^Ha...nice! You probably wouldn't have seen them because I only had the 2nd floor shutters up and not the ones on the front of the house. Finally got an extension ladder to put those up on Sunday...then the bottom shutters came in yesterday and I put those up with the quickness:

4/21/2011 9:53:04 AM

those turned out great man! also, i really like the sconces you have by the front door.

4/21/2011 10:02:27 AM

I finally got my new HVAC finished with installation and oh man it is nice!

4/21/2011 10:04:24 AM

Nice dude.

The person we bought our house from replaced the home's unit before we moved in, after much back and forth and our insistence that it was done. The old unit was 20 years old and wasn't up to code.

4/21/2011 10:14:00 AM

So i recently moved into a 2 BR condo, decided to push off buying a home for a little while longer. anyway, i'm a top floor unit with vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. The issue i'm having is with my AC. It seems to cycle constantly when it's on. It's an electronic thermostat controller, but not a programmable unit. I don't run it during the day, but when I use it at night it cools down the place reasonably quick, but there doesn't seem to be any cycle delay or temp range that keeps the unit from clicking back on at the instance of rise in temp and it's just on-off on-off repeatedly.

So this is a two-part question.

1. Should I have it checked out or think about a programmable unit?

2. Any additional tips to keeping a place cool without running the AC? I try to keep blinds closed, have a couple fans with a bigger tower on the way solely for the bedroom so i don't have to have the AC on while i'm asleep.

4/21/2011 10:18:03 AM

To me, it sounds like an over-sized unit to me. Hopefully you don't have humidity problems over the summer. If you do, you might be able to replace the thermostat with a smarter one that is programmed to look at temperature and humidity to determine when to run and how long to run.

4/21/2011 10:29:08 AM

Quote :

"i've used some of that granule-type fire ant killer before at my mom's house, and sometimes they just seem to relocate. recommendations?"

I had the same problem, but kept using it. Went through about two bags before they finally learned to stay away.

4/21/2011 12:07:55 PM

just got a $6k delinquent property tax bill for my new place for the last two years (i closed in feb). not sure how this didn't come to light during settlement but i've got several voicemails/emails into my agent and the title co. weak.

4/21/2011 1:04:27 PM

^^ & OP of the question

Try the Texas "Two Step"

http://fireant.tamu.edu/management/twostep.cfm

[Edited on April 21, 2011 at 1:05 PM. Reason : ...]

4/21/2011 1:04:28 PM

Lawn question:

I've got a 28' x 8' (224 sq ft) section of my yard that is covered by wood chips (contractor did this) and weed covering then pine straw (by me). Contractor put it in because he initially thought he was going to extend the driveway into the yard, then decided against it and just covered it in wood chips.

I want to get rid of it and extend the lawn part of my yard. I've got Bermuda grass. Do I seed it or sod it? I've been browsing online and it's difficult to get a price without having someone come in and look at your lawn (although I did sign up for a free "consultation"). For sod, the space requires less than a pallet's worth of sod (which is where most of these places begin).

Do I just get rid of the chips, weed cover, and pine straw myself...buy a hoe and get the soil ready and then either seed the lawn or order some sod to be delivered and do it myself?? Or just pay someone to do all that stuff for me.

If I could get a straight price comparison quickly, this would be easy. Just wondering what everyone's experiences/recommendations were??

4/21/2011 1:20:45 PM

If you have Bermuda, I would sod it. That's not a very large area in my opinion. If it were me, I would pull all that other stuff up and then break up the soil and sod it. SuperSod could deliver it for you.

my 2 cents

4/21/2011 2:06:24 PM

If it was me, i would try to do it myself.

I would get up all the pine straw, weed fabric, wood chips, etc. and get down to bare earth.

I would then till and rake the area to prep for sod including putting down any starter fertilizer (what you need to put down can be facilitated by a soil test. I know NC can turn one around in a week or so for free, but SC may be different)

Then i would go buy 8 to 10 pieces of sod (bermuda if this is what is in the rest of your yard) and some new blades for a box cutter.

I would then slice the sod into 1"x1" squares and insert them into an approximate 1'x1' grid and water the piss out of them. It is much cheaper than sodding the entire plot. By the end of the summer, it should look like it was sodded.

[Edited on April 21, 2011 at 2:09 PM. Reason : ...]

4/21/2011 2:09:12 PM

Thanks guys.

Quote :

"SuperSod"

That's who I've contacted already and waiting to hear a response back from on a quote.

^I'll mull that one over. I'm a very impatient person and I LOVE my yard and use it a lot already (I grill out with friends and play yard games a lot)...so unless sodding turns out to be a little too expensive, then I'll probably go with the sodding. I also love the way my yard looks and am looking for a quick fix that won't mess up it's appearance too much.

