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Post by chalkdevil ๐ on Sept 7, 2017 8:53:13 GMT -5
Man, that's such a common boulevard tree thing, too. "Plant all the same tree at the same time, what could go wrong?" *50 years later* "hmmm, looks like everything is dying at the same time, I can't believe these things all had roughly the same lifespan." I used to work with a guy who referred to those parking lot island planters as "tree coffins" because anything growing in a confined space like that (or between, say, a sidewalk and a street) was basically in a death struggle from the moment it was planted*. *I've gone around and around with city managers and campus landscape manager types about how the benefits of a boulevard trees totally outweigh the shortened lifespan and "not as vigorous as it could be" growth. As an amateur botanist, I am bugged by the lack of biodiversity in boulevard plantings, leading to mass pest infestations and epidemics that can fell whole blocks. I think the Arbor Day Foundation has the right idea when it sends out free trees: I just got 2 crabapple, 2 hawthorne, 2 red maple, 2 redbud, and one other set of trees I can't remember. I'm keeping the crabapple for my yard and giving my neighbors the redbuds and hawthornes. I planted the larger trees in a nearby park and nature preserve. Yeah, the city is switching it up now. The forestry dude asked if I had a preferred tree for a replacement. Really any medium sized tree but a maple. I just asked for something fast growing. We also have an ironwood tree on our boulevard that was planted about 2.5 years ago. In fact, when I looked down the block, about half the trees were new, none of them maples. It was nearly all maples when we moved in 9 years ago. I'm also worried about the big old ash tree thats in our neighbor's back yard. It's really close to our property line so we get all kinds of nice shade from it. It's not looking super healthy these days. |
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Post by ganews on Sept 17, 2017 16:14:01 GMT -5
Yesterday we were going out to run errands and I noticed a big damn hole in the side of the damn house. The attic/gable vent was done in by age, even though it doesn't get the direct sunlight from the south. I got out the ladder, and even with it at maximum extension I couldn't reach the top of the hole. I had to go up in the crawlspace and get covered in blow-in insulation dust so I could tape a trash bag over it. No telling how long the whole was there; I suppose it was blown in by some wind during the vacation trip. I would have at least noticed the fragments on the ground when I mow the lawn. At least there was no sign of animal life on the inside. Then today Home Depot and Lowes were out of stock in that size, so it looks like I have to wait a couple days on Amazon. I did pick up a cover for my second chimney and go up on the roof to put it on, so at least no more birds will be coming in. |
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Post by nowimnothing on Sept 17, 2017 17:03:46 GMT -5
As an amateur botanist, I am bugged by the lack of biodiversity in boulevard plantings, leading to mass pest infestations and epidemics that can fell whole blocks. I think the Arbor Day Foundation has the right idea when it sends out free trees: I just got 2 crabapple, 2 hawthorne, 2 red maple, 2 redbud, and one other set of trees I can't remember. I'm keeping the crabapple for my yard and giving my neighbors the redbuds and hawthornes. I planted the larger trees in a nearby park and nature preserve. Yeah, the city is switching it up now. The forestry dude asked if I had a preferred tree for a replacement. Really any medium sized tree but a maple. I just asked for something fast growing. We also have an ironwood tree on our boulevard that was planted about 2.5 years ago. In fact, when I looked down the block, about half the trees were new, none of them maples. It was nearly all maples when we moved in 9 years ago. I'm also worried about the big old ash tree thats in our neighbor's back yard. It's really close to our property line so we get all kinds of nice shade from it. It's not looking super healthy these days. I like my three Maples but they are pretty shitty for urban areas, at least the Sugar Maples I have. They have shallow roots which means lot of heaving if they are close to sidewalks or foundations plus they suck all the water out of the top soil so even shade resistant grass and plants will not grow under them. The only thing I can get to grow there is English Ivy and occasionally Periwinkle. |
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Post by Dr. Rumak on Sept 18, 2017 13:12:36 GMT -5
So we're now the owners of a third house, as we closed this morning. Mrs. Rumak is already meeting with someone to discuss getting the mold out of the based, and the roof issues resolved. Tomorrow the appliance guy is supposed to come and install our new disposal, fix the washing machine, and potentially repair the water heater (we don't know if anything is wrong with it, because it was wrapped up, which meant the inspector could not properly inspect it. It may require a repair, or maybe a full replacement. That's why we a negotiated a lower price).
