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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 12:49:19 pm

Title: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 12:49:19 pm
First, let's establish one ground rule. Tim Allen can suck Trump's herpes encrusted dick.

Now, here's my first question.

I have a battery powered mower, and the battery is dead. I ordered a new one.

Now here is my problem. When taking everything apart to access the old battery, I need a star screwdriver. However, star screwdrivers come in different sizes. Is there any good way to measure so that I buy the right screwdriver, or am I stuck buying the whole six piece set? Will I encounter enough stars in my lifetime so that I won't end up being screwed by the full set purchase?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 12, 2020, 12:59:14 pm
I will have nothing to contribute to this thread


I actually been sitting here all day putting off going to assemble a trampoline we bought for my kids...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 01:18:06 pm
One of the few benefits of COVID19 is that we've delayed buying the two unassembled dressers we were going to get. There's nothing I hate more than putting together unassembled furniture.

A negative is that we were planning on joining the community pool, which of course now is not happening. So instead, there is now a demand for a backyard pool purchase, which will no doubt include some assembly and maintenance. Not to mention we only have one small flat space. I remember having a pool growing up. Lots of work for the dad without much actual use by the family.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 12, 2020, 01:18:44 pm
Now here is my problem. When taking everything apart to access the old battery, I need a star screwdriver. However, star screwdrivers come in different sizes. Is there any good way to measure so that I buy the right screwdriver, or am I stuck buying the whole six piece set? Will I encounter enough stars in my lifetime so that I won't end up being screwed by the full set purchase?
Ask your neighbor. The one whose lower-half of their face you never see.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 12, 2020, 01:19:28 pm
A negative is that we were planning on joining the community pool, which of course now is not happening. So instead, there is now a demand for a backyard pool purchase, which will no doubt include some assembly and maintenance. Not to mention we only have one small flat space. I remember having a pool growing up. Lots of work for the dad without much actual use by the family.
I mean, the pool company will dig it out and install it for you. This isn't Encino Man.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 01:27:11 pm
A negative is that we were planning on joining the community pool, which of course now is not happening. So instead, there is now a demand for a backyard pool purchase, which will no doubt include some assembly and maintenance. Not to mention we only have one small flat space. I remember having a pool growing up. Lots of work for the dad without much actual use by the family.
I mean, the pool company will dig it out and install it for you. This isn't Encino Man.

I'm talking above ground pool. I don't live in Encino, man.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: shemptiness on May 12, 2020, 01:27:33 pm
A negative is that we were planning on joining the community pool, which of course now is not happening. So instead, there is now a demand for a backyard pool purchase, which will no doubt include some assembly and maintenance. Not to mention we only have one small flat space. I remember having a pool growing up. Lots of work for the dad without much actual use by the family.
I mean, the pool company will dig it out and install it for you. This isn't Encino Man.

I think he's talking above-ground, Dundalk/Essex style.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 12, 2020, 01:29:12 pm
I'm talking above ground pool.
An above-ground pool? Someone find my fainting couch, I have the vapors.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 01:30:02 pm
A negative is that we were planning on joining the community pool, which of course now is not happening. So instead, there is now a demand for a backyard pool purchase, which will no doubt include some assembly and maintenance. Not to mention we only have one small flat space. I remember having a pool growing up. Lots of work for the dad without much actual use by the family.
I mean, the pool company will dig it out and install it for you. This isn't Encino Man.

I think he's talking above-ground, Dundalk/Essex style.

You got it, hon. Though at different times we have both, growing up. And both were too much work for the dad.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 01:31:08 pm
I'm talking above ground pool.
An above-ground pool? Someone find my fainting couch, I have the vapors.

Let me go on record as saying that I am 100% opposed to the idea.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 12, 2020, 01:39:46 pm
star screwdrivers come in different sizes. Is there any good way to measure so that I buy the right screwdriver, or am I stuck buying the whole six piece set?

Space, when you say "star" screwdriver, do you mean a cross/Phillips or a 6-sided Torx (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx)?

i'm hoping it's the latter, since i would expect any household to have a few Phillips sitting around.  6-sided screws aren't particularly common so i wouldn't invest in a set of screwdrivers if you aren't the need-to-have-all-tools-at-my-immediate-disposal type of people.

assuming it's a six-sided star, i have two low-priced & high-effort options:
- drag your lawnmower to the hardware store, and test.  buy only the size you need.
- buy a set, use very gently, clean once you're done, and return.

medium-priced and low effort: $7 bit set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PWNCH2/).
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 01:44:50 pm
star screwdrivers come in different sizes. Is there any good way to measure so that I buy the right screwdriver, or am I stuck buying the whole six piece set?

Space, when you say "star" screwdriver, do you mean a cross/Phillips or a 6-sided Torx (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx)?

i'm hoping it's the latter, since i would expect any household to have a few Phillips sitting around.  6-sided screws aren't particularly common so i wouldn't invest in a set of screwdrivers if you aren't the need-to-have-all-tools-at-my-immediate-disposal type of people.

assuming it's a six-sided star, i have two low-priced & high-effort options:
- drag your lawnmower to the hardware store, and test.  buy only the size you need.
- buy a set, use very gently, clean once you're done, and return.

medium-priced and low effort: $7 bit set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PWNCH2/).

Haha, I like the way you think. Yes, that is the one, the 6 sided Torx.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 12, 2020, 01:54:25 pm
we have several home improvement projects underway:

- building a tree-house of the kids.  grandparents have completely over-engineered the damn thing.  it's going to be 2 levels, 8 and 14 feet off the ground.  walls, shingled roof, railings on the open sides with effing flower boxes... the inner child in me is in no way jealous that i didn't have such a nice tree-house as a kid.  not at all.

- we've completed a tent platform.  kids love camping so now we have a convenient, flat place to park our tent. we occasionally have more guests than we can accommodate inside so now we have overflow space, and during the pandemic we can have guests over and they can stay there without contaminating our house.  it's a nice addition.  also serves as a gathering space under the trees - looks like my brother-in-law's reduced-sized wedding will take place on it this summer.

- we're having the wood siding on the house cleaned and repainted by contractors, but lots of prep required before they can do their work: removing shelving that that's been attached, remove cabling, patch a spot or two, secure windows, etc.

- probably not this year but maybe next, we'll need to completely redo the porch/deck.  it wraps around 3 sides of the house so it'll be a major undertaking.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 12, 2020, 02:28:44 pm
One of the few benefits of COVID19 is that we've delayed buying the two unassembled dressers we were going to get. There's nothing I hate more than putting together unassembled furniture.

A negative is that we were planning on joining the community pool, which of course now is not happening. So instead, there is now a demand for a backyard pool purchase, which will no doubt include some assembly and maintenance. Not to mention we only have one small flat space. I remember having a pool growing up. Lots of work for the dad without much actual use by the family.

Can confirm. I have filled up the pool, but have not yet turned on the filter or the heater.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 12, 2020, 02:38:47 pm
Completed:
 - Waterproofing and floor replacement in the addition
 - Furnish teleworking space
 - Removal of decrepit outdoor gas lantern
 - De-thatching of front acreage
 - Complete edging of acreage
 - Springtime trim of hedges
 - Minor gravel project at the end of the driveway

Ongoing:
 - Pool startup (see above)
 - Culling of bamboo / brush on rear hill
 - Organize pantry

Planned / Scheduled:
 - Repair of gates (tomorrow)
 - Replace 5-panel bow window in front (next week)
 - Minor interior electrical repairs

I think that is all.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: challenged on May 12, 2020, 02:51:04 pm
Completed:
 - Waterproofing and floor replacement in the addition
 - Furnish teleworking space
 - Removal of decrepit outdoor gas lantern
 - De-thatching of front acreage
 - Complete edging of acreage
 - Springtime trim of hedges
 - Minor gravel project at the end of the driveway

Ongoing:
 - Pool startup (see above)
 - Culling of bamboo / brush on rear hill
 - Organize pantry

Planned / Scheduled:
 - Repair of gates (tomorrow)
 - Replace 5-panel bow window in front (next week)
 - Minor interior electrical repairs

I think that is all.


I have watched all of Better Call Saul.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 12, 2020, 03:16:37 pm
I have watched all of Better Call Saul.

Good show.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 12, 2020, 03:32:39 pm
Completed:

mowed lawn twice
 Weedwacked once (only back)
Brought in garbage cans two weeks in a row
Bought lots of records


Plan:

change smoke alarm battery as it keeps beeping
Install trampoline but have lined up excuse
Organize records
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: WALKonBack on May 12, 2020, 03:36:18 pm
I, thought you said, that you will have nothing to contribute to this thread?

We're about to kill all the cattails around our pond.  Death to pussy,willows.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 12, 2020, 03:47:56 pm
I hate this thread. Can we all go back to the stimulating, conversation-inducing wonder that is listing three LPs?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 12, 2020, 03:49:22 pm
I hate this thread. Can we all go back to the stimulating, conversation-inducing wonder that is listing three LPs?

I got crickets on my last contribution.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: WALKonBack on May 12, 2020, 04:10:43 pm
I hate this thread. Can we all go back to the stimulating, conversation-inducing wonder that is listing three LPs?

How, about someone starting a "3 ranked best forum threads " thread.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 12, 2020, 04:14:37 pm
how about top 3 integers?  that always gets people super interested.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 04:39:31 pm
Completed:

mowed lawn twice
 Weedwacked once (only back)
Brought in garbage cans two weeks in a row
Bought lots of records


Plan:

change smoke alarm battery as it keeps beeping
Install trampoline but have lined up excuse
Organize records

Pro-tip: Having a nasty ear infection is always a good excuse. You even use it to call in sick to work and sleep all afternoon.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 12, 2020, 04:46:07 pm
how about top 3 integers?  that always gets people super interested.
69
420
100
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: WALKonBack on May 12, 2020, 05:03:42 pm
how about top 3 integers?  that always gets people super interested.
69
420
100

well . . . I guess, there is no need for that thread.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 05:03:59 pm
Guys and gals, good news. In my garage, I found a nine piece socket set (whatever that is) left by the previous house owner 15+ years ago. Celeste scoffed at putting the star socket in her electric drill when i suggested it, but when she did, alas it fit, and we were able to unscrew the star screw. Battery comes tomorrow, and hopefully I'll be mowing soon thereafter.

Now I'll be calling Heilung for help on other improvements and a running date (I'll keep up on my bike.) Hutch can bring his records and be dj. K8 can babysit my soon to be teenager and teach her how to be "nice." :)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 12, 2020, 05:48:08 pm
So many observations...

1. A battery powered mower, lol
2. What kind of respectable  50+ year old male doesn't have a proper tools set?
3. A cheap above ground pool may be the worst investment you could ever make.

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 06:08:28 pm
So many observations...

1. A battery powered mower, lol
2. What kind of respectable  50+ year old male doesn't have a proper tools set?
3. A cheap above ground pool may be the worst investment you could ever make.

1. What kind of mower do you own?
2. That screwdriver was the first tool I've had to buy in...well since i can remember. And it turns out i had one anyway.
3. I can't argue with that one, but I'm outvoted.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 06:09:54 pm
Just a reminder to my fellow Virgins: while US taxes have been postponed until July 15, Virginia taxes are due June 1.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 12, 2020, 06:23:37 pm
So many observations...

1. A battery powered mower, lol
2. What kind of respectable  50+ year old male doesn't have a proper tools set?
3. A cheap above ground pool may be the worst investment you could ever make.

1. What kind of mower do you own?
2. That screwdriver was the first tool I've had to buy in...well since i can remember. And it turns out i had one anyway.
3. I can't argue with that one, but I'm outvoted.

Whatever red no name brand sold at Home Depot circa spring of 2010, gas powered.*

*I outsource my mowing, so only mow myself to fill in the gaps a few times a year.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 06:35:12 pm
What kind of respectable 40+ man doesn't mow his own lawn? Yuppie.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 12, 2020, 06:52:18 pm
What kind of respectable 40+ man doesn't mow his own lawn? Yuppie.

I'm not 40.  :)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 12, 2020, 06:56:08 pm
So many observations...

1. A battery powered mower, lol
2. What kind of respectable  50+ year old male doesn't have a proper tools set?
3. A cheap above ground pool may be the worst investment you could ever make.

1. we have one, and it's better than any gas-powered or electric we've ever had.  super maneuverable, quiet, self-propelled, really easy to vary blade height... i'm never going back.
2. i generally agree, but star screwdrivers are a specialty item that i wouldn't expect most folks to have.
3. no opinion, i've never owned an above- or below-ground pool.  did rent a place that had a hot tub, used it 2 or 3 times during the year we lived there.  pools and hot tubs = joy < work (i was marie kondo'ing that shit before it was a thing).
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 12, 2020, 06:58:39 pm
108 springs in the trampoline

1-0-8
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 07:08:16 pm
Pro-tip on  Airbnb hot tubs: Make sure you shower right after. Good lord, what a horrible rash I contracted. Second worst thing that happened on that trip.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 12, 2020, 08:31:50 pm
What kind of respectable 40+ man doesn't mow his own lawn? Yuppie.

I'm not 40.  :)
damn whippersnapper!
I mowed lawns as a teen hatch and made some pretty good scratch being a sole proprietor in a well off neighborhood
So the thought of paying someone to mow my lawn...just can't do it.
In fact, I meet Hutch via a lawn mowing exchange for housing at 23

gas powered lawn mower produces the same amount of air pollution in one hour as 11 new cars driven for one hour.*

I have used electric mowers since the 80s, and I'm at one with the extension cord.  When the current one I own (which I got for free) dies I'm 100% getting a battery-powered one.  Love my battery-powered weed whacker


*I'm a two-stroke scooter guy...so I pollute in my own special way too (although if I come up with $2k I'm going to convert my 1969 Primavera to electric)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 12, 2020, 09:07:33 pm
I'm a two-stroke . . . guy so I pollute in my own special way too
So many marriages in trouble on here.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 12, 2020, 09:16:10 pm
What kind of respectable 40+ man doesn't mow his own lawn? Yuppie.

I'm not 40.  :)
damn whippersnapper!
I mowed lawns as a teen hatch and made some pretty good scratch being a sole proprietor in a well off neighborhood
So the thought of paying someone to mow my lawn...just can't do it.
In fact, I meet Hutch via a lawn mowing exchange for housing at 23

gas powered lawn mower produces the same amount of air pollution in one hour as 11 new cars driven for one hour.*

I have used electric mowers since the 80s, and I'm at one with the extension cord.  When the current one I own (which I got for free) dies I'm 100% getting a battery-powered one.  Love my battery-powered weed whacker


*I'm a two-stroke scooter guy...so I pollute in my own special way too (although if I come up with $2k I'm going to convert my 1969 Primavera to electric)

Believe me... I mowed many a lawns from 1992 until 1998 and then from 2010 until 2015.

$30 a pop is a no brainier when you and your partner were at one time both working 50+ hour a week work week with two kids under five.

Even though still not in that current situation, it's $ well spent round these parts... Not that I'd ever see eye to eye with Space on really anything... And especially anything that involves spending money. I also take space as a once every four week or until grass is knee high, whichever comes first, kind of mower.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 12, 2020, 09:21:59 pm
I save the lawn mowing money for things I can't do, like plumbing jobs. Or things I'd fuck up, like drywall. I mow it when it needs mowing. We don't put chemicals on our lawn, so it's mostly weeds at this point anyway. At least it's green.

 I'd pay my kid to do it, but she refuses to do any chores and is afraid to go in the garage.

Generally I love living in the burbs but one complaint i have is there's always some kind of lawn equipment making noise when we sit on our deck for a meal. Always.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: WALKonBack on May 12, 2020, 09:41:31 pm
I live on three acres, half of which is mowable.  We have so many natural springs on our property, that the entire thing has to be done by push mower only; riding lawn mowers get stuck.  By me . . . I die, every time.  We used to hire a college kid, who would do it with his shirt off, and then he got a real job.  Stupid college influence.

Thanks, obamacare.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2020, 02:40:59 pm
We used to hire a college kid, who would do it with his shirt off, and then he got a real job.  Stupid college influence.

Good to know porn has the same story, gay or straight.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on May 13, 2020, 02:44:04 pm
I'm pretty sure my favorite story here is sweetcell telling Space to cheat a local business over $7 fucking dollars..
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 13, 2020, 02:48:42 pm
^that was a curveball I wasn't expecting from sweets
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 13, 2020, 03:14:29 pm
I'm pretty sure my favorite story here is sweetcell telling Space to cheat a local business over $7 fucking dollars..

I live in the burbs, not a million dollar condo in a select SF neighborhood. I'm pretty sure my only hardware store option is Home Depot, not a loveable mom and pop. Does that make Sweetcell's deviousness more palatable?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 13, 2020, 03:20:49 pm
I'm pretty sure my favorite story here is sweetcell telling Space to cheat a local business over $7 fucking dollars..

i was playing to Space's well-known reputation for being cheap.  note that only 1 of my 3 suggestions involved returning something. 2 outta 3 ain't bad.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 13, 2020, 04:28:44 pm
sweets keeps lowering the bar, this covid is really getting to him
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 13, 2020, 04:29:40 pm
I'm pretty sure my favorite story here is sweetcell telling Space to cheat a local business over $7 fucking dollars..

I live in the burbs, not a million dollar condo in a select SF neighborhood. I'm pretty sure my only hardware store option is Home Depot, not a loveable mom and pop. Does that make Sweetcell's deviousness more palatable?

A million dollar condo in San Francisco? How insulting!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 13, 2020, 04:38:34 pm
I'm pretty sure my favorite story here is sweetcell telling Space to cheat a local business over $7 fucking dollars..

I live in the burbs, not a million dollar condo in a select SF neighborhood. I'm pretty sure my only hardware store option is Home Depot, not a loveable mom and pop. Does that make Sweetcell's deviousness more palatable?

A million dollar condo in San Francisco? How insulting!
yeah I think that is eligible for public assistance
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 16, 2020, 03:09:01 pm
Bad news, and i though this might be the case since the mower/battery is only three years old..I put the new battery in, charge it, and the mower still doesn't start up. So it's something other than the battery. So I have an extra $65 battery.

