Let's Talk... HOME repair!

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39 Design and pricing - Alicia’s basement remodel project Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

Alicia and Amy are joined by Kayla, AmyWorks’ project manager, to discuss Alicia’s basement remodel. The Winter Blue Room recording studio was a house that was converted to commercial space. Alicia talks about her dream to convert the basement into possibly a small living space and all that goes into planning a brand new space. She talks about her new perimeter drain and then adding a kitchen, bathroom, new concrete floor and how it all goes together. Alicia is working as her own general contractor and talks about the in’s and out’s and how she is working with a very tight budget. There is also a discussion about bringing out the subcontractors (electrician and plumber) and discussing what’s possible for the space. The permitting phase is touched upon as well and some of the different requirements involved.

If you have any questions or want to share your story send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

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38 Very Peri - Sprightly, joyous attitude Dec 30, 2021

Show notes

Deep dive: In Episode 17 we touched on leak detection from the water meter. Let's get a little deeper on how to determine where the leak may be.

Amy shares that there was an electronic alert from the water meter sent to the water company due to usage detected every hour for a seven day period. Usage was up as well.

How to determine if there is a leak - find the water meter. Clean off the glass. Typically two indicators and numbers. Low flow indicator will spin quickly when water is flowing. Turn the water on in the house and note the movement of the indicators. Turn off all faucets and water using appliances, note the position of the indicators. If you notice movement immediately there may be a large amount of water loss. Wait 20-30 minutes and note the position the indicators. If they have moved then there is a likely leak. Also a significant increase in your water bill or usage noted on your bill is another indication.

Toilet leak test using dye in the tank. If dye flows into the bowl after a period of 20 minutes or so, the flapper is the ulprit.

Color update: Pantone Color of the Year "Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude."

Questions

What do I use for slippery/icy deck and stairs? Coconut mats

When I turn off the water to drain and clean the toilet my hand comes back wet. What would cause water to,leak by the shut off valve? Leaking valve through the valve packing, condensate from toilet tank or connection to fill valve under the tank. Dry well and check the blue shop towel.

37 More Terms - not Alicia's finest hour Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

Update on DADU – Amy gives the latest on the Seattle DADU build. Coming right along.

Alicia’s Favorite – Terms relating to anything about the home.

1. Plumber’s putty

2. Pipe dope

3. Adjustable slip nut wrench or spud closet wrench

4. Wainscoting

5. Niche

6. Kelvin unit of measure that relates to the color of a light source - the higher the number the closer it is to replicating bright sunlight

7. J-box

8. Etagere - freestanding or hanging set of open shelves, designed to display trinkets or other decorative objects

9. Bauhaus- (German for “building house”) A style of design that takes its name from an influential German art school that operated from 1919 to 1933. Bauhaus style is defined by simplistic modernism and the concept of “form following function.

Lack of ornamentation - simplicity and clean lines
Authentic materials- ones that are true to their original form and not altered in any ay steel, glass and organic materials that haven’t been overly worked or manipulated
Sleek visuals - polished, smooth lines
Flat roofs
Geometric accents - lines curves
Modern aesthetics
Form follows function - In the case of Bauhaus architecture, this can be seen in the affordable, realistic materials that are used, and the fact that mass production (followed by style) served as top priorities.

Amy gives a random statistic on home prices. The national median sales price for homes in October $378,000, in Seattle $783,000. When will it end?

If you have questions or want to add to the list of terms for Alicia’s next go round send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

36 Aww The Color of the Wind Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

Winter home maintenance tasks

· Check washing machine hoses and replace rubber hoses if older than 2 years

· Check vent fans in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

· Clean dryer vent inside and out.

Color of the year for 2022

· Benjamin Moore - October Mist 1495, “silver-green stem of a flower”

· Sherwin Williams – Evergreen Fog, a strikingly soft and soothing green

· Lucky Colors of 2022 – Year of the Tiger – red, green, yellow and blue. More specifically water mint green and cerulean blue.

Question: What are some things to consider when buying a home that is 100 years old? Amy and Alicia talk about the major systems such as plumbing, electrical, foundation, lead-based paint and deferred maintenance that could cause a problem.

If you have questions or want to share your story email us at askamy@amyworks.com

35 Happy Hour – Students from Woodworking 101 Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

On this episode Amy and Alicia have as guests Kayla D’Aprile (of Kayla’s corner) and four of her students (Kennedy, Zoe, Anna and ???) that are taking her Woodworking for Women class at the local Seattle Central College. We talk about tool fears and intimidation and the challenges they’ve faced in the class. We also asked where they find their information when faced with questions about tools-related subjects and home repair. YouTube was the main go-to source. Finally, the question was asked if they had ever considered a career in the trades. As always, we love to see women in the trades.

For questions or comments please email us at askamy@amyworks.com

34 Perks and Pitfalls Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

Client Story: Amy shares a story about a recently purchased home by a client that has an undisclosed/hidden leak that comes to light on their very first day in the new-to-them home.

Home warranty – coverage for appliances and systems in your home. Can be on new or older homes.

