09 Tools, Ticks and Trips

FROM THE FIELD

·     Talking to Project Manager, Susan, from AmyWorks. Susan talks to us about the lumber prices and how is it affecting the home building and remodeling industry.

·     A new home built today costs $36,000 more today than the exact same house built a year ago due to the increased lumber costs.

·     Tariffs, mill closings and Covid…we’re all left wondering when it will start to turn around.

·     Building and remodeling doesn’t have to cease, just think about material alternatives. 

Q&A

New DIY’r wanting to replace baseboards and is looking for an option that will look good AND be easy to install.

·     Amy couldn’t think of the name of the sculpted base at the time but it’s called “Colonial” as opposed to “Craftsmen” style trim work.

·     Manufactured Dairies for Fridays? Not quite. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).

·     Craftsmen style or flat stock is easier to install using 90 degrees cuts instead of coping.

·     Nail into the studs or sill plate to attach the base, caulk the top with painter’s caulk, and use spackle or a wood putty to fill the holes.

·     Determine stud location using your tape measure, placing the 16” mark on a known location, like next to an outlet. 

·     Buy or borrow or rent a nail gun? Check out “Buy Nothing” http://buynothingproject.org for tools and materials that may be available in your area.

·     Painting the base…brush, roller or sprayer. Amy talks about a small aerosol bottle with spray nozzle for small paint projects.

TOOLS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Spring-loaded nail punch: An upgrade to an old standard.

·     Saves your hand from your misaligned hammer blow.

·     Worth the cost of the tool even if you don’t use it often

A toilet jack: A nifty little toilet forklift that helps lift toilets during install and removal. 

·     Keep on the good side of your chiropractor.

·     Again…buy, borrow or rent? What a great way to make friends. “You got a toilet jack?” “I got a toilet jack!”

REMODELING ADVICE

 Project delays.

·     Be understanding and flexible

·     Ask for a cushion or buffer to keep them under control

·     Appliance, material and subcontractor availability is a big factor in project scheduling

·     Order materials as soon as you can in order to get them when they are needed

·     Alicia asks “what is the best way to get the contractor’s attention when there are issues?” Make sure your contractor has a defined process for regular communication such as status meetings. Immediate notification should be a given for high priority issues.

To get your question on “Let’s Talk…Home Repair” email us at askamy@amyworks.com

Recorded at THE WINTERBLUE ROOM, Seattle.