DIY fail. I had originally called the closest B&D service center, but they were in Manassas and there was going to be a 24 day wait. Maybe you can take it to a place that's not a recognized service center and they'll do it? Anybody know? I think i've only had work done on a mower once in my lifetime and don't remember the details.

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 16, 2020, 03:49:36 pm
Bad news, and i though this might be the case since the mower/battery is only three years old..I put the new battery in, charge it, and the mower still doesn't start up. So it's something other than the battery. So I have an extra $65 battery.

DIY fail. I had originally called the closest B&D service center, but they were in Manassas and there was going to be a 24 day wait. Maybe you can take it to a place that's not a recognized service center and they'll do it? Anybody know? I think i've only had work done on a mower once in my lifetime and don't remember the details.

I'd just let the grass grow all summer.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 16, 2020, 03:54:53 pm
Can’t you find a passing street urchin to care for all your lawn and chimney sweeping needs like the rest of us?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 16, 2020, 04:09:52 pm
All of these lawnmower places want $50 nonrefundable for a diagnostic plus whatever it takes to fix it. It's almost like it would be easier to donate the old one and shell out $300 for a new one.

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: challenged on May 16, 2020, 04:12:38 pm
I replaced the string on my string trimmer. 4 minutes.
I cleared the weeds out of the garden. 45 minutes.
I took photos and video of a cool eastern black rat snake in a tree adjacent to the garden. 2 hrs.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 19, 2020, 03:31:17 pm
I have an old pre-USB non-Smart tv that we still use. The sleep feature seems to have somehow become engaged and the tv shuts off after 5-10 mins. Sometimes it comes back on, sometimes not. Or at least i think it's the sleep feature. I tried unplugging but it's still doing it. Should i trash it or is there a way to fix it?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 19, 2020, 03:41:49 pm
trash...there really is no way to fix something like that

Only thing to look for is a 'factory reset' button
I assume you've done some web searches with the model number/brand


Although, could be something else...like your kid

my cousin thought it was funny to do this to his dad
bought a universal remote and would go outside and change the channel/volume and watch his dad loose his shit
I never saw it happen, but he for some reason loves bringing up that story
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 19, 2020, 04:15:57 pm
I have an old pre-USB non-Smart tv that we still use. The sleep feature seems to have somehow become engaged and the tv shuts off after 5-10 mins. Sometimes it comes back on, sometimes not. Or at least i think it's the sleep feature. I tried unplugging but it's still doing it. Should i trash it or is there a way to fix it?

I mean, you can get a new 50 inch smart tv for under $300...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 19, 2020, 04:22:54 pm
But I can use those $300 for something I don’t already own.


No but seriously making things last is fun and if it still works... now if its not a solvable issue guess you got to upgrade


We recently went from a 32” to 55”...my aunt in law gave us a tv she wasn’t using...it feels great!

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 19, 2020, 04:36:46 pm
The one that is breaking down is one that I found in my neighborhood with a "Free, It works" sign on it. Got a few years out of it,

We have a second Smart TV that we paid for.

And a third larger tv that we picked up for free earlier this year that I haven't hooked up yet.

Likely we'll trash #1 and replace with #3.



Now, if I could just find someone in the hood giving away a lawnmower.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 19, 2020, 04:55:53 pm
I have an old pre-USB non-Smart tv that we still use. The sleep feature seems to have somehow become engaged and the tv shuts off after 5-10 mins. Sometimes it comes back on, sometimes not. Or at least i think it's the sleep feature. I tried unplugging but it's still doing it. Should i trash it or is there a way to fix it?

Which port do you stream VHS through?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 19, 2020, 04:58:25 pm
Pro tip: people are giving video tapes away
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 19, 2020, 05:06:41 pm
I have an old pre-USB non-Smart tv that we still use. The sleep feature seems to have somehow become engaged and the tv shuts off after 5-10 mins. Sometimes it comes back on, sometimes not. Or at least i think it's the sleep feature. I tried unplugging but it's still doing it. Should i trash it or is there a way to fix it?

Which port do you stream VHS through?

I haven't had anything to play VHS with in a long time. Which is a shame, because it meant throwing away my vintage porn collection.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 19, 2020, 05:09:05 pm
But I can use those $300 for something I don’t already own.


No but seriously making things last is fun and if it still works... now if its not a solvable issue guess you got to upgrade


We recently went from a 32” to 55”...my aunt in law gave us a tv she wasn’t using...it feels great!



Yeah, the power assist part of my power assist lawn mower broke many seasons ago. Now I just have an extra heavy regular lawn mower...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 19, 2020, 05:26:37 pm

Yeah, the power assist part of my power assist lawn mower broke many seasons ago. Now I just have an extra heavy regular lawn mower...
I ended up getting stuck with one of those as a Teen, man did my triceps look good that summer
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 11:34:27 am
We want to have someone spray outside for mosquitoes

We have found three candidates

Mosquito Joe
Mosquito Squad
Mosquito Hunters


I keep insisting there is a Mosquito Coast but this is apparently a figment of my imagination

Anyways based on Yelp Mosquito  Joe sucks balls (I have seen their snazzy trucks around here), Mosquito Hunters is barely existing and Mosquito Squad is killing it

So I am strongly in favor of Mosquito Squad but if anyone knows anything on this stuff let me know
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 20, 2020, 11:58:11 am
years ago we used Mosquito Squad (the organic spry) and it only really works if your neighbors do it too
you can't just do it once either.
they did have something that if it rained a day or so after the application all you had to do is call and they would reapply

focus on any standing water anywhere within 50yards of your home
even a bottle cap can breed the buggers
also cut grass that is long ...even if it's on public land or your neighbors

also pro-tip...box fans
get a few of them stragaticly placed, the mosquitos can't get past them and typiclly fly a few feet from the ground


And Mosquito Joe is dead to me, stole my girl and weed back in 98 and if I see him again...just not sure what I'm going to do


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 20, 2020, 12:21:31 pm
Do you live in a swamp? Why not just drain it?

PestNow does all of our bug stuff. We have an ongoing contract with them. No complaints. Do these mosquito places only do mosquitos?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 12:34:59 pm
Swamp?


Not really..just mosquitoes kill us when we go outside


It’s pretty common issue in summer
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 20, 2020, 12:59:39 pm
Do you live in a swamp? Why not just drain it?
wait, I thought Trump was taking care of the Swamp in washington, I just assumed that Arlington was a part of that
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 20, 2020, 01:32:08 pm
Swamp?

Not really..just mosquitoes kill us when we go outside

It’s pretty common issue in summer

something that i do not miss of the DC area in the least are the bugs.  our backyard was intolerable for most of the summer, you'd be eaten alive in under a minute unless it was noon (in which case it's too hot to be outside).  no point in spraying if the neighbors aren't also doing it.  frustrating that it would be a beautiful evening, perfect for having dinner on the patio... except that any attempts at eating outside would result in me becoming the meal.

we have no bugs here*.  none.

* we of course have insects, but none that bite or harass you
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 01:34:27 pm
I thought those killer hornets were up there?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 20, 2020, 02:12:43 pm
somewhat related...mortgage rates!

saw 2.85% on a 30yr fixed refi with no points!
that is as low as that's ever been and I thought I was the king of cool with my 3.65% refi last year

with rates this low, you could refi, cover closing costs, take out 10K and still have a lower monthly payment*

*ok I know how this works, yes you now have a longer term and bigger loan.  But if you are paying less per month and have cash in hand, seems like a win-win to me.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 20, 2020, 03:42:04 pm
somewhat related...mortgage rates!

saw 2.85% on a 30yr fixed refi with no points!
that is as low as that's ever been and I thought I was the king of cool with my 3.65% refi last year

with rates this low, you could refi, cover closing costs, take out 10K and still have a lower monthly payment*

*ok I know how this works, yes you now have a longer term and bigger loan.  But if you are paying less per month and have cash in hand, seems like a win-win to me.


I want to say that we refinanced and got a 15 yr at about that rate a few years ago. Is that possible? I should keep better track of these things.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 03:47:59 pm
I read rates are low but banks aren’t granting mortgages without very very stringent requirements...

May differ with refis

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 20, 2020, 04:32:50 pm
I want to say that we refinanced and got a 15 yr at about that rate a few years ago. Is that possible? I should keep better track of these things.

Nope...15yr rates are almost always lower
but few people can afford them, even if they are lower rates (as it's nearly double the monthly payment)
It's a far better loan on paper, but if it's too much to pay monthly, it's a deal-breaker for most to get a home
I mean the best deal is to pay for the home in cash and not pay any interest (that is the most depressing moment when you look and see that over the life of the loan, you will pay MORE in interest than the loan its self)

Used to be easier to swallow with the interest deduction...but with the new standard 16k deduction for families (while a good thing) that basically make it so most don't get to deduct your interest income anymore

I read rates are low but banks aren’t granting mortgages without very very stringent requirements...

May differ with refis
It is much harder to get a loan since 2008....much harder
forget about a good rate if you don't have STELLAR credit
You used to be able to get 'no doc' loans...talk about a recipe for disaster...part of the reason financial crisis
It should be somewhat hard to get a big loan

man...the amount of paperwork and documentation required is monumental now (compared to pre 2008)
some of the downpayment was a gift from a relative and the amount of work the 'gifter' had to do was insane
for each loan...a small forest is destroyed to provide the paperwork
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 20, 2020, 04:37:17 pm
I thought those killer hornets were up there?

true, 2 spots in the state have have murder hornet sightings, neither in my county.  based on what i've read, they won't bug you if you're just chilling on your patio (unlike mosquitoes).  people get attacked when they step on the hornet's nest, which they build on the ground.  so i'm happy to trade the very real threat of DC swamp bugs for the theoretical risk of murder hornets.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 07:53:45 pm
Mortgage rates really have to go down to be worth a refi

Cause there is a cost to a refi

Most of us that bought in last few years are already fairly low
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 08:05:25 pm
No I read banks are clamping down mortgages now due to covid
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 20, 2020, 09:50:23 pm
Mortgage rates really have to go down to be worth a refi

Cause there is a cost to a refi

Most of us that bought in last few years are already fairly low
Of course there is a cost

The VA transfer tax is the bitch

But depending on how you do it .75 % is about $200 less a month in my case
About $25 a month covers closing costs
Or you could keep payments exactly the same and cash out $40k tax free.
 
Again you do have a bigger loan and a longer term.  But if your monthly payment stays the same
I think that is pretty good
But you need to understand the math
There are calculators out there to figure this all out
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 10:00:37 pm
sounds like you are refinancing!

Keep us posted!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 20, 2020, 10:34:07 pm
sounds like you are refinancing!

Keep us posted!
not my first time at the rodeo
under three percent is a pretty big deal

guess this is my idea of a home improvement

Although I am going to be fostering about 20 baby chickens for the next 4 weeks
so that seems like much more fun to talk about than refi's
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 20, 2020, 10:48:17 pm
Awesome to hear you know what you’re doing and are experienced...

Let us know when you’ve done it


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 10:28:54 am
sounds like you are refinancing!

Keep us posted!
not my first time at the rodeo
under three percent is a pretty big deal

guess this is my idea of a home improvement

Although I am going to be fostering about 20 baby chickens for the next 4 weeks
so that seems like much more fun to talk about than refi's

Riddle me this... You're attempting to lower your payment or you're attempting to take cash out?

Also, how long until you break even from the closing costs....

Also, I think this has been explained, but hey space, you don't have a sub 3% 15 year rate my friend.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 21, 2020, 11:12:42 am
sounds like you are refinancing!

Keep us posted!
not my first time at the rodeo
under three percent is a pretty big deal

guess this is my idea of a home improvement

Although I am going to be fostering about 20 baby chickens for the next 4 weeks
so that seems like much more fun to talk about than refi's

Riddle me this... You're attempting to lower your payment or you're attempting to take cash out?

Also, how long until you break even from the closing costs....

Also, I think this has been explained, but hey space, you don't have a sub 3% 15 year rate my friend.

According to freddiemac.com 15yr rate was down around 2.75 in 2016. I think we refinanced in 2014 looks like it was low 3's.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 11:24:16 am

Riddle me this... You're attempting to lower your payment or you're attempting to take cash out?
Also, how long until you break even from the closing costs....
Not decided yet, but most likely just to lower payment

I'm not CPA....but this is my logic
if the closing costs are wrapped in the loan and the loan payment goes down.  I'd say there is no break even time frame
Yes the loan is higher and the term longer...so this is not free
But, my monthly payment goes down today and I'm saving $40k in interest over the life of the loan
(but yes the principal is higher = the closing costs)


Additionally, my broker had a rate protection program and their closing costs are free for this re-fi
an appraisal is getting waived
Title related stuff:  I've found some good ways to save on that part too
I don't go with the one they offer (last time was $350 savings)
see if you can 'renew' the title insurance from the last transaction (last loan I couldn't, but did this in CA and saved a few hundred too...not sure if VA has different laws about that)

Let me know where the holes in my logic are? (like you wouldn't   ;) )

Quote

According to freddiemac.com 15yr rate was down around 2.75 in 2016. I think we refinanced in 2014 looks like it was low 3's.
just because that was advertised, that by no means meant you got that
look on your loan doc, likely online
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 11:30:11 am
I've never heard of anyone being able to wrap closing costs into the loan... Where are you reading/seeing this info? This could be something a dump bank on the internet offers, but I'm not aware of it.

Additionally, if it's less than a 1% savings in your interest rate, it's probably not worth it IMHO.

I'm going to assume based on where we all live (unless grandpa or dad or someone else helped with this down payment as well) that you owe at least 500k on your mortgage. If it's less than 1%, it will take you at least a few years to see the savings of your closing costs...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 11:43:25 am
I've never heard of anyone being able to wrap closing costs into the loan... Where are you reading/seeing this info? This could be something a dump bank on the internet offers, but I'm not aware of it.

Additionally, if it's less than a 1% savings in your interest rate, it's probably not worth it IMHO.

I'm going to assume based on where we all live (unless grandpa or dad or someone else helped with this down payment as well) that you owe at least 500k on your mortgage. If it's less than 1%, it will take you at least a few years to see the savings of your closing costs...
are you kidding me
so lets say its a 300k loan (not talking about downpayment)
and closing costs are 10K
They just make it a 310k loan

I've probably done it this way at least 7 times

again the loan is bigger, so it's not free money
but if your payment is $1500 and you pay closing costs of $10k up front
Or you wrap that into your 30year fixed and your payment is $1545 (and your principal is now $310)
Am I missing something
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 11:53:21 am
I've never heard of anyone being able to wrap closing costs into the loan... Where are you reading/seeing this info? This could be something a dump bank on the internet offers, but I'm not aware of it.

Additionally, if it's less than a 1% savings in your interest rate, it's probably not worth it IMHO.

I'm going to assume based on where we all live (unless grandpa or dad or someone else helped with this down payment as well) that you owe at least 500k on your mortgage. If it's less than 1%, it will take you at least a few years to see the savings of your closing costs...
are you kidding me
so lets say its a 300k loan (not talking about downpayment)
and closing costs are 10K
They just make it a 310k loan

I've probably done it this way at least 7 times

again the loan is bigger, so it's not free money
but if your payment is $1500 and you pay closing costs of $10k up front
Or you wrap that into your 30year fixed and your payment is $1545 (and your principal is now $310)
Am I missing something

If you're paying 10k to refi a 300k loan, you're getting bent over in every direction imaginable... Think Space sex after a sweaty hike in the Shenadoahs. Anyway, in the long run they were you're doing this and looking at it, you're going to be losing $$ amigo.

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 21, 2020, 11:56:37 am
That is what I was trying to tell him but this isn’t his first rodeo!



We have spoken to advisors who tell us exactly that: to be worthwhile to refinance rates have to go way down

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 21, 2020, 12:19:50 pm
Think Space sex after a sweaty hike in the Shenadoahs.

thanks to you, asshat, i now can't not think of that.  ugh.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 21, 2020, 12:31:37 pm
I would give anything to have sweaty sex on a hike in the Shenandoah's right now.

I checked my statement, we are paying 3.375 on a 15 year that we refinanced in March 2015. This is above the 3.04 historical that Freddie Mac lists. So Yada, you are right. I'll get you a pre-show beer asap.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 21, 2020, 12:33:46 pm
I should qualify by “we” I mean my worse half because as Sidehatch knows I don’t have anything to do with money other than spending it as fast as I can when I can get some

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 01:57:16 pm
If you're paying 10k to refi a 300k loan, you're getting bent over in every direction imaginable...
I don't have that number yet..but only doing this based on how that number works out
Originally was thinking it would be close to $200 less, but looking like closer to $150...so little less desirable

so I've said it many times in this thread...the loan is bigger and the term is longer
I'm aware of that.  So yes...that is 'losing $$'

but lowering fixed costs TODAY is way more desirable to me
That's my main goal is getting my fixed monthly costs as low as I can
a lot of people might not want to put the effort in to save $150 a month, I'm fine with that..especially since it's a cost I'm on the hook for 360 months

This is my understanding of breaking down closing costs
closing cost total last time was $8k...but half of that was costs that I was already going to have to pay
So real sunk costs to me were in the $4k range


Origination - this was close to $2k last time
    this is the number I'm looking at this time around as they said they would cover 'their closing costs'

Title/title insurance/other fees - This is where you can get fleeced a little.  the original quote was $1550, shopped around, and got it under $1200.  I'm hoping this time I can 're-new' the title insurance... could get that number closer to $900

Gov't cost...this is a loss and was just shy of $1k

4k for 'closing costs' last time
I'm hoping that is around $2500 this time
I guess that is where your break-even math comes in.  If I have to spend $2500 to save $150 a month, then 16 months is my break-even

Then there are things like pre-paying insurance and the property tax for escrow
for me that was about $4k....but that was money I was going to pay out regardless
The only difference is I financed that 4k in the loan and won't have to come up with that 4K in 2020 (more money not being spent today...but over the life of the loan)

So if I pay $X for Principal and interest today
and after 10 hours of paperwork, I'm paying x -$150

Seems like I'm not having to shell out $150 a month today and for the next 360 months...seems like a good deal to me
even if over the course of the loan I'm paying more

Now I could come up with all of the closing costs at signing (lets say 6.5k)
I could pay $178 less a month

but paying the $28 a month for to cover that 6.5k seems ok in my book as long as my monthly outlay is $150 less
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 21, 2020, 02:00:04 pm
Hatchy's getting kind of Spacey. Nice.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 21, 2020, 02:00:28 pm
Did somebody pay you for the time you spent typing that?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 02:01:55 pm
Hatchy's getting kind of Spacey. Nice.

