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retasue 
Labourer retasue | Today 1:09pm

Water damage in ceiling from pipe bursting.

Hello:

I first had my main water line broke and got that fixed then a stain came on my dining room ceiling and the hotwater heater started leaking and the drain was clogged. I had a plumber come out and fixed that and he blew out the drain and then after he left water started going all over my ceiling or at least one half and then water started continously drippping from the sheetrock seam. I turned off all the water in the house but that didn't work so I had someone come and turned off the water today. The ceiling is waterstained, the seam tape is coming off and the water stain  has spread about a foot down the wall.

I know the ceiling will have to be replaced but does anybody know if the walls that are wet will have to be replaced. I know I filled up two 15 gallon tubs before the water was shut off so I don't know how far it would have leaked. I have horrible allergies and am just worried about mold as just being around wet leaves starts my head hurting. I am also wondering about the cost. I just bought this place after my husband passed away last summer and so far the heating quit working, the main water line broke and now this and my deductible is a 1,000.

Thank you



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easyforyou 
Labourer easyforyou | February 21st

replace over the range microwave

I am considering a microwave/ convection to replace the broken spacemaker over the range.  I looked at a Kenmore Elite and the salesperson said that if I try to do it myself I can die from the electricity which is retained in the old unit regardless of how long it is unplugged or the breaker is off.  I am sufficiently scared even after reading the refurber description which, mechanically, is within my capability.  Does anyone know of proper techniques or safeguards, or, if I am that fraidy scared, should I just pony up the cost of installation?

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kimk 
Labourer kimk | February 4th

installing an over the range microwave

I am changing out the current microwave over the electric stove with a new microwave over a gas stove.  Is 66" from the bottom of the cupboard to the floor enough room or do I need to move the cupboard up.

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smllfry1 
Labourer smllfry1 | December 9th

OTR microwave

 just had an over the range microwave installed
It seems to be way too high to reach safely
It is attached to the upper cabinet, But I guess that that cabinet did not come down far enough, Because the oven is not flush with the bottom of the side cabinets
Is there a kit to bring the microwave down more, Or am I stuck until i get new cabinets?
Thanks

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MikeD 
Labourer MikeD | October 4th

Is replacing the closet flange my best option?

Hi.  I'm preparing to install tile in my bathroom.  First step was to remove 1/2" particleboard that was on top of 5/8" general purpose plywood.  Now I'm preparing to install 1/4" plywood rated for cement board and tile.  To do this near the toilet and get the plywood under the pvc flange,  I either have to make extra cuts and end up with extra seams or cut out the flange and then replace it.  Seems like cutting out the flange is the easiest option and also the one the leaves less seams in the plywood and the cement board.  Is this the way to go?  And, if so, what's the best way to cut out and replace the flange?

Thanks!



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ParagonRenovations 
Journeyman ParagonRenovations | May 2009

Is Refurber officially dead?

Looks like it is pretty quiet here if you are still on the site and are still supporting it please post a reply and we will see who is officially still here.

Thanks and I hope that this fantastic site is not officially dead



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waughp 
Labourer waughp | March 2009

Can an OTR micro be installed where there is no exhaust?

My old oven blew up so had to go looking.  I fell into a chance to buy three pieces: Frigidaire Elements slide-in stove, dishwasher and OTR micro. The price was great considering what slide-in ranges go for on their own.

We installed the range and dishwasher, but have the micro in the garage. It's a beauty -- convection as well, but we're tearing down the cabinets and range hood over the breakfast bar. We want to install cabinets along another wall, and wondered if we could add the OTR microwave since it's matches the other appliances. But we wouldn't be able to use the exhaust...plus we'd have to have an electrician come in to add an outlet up higher on the wall.

Is this do-able? Or, do we just sell the OTR unit and put up with the micro on the counter?

 



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Advice List: If it is an OTR then there really is only one place it should go

ParagonRenovations 
Journeyman ParagonRenovations | March 2009

Where has everyone gone?

I have been visiting everyday for the past week and am just noticing that the site is awfully lonely lately.

Just stepping in to say hello to everyone and hope to see the site take off once again and get back to where it was before.

Take care all and heres to keeping an eye on the boards.

James



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adirusso 
Labourer adirusso | February 2009

Covering a fiberglass basement ceiling

I have a large basement that I am not planning on finishing for at least a few years.  I have exposed fiberglass batts between the wood joists.  I would like to cover the exposed fiberglass so that when my kids play in the basement they do not inhale the fibers.

I don't really want to sheetrock the whole thing( 3500 sq ft.) because eventually I will finish it and I like the ease of running wires and making repairs.

I first thought of plastic sheeting but soon realised that this would trap any moisture and possibly cause mold.  Then I thought of a Tyvek sheet but fear that that will also trap in any moisture.

Any suggestions on what I can use to cover the ceiling and keep the fibers from going airborne and still letting the ceiling breathe. 

 



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my3tots 
Labourer my3tots | February 2009

Change crawl space to full basement

we currently have a partial basement that is concrete with a concrete crawl space. can we make a full basement?