Home inspection – a home inspection is typically done pre-purchase but can also be done at any time during homeownership. This is a good way to know how things are aging in your home and what things should be taken care of immediately. Ask questions of your inspector and read the report.

Disclosure statement on real estate documents – this is a form that is filled out by the seller during a real estate transaction and it is meant to inform the buyer of potential issues with the structure and systems of the home.

Homeowner’s insurance coverage – typical coverage can include…

Dwelling coverage: covers walls, roof and floorboards

Property coverage: covers personal property such as jewelry and clothing

Additional Living Expenses (ALE): a.k.a. Loss of Use – reimbursement for hotel, food, travel if temporarily displaced.

From the field update: Amy tells about the cause of the basement flooding in the AmyWorks’ “new” office. Rising water table…this sh*! Is REAL!

If you have questions/comments or would like to tell us your home-related story send us an email at askamy@amyworks.com

33 Painting a Room Nov 25, 2021

Show notes

Project update: There’s significant progress in the DADU that the AmyWorks Inc. team is working on. Foundation is done. The framing is complete along with the trusses in place. Up next is the roof and windows. Stay tuned!

Deep Dive: Alicia and Amy talk about the steps to getting a top quality paint job. The vast majority of the work is in the prep i.e. cleaning, masking, patching, caulking and cutting-in. Take the time to do the prep and you will have a beautiful paint job that will keep you happy for years. Watch this nifty trick to get crisp, straight lines. Painting tip for crisp lines. Prep prep prep prep prep!!!!!

Listener questions: What are the differences between the sheens? Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. No to low gloss will hide wall imperfections. Higher gloss finishes are easier to clean. It’s also a personal preference.

If you have a story to tell or want Amy and Alicia answer your question email us at askamy@amyworks.com.

32 Where’s the Water Coming From Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

Where’s the Water Coming From (part 1)

From the field: Amy shares the woos of homeownership as they talk about the issues and repairs they are discovering in AmyWorks’ new office which was built in 1910. There’s mystery water in the basement, a leaky roof and more! Oh, and there’s the story of the stolen tools and guitar.

Tools/Tips/Tricks: Big tip if you have a stinky bathroom sink and cleaning with vinegar, baking soda, or Drano doesn’t help. Maybe the culprit is the overflow.

Tools – fun accessory attachments for your drill (more than your normal bits)

Garden hole digger attachment to help make planting easier

Scrubbing pads to reduce the elbow grease needed for jobs like shower glass scum

Portable drill guide to help with drill straight holes

Angle adapter to allow a access at 90 degrees to the drill

Flexible attachment that gives even more freedom when faced with weird angles and tight spaces with your drill

Magnetic bit holder that holds the screw and acts as your second hand

Self-centering drill bit when the hole needs to be precise

Nut drivers to speed up the ratcheting action of a socket and socket wrench

Lastly, the only socket you’ll ever need.

Remodeling Advice: Amy talks about large format tiles. Alicia shares a fun home fixit show and an elegant tile layout.

Question: Should I replace my still-functioning, good, Koehler toilets that are 18 years old? Newer toilets have a higher efficiency for saving water. Think about the affects on the public sewage system with reduced water usage, your septic system or your well pump if on a private system and what using less water means.

Please share with us your stories and/or questions by writing to us at askamy@amyworks.com

31 Cohousing with Special Guest Katie McCamant Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

From the Field:

Kayla and Amy give a review of an app supported stud finder, Walabot. There are mixed reviews and preferences for the tried and true stud finder. Magnetic style with no bells, density style or the app supported style…what’s your favorite for a stud finder?

Special guest:

Katie McCamant, from Cohousing Solutions joins Alicia and Amy on a Zoom call to talk about the beginnings of cohousing, what does cohousing mean, how does it work and where can you find more information.

Katie’s book – Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities

Katie’s website – www.cohousing-solutions.com

To find available cohousing communities throughout the US, both established and in the planning stages, check out the Cohousing Association of the United States (www.cohousing.org).

Here’s the NY Times article that Katie mentions: Opinion -Is This the Cure for the Loneliness of American Motherhood?

If you have any questions or want to share a story please drop us an email at askamy@amyworks.com.

30 Terms, Maintenance and Cohousing Teaser Nov 04, 2021

Show notes

Construction terms:

Alicia’s favorite – can you explain what these terms mean? What do stringer, riser and tread have in common? Is there a difference between drywall, Sheetrock and green board?

Maintenance:

Give your refrigerator some love. Along with cleaning the coils (check out this video) there are a few other things to check to keep it running efficiently. Door seal, temperature check for the fridge and freezer and keep it full all help for your unit to be more energy efficient. A fridge older than 2001 is costing more in energy than it’s saving in bulk food storage. Time to say “goodbye”.

New interest:

Amy shares a little about cohousing and what it means as far as housing and community go. Stay tuned for an upcoming episode with guest, Katie McCamant of CoHousing Solutions and cohousing guru, to learn more.

If you have any questions or stories you’d like to share please write us at askamy@amyworks.com. We’d love to hear from you. Also leave us a review and let us know what you think.

Show Links:

How to clean refrigerator coils

Help with appliance repair and parts – http://www.repairclinic.com/

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