Have it on good authority and can confirm.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 02:03:53 pm
Did somebody pay you for the time you spent typing that?
almost every character written by me on this forum is paid by someone ;)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 02:05:06 pm
Hatchy's getting kind of Spacey. Nice.

Have it on good authority and can confirm.
dude...in these COVID times, getting fixed costs low is a priority!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 02:48:59 pm
For example, the following illustrates the savings of a .5% and 1% drop in rate for a $400,000 loan.

                                                          Monthly   Annual     Lifetime
Savings decreasing rate .5%   $114          $1,368   $41,040
Savings decreasing rate 1%   $224          $2,688   $80,640
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 21, 2020, 04:19:34 pm
This thread is so rock!!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 04:48:44 pm
For example, the following illustrates the savings of a .5% and 1% drop in rate for a $400,000 loan.

                                                          Monthly   Annual     Lifetime
Savings decreasing rate .5%   $114          $1,368   $41,040
Savings decreasing rate 1%   $224          $2,688   $80,640
sounds like a good deal to me
who doesn't want to save on paying interest to your lender? 

closing costs is where the rubber meets the road
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 21, 2020, 04:50:26 pm
Keep us posted Sidehatch!

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 21, 2020, 04:52:44 pm
Maybe it’s time to start a:


Is it time to refinance your mortgage?



Thread?


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 05:27:33 pm
Lets not
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 06:30:13 pm
Hatch will be the guy at 73 still refinancing his home and owing the current appraised value.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 06:33:44 pm
not sure I get that joke?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 06:43:24 pm
not sure I get that joke?

It's not a joke... My father in law bought his home in like 30ish years ago for like 100k... as of today I think he owes like 500k on it due to borrowing against it multiple times, pulling money out, and refinancing.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 06:50:50 pm
not sure I get that joke?

It's not a joke... My father in law bought his home in like 30ish years ago for like 100k... as of today I think he owes like 500k on it due to borrowing against it multiple times, pulling money out, and refinancing.
Oh I get it now
Yeah I have a friend who did the same thing
got this great apartment for like 80k in mt pleasant in the 90s
and has refi-ed it to like 500k and complains he can't make money off the renters
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 21, 2020, 06:56:16 pm
not sure I get that joke?

It's not a joke... My father in law bought his home in like 30ish years ago for like 100k... as of today I think he owes like 500k on it due to borrowing against it multiple times, pulling money out, and refinancing.
Holy shit, that’s wild.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2020, 08:00:24 pm
at 73 still refinancing his home and owing the current appraised value.
Although I gotta question a bank that would write a 30 year loan to a man in his 70s
He should just file for bankruptcy now and he would get the home
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 21, 2020, 08:02:49 pm
at 73 still refinancing his home and owing the current appraised value.
Although I gotta question a bank that would write a 30 year loan to a man in his 70s
He should just file for bankruptcy now and he would get the home

He's not bankrupt and has plenty of money, has just done dumb things leveraging his home for the past 30 years.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 21, 2020, 08:06:09 pm
at 73 still refinancing his home and owing the current appraised value.
Although I gotta question a bank that would write a 30 year loan to a man in his 70s
He should just file for bankruptcy now and he would get the home

He's not bankrupt and has plenty of money, has just don't dumb things leveraging his home for the past 30 years.
If that’s the case, he’s kinda done a (stupid, horribly-rated) de facto reverse mortgage.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on May 21, 2020, 08:08:58 pm
at 73 still refinancing his home and owing the current appraised value.
Although I gotta question a bank that would write a 30 year loan to a man in his 70s
He should just file for bankruptcy now and he would get the home
Being over 55 (I think that’s the cutoff) is a protected class where age cannot be taken into consideration for loan approval legally.

Obviously there are ways around that like most 70 year olds are not still working and therefore have little to no income so “creditworthiness”, but a bank cannot just go “you will be dead before this loan pays off — denied.”
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 21, 2020, 09:03:09 pm
I just don’t know enough to opine
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 27, 2020, 03:28:40 pm
Origination - this was close to $2k last time
    this is the number I'm looking at this time around as they said they would cover 'their closing costs'
Welp...true to their word...there is a $1975 lender credit line in my closing costs

still will cost $2500 to close ($1k va transfer tax!! time to liberate Virginia!)
And there is still a little wiggle room on title and title insur...so could be a little lower if I make an effort.

Will take 16-18 months to break-even on those costs...but I'll be paying $140 less per month, for the life of the loan
50k less in interest payments over the life of the loan

This is by no means life-changing
but will certainly pay for a small weekend getaway ...every year
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 27, 2020, 03:39:38 pm
And the total amount you owe doesn’t go up?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 27, 2020, 03:51:08 pm
We finally received our stimulus "check," in the form of a debit card. Still planning on depositing it and using it to pay taxes.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 27, 2020, 03:51:14 pm
And the total amount you owe doesn’t go up?
of course, it does. the closing costs are wrapped in...so that's where they go
I could pay them up front in cash, but instead, I'm financing that at 2.99%
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 27, 2020, 04:03:43 pm
We finally received our stimulus "check," in the form of a debit card. Still planning on depositing it and using it to pay taxes.


Shouldn’t this go in the stimulus check thread?

I don’t know though..maybe having finance and home improvement go in this catch all nightmare thread is a good idea

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 27, 2020, 04:17:40 pm
We finally received our stimulus "check," in the form of a debit card. Still planning on depositing it and using it to pay taxes.


Shouldn’t this go in the stimulus check thread?

I don’t know though..maybe having finance and home improvement go in this catch all nightmare thread is a good idea

Sorry, totally Spaced and forgot about that thread. You are correct.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 27, 2020, 04:24:58 pm
Do we need a Space Thread?  They just scrubbed Dragon X...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 29, 2020, 09:30:19 am
So I sunk about $65 for a new battery and $50 to have the problem diagnosed. The diagnosis is the mower needs a new motor. That will cost me $300 minus the $50 I already paid them.

I can get a new mower for $300. Should have done that in the first place.

Now i have to order a new mower and the weeds in the yard are past my knees.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 29, 2020, 09:35:55 am
Personally I think you should have just ordered a new mower

Things cost so much to fix these days...in the old days a pair of shoes was worth fixing


Unless something is high end and quality it’s not worth fixing


My current mower I have had about 6-7 years and I expect to need a new one any day

My BBQ grill have had 8-9 years and it’s on its last legs

Stuff isn’t made to last any more..
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 29, 2020, 09:43:20 am
weeds in the yard are past my knees.
Yada had a sweat-dream about this
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 29, 2020, 09:46:40 am
Things cost so much to fix these days...in the old days a pair of shoes was worth fixing
This is true...
You gotta factor labor into any of these equations
Something that costs $300, there is no way that it's not going to cost almost the price of the purchase to fix that
then you still have old equipment that could break again

It is a shame and landfills are being filled with this kind of toxic crap

But the flip-side would be.  They could make a mower with parts that are easy to replace and fix...but that mower would probably cost $800
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 29, 2020, 10:03:31 am
Things cost so much to fix these days...in the old days a pair of shoes was worth fixing
This is true...
You gotta factor labor into any of these equations
Something that costs $300, there is no way that it's not going to cost almost the price of the purchase to fix that
then you still have old equipment that could break again

It is a shame and landfills are being filled with this kind of toxic crap

But the flip-side would be.  They could make a mower with parts that are easy to replace and fix...but that mower would probably cost $800

When I looked online about the problem symptoms, there were suggestions that it could be part x or part y, all of which were cheap. Except for the motor. I was trying to be environmentally correct and avoid filling the landfill but i failed.

My previously mentioned tv and a worn out pc-friendly computer desk are going to the landfill this weekend too, assuming it's open. Arrgh.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 29, 2020, 10:22:53 am
Sometimes it’s a borderline call..where there is no right or wrong answer


I think you should feel good about having tried... I like making things last... I wish the “system” did too!


What kind of mower will you be looking to purchase?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 29, 2020, 10:24:18 am
Is this where I mention I bought a lawn mower in 2010 for $159.00 that still works perfectly fine?

Ole Space, the king of wasting time in the hopes of saving no money.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 29, 2020, 10:36:04 am
Is this where I mention I bought a lawn mower in 2010 for $159.00 that still works perfectly fine?

Ole Space, the king of wasting time in the hopes of saving no money.

You said you pay $30 a pop for someone else to cut your lawn. I'm assuming they use their own equipment and aren't using your seldom used and still working perfectly fine mower?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 29, 2020, 10:39:37 am
Sometimes it’s a borderline call..where there is no right or wrong answer


I think you should feel good about having tried... I like making things last... I wish the “system” did too!


What kind of mower will you be looking to purchase?

I dunno. I still am inclined to get another battery powered mower. This one was a dud but the previous one was very good. I'll add that to looking for someone who will re-finish our deck (a project we've done ourselves in the past but would rather just pay for it at this point) to my to do list this weekend....as well as putting together a birthday picnic for my wife.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 29, 2020, 10:40:32 am
I have one of those things that has no motor

Just blades that rotate


I can give you that Space if you want to try it!

But I can’t recommend it..probably only good for people with a 4 square foot lawn



One of the worst purchases I ever made but very environmentally friendly
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 29, 2020, 10:46:53 am
I think you should feel good about having tried... I like making things last... I wish the “system” did too!

I back this sentiment

One of the worst purchases I ever made but very environmentally friendly

Not when it goes in the landfill
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 29, 2020, 11:02:12 am
I have one of those things that has no motor

Just blades that rotate


I can give you that Space if you want to try it!

But I can’t recommend it..probably only good for people with a 4 square foot lawn



One of the worst purchases I ever made but very environmentally friendly

Ha! Thanks but not thanks...had one of those in my childhood (I'm not sure why, we always lived in the country and had huge lawns) and am sure using one on my weed intensive lawn would be a slog. When we bought this place the lawn was perfectly manicured like many of our neighbor's lawns and i tried to keep it up with fertilizer and re-seeding but it didn't produce great results and seemed anti-enviro (and we got a dog who likes to eat the grass), so gave it up.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 29, 2020, 11:09:20 am
No problem I totally understand

Well I am keeping it...not sure what Sidehatch is since if I can’t get anyone to take it it’s staying in the shed
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 29, 2020, 11:43:23 am
keep it up with fertilizer and re-seeding but it didn't produce great results
I think this is key.  Wasn't doing this for years

then went and got some Organic fertilizer and it stopped all the clover (which was taking over) and lawn looks great
One application

altought the last two years have been pretty wet, so that is a factor
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 29, 2020, 12:37:51 pm
I have one of those things that has no motor

Just blades that rotate

huh?  then what makes the blades rotate?  in most lawnmowers, it's the motor...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 29, 2020, 12:44:12 pm
I have one of those things that has no motor

Just blades that rotate

huh?  then what makes the blades rotate?  in most lawnmowers, it's the motor...
umm...
(https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/06b72a4c-18cb-4b3d-bce4-15db47de5572/svn/ecoreel-reel-lawn-mowers-er-18-64_1000.jpg)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 29, 2020, 12:48:01 pm
That’s it a! A beaut

Mine is the rarer red variant!!!


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 29, 2020, 01:17:19 pm
My brother was using one of those to cut his three acre lawn for awhile. Then he bought a riding mower.

On the flip side, I laugh every time i see my neighbor using his riding mower on his quarter acre lawn (and it's not like he moved here from a bigger space, he moved here from a townhouse.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 29, 2020, 01:48:58 pm
These mowers really suck if the grass gets at all high...that is the main problem with the one I bought

I think for the right person and house they are great


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 29, 2020, 01:50:43 pm
These mowers really suck if the grass gets at all high...that is the main problem with the one I bought

I think for the right person and house they are great
yeah they don't work when the grass is "ms Holdsworth is coming back to town next week" high
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on May 29, 2020, 02:01:16 pm
:)


They don’t work when it’s Mrs Holdsworth has been gone a week high
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 30, 2020, 04:50:07 pm
Greatest lawnmower review ever:

Six star amazing!

Ordered yesterday: received today.

I'm a 66 year-old male. I've been in a power wheelchair for 10 years from a severe case of Guillain-Barre syndrome that left me with a 45% total body disability rating. The GBS left me with about 50% of normal grip strength bilaterally and nerve damage and loss of strength in my forearms as well.

A neighborhood teen has been mowing my yard for years using his lawn tractor.

Just yesterday, a landscaping crew finished installing 150 feet of sidewalk across my front lawn and down the sides of my house. The walk is made from a combination of a pea gravel bed between staked, treated 2 X 4's and over 500 12 X 12 concrete step stones form Lowes. Red and white checkerboard pattern. I can now do yard work and not track in dirt on my wheelchair wheels.

Well, it occurred to me that I would not want my yard boy riding the lawn tractor over my walkways so, after researching all the options, I bought this mower for HIM to use.

Well, when it arrived this morning, I cut the box open to get to the charger and batteries so that I could have them ready for him.

When the larger battery charged fully in about thirty minutes, I thought I would see how powerful the mower was with a brief test push.

To my UTTER ASTONISHMENT and PURE DELIGHT, I was not only able give it a "test push," but, steering my power wheelchair with my right hand on the joystick and the mower with my weakened left hand and arm, I was able to mow my entire front lawn! The mower is TRULY that light and maneuverable! I'll get the back yard tomorrow - and not because the battery gave out but because my out-of-shape arm did. I have a 1,517 square foot house on a 5,00 square foot lot, by the way.

When I removed the large battery immediately after mowing, I returned it straight to the charger. Not only was it not too hot be recharged, it was barely warm after mowing in 91 degree southeast Georgia summer heat. It was fully recharged in 30 minutes.
It made less noise than my bathroom fan or rangehood fan and had plenty of power for my overdue centipede lawn gone to seed.

For the wheelchair bound who have retained full upper body nerve function and strength this thing will be a snap - including the 20 inch model. I'm handling my 19 inch model with ease. For wheelchair bound users with even less strength than me, there is the 16 inch model.

I can get by with the handle as is but I will be looking to modify the handle slightly to better suit my needs from the seated position in the wheelchair.

NOTE TO GREENWORKS: I represent a tremendous market among the disabled for this mower. PLEASE consider making an optional handle configuration that is ergonomically right for thousands of potential users in power wheelchairs.

By the way, no longer needing my lawn boy, I will easily recoup the cost of this mower in one full growing season.

This thing represents a whole new ball game in cordless mowing and a near miracle for the wheelchair bound. SO FAR, I highly recommend it.

Jay Moreno
St. Marys, GA
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 31, 2020, 11:04:36 am
Job killer!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on June 11, 2020, 02:13:29 pm
So I need to have a 6 foot gate replaced. Lowest estimate is $625...WTF?!?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on June 11, 2020, 02:14:51 pm
OTOH, the generator service yesterday was free due to a faulty pelnum under recall. Parts and service were covered by Generac.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 01, 2020, 08:20:10 am
Keep us posted Sidehatch!
Wow, just got a new quote from my mortgage broker: 2.875% on 30yr fixed refi and $2k credit to cover closing costs
reduction of $175 a month (yes extended term and loan)

Would like it if the principal didn't increase, but coming up with the cash to fund 1/2 year of the escrow costs is the rub
I was going to have to pay taxes and insurance regardless, but having it added to the principal is what I am struggling with

But this would save $60k the life of the loan (all interest) and $2k reduction in Annual fixed housing costs...which isn't too shabby
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on July 06, 2020, 12:00:07 pm
AC broke over the weekend...the guy is coming out this afternoon.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on July 06, 2020, 12:31:39 pm
Am having AC issue too... we have two different systems and the upstairs one is not cooling..am hoping it’s stuff that had gotten in unit (cottony shit from weeds) which I hosed down...last year that did the trick...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 06, 2020, 01:02:13 pm
That yellow pollen stuff from the Oak trees around here is satan's spawn and so destructive
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on July 06, 2020, 01:56:06 pm
Am having AC issue too... we have two different systems and the upstairs one is not cooling..am hoping it’s stuff that had gotten in unit (cottony shit from weeds) which I hosed down...last year that did the trick...

Our main unit is on the fritz...fortunately my office is in the addition :)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on August 25, 2020, 02:07:56 pm
So did you do the refi sidehatch? If so what are the terms?


I thought I was clear you needed to report back!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 25, 2020, 02:18:53 pm
funny, I just emailed her again this week
still at 2.875 30year fixed...$2k off closing costs
which covers almost all lender costs....just tax and prepaid
But I would be increasing my loan by that much and adding time on the term (only a year)

I'm just not sure it's worth the work at this point to save $150 a month (but $40k in interest on the life of the loan)

was hoping for a smidge lower
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 25, 2020, 02:45:29 pm
It's like I didn't miss a thing!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 25, 2020, 03:03:41 pm
WE've done it ourselves before and it was a drag, so want to hire someone to do it for us this time...refinishing  the deck. Any tips? Not sure how to pick someone to do it.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on August 25, 2020, 03:05:39 pm
It’s been slow around here Yada....
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 25, 2020, 03:07:55 pm
WE've done it ourselves before and it was a drag, so want to hire someone to do it for us this time...refinishing  the deck. Any tips? Not sure how to pick someone to do it.
Homeadvisor is pretty good for finding this kind of work, plus you can see all the reviews
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 25, 2020, 03:46:15 pm
WE've done it ourselves before and it was a drag, so want to hire someone to do it for us this time...refinishing  the deck. Any tips? Not sure how to pick someone to do it.

Puls
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 25, 2020, 04:21:53 pm
WE've done it ourselves before and it was a drag, so want to hire someone to do it for us this time...refinishing  the deck. Any tips? Not sure how to pick someone to do it.

