This week we look at what types of repairs are great for homeowners who want to really get into the work of maintaining their home, versus those instances when a contractor might be the best person for the job. We also discuss how to vet a contractor.
W.hat T.he F.ail
A recycled deck, improperly installed.
No ledger board. Deck is screwed to the siding using lag bolts.
Once upon a time this deck was supported by nice, large timbers (upper right) - now it's held by a string of 2x4s (lower left).
Listener Questions: Alesha and Nick in Minneapolis
Honest Home Podcast, Season 1
Today we answered several questions from listeners Alesha and Nick who live in an older home in Minneapolis. Topics covered: Hardwood floors, asbestos, paint stripping, and more hardwood floors. They even supplied our W.hat T.he Fail for the week: placing trim around boiler baseboard heaters.
A previous owner placed pine trim board over the top of the baseboard heaters. This is an aesthetic choice, but not a usual one, and it does cause the wood to dry out quite a bit.
Pine trim installed around and above a baseboard heater.