It was weird to get homeowner's insurance. My parents had insurance on the place we already have. Mrs. Rumak went in at the beginning of the summer to try and switch it to our names, and had a really poor experience. So we were going to go with a different agency for the insurance on the new home. But as I kept calling last week, they said they could not write policy because of hurricane Jose, but that we would be fine by today. Well, that turned out not to be true. They couldn't write the policy today. We went back to the original agency, and it turns out that the agent was on vacation when Mrs. Rumak visited, and the agent was very helpful, and we got a new policy for our new house, and the old policy properly updated to include us.
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Post by nowimnothing on Sept 21, 2017 18:49:20 GMT -5
So I got the new carpet installed and had some professional cleaners come in. I am a little disappointed in the cleaners. They did a good job cleaning all the basics like tub, sinks and floors, even took care of some high up cobwebs. But they did not do much on the light fixtures or baseboards. It is probably my own fault since I did not choose the "deep cleaning" option when I booked them. I have never hired cleaners before so I guess it is a learning experience. IfI get a job offer next week I will be ready to put it on the market.
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GumTurkeyles
AV Clubber 
$10 down, $10 a month, don't you be a turkey
Posts: 3,065 
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Post by GumTurkeyles on Sept 29, 2017 8:09:51 GMT -5
Well fucking great.
The buyers that I've been working with for 3 months were just rejected again for a loan. On the plus side, the last time I signed an extension, I included a clause that they lose the deposit if the deal fell through.
On the downside, I've now re-listing my property at the end of the market season, and I'm potentially going to have to make another 6 extra mortgage payments. So, no honeymoon for us.
We're relisting the property so we'll see how this goes, but at this point I'm fed up with this whole process.
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Post by nowimnothing on Oct 2, 2017 17:30:30 GMT -5
The job offer took a bit longer to come in, but I have it and the house is going on the market this week. My wife is looking at 3 more houses tomorrow. Hopefully she will find one we can make an offer on and ours will sell fast. We are starting to cut it a bit close since my new job starts November 6th. I really don't want to put all our stuff in storage. We may have to compromise a bit on the new house.
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Oct 8, 2017 21:23:35 GMT -5
Our 22 year old house has 22 year old builder grade toilets and they suck. Yet again our master bath one is not flushing properly. Despite multiple plunging attempts. Ugh I hate plumbing problems.
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Baron von Costume
TI Forumite
Like an iron maiden made of pillows... the punishment is decadence!
Posts: 4,684
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Post by Baron von Costume on Oct 17, 2017 13:46:22 GMT -5
Our 22 year old house has 22 year old builder grade toilets and they suck. Yet again our master bath one is not flushing properly. Despite multiple plunging attempts. Ugh I hate plumbing problems. I really need to replace my upstairs one. It's a builder grade low flow and one I'm guessing made for a compact bathroom as well (which this really isn't.) That may have been well and good for the old lady here previously but as a taller dude not so much. |
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Post by chalkdevil ๐ on Oct 17, 2017 15:05:57 GMT -5
As an amateur botanist, I am bugged by the lack of biodiversity in boulevard plantings, leading to mass pest infestations and epidemics that can fell whole blocks. I think the Arbor Day Foundation has the right idea when it sends out free trees: I just got 2 crabapple, 2 hawthorne, 2 red maple, 2 redbud, and one other set of trees I can't remember. I'm keeping the crabapple for my yard and giving my neighbors the redbuds and hawthornes. I planted the larger trees in a nearby park and nature preserve. Yeah, the city is switching it up now. The forestry dude asked if I had a preferred tree for a replacement. Really any medium sized tree but a maple. I just asked for something fast growing. We also have an ironwood tree on our boulevard that was planted about 2.5 years ago. In fact, when I looked down the block, about half the trees were new, none of them maples. It was nearly all maples when we moved in 9 years ago. I'm also worried about the big old ash tree thats in our neighbor's back yard. It's really close to our property line so we get all kinds of nice shade from it. It's not looking super healthy these days. My tree is gone now. I expect the Lorax to show up at any moment.  |
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Post by Ben Grimm on Oct 19, 2017 13:26:48 GMT -5
Our 22 year old house has 22 year old builder grade toilets and they suck. Yet again our master bath one is not flushing properly. Despite multiple plunging attempts. Ugh I hate plumbing problems. I really need to replace my upstairs one. It's a builder grade low flow and one I'm guessing made for a compact bathroom as well (which this really isn't.) That may have been well and good for the old lady here previously but as a taller dude not so much. Compact toilets have the same range of uses for an adult male as urinals do. |
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Post by nowimnothing on Oct 20, 2017 19:32:22 GMT -5
We bought a house. I guess I should say my wife bought a house since she qualified for it on her income alone so we could close before I start my new job. Not too many bites on our current house though. On the market 10 days and we have only had 6 showings. I am going to try uploading a few more pictures. I called the new schools today and it seems like they are willing to work with us on the kids starting before we close on the new house while we will still be in an apartment in a different school district. Now the real countdown begins, two weeks before I start my new job and the kids start their new school. Hopefully a week or two after that we will be in the new house. If we can get that done then I will not be too worried about selling our old house since we will be able to swing both the payments no problem. Right now though my biggest concern is converting our current house into a second house as far as the mortgage goes. I don't really understand how that works. I know we cannot have two primary residences so I don't want that to screw up the closing on our new house. Anyone have experience with this?