Puls

I googled Virginia Puls and this is what i got. Don't wish to be ageist, but i'm not sure she'd be up to the job.

https://www.facebook.com/virginia.puls.9
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 25, 2020, 04:28:56 pm
https://puls.com
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 25, 2020, 04:29:00 pm
well, not sure about her deck staining abilities, but a good candidate for your Pool Boy triad
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 25, 2020, 04:34:21 pm
well, not sure about her deck staining abilities, but a good candidate for your Pool Boy triad

I think Yada's link is a better candidate for that.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on August 25, 2020, 07:11:28 pm
funny, I just emailed her again this week
still at 2.875 30year fixed...$2k off closing costs
which covers almost all lender costs....just tax and prepaid
But I would be increasing my loan by that much and adding time on the term (only a year)

I'm just not sure it's worth the work at this point to save $150 a month (but $40k in interest on the life of the loan)

was hoping for a smidge lower

we just refi'ed, and playing a few different lenders against each other we got 2.5% for 30 years.  never thought i'd see an interest rate that low...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on August 25, 2020, 10:16:33 pm
Damn...that is low
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 25, 2020, 10:48:11 pm
Nice!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on August 25, 2020, 10:48:58 pm
How come you can’t get 2.5%?!?

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 25, 2020, 10:56:34 pm
Dunno, I haven’t even seen 2.5 Even advertised
But if it’s in black and white, it’s a done deal

Every lender wants a credit check, so that prevents mass requests
But I have no idea,
I do know there are different rates for zip codes.  So maybe sweets is in the sweet spot
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 26, 2020, 09:18:02 am
Please remember that sweetz lives in rural Washington and most likely has a conforming rate and siderefi lives in one of the wealthiest counties in the country and most likely has a jumbo loan.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2020, 09:40:25 am
actually not a Jumbo, but that definitely would be a factor to higher rates
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 26, 2020, 09:44:47 am
actually not a Jumbo, but that definitely would be a factor to higher rates

Sidetru$t
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 26, 2020, 09:59:26 am
As the resident cheapskate, I feel like I should know more about what you guys are talking about. But it's all too exhausting. And boring. I guess there's always the coupons in the Sunday paper.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2020, 10:08:05 am
what is this Sunday paper thing you speak of?
Does it require one of these to read?
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/cCsAAOSwqRBbR4~P/s-l400.jpg)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2020, 10:13:32 am
Please remember that sweetz lives in rural Washington and most likely has a conforming rate and siderefi lives in one of the wealthiest counties in the country and most likely has a jumbo loan.
Look at this real estate finance knowledge! Yada is a regular Long & Foster, I tell you what! A virtual Century 21 of a man!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 26, 2020, 10:15:16 am
what is this Sunday paper thing you speak of?
Does it require one of these to read?
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/cCsAAOSwqRBbR4~P/s-l400.jpg)

I'll let 20th Century Joe explain that one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ3NDP-Qiak
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on August 26, 2020, 10:21:21 am
Please remember that sweetz lives in rural Washington and most likely has a conforming rate and siderefi lives in one of the wealthiest counties in the country and most likely has a jumbo loan.
Look at this real estate finance knowledge! Yada is a regular Long & Foster, I tell you what! A virtual Century 21 of a man!


Uh oh
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2020, 10:24:39 am
He's a Keller Williams in the sense of both realtorial expertise AND terrible jam band-ness. Triple threat!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on August 26, 2020, 10:34:16 am
Dude...just let it go
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2020, 11:33:19 am
But I have so many more terrible real estate jokes I am holding in escrow.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2020, 11:50:36 am
Keller Williams
Does sound like the name of a realtor liked by Phish phans
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 26, 2020, 11:51:38 am
Glad I came back. Goodbye.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2020, 11:54:47 am
Keller Williams
Does sound like the name of a realtor liked by Phish phans
Is there Phish/Keller Williams beef? (Jam beef? Beefjam?)

Keller Williams just sold out a pod concert at the Washington Football Team's training facility here in Richmond in like 30 minutes and I honestly thought he was a dude who, like, mostly filled but did not sell out 9:30-size venues so I was surprised.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2020, 12:05:59 pm
I was just joking because I have heard of Keller Williams Realty.  I just could imagine a Phish Phan called Keller

I forgot there was that artist Keller Williams too and it's spelled exactly the same

http://highway81revisited.com/keller-williams-stakes-out-his-own-music-real-estate/
“It’s been around for a long time,” Keller said of the inevitable Realtor queries that he admits have grown stale. He’s got no ties to the realty company.
But “after a couple of cocktails, I AM Keller Williams Realty. I have a whole spiel I go into. It can be fun. After a while, after a couple drinks, I can start swinging houses: ‘It’s a buyer’s market. If you’re looking for something, let me know.’”
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on August 26, 2020, 01:09:58 pm
Dunno, I haven’t even seen 2.5 Even advertised
But if it’s in black and white, it’s a done deal

Every lender wants a credit check, so that prevents mass requests
But I have no idea,
I do know there are different rates for zip codes.  So maybe sweets is in the sweet spot

indeed, 2.5% wasn't advertised.  once a year we hire a financial advisor to go over our finances, and generally get a pat on the head for being good little savers.  we had our annual meeting about 6 weeks ago, and among his recommendations he suggested refi'ing.  he had some personal connections to folks in the lending industry and hooked us up.  we settled on two prospective lenders and played them off of each other.  between that, a good credit score and a safe loan (it's for less than half the value of the house)... we got lucky.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2020, 01:54:26 pm
we settled on two prospective lenders and played them off of each other.  between that, a good credit score and a safe loan (it's for less than half the value of the house)... we got lucky.

This part I don't understand.
Did you basically get a quote from one and say to the other "this is the term sheet from this vendor, can you beat it" then when they do go back to the first guy and do the same?
Or did you put them both in a cage and do this
(https://i.imgur.com/qQPfsfa.gif)

The credit score is THE most important part to getting the best rates
Having a lot of equity is a big factor too
Some lenders have leeway on the closing costs, but rarely can do anything with the rates they get
There is always points, which there is rarely a good argument for, but if the lender paid some of the the points to get the rate down (but made that cost up in their closing costs)...maybe
Did one have a lower rate, but higher closing costs?  You should do that math.  Did you wrap the closing costs into the loan (so no out of pocket)
and because of that were the loans for the exact same amount?

Again...all this conjecture means nothing....that you have a signed doc with that rate on it...priceless and non-negotiable after the fact

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 26, 2020, 02:00:55 pm
But “after a couple of cocktails, I AM Keller Williams Realty. I have a whole spiel I go into. It can be fun. After a while, after a couple drinks, I can start swinging houses: ‘It’s a buyer’s market. If you’re looking for something, let me know.’”
Incredible.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 26, 2020, 02:18:18 pm
But “after a couple of cocktails, I AM Keller Williams Realty. I have a whole spiel I go into. It can be fun. After a while, after a couple drinks, I can start swinging houses: ‘It’s a buyer’s market. If you’re looking for something, let me know.’”
Incredible.

I wonder if there are any realtors, who after a couple drinks, can jam like Keller Williams? Hopefully not.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: WALKonBack on August 26, 2020, 04:40:08 pm
But I have so many more terrible real estate jokes I am holding in escrow.

But yet, you seem so earnest to deposit them.   I have to admit, as an agent . . . I found these, to be, quite amusing.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: WALKonBack on August 26, 2020, 04:44:15 pm
I actually get to post in this thread, for its intended meaning.  After 15 plus years of living in a cedar sided home . . . we are going to replace the entire siding with a concrete composite that looks like wood.  No fuss, no muss, no more fucking wood boring bees.

Thank God one of our good friends owns his own contracting company, to give us discounted breaks.   The cost with those breaks, is, upsetting.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2020, 04:53:24 pm
Hardieplank is the bomb.
Love the look of cedar, but the maintenance it a bitch

The one thing you should also be prepared for...they are going to find water damage/termites or something somewhere on your house that you'll need to repair too
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: WALKonBack on August 26, 2020, 05:13:17 pm
You should see, what the salamanders have done.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on August 26, 2020, 05:28:24 pm
we settled on two prospective lenders and played them off of each other.  between that, a good credit score and a safe loan (it's for less than half the value of the house)... we got lucky.

This part I don't understand.
Did you basically get a quote from one and say to the other "this is the term sheet from this vendor, can you beat it" then when they do go back to the first guy and do the same?

basically that's what we did.  the whole thing was very personal, we chatted on zoom and the phone with each lender several times.  so on a call we'd learn that lender #1 was offering 2.7% and X fees/points/etc., we then shoved that in the face of lender #2 and got them down to 2.6%, a quick volley across the net yielded 2.5% at which point the competition was out.  all done with smiles and how's-the-missus-doing... oddly pleasant.

Did one have a lower rate, but higher closing costs?  You should do that math.  Did you wrap the closing costs into the loan (so no out of pocket)

we definitely did the math.  fees did creep up a bit as interest rates went down, but not by much and much less than what we'd be saving over the life of the loan.

home financing is so rock 'n roll.  gawd we're edgy.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 26, 2020, 05:37:49 pm
home financing is so rock 'n roll. 
as punk as nearbeer
(https://cdn.beeradvocate.com/im/beers/442467.jpg)

Think they should have named it Str8 Edge AF instead
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 31, 2020, 04:33:43 pm
Update

Just got a quote of TwoPointFuckingFIVE% from my lender (and no deathmatch required)
no points, and $2k credit on the closing costs
Lots of paperwork in my future


To think this is the thread that we lost yada on :(
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on September 10, 2020, 01:37:47 pm
Toilet won’t stop running


I cut off water

Before I call marines plumbing



I am guessing a valve or something has gone bad


Looking forward to paying $150 for a 25 cent valve and 5 minutes of someone’s time
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on September 29, 2020, 11:43:01 am
I should have been a plumber...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on November 17, 2020, 08:22:56 pm
So sidehatch you refinancing again?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on November 17, 2020, 09:11:01 pm
So sidehatch you refinancing again?
Dude, are you reading my emails?
even tho I had the 2.5%  rate lock...2020 reared it's ugly head and smote me on the day we were ...cleared to close

Funny timing as I was just resubmitting my application for a rate lock today...
So I'll keep you posted
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on November 17, 2020, 09:24:33 pm
Ha

T explained your joke to me!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on December 03, 2020, 12:46:10 pm
When I made the locksmith appointment I was expecting some burly guy named Frank to come out. When Frances* called to say she'd be out in 10 minutes, I was expecting a burly gal named Frances. When she arrived, I was shocked to discover that Frances was a rather attractive young Asian woman.

Would that be the start of a good Penthouse Forum letter?

*Not her real name, but she did have the feminine version of a known male name.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 03, 2020, 01:25:20 pm
Would that be the start of a good Penthouse Forum letter?
ahh, simpler times when Penthouse Forum was the only forum you read
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 07, 2020, 03:34:40 pm
I stripped and recaulked the base of my stand up shower AND replaced the filament on my weed whacker...All in one weekend!


also, because I know hutch is anxious to know...
got the  Clear to Close today for my 2.5% refi
Closing costs actually went down almost $2k since my September quote
Should be go to go this time and looking forward to paying $244 less a month for the life of this loan and zero due on closing
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on December 07, 2020, 03:36:33 pm
Fuckin awesome


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on December 29, 2020, 08:13:43 pm
Remarkable ...they seem to keep going down


https://www.macrotrends.net/2604/30-year-fixed-mortgage-rate-chart
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on December 29, 2020, 09:16:41 pm
Yeah, didn't want to jinx it, but signed, sealed and money moved on 2.5% on a 30 yr fixed
saving over $320 a month is like getting a part-time minimum wage job
Was tempted to pay a little for 2 3/8'ths% for bragging rights
but if people are not refinancing their loans, they are leaving money on the table (unless they were already at a low 3% rate)
I basically spent 3-5 hours of work and now am getting 1.5 months of mortgage for free a year, for the life of this loan

The big problem for most Americans with such low rates, it impacts savings rates
I remember Ally was giving like 2% a year or so ago and it was one of if not the highest savings rate...and honestly that sucked
Now, getting .5% is the best you can do.  Ergo... you are losing money by keeping it in the bank
Meanwhile, the stock market has been going gangbusters so there are lots of winners and losers

I'm also upping my caulk game and re-doing the caulking on the seam on the kitchen counter and the splashboard
Guy who did it before did a horrible job, I think part of the problem is the entire counter isn't level, but they made the splashboard level, so there is a 1/4 gap on one side and almost none on the other. 

Also put up 3 shelves in the utility room and we can now see the floor again!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 29, 2020, 09:39:41 pm
We are about to sign on a vacation property in Asheville at 2% for 15 year. Rates are insane.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on December 29, 2020, 10:50:01 pm
We are about to sign on a vacation property in Asheville at 2% for 15 year. Rates are insane.

Oooh a boardie vacation spot! Thanks Julian!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: challenged on December 30, 2020, 08:47:38 am
We are about to sign on a vacation property in Asheville at 2% for 15 year. Rates are insane.

I hate to dox you, but this does look great. Awaiting the invite.

 https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/24-Cary-Ln_Asheville_NC_28804_M54261-05671    (https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/24-Cary-Ln_Asheville_NC_28804_M54261-05671)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: StoneTheCrow on December 30, 2020, 10:08:20 am
We do need some specifics. # beds/baths. Proximity to breweries. WiFi capabilities, etc. Boardie discount will presumably be substantial.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on December 30, 2020, 10:18:18 am
Nice J!

A house on the Eastern shore would be nice... maybe when negative mortgage rates arrive..

Am glad Sidehatch won’t have to get a second job at the Mickey Dees on Columbia Avenue

I wonder how low rates could go

It’s interesting how this year hasn’t affected everyone the same way...some people are benefiting financially- buying second homes and seeing their stock portfolio rise in value- while others are fighting to stay off the street...


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on December 30, 2020, 10:28:25 am
It’s interesting how this year hasn’t affected everyone the same way...some people are benefiting financially- buying second homes and seeing their stock portfolio rise in value- while others are fighting to stay off the street...
This is very true.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 05, 2021, 11:34:47 am
https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/danes-get-20-year-0-mortgages-as-interest-rates-keep-sinking
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 05, 2021, 01:16:53 pm
check out these masterclass carpentry skills!
(https://i.imgur.com/EDsclB1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2021, 05:14:33 pm
but if people are not refinancing their loans, they are leaving money on the table (unless they were already at a low 3% rate)
I basically spent 3-5 hours of work and now am getting 1.5 months of mortgage for free a year, for the life of this loan

Did you run numbers on paying half your mortgage every two weeks instead of refinancing? 

Our rate is in the mid-3's and by budgeting an any every-two-week payment instead of a monthly payment, there was more long term savings to be had by structuring our payments that way rather then paying the refinance fees and looking for 1.5 less payments a month.  Over the last 25 years of the mortgage by paying 2 extra month of the mortgage per year, the savings are well into 6 figures and more than the savings from a lower rate (plus re-fi fees). 

As you said, especially while the interest rates on savings are so low, no sense paying less when paying more can save more money in the long run.     

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 05, 2021, 05:19:49 pm
Gets popcorn....
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 05, 2021, 05:25:49 pm
but if people are not refinancing their loans, they are leaving money on the table (unless they were already at a low 3% rate)
I basically spent 3-5 hours of work and now am getting 1.5 months of mortgage for free a year, for the life of this loan

Did you run numbers on paying half your mortgage every two weeks instead of refinancing? 

Our rate is in the mid-3's and by budgeting an any every-two-week payment instead of a monthly payment, there was more long term savings to be had by structuring our payments that way rather then paying the refinance fees and looking for 1.5 less payments a month.  Over the last 25 years of the mortgage by paying 2 extra month of the mortgage per year, the savings are well into 6 figures and more than the savings from a lower rate (plus re-fi fees). 

As you said, especially while the interest rates on savings are so low, no sense paying less when paying more can save more money in the long run.     

Would that kind of philosophy work as well on a mortgage where one has 9-10 years left on a 15 year mortgage?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 05, 2021, 05:34:16 pm
Did you run numbers on paying half your mortgage every two weeks instead of refinancing?

...

Over the last 25 years of the mortgage by paying 2 extra month of the mortgage per year,

How is 1/2 a mortgage payment every 2 weeks "2 extra month of the mortgage per year"? 26 1/2 payments = 13. What am I missing?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 05, 2021, 05:39:11 pm
well I always pay a little extra on the principal with payment, but wouldn't say that I averaged out to one full month payment EOY (maybe half a payment)
But you are right, paying extra monthly makes a big difference as once you pay over the payment, that goes directly to the principal

That type of payment plan works out great if you get paid bi-weekly, I get paid twice a month (and have for a while now)
But when I did...used to love it when you had two months a year where you got 3rd paycheck.  May debt paydowns or wild weekends were had with those magical 3rd paychecks

I know for a fact that my refi has me paying almost $100k less in interest over the life of the loan and I'm paying $320 less a month
Now if I took that savings and paid the same amount, that could easily shave 5 years off my loan too...but money is tight and that $320 is actually making a difference


Honestly, you could refi at the lower rate AND pay every two weeks...then you'd save millions, I tell you, Millions!
I mean if we are being honest, don't get a loan and pay cash, then you really make out...but only Julian can do that
That is by far one of the most depressing moments when they show you that page that says you basically are paying Double for your loan

also, for the last two tax years...I didn't even get to write off my mortgage interested...Thanks Trump
the new standard deduction is so high.   So people should think twice when they factor in mortgage interest deduction into their 'savings' on owning a home

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 05, 2021, 05:41:59 pm
How is 1/2 a mortgage payment every 2 weeks "2 extra month of the mortgage per year"? 26 1/2 payments = 13. What am I missing?
he does have a point...but one full month worth of principal payment can have a big impact
but I can see why if he used that math the savings was better than taking a point off his loan

Space, there are calculators out there and you can put in what you owe and your term
then you can see how many years you will take off your loan by adding extra payments
guaranteed paying extra every month will save you money in the long run, no doubt about it

here is the key part of smakie's proposal too
there was more long term savings to be had 
So lowering monthly payments was not a concern in the smakie home, wish I could say that was the same for me
I actually increased my term (only a year) and increased my loan by wrapped in the closing costs (so also 'skiped' a whole months payment too)
between that and the stimulus check, it was a good month in the Hatchhold
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2021, 08:05:28 pm
How is 1/2 a mortgage payment every 2 weeks "2 extra month of the mortgage per year"? 26 1/2 payments = 13. What am I missing?