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Advice List: Can I make a partial basement a full basement?

julie 
Labourer julie | January 2009

Toilet Leaking

Help!!! Sorry for the lack of tech jargon.... The toilet was leaking from the top part into the bowl. It appears that it was leaking from the area where the seal is in the centre at the bottom. The button at the top of the toilet pushes down a lever that lifts a plastic tube that fits into this unit. The Unit top fits on by lining up three points and twisting to secure. Under that is a plastic ring, under that is a smaller plastic ring that the seal fits onto that is at the very bottom. Away I replaced the seal but it's still leaking and not flushing like normal - the water is a little slow... Am now worries I've put it back together wrong! Please help - pictures would be great! I think I must have tried undoing it and putting it back together about 20 times or more!

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ParagonRenovations 
Journeyman ParagonRenovations | November 2008

Have you stopped doing renovation/remodeling projects in light of the current markets and why?

Hello all!

I am a renovator/ remodeler and have noticed a severe slow down in business (actually a stop)  This is stunning to see as it resembles days gone by.

I am curious to know from individuals here if the markets have affected your decision to pursue repairs or projects in your homes.

If they have or have not I know that there are individuals here from other countries so if you could indicate where you are from, what it is like in your country right now economy wise and why you have or have not stopped doing projects.  I think this could be an interesting and informative discusssion.

Thanks,

James Van Raden

Owner/ Paragon Renovations

www.paragonrenovations.net

www.paragonbathrooms.com

 



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MaryBurgess 
Labourer MaryBurgess | October 2008

over the range microwave

How much clearance do I need between the bottom of the microwave and the top of the range?

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maitresse90 
Labourer maitresse90 | September 2008

ciment on brick

Hello all,

We are renovating our bathroom in our old 100 year old home.  We discovered a chimney covered with ciment behind a wall.  We hammered away at the ciment and we found a beautiful orange brick chimney.  The problem is that many ciment particules are stuck on the brick.  Would anyone know a trick to scrape these ciment particules off without damaging the brick?  I thought about some king of scraper but I rather wait for advice.

Thank you,

Nathalie



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clb0525 
Labourer clb0525 | July 2008

honed caesar stone -- want to polish it

i bought caesar stone countertops 2 years ago in honed concrete. i'm not having an issue with stains but i don't like the way it always feels dirty (waterspots, etc) (the fact that i don't keep a spotless kitchen does not help). is it possible to get it polished and/or treated in some way so that it has the more shiny polished surface without removing it?

thanks!



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ParagonRenovations 
Journeyman ParagonRenovations | June 2008

What do you think is missing in the renovation industry?

Hello all,

I as some of you may know am a remodeler located in the Fargo Moorhead area and I always look for ways I can improve my services to consumers.

I have come here to ask you what kinds of things do you see missing from the home improvement industry. 

Maybe it is online DIY countertops which I am now offering.  Maybe it is a certain service that you have said why doesn't someone offer this?  Maybe it is a certain product that you may have asked why doesn't someone do this or make this?

I am looking for your input to hear what you have to say and I look forward to seeing your responses!

Sincerely,

James D. Van Raden

Paragon Renovations, Moorhead, MN



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rcassin 
Labourer rcassin | June 2008

bamboo over plywood over concrete

hi

started installing 5/8" bamboo floors with glue  on concrete but as I tapped on one end  the other popped out, and kept getting gaps so I took them up. can i glue down plywood and then nail the bamboo, what is the smallest size plywood I could use



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Advice List: Bamboo floor installation question

itty-bitty 
Labourer itty-bitty | May 2008

shower surround...

This little house we just bought has some interesting "fixes".  One is that the shower surround is exterior vinyl siding.  While I am sure it is effective at keeping the water off the drywall it isn't very attractive. 

We have a lot of work to do to this house and are on a budget.  I would love some suggestions of things that I could do myself to replace that siding.  I am a average strength gal so pelase no suggestions that take a lot of brawn.  Budget is definately an issue but I would like it to look  nice as well.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can share.



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Advice List: Possible solutions to an itty-bitty shower surround dillema

danscott 
Labourer danscott | March 2008

decking - bending out of shape

I've just laid timber decking in my backyard - 6m x 12m, and all is well, but what is the likelihood that the planks will bow or bend out of shape and what can I do about it if it happens? It is secured down with 2 nails at each point, every 2 metres or so on each decking plank. Can I simply bang a few extra nails in to keep it down?, do i need to take off and replace the planks that bend? Do I treat it with a product? Hasn't happened yet, but i am keen for ideas... dan

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MsArtsyCrafty 
Labourer MsArtsyCrafty | February 2008

Basement Crawl Space "removal" Dirt etc and Living area created

I have seen one Basement /Dirt removal project in NY, nice job posted on this site! It helps a bit. I need the following answered. One, I have radon which has a system in since bef living here (got prev owner/seller to install mitigation system) half basement is concr flr and about 7' height to first floor joists, all open, other 1/2 is crawl space where black plast for radon mitigation is sealed over all dirt area, since dirt carries the radon, what if I remove dirt taking steps to secure my foundation, remove the furnace lying sideways (prof'sly installed) and dig down so I can reclaim all or nearly all crawl space to usable space w concr floor? WILL this HELP get rid of Radon in the process since NO more dirt or? thanks, I will get prof bsment struc'tl engineer involved...thanks for any expert advice in Denver no flooding on hill, dry high desert.

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