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Oct 24, 2017 8:47:16 GMT -5
Love to get into the worst fight we've had in years over my wanting to hire a moving company instead of moving ourselves Oh my gosh, I am never moving myself again, hiring a moving company is 1000% worth it. Is it the cost that's a factor? Because otherwise I can't imagine what the issue would be. |
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Oct 24, 2017 9:04:05 GMT -5
Oh my gosh, I am never moving myself again, hiring a moving company is 1000% worth it. Is it the cost that's a factor? Because otherwise I can't imagine what the issue would be. They weren't available until next weekend and she wants to put the money towards rewiring the house and having the floors redone. Totally reasonable, I just hate moving enough that I was willing to go $400 into debt not to have to do it ourselves and she very strongly was not. While electricity and floors are important, to me at least, $400 is not enough to make a big difference in the budget for that and it IS enough to get you moved ... I'm with you, let's just say that. |
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Post by Ben Grimm on Oct 24, 2017 10:16:10 GMT -5
Oh my gosh, I am never moving myself again, hiring a moving company is 1000% worth it. Is it the cost that's a factor? Because otherwise I can't imagine what the issue would be. They weren't available until next weekend and she wants to put the money towards rewiring the house and having the floors redone. Totally reasonable, I just hate moving enough that I was willing to go $400 into debt not to have to do it ourselves and she very strongly was not. Figure out how much one or both of you screwing up your backs for an extended period of time is going to cost you and I think you'll find it exceeds $400 by a lot. |
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Post by Ben Grimm on Oct 24, 2017 10:21:58 GMT -5
Figure out how much one or both of you screwing up your backs for an extended period of time is going to cost you and I think you'll find it exceeds $400 by a lot. Oh, believe me, I brought that up. My L4 and L5 vertebrae are congenitally, pardon the expression, fucked, so it's pretty much guaranteed that I'm going to be in severe pain with compromised mobility for a few days, even if I don't actually get straight-up injured in the move. If you've already got a bad back, then this shouldn't even be a conversation. Moving yourself could permanently injure you. |
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Post by Not a real doctor on Oct 25, 2017 7:32:51 GMT -5
The roofers are supposed to be out today to replace the crappily-applied flat rubber roof on the sunroom and replace the water-damaged sheathing below it. In the future (~10 years), I'd like to put vaulted trusses on it so I'm not dealing with a flat roof in a snow-heavy climate but for now I'll just be glad that the damn thing is buttoned up before winter.*
*Assuming they show up
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moimoi
AV Clubber
Posts: 5,091 
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Post by moimoi on Oct 28, 2017 13:26:33 GMT -5
Halloween-related homeowner quandary: Back in May, I paid the city to replace the cracked sidewalk in front of my house. Naturally, they just got to it this week, blocking off parking until 11/3 and completely tearing up my front lawn. In the likely event that foot traffic in front of my house is still severely obstructed on Tuesday, what should I do about trick or treaters? Should I encourage kids to walk across me and my neighbors' lawns to get to my front door, or should I put out a couple baskets of candy at each end of the construction site? I do not want to cancel, as I have already lovingly prepared treat bags for 50 kids (my neighborhood is routinely rated as one of the best for trick-or-treating in the city, so I usually get between 35-60 kids depending on the weather).