Sorry, I should have been more clear here.  It's not quite two months (but pretty close) with the interest saved by making more frequent payments over the equivalent of a year, in addition to making the ACTUAL extra payment.

That type of payment plan works out great if you get paid bi-weekly, I get paid twice a month (and have for a while now)

Yes, a benefit of me and the Mrs being on different pay schedules.  I'm monthly, she's every two weeks (salary). I don't exactly know when her commission is paid.

I know for a fact that my refi has me paying almost $100k less in interest over the life of the loan and I'm paying $320 less a month

Yes, but did you factor in origination fee (~1.5% of the loan) and costs?  And I assume those costs were rolled back into the mortgage?  This is where I realized that the money saved in interest, minus total closing costs, was not a cheaper alternative to keeping my current loan but just paying more.  EVEN if I did both.  I will revisit this when the loan amount is reduced and the closing costs are lower.  That was the crux of my original question. 

but money is tight and that $320 is actually making a difference

Well, this of course makes a huge difference.  I only asked because you mentioned that keeping money in the bank was a losing proposition at the moment and the market has been going gang busters...seemed as though you were looking for alternatives.


I mean if we are being honest, don't get a loan and pay cash, then you really make out...

Not true.  Money is cheap right now and you SHOULD take advantage of it, so long as you can make more money else where.  Do you have enough money for the new car?  Sure.  But if you are given a zero percent loan and can make 3% with the money elsewhere, that is something you should do.

also, for the last two tax years...I didn't even get to write off my mortgage interested...Thanks Trump
the new standard deduction is so high.   So people should think twice when they factor in mortgage interest deduction into their 'savings' on owning a home

We lose ~$11k in mortgage and property tax deductions annually with the new tax bill.  Another reason why we won't consider selling as were grandfathered in and would lose even more if we moved!  So that with the other deductions we're no longer allowed to take because of the cap are painful.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on January 05, 2021, 08:16:05 pm

Would that kind of philosophy work as well on a mortgage where one has 9-10 years left on a 15 year mortgage?

I find it hard to believe that a data analyst for the Federal Government doesn't know his way around a spreadsheet to calculate and compare, but OK. 

Google Docs has many pre-populated spreadsheets to compare the two.  Many web sites will also do the same.... 
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 05, 2021, 08:50:40 pm
Hmmm... I think I heard that one before

But where?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 07, 2021, 07:10:31 pm
Financial gurus of the board,

So we planned to refinance at 2.625 but the lender is saying they will simply lower the rate to 2.625 and we then have no closing costs

So at that point one isn’t refinancing and the term of the loan would not extend

I think we are going to go with this

Keep in mind we are happy with our lender and aren’t going to refinance anywhere else

On the plus side we pay off loan earlier and save closing costs

The downside is our monthly payment  will still go down substantially but not as much as would be the case under a refi...about $175 less
Make sense?
Thoughts?

PS note my partner handles all this stuff.. I just tell her to refinance or what have u you! I am completely useless
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: evilizac on January 07, 2021, 07:44:16 pm
   How does one negotiate that? We're sitting at 3.79% and the loan is in my wife's name (bought before we married) and she's kind of sitting on her hands about refinancing because she's not particularly versed in economic concepts. I've tried explaining inflation on several occasions for her to say, "as long as I can buy what I want I don't care". She also, for some reason wants to refi with Bank of America because she believes (because of one anecdote from a colleague) that they won't sell off our loan like ours has been sold three times in the past five years. So we sit at 3.79%. . .
   Oh and we're re-shingling half of our roof, cool, goodbye $3,000.00.   
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on January 07, 2021, 07:45:05 pm
Most of the savings on a refinance comes from extending your debt out to 30 years,  not from the difference in the interest rate.

Your offer is a no-brainer - do it immediately  - but you aren't going to see a dramatic reduction in monthly payments.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 07, 2021, 08:41:08 pm
   How does one negotiate that? We're sitting at 3.79% and the loan is in my wife's name (bought before we married) and she's kind of sitting on her hands about refinancing because she's not particularly versed in economic concepts. I've tried explaining inflation on several occasions for her to say, "as long as I can buy what I want I don't care". She also, for some reason wants to refi with Bank of America because she believes (because of one anecdote from a colleague) that they won't sell off our loan like ours has been sold three times in the past five years. So we sit at 3.79%. . .
   Oh and we're re-shingling half of our roof, cool, goodbye $3,000.00.   

Well we did all the paperwork for the refi and they sent us this letter very quickly with the offer to just lower rate

I don’t think we would have gotten offer without having done all the paperwork... not sure if this letter was sent because our application was strong or what

In this case it’s a well known credit union


If you are currently at 3.79 it’s a great time to refinance...

I didn’t think Bank of America was particularly great but I am fairly clueless
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 07, 2021, 08:45:46 pm
Most of the savings on a refinance comes from extending your debt out to 30 years,  not from the difference in the interest rate.

Your offer is a no-brainer - do it immediately  - but you aren't going to see a dramatic reduction in monthly payments.

Yes..well I think we will accept tomorrow but just wanted some thoughts

my understanding is we will be saving a few hundred $ a month but $175 or so less than with the refi
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 07, 2021, 09:06:22 pm
I just tell her to refinance or what have u you!
Overheard at the hutchold
Oh, honey, I'm going to take the trash out, can you refinance or what have u

So we planned to refinance at 2.625 but the lender is saying they will simply lower the rate to 2.625 and we then have no closing costs

So at that point, one isn’t refinancing and the term of the loan would not extend
Funny, my lender did this too.  Although I think it was more like 2.85%
I was already locked in so there would be a penalty for backing out, so they were a day late and a dollar short

But I do find this an interesting tactic and is kind of new? (someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this was unheard of in the past)
The lender probably said...well if this person refinances and we lose all that interest income, we might as well give them a xx discount on the interest and get less over time, but will still collect on that income from a very creditworthy and reliable payer
I can't imagine it's a good thing for the lender when you pay off your loan, they lose out on a ton of income
I had to sign something that I wouldn't refi in under 6 months (although I don't really think that was binding as it wasn't actually on the loan doc, I don't plan to test it)

I'd also imagine since it's with the same lender and they are just restructuring your existing loan...you avoid all the headaches of closing
In VA I has to pay $1k just for the privilege of starting a new loan in this state, that's it nothing else
Plus all the other costs in closing

Also you would not increase the term or principal to do this..which is really a BIG benefit

Not to mention the hour or so of signing documents and the time it takes to collect all the data they request
Based on what you say, it's a pretty good deal and I wouldn't even think twice
Nice going Ms Hutch

Well we did all the paperwork for the refi and they sent us this letter very quickly with the offer to just lower rate

I don’t think we would have gotten offer without having done all the paperwork... not sure if this letter was sent because our application was strong or what
hmm..this is interesting as I wonder if when your credit is run and your 'new lender' requests the payoff amt, they quickly get an offer like this out

Most of the savings on a refinance comes from extending your debt out to 30 years,  not from the difference in the interest rate.
This is 100% true, but my loan was about 14 months old at time of Refi
so that wasn't as big as a factor as the loan I was taking out was similar to the loan I took out one year ago

   How does one negotiate that?
I think it might be kicked of by starting a refi process...but never hurts to just call and ask

Quote
She also, for some reason wants to refi with Bank of America because she believes (because of one anecdote from a colleague) that they won't sell off our loan like ours has been sold three times in the past five years.
This is not a logical way to look at this
As long as you have a deed and the bank has the lien on the note (I may have mixed up terminology here) you are good
It really doesn't matter who the lender is, I'm not sure how this could have any impact on anything
Your terms will never change, if they go out of business...someone immediately is going to buy that loan and that term will just transfer to them.  I've never really heard of problems with lenders that impact the customer, I'm sure it happens, but I think it's rare

Now something you always have to pay for (which sometimes is stupid if you already owned the home) is Title insurance
Leins on a property can sometimes just be hanging out there unknow for years and just show up and you have almost no recourse
hence the insurance.  I have heard vendors who do work on your property can put a lien on your home if you don't pay them...so that can happen when someone did construction on your home 5 years before you bought it


I've had loans sold to other lenders before made my first payment, then sold again a few months later to another lender
I remember in SF, I had a loan in the 6% range, which was high...(but you on get the rates that are available when you close on your house, you can shop around, but usually isn't that much a difference out there...there is some what of a base if you have good credit
now if you don't have good credit all that goes out the window, I take better care of my credit than I do my teeth )

That loan was with someone and then a few months in BofA bought it and I was paying them
Then I refi'ed with some other random lender and a few months in BofA bought that loan
Was kinda crazy, but I felt like it would have been easier for everyone if BofA just said...hey why don't we just lower your rate and save everyone a lot of trouble and headache
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 12, 2021, 01:49:13 pm
Did you run numbers on paying half your mortgage every two weeks instead of refinancing? 

Our rate is in the mid-3's and by budgeting an any every-two-week payment instead of a monthly payment, there was more long term savings to be had by structuring our payments that way rather then paying the refinance fees and looking for 1.5 less payments a month.  Over the last 25 years of the mortgage by paying 2 extra month of the mortgage per year, the savings are well into 6 figures and more than the savings from a lower rate (plus re-fi fees). 

Tracked down one of those calcs  https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/mortgages/amortization-calculator.aspx
in my case, if I add just $50 extra a month...that cuts a little over 2 years of payments off
So still netting $270~ in savings and having a shorter term than the loan I already had

everyone should always pay a little extra in their mortgage payments...because it goes DIRECTLY to reducing the principal

If one did what smakie proposes (basically an extra full month payment a year applied directly to principal)...that would make your 30 year loan close to a 26 year loan...just look how much you'd pay in the interest of those 4 years and that's a lot of bacon

Actually, he proposed 2 months extra a year...that would cut close to 7 years off the loan!

Quote
As you said, especially while the interest rates on savings are so low, no sense paying less when paying more can save more money in the long run.     
who lives in a home for 30 years or keeps a loan that long...do you think you will to actually have a real benefit

Would that kind of philosophy work as well on a mortgage where one has 9-10 years left on a 15 year mortgage?
I'm curious what you came up with...even on that short a term, there would be real savings

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 02:25:43 pm
Did you run numbers on paying half your mortgage every two weeks instead of refinancing? 

Our rate is in the mid-3's and by budgeting an any every-two-week payment instead of a monthly payment, there was more long term savings to be had by structuring our payments that way rather then paying the refinance fees and looking for 1.5 less payments a month.  Over the last 25 years of the mortgage by paying 2 extra month of the mortgage per year, the savings are well into 6 figures and more than the savings from a lower rate (plus re-fi fees). 

Tracked down one of those calcs  https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/mortgages/amortization-calculator.aspx
in my case, if I add just $50 extra a month...that cuts a little over 2 years of payments off
So still netting $270~ in savings and having a shorter term than the loan I already had

everyone should always pay a little extra in their mortgage payments...because it goes DIRECTLY to reducing the principal

If one did what smakie proposes (basically an extra full month payment a year applied directly to principal)...that would make your 30 year loan close to a 26 year loan...just look how much you'd pay in the interest of those 4 years and that's a lot of bacon

Actually, he proposed 2 months extra a year...that would cut close to 7 years off the loan!

Quote
As you said, especially while the interest rates on savings are so low, no sense paying less when paying more can save more money in the long run.     
who lives in a home for 30 years or keeps a loan that long...do you think you will to actually have a real benefit

Would that kind of philosophy work as well on a mortgage where one has 9-10 years left on a 15 year mortgage?
I'm curious what you came up with...even on that short a term, there would be real savings

I haven't even looked at it. If I did, I would have to do 100% of the work, as my wife says she doesn't have time for such pursuits. I'm not actually sure how much of the 15 year is left, that was a guess.....maybe this can be an MLK Day home improvement project for me.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 12, 2021, 02:27:09 pm
Bottom line if you can talk to a financial planner about your goals and they can best tell you what makes sense for you

It’s not as cut and dried as pay off as much as you can as soon as possible

You may expect your income to increase and that may enter your calculations (I will have more money to spend on mortgage down the road)

You may feel there are certain expenditures you need to make now..maybe you have kids who will have needs and will be with you only a few more years...maybe instead of directing extra cash to a mortgage you may be thinking about them going to college

Maybe you want to invest in another property say a vacation spot...

Maybe you already have a second property whose mortgage rate is higher but can’t be refinanced in which case paying off that mortgage first will make financial sense

Everyone’s situation might be different ... keep that in mind



Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 12, 2021, 02:34:33 pm
Maybe you actually have an idea on an investment that would make you way more money than the savings that will accrue from plowing more of your disposable income into your mortgage

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on January 12, 2021, 02:43:26 pm
wow.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 02:48:30 pm
Bottom line if you can talk to a financial planner about your goals and they can best tell you what makes sense for you

It’s not as cut and dried as pay off as much as you can as soon as possible

You may expect your income to increase and that may enter your calculations (I will have more money to spend on mortgage down the road)

You may feel there are certain expenditures you need to make now..maybe you have kids who will have needs and will be with you only a few more years...maybe instead of directing extra cash to a mortgage you may be thinking about them going to college

Maybe you want to invest in another property say a vacation spot...

Maybe you already have a second property whose mortgage rate is higher but can’t be refinanced in which case paying off that mortgage first will make financial sense

Everyone’s situation might be different ... keep that in mind

All possibilities. I think I'm a pretty good financial planner so have never considered paying someone else to do it for me. My wife is much less of a planner about most things, so sometimes that's a challenge.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 02:48:48 pm
wow.

Wow what?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on January 12, 2021, 02:49:40 pm
Bottom line if you can talk to a financial planner about your goals and they can best tell you what makes sense for you

It’s not as cut and dried as pay off as much as you can as soon as possible

You may expect your income to increase and that may enter your calculations (I will have more money to spend on mortgage down the road)

You may feel there are certain expenditures you need to make now..maybe you have kids who will have needs and will be with you only a few more years...maybe instead of directing extra cash to a mortgage you may be thinking about them going to college

Maybe you want to invest in another property say a vacation spot...

Maybe you already have a second property whose mortgage rate is higher but can’t be refinanced in which case paying off that mortgage first will make financial sense

Everyone’s situation might be different ... keep that in mind

All possibilities. I think I'm a pretty good financial planner so have never considered paying someone else to do it for me. My wife is much less of a planner about most things, so sometimes that's a challenge.

Saving money doesn't equate to making your money work for you...and I'm guessing you're a good saver $pace.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on January 12, 2021, 02:50:41 pm
wow.

Wow what?

For the cost of an overpriced beer, I would've been happy to do a crash course via zoom to walk some of you through the ins and outs of refinancing.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 02:55:43 pm
wow.

Wow what?

For the cost of an overpriced beer, I would've been happy to do a crash course via zoom to walk some of you through the ins and outs of refinancing.

We've done it twice since our initial purchase 16 years ago. It's not rocket science. How many times do people typically refinance over the course of a long term home ownership?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 02:58:23 pm
Bottom line if you can talk to a financial planner about your goals and they can best tell you what makes sense for you

It’s not as cut and dried as pay off as much as you can as soon as possible

You may expect your income to increase and that may enter your calculations (I will have more money to spend on mortgage down the road)

You may feel there are certain expenditures you need to make now..maybe you have kids who will have needs and will be with you only a few more years...maybe instead of directing extra cash to a mortgage you may be thinking about them going to college

Maybe you want to invest in another property say a vacation spot...

Maybe you already have a second property whose mortgage rate is higher but can’t be refinanced in which case paying off that mortgage first will make financial sense

Everyone’s situation might be different ... keep that in mind

All possibilities. I think I'm a pretty good financial planner so have never considered paying someone else to do it for me. My wife is much less of a planner about most things, so sometimes that's a challenge.

Saving money doesn't equate to making your money work for you...and I'm guessing you're a good saver $pace.

I put my leftover money into 529 and 401K max and catchup. She puts hers into weed, CBD, and 401K max. Just looked at our EOY statements and think we're doing ok. :)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on January 12, 2021, 02:59:14 pm
Bottom line if you can talk to a financial planner about your goals and they can best tell you what makes sense for you

It’s not as cut and dried as pay off as much as you can as soon as possible

You may expect your income to increase and that may enter your calculations (I will have more money to spend on mortgage down the road)

You may feel there are certain expenditures you need to make now..maybe you have kids who will have needs and will be with you only a few more years...maybe instead of directing extra cash to a mortgage you may be thinking about them going to college

Maybe you want to invest in another property say a vacation spot...

Maybe you already have a second property whose mortgage rate is higher but can’t be refinanced in which case paying off that mortgage first will make financial sense

Everyone’s situation might be different ... keep that in mind

All possibilities. I think I'm a pretty good financial planner so have never considered paying someone else to do it for me. My wife is much less of a planner about most things, so sometimes that's a challenge.

Saving money doesn't equate to making your money work for you...and I'm guessing you're a good saver $pace.

I put my leftover money into 529 and 401K max and catchup. She puts hers into weed, CBD, and 401K max. Just looked at our EOY statements and think we're doing ok. :)

I didn't say you weren't doing ok, but you did prove me right.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 12, 2021, 03:00:15 pm
Guys let’s not turn this into a dick size contest cause mine is the biggest
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 12, 2021, 03:02:15 pm
Wait Celeste is a pothead?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 12, 2021, 03:05:01 pm
It’s all about balance.. you want to make money but not if you live a miserable existence... when you’re dead you’re not going to worry about such things
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 12, 2021, 03:05:09 pm
Guys let’s not turn this into a dick size contest cause mine is the biggest
Everyone knows the rank of possible topics for bragging goes*:


* - As of 1/12/2021
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 12, 2021, 03:06:28 pm
Sheesh

I got 4 and 6 covered but otherwise
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 03:08:18 pm
It’s all about balance.. you want to make money but not if you live a miserable existence... when you’re dead you’re not going to worry about such things

That's a good philosophy, i'm down with that.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 12, 2021, 03:09:13 pm
who lives in a home for 30 years or keeps a loan that long...

i will, assuming i live 30 years.  i ain't moving again - couldn't take the trauma, and i can't imagine finding a nicer house in a nicer place than this one.
 
but agreed, i'm part a very small minority.  oh wait, can we add willingness to move to our dick-size countdown/showdown?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 03:10:56 pm
My wife took massage therapy classes but never finished. And wants me to be "the man.". Does that count for #7?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 12, 2021, 03:12:30 pm
oh wait, can we add willingness to move to our dick-size countdown/showdown?
Is a willingness to move something to brag about or an unwillingness to move? I'm not sure there's a consensus on this one.

