Show notes
FROM THE FIELD
· Talking to Project Manager, Susan, from AmyWorks. Susan talks to us about the lumber prices and how is it affecting the home building and remodeling industry.
· A new home built today costs $36,000 more today than the exact same house built a year ago due to the increased lumber costs.
· Tariffs, mill closings and Covid…we’re all left wondering when it will start to turn around.
· Building and remodeling doesn’t have to cease, just think about material alternatives.
Q&A
New DIY’r wanting to replace baseboards and is looking for an option that will look good AND be easy to install.
· Amy couldn’t think of the name of the sculpted base at the time but it’s called “Colonial” as opposed to “Craftsmen” style trim work.
· Manufactured Dairies for Fridays? Not quite. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).
· Craftsmen style or flat stock is easier to install using 90 degrees cuts instead of coping.
· Nail into the studs or sill plate to attach the base, caulk the top with painter’s caulk, and use spackle or a wood putty to fill the holes.
· Determine stud location using your tape measure, placing the 16” mark on a known location, like next to an outlet.
· Buy or borrow or rent a nail gun? Check out “Buy Nothing” http://buynothingproject.org for tools and materials that may be available in your area.
· Painting the base…brush, roller or sprayer. Amy talks about a small aerosol bottle with spray nozzle for small paint projects.
TOOLS, TIPS AND TRICKS
Spring-loaded nail punch: An upgrade to an old standard.
· Saves your hand from your misaligned hammer blow.
· Worth the cost of the tool even if you don’t use it often
A toilet jack: A nifty little toilet forklift that helps lift toilets during install and removal.
· Keep on the good side of your chiropractor.
· Again…buy, borrow or rent? What a great way to make friends. “You got a toilet jack?” “I got a toilet jack!”
REMODELING ADVICE
Project delays.
· Be understanding and flexible
· Ask for a cushion or buffer to keep them under control
· Appliance, material and subcontractor availability is a big factor in project scheduling
· Order materials as soon as you can in order to get them when they are needed
· Alicia asks “what is the best way to get the contractor’s attention when there are issues?” Make sure your contractor has a defined process for regular communication such as status meetings. Immediate notification should be a given for high priority issues.
To get your question on “Let’s Talk…Home Repair” email us at askamy@amyworks.com
Recorded at THE WINTERBLUE ROOM, Seattle.
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