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Post by nowimnothing on Oct 29, 2017 7:40:27 GMT -5
Halloween-related homeowner quandary: Back in May, I paid the city to replace the cracked sidewalk in front of my house. Naturally, they just got to it this week, blocking off parking until 11/3 and completely tearing up my front lawn. In the likely event that foot traffic in front of my house is still severely obstructed on Tuesday, what should I do about trick or treaters? Should I encourage kids to walk across me and my neighbors' lawns to get to my front door, or should I put out a couple baskets of candy at each end of the construction site? I do not want to cancel, as I have already lovingly prepared treat bags for 50 kids (my neighborhood is routinely rated as one of the best for trick-or-treating in the city, so I usually get between 35-60 kids depending on the weather). Is it too cold to sit outside? Sound like a great opportunity for some Danger! signs caution tape and yellow flashing lights. Maybe put some glowing eyes inside the danger area. You could dress up as a bloodied construction worker and direct kids around the blocked off area with one of those airport runway directional wands (or just a flashlight with some red/orange tissue paper). You could use a 5 gallon home depot bucket for your candy(maybe put a false bottom if it is too deep.) |
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Post by Lord Lucan on Oct 29, 2017 16:26:50 GMT -5
Halloween-related homeowner quandary: Back in May, I paid the city to replace the cracked sidewalk in front of my house. Naturally, they just got to it this week, blocking off parking until 11/3 and completely tearing up my front lawn. In the likely event that foot traffic in front of my house is still severely obstructed on Tuesday, what should I do about trick or treaters? Should I encourage kids to walk across me and my neighbors' lawns to get to my front door, or should I put out a couple baskets of candy at each end of the construction site? I do not want to cancel, as I have already lovingly prepared treat bags for 50 kids (my neighborhood is routinely rated as one of the best for trick-or-treating in the city, so I usually get between 35-60 kids depending on the weather). The latter would be expected to work on the honour system? |
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moimoi
AV Clubber
Posts: 5,091
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Post by moimoi on Oct 29, 2017 17:58:38 GMT -5
Halloween-related homeowner quandary: Back in May, I paid the city to replace the cracked sidewalk in front of my house. Naturally, they just got to it this week, blocking off parking until 11/3 and completely tearing up my front lawn. In the likely event that foot traffic in front of my house is still severely obstructed on Tuesday, what should I do about trick or treaters? Should I encourage kids to walk across me and my neighbors' lawns to get to my front door, or should I put out a couple baskets of candy at each end of the construction site? I do not want to cancel, as I have already lovingly prepared treat bags for 50 kids (my neighborhood is routinely rated as one of the best for trick-or-treating in the city, so I usually get between 35-60 kids depending on the weather). The latter would be expected to work on the honour system? Yeah...I'm not sure it would work. I'm thinking I'll put out some signs with arrows, perhaps with extra decoration and let them walk around, if necessary. My brother and I will inside, be marathoning Simpson's Halloween episodes (season 1-10). |
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Post by Lord Lucan on Oct 29, 2017 18:01:11 GMT -5
The latter would be expected to work on the honour system? Yeah...I'm not sure it would work. I'm thinking I'll put out some signs with arrows, perhaps with extra decoration and let them walk around, if necessary. My brother and I will inside, be marathoning Simpson's Halloween episodes (season 1-10). That sounds like a wonderful idea. |
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Post by Floyd Dinnertime Barber on Oct 29, 2017 21:41:55 GMT -5
I'm going to have to do some work on my wood burning stove. Inside the firebox is a sloped piece of steel that starts in back under the exhaust pipe opening, and slopes up to about 6 inches from the front, with a 1-2 inch opening. This allows the smoke (and heat) to travel up to the front of the firebox before it flows back to the exhaust. After 45 or so years of use, that piece of steel has finally burned a hole through, allowing the smoke and heat to flow up directly to the exhaust. This does not affect the safety or operation (this is how pot belly stoves are set up) but reduces it's efficiency quite a bit.
I'm going to have to clean the firebox thoroughly, hammer that sloped piece of metal flat around the hole, and patch it. I asked my buddy the welder, and he said due to the scale that forms from years of fires, it would be impossible to weld, but I can measure the piece of steel I need, pre-drill screw holes in the metal patch, mark then drill a couple of holes inside the firebox to hold it, then drill pilot holes and use self-tapping screws to finish mounting it. I can then use furnace cement to seal around it. The biggest pain in the ass part is that all of this has to be done working through the fuel door, which is about 1 foot square. I think I can do it, one way or another. I don't want to be without that woodstove heat. It is sooo relaxing.
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Post by ganews on Oct 30, 2017 8:42:45 GMT -5
Those damn dead pine trees just off the edge of my property. They're in the vacant lot just on the other side of the fence. One of them dropped a big branch onto Wifemate's car just before we left two for two weeks; at least there was no damage and I got it moved before it would have been obvious the house was unoccupied.
Well in last night's wind that same tree went down the rest of the way, the two big branches left in the top cracking off and also coming down on Wifemate's car. Fortunately again no damage. I woke her up and had her help me get the branches off and tip over the rest of the cracked stump across the property line. Tonight I will drag those branches actually onto that lot.