I think what you're trying to encapsulate is a general, authentic contentment with your life and let me tell you, the entire existence of online forums and bragging on them is to cover up deep-seeded unhappiness so honestly, this just seems against the entire spirit of this whole thing.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 12, 2021, 03:12:59 pm
Wait Celeste is a pothead?
I know...this is the first I've heard that
I'm liking her more and more
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 12, 2021, 03:13:06 pm
My wife took massage therapy classes but never finished. And wants me to be "the man.". Does that count for #7?
Similar to Sweet's suggestion: I have no idea if what you're saying is supposed to be a good thing or not.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 12, 2021, 03:13:56 pm
I'm liking her more and more
Way to out yourself as definitely not OG 930 Forum.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on January 12, 2021, 03:14:11 pm
Wait Celeste is a pothead?
I know...this is the first I've heard that
I'm liking her more and more

I definitely have this in my Ford Family File or FFF for short.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 12, 2021, 03:15:38 pm
who lives in a home for 30 years or keeps a loan that long...

i will, assuming i live 30 years.  i ain't moving again - couldn't take the trauma, and i can't imagine finding a nicer house in a nicer place than this one.
 
but agreed, i'm part a very small minority.  oh wait, can we add willingness to move to our dick-size countdown/showdown?

If i had your house and location, I'd stay in it 30 years too.

We bought when i was 37, and don't intend on selling until around 30 years.

We lived in at least seven different locations by the time i was 18. It sucked.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 12, 2021, 03:16:41 pm
I'm liking her more and more
Way to out yourself as definitely not OG 930 Forum.
yeah...started around 2011....so there is a whole decade you people have on me
can't believe tenure on the forum isn't a bragging point
walkie could win for the most times quitting (and deleting his account) and coming back
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on January 12, 2021, 03:31:20 pm
Maybe you actually have an idea on an investment that would make you way more money than the savings that will accrue from plowing more of your disposable income into your mortgage



Apparently bitcoin can be very lucrative, as long as you don't forget your password. (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/technology/bitcoin-passwords-wallets-fortunes.html)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 12, 2021, 03:45:13 pm
bragging (...) to cover up deep-seeded unhappiness

AKA the raison d'etre of dick-measuring contests?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 12, 2021, 03:50:01 pm
Maybe you actually have an idea on an investment that would make you way more money than the savings that will accrue from plowing more of your disposable income into your mortgage



Apparently bitcoin can be very lucrative, as long as you don't forget your password. (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/technology/bitcoin-passwords-wallets-fortunes.html)

yikes...$220 million
There has to be a way to get around that Ironkey

this is a scary fact too
around 20 percent — currently worth around $140 billion — appear to be in lost or otherwise stranded wallets,


I knew a guy who mined bitcoin back in the day
he had about $20k around 2011...and someone hacked his wallet and stole it all
would be worth millions today
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 12, 2021, 04:42:10 pm
bragging (...) to cover up deep-seeded unhappiness

AKA the raison d'etre of dick-measuring contests?
Exactly.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 15, 2021, 05:03:33 pm
Anyone else notice?

https://www.zillow.com/mortgage-learning/trends/mortgage-rate-update/

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/?g=NUh
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 15, 2021, 05:30:59 pm
I couldn't imagine what it would have been like to get a loan in 1983
30 yr fixed at 17.5%!
and that was the avg, if you had bad credit it was surely close to 20%

My FIL still brags about how they got all these 18% CD's then (again, low mortgage rates really hurt peoples ability to save)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 15, 2021, 05:38:42 pm
I couldn't imagine what it would have been like to get a loan in 1983
30 yr fixed at 17.5%!
and that was the avg, if you had bad credit it was surely close to 20%

My FIL still brags about how they got all these 18% CD's then (again, low mortgage rates really hurt peoples ability to save)


There was a point where my dad was getting over 20% a year on his deposits in a US bank!! Of course there was more inflation but still

Of course he blew all his savings multiple times... urghhh.. he might as well have spent it
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 15, 2021, 05:41:16 pm
honestly, I think the USgovt should incentivize savings
and make some sort of tax code thing where if you have less than 100K in savings in the bank you earn 5%
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 15, 2021, 05:50:40 pm
Of course he blew all his savings multiple times... urghhh.. he might as well have spent it
How did he blow it without spending it?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 15, 2021, 05:54:22 pm
Ok bad investments ..

I guess that’s spending but it’s not like we ever spent it on ourselves

Then he lost his mind and who knows what he did.. you know how old people lose their minds..

It’s not for lack of my trying to help him

But long story and very bad memories
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on January 15, 2021, 08:43:47 pm
honestly, I think the USgovt should incentivize savings
and make some sort of tax code thing where if you have less than 100K in savings in the bank you earn 5%

Well, that's one way to kill economic growth....
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 15, 2021, 09:10:23 pm
I don’t know... seems like something might be wrong with an economic model that requires most of its people not have a couple of hundred bucks saved...


Or not..maybe our economy is perfect cause we are number one!  Never mind how long
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 15, 2021, 11:05:07 pm
honestly, I think the USgovt should incentivize savings
and make some sort of tax code thing where if you have less than 100K in savings in the bank you earn 5%

Well, that's one way to kill economic growth....
why because it worse to encourage people to save and not blow their entire paycheck week after week and being in debt their entire life

Our economy is based on every American spending all their money on useless consumer goods and keeping up with the joneses
It's kinda worked for the last 70 years, but I don't think it's sustainable...but boy did the 1% really get rich off that model

I mean they always try to juice the market by helping the wealthy get more...so they will 'hopefully' put it back into the business and hire more
but it NEVER works that way, they do stock buy backs and give executives bonuses.

Say we look at the trump tax cut, what if they flipped that and helped the lower end of Americans...do you think we'd come out on the other end a lot worse.  We'll never know because that's not how our gov't operates, corporations are people and have votes
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 16, 2021, 12:05:34 am
X
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 16, 2021, 10:05:51 am
honestly, I think the USgovt should incentivize savings
and make some sort of tax code thing where if you have less than 100K in savings in the bank you earn 5%

Well, that's one way to kill economic growth....
So you’re not a fan of Hutch getting named Active Fed Chair?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 16, 2021, 10:31:07 am
Hey now I am an Econ major from U of R!!!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 16, 2021, 10:52:40 am
Hey now I am an Econ major from U of R!!!
The prosecution rests.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 16, 2021, 11:05:44 am
https://imgflip.com/i/4u2bmu
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 16, 2021, 11:09:14 am
Hey now I am an Econ major from U of R!!!
The prosecution rests.
(https://i1.wp.com/media0.giphy.com/media/5p2wQFyu8GsFO/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 19, 2021, 01:42:31 pm
My neighbor is going to be getting a copy of this:

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/code/sites/code/files/assets/documents/pdf/animal-noise.pdf

His damn dogs woke me up at 5:43am yesterday, and 6:11 today (though my wife says they were barking earlier than that.) And they're barking non-stop right now as i sit at my kitchen table trying to work.

I'll show that fucker.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 19, 2021, 01:52:11 pm
could throw pieces of meat doused in hot sauce over the fence
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on January 19, 2021, 01:55:28 pm
Sounds like the perfect time to wake up and go for a run.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on January 19, 2021, 02:29:14 pm
could throw pieces of meat doused in hot sauce over the fence

That only hurts the animal and not the shitty dog owner.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 19, 2021, 02:33:23 pm
could throw pieces of meat doused in hot sauce over the fence

That only hurts the animal and not the shitty dog owner.

Can confirm. Though in theory only.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 19, 2021, 02:38:52 pm
could throw pieces of meat doused in hot sauce over the fence

That only hurts the animal and not the shitty dog owner.
Well, how about meat with some exlax so he shits all over the house
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 19, 2021, 03:02:39 pm
could throw pieces of meat doused in hot sauce over the fence

That only hurts the animal and not the shitty dog owner.
Well, how about meat with some exlax so he shits all over the house

As a vegetarian, I find this idea reprehensible on a couple of levels. But I'll keep it in mind, thanks.

edit: Might have the unintended consequence of the neighbor keeping the dogs outside even more.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: challenged on January 19, 2021, 03:31:13 pm

Realized that our outdoor hospitality game was a zero, with a 12x12 concrete slab. Once the patio is done, then the fence will be installed, and we will be able to entertain outdoors during the demic. Should all be ready by mid-Feb!

Yesterday was Day 1 of the approx 600 sq. ft. Patio Construction. Demo'd the concrete slab, graded the area, confirmed the design.
Day 2 is today. Finished grading, and put down the gravel.

N.B. I am doing none of this work.
We contracted it out.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 19, 2021, 03:33:28 pm
could throw pieces of meat doused in hot sauce over the fence

That only hurts the animal and not the shitty dog owner.
Well, how about meat with some exlax so he shits all over the house

As a vegetarian, I find this idea reprehensible on a couple of levels. But I'll keep it in mind, thanks.

hey wait - you have a (lovely!) dog.  therefore you have dog food in the house, therefore you have MEAT IN YOUR HOUSE - YOU'RE NOT A TRUE VEGETARIAN!!!  i'm reporting your hypocrisy to the secret tofu worshipping society!!!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 19, 2021, 04:01:33 pm
hey wait - you have a (lovely!) dog.  therefore you have dog food in the house, therefore you have MEAT IN YOUR HOUSE - YOU'RE NOT A TRUE VEGETARIAN!!!  i'm reporting your hypocrisy to the secret tofu worshipping society!!!
Dogs can follow a vegan diet. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 19, 2021, 04:41:02 pm
I think your neighbor sucks...


You said you live in an area full of Trump supporters?

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 19, 2021, 04:41:50 pm
hey wait - you have a (lovely!) dog.  therefore you have dog food in the house, therefore you have MEAT IN YOUR HOUSE - YOU'RE NOT A TRUE VEGETARIAN!!!  i'm reporting your hypocrisy to the secret tofu worshipping society!!!
Dogs can follow a vegan diet. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores.

I don't believe in forcing my veggie beliefs onto anybody. Hence, I honor my dog's request for dog good with chicken in it. I also try to accept without critique when others in my family indulge in meat as well, though it doesn't thrill me.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 19, 2021, 04:44:37 pm
I think your neighbor sucks...


You said you live in an area full of Trump supporters?

I think Trump won my district maybe by like a 53 to 47 margin. It's not like i live in rural Montana. Though i bet the margin is larger among white people.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 19, 2021, 04:47:13 pm
Well that’s your problem..too many assholes

That kind of stuff wouldn’t go down on my street...

My advice: move
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 19, 2021, 04:50:20 pm
hey wait - you have a (lovely!) dog.  therefore you have dog food in the house, therefore you have MEAT IN YOUR HOUSE - YOU'RE NOT A TRUE VEGETARIAN!!!  i'm reporting your hypocrisy to the secret tofu worshipping society!!!
Dogs can follow a vegan diet. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores.

I don't believe in forcing my veggie beliefs onto anybody. Hence, I honor my dog's request for dog good with chicken in it.
I also don't care at all if anyone follows my veggie lead so I hear you. I was just saying, from a factual standpoint, that the existence of a dog does not mean the dog's owner is giving it meat as many (some?) people do in fact have dogs that follow vegetarian or vegan diets.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 19, 2021, 05:17:52 pm
Well that’s your problem..too many assholes

That kind of stuff wouldn’t go down on my street...

My advice: move

Not moving. I'll be mailing a copy of the ordinance to the dog neighbor, or dropping it off on doorstep.

Dog neighbor is my backyard neighbor, so he's actually on a different street.

I'd say Springfield is 53-47 Trump (lots of military), but my (small) block on my street is pretty diverse. On my right, I have a New York Puerto Rican family and on my left I have an Argentinian family. Across the street are an Iranian couple, next to them is an elderly French couple, and down the street is an Ethiopian (guessing on that one) family, a Filipino family (actually, they're not Filipino, they're from a small South Pacific island, but i'm forgetting where, though i could go look at the bumper sticker on their car and it would job my memory, a Latino-American/Asian-American interracial family, and a family with lesbian heads of household (maybe they moved, haven't seen them lately.)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on January 19, 2021, 05:19:52 pm
I wonder if Neil Young's dog is vegetarian.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: hutch on January 19, 2021, 05:21:38 pm
Ok that does sound pretty cool!

Is anyone else bothered by the dog barking at 4 am?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 19, 2021, 05:24:45 pm

Realized that our outdoor hospitality game was a zero
Looking forward to the outdoor jam at casa du-challenged in...2022?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 19, 2021, 05:36:57 pm
I was just saying, from a factual standpoint, that the existence of a dog does not mean the dog's owner is giving it meat as many (some?) people do in fact have dogs that follow vegetarian or vegan diets.

"some people" - how many? you are correct that this is technically possible, however this argument is just a notch below "asinine." 
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on January 19, 2021, 05:39:29 pm
Ok that does sound pretty cool!

Is anyone else bothered by the dog barking at 4 am?

Not sure. I  have the contact info for only one of the other neighbors who actually borders dog neighbor. My wife was going to reach out to other border neighbors in some kind of petition like fashion, but knocking on doors during COVID is probably ill-advised.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: challenged on January 19, 2021, 06:14:44 pm

Realized that our outdoor hospitality game was a zero
Looking forward to the outdoor jam at casa du-challenged in...2022?
.

Fully expect major drum-circle action by April 2022.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 19, 2021, 06:16:48 pm
I was just saying, from a factual standpoint, that the existence of a dog does not mean the dog's owner is giving it meat as many (some?) people do in fact have dogs that follow vegetarian or vegan diets.

"some people" - how many? you are correct that this is technically possible, however this argument is just a notch below "asinine."
Have you met vegans? I’m on several local vegan Facebook groups (because they have good restaurant recommendations) and I would say over half of them that have dogs feed the dog vegan diets. I have a vegan neighbor who feeds their dog a meatless diet. There are many brands of vegan dog foods.

Is this a huge proportion of the dog owning population? No, but it’s not like they’re rare unicorns no one will ever see in the wild.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 19, 2021, 06:37:17 pm
I’m on several local vegan Facebook groups
He's thinking of possible epitaphs?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on January 20, 2021, 03:24:49 pm
I’m on several local vegan Facebook groups
He's thinking of possible epitaphs?

what i'm trying to figure out is where "how many vegan facebook groups i'm on" ranks in the dick-measuring scale.  pretty high, methinks. 
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on January 20, 2021, 03:28:30 pm
I’m on several local vegan Facebook groups
He's thinking of possible epitaphs?

what i'm trying to figure out is where "how many vegan facebook groups i'm on" ranks in the dick-measuring scale.  pretty high, methinks.
Honestly, I think it’s one of those where you want to be in the negative numbers. Now “I think you should leave” meme groups — more the better.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 20, 2021, 09:58:56 pm
Now to be referred to as: IOSLVFBG
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on January 22, 2021, 05:17:10 pm
(https://external-preview.redd.it/NYWsD8dAFITuo-F4KJ2wNILkBp2xyuId6oiAsczUbWc.jpg?auto=webp&s=c96aae427ff5047c5598735b9833ed57a696e9b1)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on May 05, 2021, 06:46:22 pm
Digging this up


So a week ago or so my better half who never does stuff like this but lately is showing cracks put in her phone number in some ad on the web about low refi rates and we have gotten like 300 calls


Anyways typically she doesn’t pick up but she has told a few our current rate of 2.62 or some such and they usually say they can’t beat it but “Loan Depot” says they can do 2.25% for ten years (the kind of rate you get on a 15 year) and then you go back to market rate up to 7.2%...

A savings of over $300 a month on what we currently pay

We are not considering this too seriously

Ordinarily I would say GTFO but wanted some thoughts
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 05, 2021, 07:32:00 pm
I would call sidefi directly regarding this matter, he is an expert.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on May 05, 2021, 07:48:46 pm
Hey man this isn’t his first rodeo!


Listen, anybody’s input is welcome.......even sidefi


And this thread did cause me to get off my ass and tell my partner to get off hers and she got us a lower rate..
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 05, 2021, 08:25:36 pm
Anyway, absolutely not worth it.

Save $300 a month for the next decade which is approximately $36,000.

Then in 10 years your rate nearly triples and you lose any money you gained and then some in the following ten years...

Other factors to include are death, moving, etc... but I wouldn't do it.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 05, 2021, 08:47:41 pm
trust me this hurts....Yada is right

this is also going to hurt, you really missed the boat on the crazy low rates on a 30yr fixed
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on May 05, 2021, 08:57:32 pm
But what if you sell at the end of the 10 year or before? You would need to find a new place but both our kids could be gone by then...maybe not

Still you save $36,000..actually more like 40k

We have a very small apartment in DC

Sure we are not planning to move but if you end up moving isn’t that money you gave away?


Not sure what the second part of sidefi financial wizardry post means.. we are happy with our current rate which we didn’t even have to refinance to get... I think it’s quite competitive

No doubt this is a weird offer and maybe the issue is just that $4000 a year just isn’t worth it with the risk one is taking...



Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 05, 2021, 09:26:58 pm
Wait... you live in an apartment in DC?

I thought you were an Arlington dweller.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on May 05, 2021, 09:29:04 pm
No I do live in a home in Arlington...that’s the mortgage rate in question



My partner owns an apartment in DC she rents

I just meant we do have another property...not like I want to live there
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 05, 2021, 09:32:57 pm
No I do live in a home in Arlington...that’s the mortgage rate in question



My partner owns an apartment in DC she rents

I just meant we do have another property...not like I want to live there

Yeah... keep that place, sell the farm in ten years... or vice-versa.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on May 05, 2021, 09:54:39 pm
Ok well I guess we might need a financial planner
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 05, 2021, 10:55:38 pm
I just think a 30 year fixed is the way to go
Or a 15 fixed

10 year balloon payment is just asking for problems
You just have no idea where you’ll be ?
But your payments are going to go up possibly $500 to 1000 a month
Who knows what the market looks like in 2031? What if that’s the year you get laid off and have a big medical expense

It pretty much will put in a position where you have to sell or refi in 10 years


Who the heck knows it like either of those markets (refi or RE) will be in 2031?

And yes you should always try to s Solicit advice  from professionals, you typically get what you pay for.  If it’s too good to be true it probably is

(Although I would have said  2.5% on a 30 yr fixed would have been too good to be true, but for a few brief months it was freely available)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on May 06, 2021, 02:35:36 am
Anyways typically she doesn’t pick up but she has told a few our current rate of 2.62 or some such and they usually say they can’t beat it but “Loan Depot” says they can do 2.25% for ten years (the kind of rate you get on a 15 year) and then you go back to market rate up to 7.2%...

7.2%???  is that a typo?  because if it isn't, this is a damn scam.


your idea of getting out before that insane rate hits is a decent one, but i'd check the fine print of this offer.  methinks there is something in there to ensure they get you some other way if you cut bait before the big rate hits...
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 06, 2021, 07:50:02 am
but i'd check the fine print of this offer.  methinks there is something in there to ensure they get you some other way if you cut bait before the big rate hits...
I'm no expert, but those type of loans don't really exist anymore.  Not sure if they made a law against it, but 'typically' there is no prepayment penalty on mortgages.  (I'm sure they exist still, but are rare)

They get you because most people think they are going to be smart and avoid the ballon, but then life happened and you are like 'Oh shit my payments just went up $700 and rates are at 5.5 now"

But you should always read the fine print on the terms of the loan.  By law there is a one-pager that details all the components of the loan.
Definitely try to understand the closing costs, there are certain things the lender has no impact on (VA transfer tax is a fun line item), but many others you can shop around (Title co, title insurance) and save close to $1000 on closing

IMO, get a lender who will do in-home closings.  Going to a title company office and spending 2 hours is a real pain, but at your kitchen table isn't that bad.  But I will add there is one big risk is the person closing
the person doing the closing is pretty much a fancy notary, so don't expect them to know all the answers on the documents.  But most of them are legally required, so it's not like you don't have an option not to sign them to get the loan

I really don't like balloon payments, risk is so high and you are not saving 'that much'
only way they work is you 100% plan to flip/sell the house in a short period of time and you just want the lowest payment you can get for a few years
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 06, 2021, 09:22:50 am
Also, for god's sake work with a real bank... not the "loan depot."

That should be red flags right there.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 14, 2021, 12:22:40 pm
FYI..rates seem to be coming down again
if you haven't done the refi yet, you may be able to get in the 2.625-2.75% range now!

Hutch...ahem, starsky.... we are happy with our current rate which we didn’t even have to refinance to get..
I forgot you had some weird option from your current lender to just drop the rate
so unless rates go way lower, going to be hard to imagine doing any better than you have
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on May 14, 2021, 01:03:55 pm
Once again operators are standing by please call


1 800 sidefi

The number is


1 800 sidefi
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on May 14, 2021, 01:49:29 pm
We decided to be lazy and hire "professionals" to power wash and paint our deck.

We hired a company in the Fall to do it. They never got the job done. A series of bad weather days and workers having their relatives die. We ended up giving up as it got too cold.

So we hired someone else in the Spring. After a round of bad weather, they were supposed to come on Tuesday, but had to postpone because  "the project manager got fired." So they sent two guys over yesterday and did the power washing and said they'd be back between 8 and 8:30 today to do the painting.

So 9:30 rolls around and nobody has shown up or called, so i email them. Apparently, when they went to pick up the base and the paint this morning, the paint store didn't have the base, though they got the paint. So they're running around store to store to get the base, and as far as i know, still don't have it.

The base is something generic and not specific to this job. Wouldn't it make sense to always have it on hand?

So lunchtime rolls around, and I go on a run. And the company owner FINALLY calls. And when he hears my wife's voice, he promptly hangs up. And she redialed him and LET HIM HAVE IT. I wish i had been there to hear it.

Anyway, I'm learning maybe it's better to just do the low level grunt work yourself.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 14, 2021, 01:49:42 pm
actually we dropped the 1800 number and are only accepting applications via the 930 forum Messaging
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 20, 2021, 05:59:02 pm
The Cobain / Love house is up for grabs for a cool million:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6881-Alta-Loma-Ter-Los-Angeles-CA-90068/2070895288_zpid/
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: evilizac on May 20, 2021, 07:57:24 pm
   To go back to the topic at the top of the thread. . . Has any boardies gotten a shed over the past year?
I'm interested and don't know how much I should be paying, especially with materials prices being jacked due to supply chain hinderances.
I'm looking for something between 140-150 sq. ft. and am trying to figure out if it's worth hiring someone to build from scratch. I'm trying to make the building play double duty of storage and possible place to escape to and either workout or work on songwriting/guitar practice (I do a lot of yelling and swearing as part of my process, my wife is not a fan).
   I would figure either way I'd hire someone to assemble any pre-cut shed kit so cost savings of the kit would be offset by the assembly labor, plus the closest that I can get to 150 sq. ft. (the largest size in PG that doesn't require construction permits) by kit is a 12x12 which I feel lacks an aesthetic appeal. The cheapest I've seen for those is around 3k. Also, my house is on a hill, without a driveway so it would make getting anything pre-built not an option.
   Anyone purchase a shed? What size/materials and for how much?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 20, 2021, 09:27:01 pm
   To go back to the topic at the top of the thread. . . Has any boardies gotten a shed over the past year?
I'm interested and don't know how much I should be paying, especially with materials prices being jacked due to supply chain hinderances.
I'm looking for something between 140-150 sq. ft. and am trying to figure out if it's worth hiring someone to build from scratch. I'm trying to make the building play double duty of storage and possible place to escape to and either workout or work on songwriting/guitar practice (I do a lot of yelling and swearing as part of my process, my wife is not a fan).
   I would figure either way I'd hire someone to assemble any pre-cut shed kit so cost savings of the kit would be offset by the assembly labor, plus the closest that I can get to 150 sq. ft. (the largest size in PG that doesn't require construction permits) by kit is a 12x12 which I feel lacks an aesthetic appeal. The cheapest I've seen for those is around 3k. Also, my house is on a hill, without a driveway so it would make getting anything pre-built not an option.
   Anyone purchase a shed? What size/materials and for how much?

https://www.outerspacehome.com/

This is like 25k, but awesome.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 20, 2021, 09:46:03 pm
https://www.outerspacehome.com/

This is like 25k, but awesome.
That is pretty sweet, would also improve the value of the property,
 you could finance it with HELOC (interest would be tax deductible!)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on May 20, 2021, 10:10:08 pm
https://www.outerspacehome.com/

This is like 25k, but awesome.
That is pretty sweet, would also improve the value of the property,
 you could finance it with HELOC (interest would be tax deductible!)

Sounds like a job for sidefi!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on May 20, 2021, 10:16:45 pm
:)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on May 21, 2021, 07:21:55 am
You may want to consider having a concrete slab foundation poured. It adds a bit to the cost but your shed will last a whole lot longer.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: evilizac on May 21, 2021, 11:19:37 am
Maaaaaaan. . . That's like exactly what my heart wants, but my brain can't justify. My wife is also fearful of borrowing against the equity of the house since she lived through her parents losing their house due to misspent funds (unnecessary and unfinished home remodeling and ummmm... indiscretions) from multiple re-fis/home equity loans. I can swing 5-7K cash (preferred) or maybe up to 8-10K with the right loan.
I was torn between pouring concrete and doing something like stilts on pier blocks or something like that. My dad claims he still knows how to do concrete work, but he's a mess as it is. Blergh.   
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on May 21, 2021, 12:01:33 pm
labor is going to be your biggest cost
so figure out what you need the pros to do and what you/dad/friends who will work for free

My SideFiReco™ would be:
talk to a loan person about a ReFi with cash out and see where the numbers land, shouldn't cost you more than a credit check
Personally not a big fan of the HELOC, but it's a waaay easier process, but understand all the deets before you go that route
The no closing costs often is why HELOC work better for a lot of people
but it's basically a credit card...but the interest is deductable


I really think you could pull some equity out to pay for a large part of this and not increase your monthly costs with the way the rates are (right now) and if it does, we're talking like $50 a month over 30 years

You definitely shouldn't do what her parents did...that is a real danger of this stuff and saw lots of people get in trouble doing this stuff
although I want to hear more about the indiscretions ;)

but pulling $10-15k of equity out and lowering your rate really isn't anywhere near to what they did
again, this should add value to your property, if done right
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on July 20, 2021, 10:31:31 am
Fridge door won't close properly. Meaning when you give it a push, it won't close automatically. You have to stand there and manually push the door shut. That usually works. Sometimes you have to push just right, multiple times. Fridge is 3-5 (?) years old, not sure, time blurs. I'm not handy, would rather not have to take the door off if i don't have to. Wife thinks this is "man's work," so I'm not going to ask her for help.

Advice on what to do regarding the fridge?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 20, 2021, 10:34:04 am
a lot of times this has less to do with the door and more to do with the fridge being level
there are little adjusters on the feet, might want to start there

hrumpp...man's work...that's pretty damn sexist

also Youtube for this kind of stuff is a great resource
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on July 20, 2021, 12:29:49 pm
check the rubber gasket that seals the door to the body of the fridge.  doors not closing or staying closed could be due to a tear, bump, etc in the gasket.  had to replace ours a while back and it was easy-peasy.

once you've accomplished this manly task, are you going to load her up with women's work? 
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 20, 2021, 12:49:00 pm
^ good tip
the gasket sometimes can go and is just a peel and stick operation
although I'd make sure you get the gasket for that specific model and not some generic one

I'd definitely put on some low cut jeans and make sure your ass crack is showing while doing this work
then be like 'bitch, make me some chicken pot pie'...I'm sure that will go over well
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on July 20, 2021, 01:20:30 pm
When you have a gut like mine, all the pants ride low. They key is to have a shirt that's long enough the cover the cracks.

I can't think of a home repair that's *ever* been "easy peasy" for me. They all stress me out. Exact opposite of my dad, who never saw a pipe wrench he didn't love. Doing a 10 mile hike with 2500 ft elevation gain will always be easier for me than simple home repairs. But thanks, yeah, I'll look at the gasket!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on July 20, 2021, 02:24:36 pm
I can't think of a home repair that's *ever* been "easy peasy" for me.

space, today is the first day of the rest of your life - you've got this!  replacing the gasket is so simple, you could sub-contract the gig to your daughter (that is, if she ever did any housework...).  the gasket is held on by an adhesive.  replacing a gasket is literally as simple as peeling off the old one, no tools required; then removing the wax paper on the back of the new one and sticking it on.  the hardest part, which isn't hard at all, is aligning it correctly.  protip: take a couple of pix of the old gasket before you remove it, so you can reference where to place the replacement - assuming your fridge isn't like ours which had a well/indentation where the gasket needed to go.  pretty close to idiot-proof (couldn't even snare this idiot!).
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on July 20, 2021, 02:33:51 pm
I can't think of a home repair that's *ever* been "easy peasy" for me.

space, today is the first day of the rest of your life - you've got this!  replacing the gasket is so simple, you could sub-contract the gig to your daughter (that is, if she ever did any housework...).  the gasket is held on by an adhesive.  replacing a gasket is literally as simple as peeling off the old one, no tools required; then removing the wax paper on the back of the new one and sticking it on.  the hardest part, which isn't hard at all, is aligning it correctly.  protip: take a couple of pix of the old gasket before you remove it, so you can reference where to place the replacement - assuming your fridge isn't like ours which had a well/indentation where the gasket needed to go.  pretty close to idiot-proof (couldn't even snare this idiot!).

Put that way, it does sound easy peasy. Thanks. Though i do worry that i could end up making it worse.

My daughter won't even turn the shower on for herself (if mom is around.) No way she's doing home repairs.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 20, 2021, 02:45:49 pm
protip: take a couple of pix of the old gasket before you remove it, so you can reference where to place the replacement
Can confirm...excellent protip
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on July 20, 2021, 03:51:01 pm
also Youtube for this kind of stuff is a great resource

This.  Replaced a drain pump on our washing machine to see if I could before calling a service person.  YouTube made it very easy....
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on July 20, 2021, 04:01:03 pm
Put that way, it does sound easy peasy. Thanks.

don't forget to grunt a lot and complain about how hard this (men's) work is... get full credit for what is ultimately a cakewalk.  bonus points for mansplaining what a gasket is to your wife.

mind you, the problem might not be the gasket - then we're back to square one.

also Youtube for this kind of stuff is a great resource
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This.  Replaced a drain pump on our washing machine to see if I could before calling a service person.  YouTube made it very easy....

youtube taught me to replace the pilot light assembly on our water heater.  10 minutes of video and a trip to home depot saved us several hundred dollars and spared us from days without warm showers due to no repairmen (it's men's work, right?) being available until the following week.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on July 20, 2021, 04:03:10 pm
replace the thermocouple on my furnace...youtube made me the 'man-king' for a day
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 04, 2021, 01:07:24 pm
I should stop looking at zillow
but the house in San Franciso that we sold in 2013...is now valued at $900k more now!
From what I can tell, almost zero upgrades (everything was fairly new when we bought in 08)

jesus christ on a stick, I wish we'd held on to that
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on August 04, 2021, 02:14:29 pm
Masochist
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: vansmack on August 04, 2021, 02:21:22 pm
No, no.  The pandemic wiped out the big city, everyone is leaving CA for Montana and Texas, work from home is ending Silicon Valley as we know it.  The dream is over....

Except that two units in our building just sold for $1116 per sq/ft after 4 days on the market and $1184 per sq/ft after two weeks on the market.

So maybe the news is wrong?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on August 04, 2021, 02:26:12 pm
Never bought into that bull


I wish I could buy a nice apartment in Manhattan on the cheap…
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 04, 2021, 03:39:33 pm
So maybe the news is wrong?
my inlaws for the last 20 years have been saying how "California is a failed liberal experiment, look at all the business and people leaving every day...the Liberals have ruined that state"

for the record..trump got 6 million votes there...it's a dark blue state, but there are a lot of people who don't live within 2 miles of the coast who vote red and muck up CA politics every chance they get
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 04, 2021, 03:41:07 pm
I wish I could buy a nice apartment in Manhattan on the cheap…
I can get you one of these in lower manhattan for a cool 100K
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1405/6268/products/image_67dc7bad-3df1-4e18-9d69-08d38f2ccb2a_grande.jpg?v=1625861569)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 17, 2021, 02:14:11 pm
So my fridge problem fixed itself. Maybe there were something in it preventing the door closure.

Now it's the dryer. The dryer came with the house in 2004. No problems until now. It's plugged in. I press and hold the start button and it's getting power, but it's not spinning. Is it the belt? The motor? Is this easy enough for a dummy to fix? Should I find a repairman? Should I just buy a new one?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 17, 2021, 02:23:25 pm
So my fridge problem fixed itself. Maybe there were something in it preventing the door closure.

Now it's the dryer. The dryer came with the house in 2004. No problems until now. It's plugged in. I press and hold the start button and it's getting power, but it's not spinning. Is it the belt? The motor? Is this easy enough for a dummy to fix? Should I find a repairman? Should I just buy a new one?

Buy a new one. You have at least a seventeen year old appliance that is most likely at it's end of life/mixed with 17 years of pubic hair stuck in the vents.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 17, 2021, 02:27:59 pm
So my fridge problem fixed itself. Maybe there were something in it preventing the door closure.

Now it's the dryer. The dryer came with the house in 2004. No problems until now. It's plugged in. I press and hold the start button and it's getting power, but it's not spinning. Is it the belt? The motor? Is this easy enough for a dummy to fix? Should I find a repairman? Should I just buy a new one?

Buy a new one. You have at least a seventeen year old appliance that is most likely at it's end of life/mixed with 17 years of pubic hair stuck in the vents.

Thank you. Google confirms that you are correct, at least about the first part.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on August 17, 2021, 02:32:12 pm
i would spend 30 minutes trying to figure it out, and if i couldn't ID the problem in that time i'd replace it.  at that age, i wouldn't want to invest too much time or money fixing it.  it's at its end of life so anything invested in it won't take you much farther.  so if you can replace a belt or a sensor quickly and cheaply, go for it.  i wouldn't call a repairman, you'll be out $150 before he/she ever walks in the door.  put that money towards a new dryer.

17 years is a good run for a dryer - in fact it's likely older than 17 years since it probably wasn't new when you got it.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on August 17, 2021, 02:36:07 pm
+1

But he needs help knowing what to check

I recommend YouTube but it’s likely it’s time to get something new


17 years plus seems amazing…that’s a great run



Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on August 17, 2021, 02:39:23 pm
Your new dryer will only last 8-10 years.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on August 17, 2021, 02:41:00 pm
Absolutely agree…new appliances are just not like the old ones


17 years is amazing
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on August 17, 2021, 02:47:44 pm
So my fridge problem fixed itself. Maybe there were something in it preventing the door closure.

Now it's the dryer. The dryer came with the house in 2004. No problems until now. It's plugged in. I press and hold the start button and it's getting power, but it's not spinning. Is it the belt? The motor? Is this easy enough for a dummy to fix? Should I find a repairman? Should I just buy a new one?

Buy a new one. You have at least a seventeen year old appliance that is most likely at it's end of life/mixed with 17 years of pubic hair stuck in the vents.
When I think of pubic hair facts, I think of Yada.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 17, 2021, 03:37:27 pm
I took the top off and the belt seems to be fine. That's about the extent of my abilities. I'll be shopping for a replacement later today.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on August 17, 2021, 03:51:17 pm
 Things To Check when your Dryer won't turn on or start - REPAIR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNWKRjaSZzw
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 17, 2021, 04:15:16 pm
Have you tried rebooting it?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 17, 2021, 04:20:04 pm
Have you tried rebooting it?