I cannot wait for someone to buy that lot and build on it. It's got that healthy but huge oak out back, and I sure would like to have someone trim the branches that reach to my house.
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Post by Floyd Dinnertime Barber on Oct 31, 2017 20:13:56 GMT -5
Still working on the wood burning stove. My buddy the welder cut me a piece of plate steel the correct size. He tells me "It's real good metal. It came from the lawn mower factory." I used a car jack to flatten the burned piece of metal inside the stove back into shape so I can cover it with the patch. I fashioned a crude bending brake out of a truck bumper, a couple of C clamps, and some angle iron from a satellite dish mount. I clamped it down at the bend marks and jumped on the plate steel and bent it, but the angles aren't quite right yet, so I'll have to do it again. I got the patch pre-drilled, and some self tapping screws and furnace cement ready.
With a little luck, I should have it repaired in a day or two.
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Post by ganews on Nov 9, 2017 9:16:16 GMT -5
We're getting our first hard freeze tonight, so last night I took the battery out of my electric lawnmower to keep indoors. Soon it will be time to rake leaves (I prefer to let them all fall and do it in a single grueling afternoon). I'd also like to wash the vinyl siding before full-on winter. Was thinking scrubbrush on an extender pole rather than pressure washing.
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Post by Floyd Dinnertime Barber on Nov 9, 2017 21:52:38 GMT -5
It took a little longer than I expected, but I finished repairing the wood stove last night, and I have a nice cozy fire going. So far, everything seems fine. I used a block of wood and 2 scissor jacks inside the firebox to press the metal plate as close to flat against the old metal as I could, and used a couple of C clamps to tighten down the top edge. I had already drilled the mounting holes in the new steel plate, and used them as template to drill the screw holes into the existing plate. After 40+ years of basically heat treating the metal, it was really hard. I broke several bits, but got the front fastened on. I needed to add a screw towards the back to hold it. It was really difficult to reach that spot, and I wasn't able to get any pressure on the drill, so I took one of the car jacks, put it under the drill and cranked it up as sort of a reverse drill press. Drilled the pilot hole, then did the same thing with the self-drilling screw to hold it together. I then packed fiberglass stove gasket material in the gap between the old plate and the new, and sealed it with stove cement.
The thermostat control for the circulating fans is working well, too.
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Post by ganews on Nov 11, 2017 21:03:40 GMT -5
I'm just going to make a goals list here for the next five months:
rake leaves - this is not too small a task for the list
tuck in bits of vinyl siding where edges are coming up - maybe I can do this with like a stubby flathead screwdriver?
scrub mildew from vinyl siding - on north side of the house and also where the old gutter used to be before I replaced it on the other side
fix up and hang antique posters in foyer
paint dining room and kitchen - it only took me seven months to circle back and touch up the bedroom, so sure
add trim to kitchen and dining room entrance-ways - the only task here I've not done before; I need that little saw to cut out the ends of the floor trim
repair the cold water handle stem on the downstairs bath faucet - I have the socket set at work for this, I just have not done it despite months of thinking about it
replace front door - I was supposed to do this in mild fall/spring weather, oops
try to get the downstairs bathtub jet motor working - I was supposed to try this in mild weather too because it is hard-wired in to the house. The only way to work on it is to thrown the main breaker. It looks like it just needs a little encouragement to run, but it's in a very difficult spot to reach.
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Post by Not a real doctor on Nov 12, 2017 15:24:35 GMT -5
I like this idea ganewsThis winter I need to tackle: 1)Shoe molding in living room/dining room 2)Picture rail in dining room 3)Paint living room/dining room/stairwell/entryway 4)Deal with garbage disposal/dishwasher/light over the sink electrical situation 5)Put up shelves in the living room 6)Primer over the hideous red walls in the kitchen in preparation for summer kitchen remodel We'll see... |
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moimoi
AV Clubber
Posts: 5,091
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Post by moimoi on Nov 12, 2017 19:09:52 GMT -5
My list, in order of urgency:
1. De-clutter office and bedroom
2. Clean reusable air filter
3. Insulate outdoor faucet
4. Spray foam insulate brackets for floor joists on perimeter of house
5. Deep clean living room carpet
6. Install shelf in bedroom
7. Tighten up kitchen cart
8. Cover up fusebox with diy art
9. Replace ceiling panels in basement?
10. Touch up paint in living room, possibly kitchen cabinets too
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