Do you mean unplugging and plugging back in, or are you making a joke here?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 17, 2021, 04:24:30 pm
Have you tried rebooting it?

Do you mean unplugging and plugging back in, or are you making a joke here?
I've worked in IT for over 25 years, it's the solution that fixes most problems
Does not fix all, but a good first step
I am also making a joke...but if it works, it will be good advice
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 17, 2021, 04:36:20 pm
Have you tried rebooting it?

Do you mean unplugging and plugging back in, or are you making a joke here?
I've worked in IT for over 25 years, it's the solution that fixes most problems
Does not fix all, but a good first step
I am also making a joke...but if it works, it will be good advice

Yeah, I hear you. I'm the IT guy for my office, though when i can't fix it (and obviously I'm no genius), there's professionals (probably you) to turn it over to. Though they've centralized things over the past few years and taken away many of my permissions and thus duties. But anyhow, "try rebooting it" has worked an amazing amount of times.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on February 08, 2022, 03:19:38 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/pQfmpm9/0458-D8-C3-DC45-4855-9-FCD-FCC576808840.png) (https://ibb.co/KD21H13)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on February 08, 2022, 03:24:39 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/pQfmpm9/0458-D8-C3-DC45-4855-9-FCD-FCC576808840.png) (https://ibb.co/KD21H13)

I think we're about due for sidefi to refi again.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on February 08, 2022, 03:27:31 pm
I think we're about due for sidefi to refi again.
doubt it unless rates get close to 2.75 again
so is the point of this post that it's odd that Africa Bambatta is posting about interest rates on his Instagram?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on February 08, 2022, 03:55:26 pm
No

That’s weird…swear to me I just lifted it off internet


Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on April 08, 2022, 01:57:13 pm
Congratulations to those who refinanced

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/mortgage-rates-top-5-25-e2-80-94-and-loan-applications-are-taking-a-hit/ar-AAVWuEF?ocid=uxbndlbing
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 08, 2022, 01:58:24 pm
Oh I meant to post here

Replaced my garbage disposal and even had to do the electric hook up

that's enough for 2022
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on April 08, 2022, 04:00:42 pm
I hired a lot of contractors due to a water leak

They all sucked
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on April 08, 2022, 07:29:06 pm
I have three interior doors in my house I'm going to hire someone to do. Anger management classes probably would have been cheaper.

Also had our outdoor ground level AC unit inspected, ahd the guy found attic insulation inside the AC unit. His guess was that mice were bringing insulation from the attic to the AC unit. Indeed, it looked like the bird wire had come loose and birds were building a nest, and it seems possible that mice could have been coming in and out. I climbed up into the attic and reaffixed the bird wire with staples.

THe bad news is we either have to repair the AC for 1K or get it replace for about 7K. Since it's only eight years old, going to try the former.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 24, 2022, 09:33:11 am
Rates for home loans are just about to go over 6%

Sucks if you are in the market now and if you missed the boat and didn't refi in 2021 (were at 2.5)

I can not imagine what it was like to buy a home in the mid 80s
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MORTGAGE30US

my father in law still regals about those Halcyon days he got all these 18% CDs in that era
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Cock Van Der Palm on June 24, 2022, 11:49:25 am
true rates are up but demand for homes is down. I see residential listing prices being reduced and houses selling under list price.  Whereas when rates were in 2 and 3's, owners could list house at whatever they wanted and there would still be bidding wars.  So it really does even out in the end.

Rates for home loans are just about to go over 6%

Sucks if you are in the market now and if you missed the boat and didn't refi in 2021 (were at 2.5)

I can not imagine what it was like to buy a home in the mid 80s
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MORTGAGE30US

my father in law still regals about those Halcyon days he got all these 18% CDs in that era
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 24, 2022, 12:02:28 pm
demand is low for housing?  where are you seeing that?

It is true this will finally start to bring the housing prices down (in some markets)....but they are up 3421% since 2000, so be nice to buy that 900 sq ft 2 bedroom 1bath for only $921K vs $975K
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Cock Van Der Palm on June 24, 2022, 12:14:36 pm
Scaggsville at least.  Houses are sitting on the market for longer than a weekend, listing prices are being reduced.  And Scaggsville fucking rocks!


demand is low for housing?  where are you seeing that?

It is true this will finally start to bring the housing prices down (in some markets)....but they are up 3421% since 2000, so be nice to buy that 900 sq ft 2 bedroom 1bath for only $921K vs $975K
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 24, 2022, 12:17:37 pm
Scaggsville at least.  Houses are sitting on the market for longer than a weekend, listing prices are being reduced.  And Scaggsville fucking rocks!
well there are two reasons for that
1. they were overpricing them to begin with
2. Scaggsville
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on June 24, 2022, 12:21:31 pm
There is give and go but you still have to come up with much more in mortgage payment a month so prices would have to dramatically drop to increase affordability with these new rates.

I guess the hope in terms of affordability is rates go up, prices drop and in a year prices stay down but rates drop?

I am not convinced the current scenario and moving forward is going to better in terms of affordability for home buyers in much of our area.

Where is Scaggsville?

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 24, 2022, 12:25:52 pm
Where is Scaggsville?
between Savage and Spencerville, duh
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on June 24, 2022, 12:41:40 pm
Just not familiar with those either…is this in Howard County?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 24, 2022, 12:48:13 pm
Just not familiar with those either…is this in Howard County?
that was the joke, don't you access to the internets?
it is in Moco between laurel and olney...no mans land IMO
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Starsky on June 24, 2022, 01:07:54 pm
So by FedEx Field?

That whole area is a mystery to me…
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on June 24, 2022, 01:20:24 pm
So by FedEx Field?

That whole area is a mystery to me…

Come on man. I don't even watch football but I know FedEx Field is in PG County.

Also, Scaggsville is in Howard County, not Montgomery.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Justin Tonation on June 24, 2022, 01:22:39 pm
So by FedEx Field?

That whole area is a mystery to me…

You're thinking of Landover, which is right in the middle of Prince George's County. Laurel is in the northernmost part of Prince George's with some parts straddling Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery counties.

Funnily enough, FedEx Field was almost built at Laurel Park horse racing track (https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1993/12/08/stadium-deal-clouds-laurel-picture/2190c3c8-e63a-468a-a93b-c86df334d0e7/).
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 24, 2022, 02:34:58 pm
knowledge of MD geography ....pretty low on this board
and I think that's a good thing :)
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Justin Tonation on June 24, 2022, 03:13:56 pm
How else to learn about a Boring (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Boring,+MD+21155/@39.5317698,-76.8315096,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c81561772834cb:0x7b1fffa6f2ce7a9b!8m2!3d39.5317707!4d-76.8227548?hl=en) Accident (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Accident,+MD+21520/@39.6249727,-79.3281742,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89caadbb8131a801:0x4eab37eb4cf8f1d2!8m2!3d39.628696!4d-79.319759?hl=en)?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Cock Van Der Palm on June 24, 2022, 03:56:50 pm
Yes Howard County.  You pass the Scaggsville exit heading from DC to Baltimore on 95 (Or heading from Baltimore to DC on 95).

Just not familiar with those either…is this in Howard County?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on June 24, 2022, 04:49:24 pm
  You pass the Scaggsville exit
pretty much we all do that, I guess you take it
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on June 24, 2022, 05:44:55 pm
Where is Scaggsville?

Where the Scaggs live.

Then I looked it up and I wasn't wrong

"The town is named for the Scaggs family, who settled 700 acres (2.8 km2) of farmland in the 1830s and continue to live in the region. The area also used the name "Hells Corner" as a postal address in Civil War times"
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on October 19, 2022, 10:40:43 am
Does anybody have experience with humidifiers and air scrubbers?

Combined, a humidifier and air scrubber are going to cost me $2100. Most of it the air scrubber.

I have terrible allergies...dust, mold, pollen, etc., and my daughter inherited them from me. So any relief is worth the money, if they work significantly.

Do they?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 19, 2022, 11:06:40 am
Humidifier is an excellent addition to your HVAC IMO
not sure about allergies, but definitely helps my breathing in winter months

but it does require Maintenace and attention...if something goes wrong, you could be spreading mildew and mold in your system
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on October 19, 2022, 12:33:33 pm
Does anybody have experience with humidifiers and air scrubbers?

Combined, a humidifier and air scrubber are going to cost me $2100. Most of it the air scrubber.

I have terrible allergies...dust, mold, pollen, etc., and my daughter inherited them from me. So any relief is worth the money, if they work significantly.

Do they?

You could also clean your house more than semi annually.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Julian, Forum COGNOSCENTI on October 19, 2022, 12:37:29 pm
Does anybody have experience with humidifiers and air scrubbers?

Combined, a humidifier and air scrubber are going to cost me $2100. Most of it the air scrubber.

I have terrible allergies...dust, mold, pollen, etc., and my daughter inherited them from me. So any relief is worth the money, if they work significantly.

Do they?

You could also clean your house more than semi annually.
POTW.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on October 19, 2022, 01:48:45 pm
Does anybody have experience with humidifiers and air scrubbers?

we have a few portable "room air filters", so not connected to HVAC.  they're running 24/7 these days as we are in the middle of a cloud of forest fire smoke.  AQI 2.5 is over 200, per PurpleAir, and peaked over 300 earlier this morning.  it's fucking disgusting out there: smoke is completely hiding mountains, sunlight is orange, school is cancelled.  spending more than a few minutes outside leads to burning nose and throat, and a headache.  we're under house arrest, essentially.  the room air filters work: typically cut down air particulate by at least half.

we're having a really eff'ed up autumn here: normally the rainy season should have started a week or two ago, instead we haven't seen precipitation since june.  bone-dry conditions have led to a forest fire about a dozen miles away from my house.  thanks, climate change.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on October 19, 2022, 03:10:23 pm
those are totally different though, but adding humidity makes a lot of the dust/tiny things fall to the ground
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: kosmo vinyl on January 25, 2023, 03:16:13 pm
Dropping this here because we don't have a furniture thread, guaranteed to improve any home

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FnS3FmwacAATdvP?format=jpg&name=small)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FnS3FmwacAATdvP?format=jpg&name=small
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on April 04, 2023, 09:13:42 am
Couple of weeks ago I notices the smoke alarm wasn't working.

I didn't have any 9V batteries and kept forgetting to buy any. I figured it wasn't a big deal since how often do houses in my middle class neighborhood burn down? We've been here for 19 years and zero fires in the neighborhood.

 I got some batteries Sunday and set my smoke alarm back in action.

The very next day, a neighbor's (same block, next street over) house burns to a crisp.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Hutch on April 04, 2023, 09:17:03 am
Damn dude it was meant to be you. Close call.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 04, 2023, 09:45:08 am
. I figured it wasn't a big deal since how often do houses in my middle class neighborhood burn down?
About 10 years ago there was a fire in my neighborhood and a mother and daughter died, I think the smoke detectors were not working
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on April 04, 2023, 09:49:34 am
. I figured it wasn't a big deal since how often do houses in my middle class neighborhood burn down?
About 10 years ago there was a fire in my neighborhood and a mother and daughter died, I think the smoke detectors were not working

Wow, that's terrible.

This fire took place in the broad daylight of the morning. Whole family got out safely.

We also have a fire extinguisher that has been sitting there in our kitchen unused for at least 19 years. How long are those things supposed to last and how do you test them?
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on April 04, 2023, 09:51:32 am
We also have a fire extinguisher that has been sitting there in our kitchen unused for at least 19 years. How long are those things supposed to last and how do you test them?
You don't test them, I'd read the label they typically say
but most consumer ones are only 1-time use is my understanding
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on April 04, 2023, 01:22:59 pm
We also have a fire extinguisher that has been sitting there in our kitchen unused for at least 19 years. How long are those things supposed to last and how do you test them?

the chemicals inside the extinguisher don't go bad.  your main concern is pressure.  check the gauge on the the extinguisher, should tell you if there is sufficient pressure in there or not.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Hutch on April 04, 2023, 01:49:10 pm
Just shake it really hard! If it shakes violently and you hear a crazy gurgle rumble you are good!
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 22, 2023, 12:23:08 pm
We have several internal doors and doorframes that are in desperate need of repair or replacement. I won't say how they got broken. Who do we contact? A handyman? Some kind of carpenter? Some kind of door company? Do they get the door for you, or are you supposed to have it? These are all interior doors, not doors that lead to the outside.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: grateful on August 22, 2023, 02:02:57 pm
I'd think you need to work on the cause, not the symptom.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Hutch on August 22, 2023, 02:10:05 pm
Dangerous to have outside contractors see that. Under Gov Blackface edict they have to report signs of spousal abuse
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 22, 2023, 02:43:07 pm
I'd think you need to work on the cause, not the symptom.

We're sending the cause away to college in less than two years. Problem solved.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on August 22, 2023, 03:25:43 pm
We have several internal doors and doorframes that are in desperate need of repair or replacement. I won't say how they got broken. Who do we contact? A handyman? Some kind of carpenter? Some kind of door company? Do they get the door for you, or are you supposed to have it? These are all interior doors, not doors that lead to the outside.

depends on the answer to "repair or replacement".
- repair: handyman/general contractor
- replacement: either a competent/experienced handyman, or a door/window company (they often do both).


unless you have very specific requirements for your interior doors, i'd go the handyman route.  a door company is likely overkill and will be expensive*.  measure your doors, then go to a big hardware store and see what door-and-frame sets they have.  they get a handyman to install them.  ideally, have the handyman over beforehand and show him what you want replaced - he might have suggestions, etc.

*we are currently having several windows and the front door replaced by a top-shelf door/window company.  total bill will be more than what we paid for our new car.

These are all interior doors, not doors that lead to the outside.

thanks for the clarification.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 22, 2023, 04:45:01 pm
We have several internal doors and doorframes that are in desperate need of repair or replacement. I won't say how they got broken. Who do we contact? A handyman? Some kind of carpenter? Some kind of door company? Do they get the door for you, or are you supposed to have it? These are all interior doors, not doors that lead to the outside.

depends on the answer to "repair or replacement".
- repair: handyman/general contractor
- replacement: either a competent/experienced handyman, or a door/window company (they often do both).


unless you have very specific requirements for your interior doors, i'd go the handyman route.  a door company is likely overkill and will be expensive*.  measure your doors, then go to a big hardware store and see what door-and-frame sets they have.  they get a handyman to install them.  ideally, have the handyman over beforehand and show him what you want replaced - he might have suggestions, etc.

*we are currently having several windows and the front door replaced by a top-shelf door/window company.  total bill will be more than what we paid for our new car.

These are all interior doors, not doors that lead to the outside.

thanks for the clarification.

Thanks. Very helpful. Until yesterday, I think we were in the "repair" category. But now for at least one of them, I'd put it in the "replace" category.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: evilizac on August 22, 2023, 05:12:51 pm
Not sure how much repair is necessary, but I work for a home repair and painting company, so I looked up something similar for replacement that we did in the past year or so. We're on the pricier side, but I feel like the numbers give a decent breakdown.
For a new door, of reasonable quality, assuming it's door with frame, you're probably looking at $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 for a new door and labor.
   That's likely assuming the following: 2 workers x 8.0 hours to remove and install new, trim out or finish around as necessary, $300-$500 for the door, and another $100-$200 for other materials, as/if necessary.

I hate my job.

Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Yada on August 23, 2023, 10:09:26 am
I'd think you need to work on the cause, not the symptom.

We're sending the cause away to college in less than two years. Problem solved.

Mason and Madison attendees still come home on the weekends
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: Space Freely on August 23, 2023, 10:15:55 am
I'd think you need to work on the cause, not the symptom.

We're sending the cause away to college in less than two years. Problem solved.

Mason and Madison attendees still come home on the weekends

I think Virginia Tech is the VA school to choose if you want to get the furthest away from your parents. Plus it's a better school than the two you mention.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: evilizac on August 28, 2023, 01:01:07 pm
Ugh,
   After shelling out $20-ishK for foundation reinforcement, I'm debating supplementing the under-powered electric heating part of our HVAC system (a heat-pump system with an electric aux heat that from what the latest in my string of HVAC guys has classified as undersized). Leaning towards a 95% efficient unit (a subsidiary model from Trane). He wants almost $11k for labor and materials, including running some exhaust and ducting to connect it to the existing system. It's just hard with such a specific trade, to comparison shop without making the time to actually comparison shop. Wondering if anyone else has had comparable work done recently.
   We've been paying upwards of $400-$500 for electricity during the winter months since we've been currently supplementing the system with electric space heaters. It's huge secondary home "repair" in a year when I was hoping to spend around $10,000.00 originally for the foundation work, but we're also punishing our system. Just not sure if it's 1.) fairly prices (I think so, based on my administrative knowledge of the type of work). 2.) actually going to offset our heating costs. and 3.) actually going to add comfort for the price (currently with all that we do, we are never actually comfortable climate-wise for all the money spent).
   
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: sweetcell on August 28, 2023, 01:28:11 pm
we had a heat pump installed a few years ago, because our propane bill in the winter was getting stupid.  was a relatively simple job, i was told, clocked in at about $7k.  it brought our heating costs down, but the payoff period will be more than a decade (at current propane and electricity costs).  heat pumps aren't as good as furnaces, they don't produce quite as much heat in most conditions so can take a while to heat up the house (they are good at keeping things steady tho).

if you're hesitant to spend that much $$ on a heat pump, an alternative might be to look at other ways of cutting the heat bills by attacking the root causes: need insulation? new windows or doors?  etc.
Title: Re: The Home Improvement Thread
Post by: ye-ole-hatch ıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llıl on August 28, 2023, 02:15:15 pm


if you're hesitant to spend that much $$ on a heat pump, an alternative might be to look at other ways of cutting the heat bills by attacking the root causes: need insulation? new windows or doors?  etc.

This 100%
You can buy a heat sensor for around 200 and check all around and address that issue

Those little heaters are crazy inefficient

You may want to look into a wood burning stove too

The new ones are crazy efficient (once started, I can put in 3 logs an it will keep the house warm fo me 8 hours
Install is the biggest cost… helps if you can get wood cheap/free.