The girlfriend is also itching to get started on a garden.

4/21/2011 2:25:17 PM

spackle or joint compound for holes about 1/2"?

4/22/2011 9:20:37 AM

tear out the whole wall, replace.

you're welcome.

[Edited on April 22, 2011 at 10:28 AM. Reason : i actually would like the answer to that question as well.]

4/22/2011 10:28:32 AM

either. whatever you can get cheapest. both will need sanding and repainting when dried. user preference.

4/22/2011 10:50:14 AM

Quote :

"just got a $6k delinquent property tax bill for my new place for the last two years (i closed in feb). not sure how this didn't come to light during settlement but i've got several voicemails/emails into my agent and the title co. weak."

for the zero people that cared or read this, the law firm that performed my closing said they are putting an attorney on it and not to worry about it. ill do that once i see a copy of a final bill paid.

4/25/2011 4:11:10 PM

Upgrading to a new refrigerator. I can get an LG, Whirlpool, or Frigidaire for about the same price. Is anyone brand superior to the others? My preference is for something that is quiet, reliable and easy to get parts for in case there is a problem down the road.

4/25/2011 11:20:36 PM

Love my LG

4/25/2011 11:45:01 PM

When buying stuff for my house, I've become a big reader of "reviews/comments" on the store websites. It's kept me from buying some things that I was 99.9% sure I was going to buy, and it actually led me to buying something cheaper that I wasn't even considering because all the comments were 4/5 stars and very positive.

Having one person on t-dub is not a good indicator for an appliance. There are outliers for every product.

4/26/2011 7:42:46 AM

^good advice

that said, we got an LG from lowes and we love it so far. it was an energy star appliance, so it was on that 15% off sale they had going, and it was on clearance because all they had left was the floor model (it had about an 1/8" scratch on the handle, so they knocked off an extra $25). so we got a $1400 refrigerator for just over $900.

that thing barely fit, though

4/26/2011 9:13:27 AM

just don't get a Samsung. loudest ice dispenser i've heard in my entire life. it rivals a commercial soda/ice machine

4/26/2011 9:40:20 AM

we're looking at the LG 4-door(?) french door fridge to replace ours...in-law's have a samsung and i echo ^ about the ice maker. Other than that, it's solid.

4/26/2011 10:04:47 AM

Baller...

I went with a pretty cheap Frigidaire which has been pretty solid aside from the fact the door sinks a little when you have it full of sodas and wine.

4/26/2011 10:33:33 AM

for fireant problems: http://www.pestcontrolmart.com/store/30-abathor-granular-fire-ant-bait-abamectin.html

4/26/2011 12:24:27 PM

i don't think the ice maker is loud on our samsung fridge, but the only thing i have to compare it to is my parents 15 year old+ fridge. we bought the RS267TD which has the ice maker on the door, not sure if that makes any difference at all as far as noise. the lighting is really good as is the space, but the crushed ice tends to get a little crazy and have a few chips miss the glass. it also requries pushing especially hard to get ice to come out and the water dispenser releases a drip slightly after you stop pressing the button lever thing. so you have to keep the glass under for an extra moment after getting water. if we were going to do it again, i'd probably look at other brands but i can't say i'm unhappy with the purchase.

first world problems.

4/26/2011 3:19:13 PM

Highly recommend this one, had it for a couple years now:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04602363000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

4/26/2011 3:31:10 PM

So I've been lazy and procastinated and now my lawn looks like crap. What are my options for not being an eyesore for the next 4 months?

4/26/2011 7:32:12 PM

abathor fire ant bait is good stuff, took care of 10 or so mounds at my house. the company that makes it was actually started by an ncsu grad.

4/26/2011 9:37:31 PM

^^^That's the one we're looking at.

4/26/2011 9:43:28 PM

Quote :

"So I've been lazy and procastinated and now my lawn looks like crap. What are my options for not being an eyesore for the next 4 months?"

More details plz. Basic stuff would be to mow, edge, pick weeds, etc.




Question for all the homeowners/renters who like to cook out and do stuff in the back yard during the summer:

Has anyone figured out how to really prevent bugs (mostly flys/mosquitoes/noseeums/etc) from bothering your outdoor experience?? Last year I tried to buy a bunch of the citronella candles...but they seemed to have no effect. I always keep a can of OFF spray handy, but being covered in bug spray would rather be avoided. My yard is really coming together and I plan on doing a lot of outside entertaining this year...just looking to make the experience more enjoyable.

4/27/2011 8:00:21 AM

i've always had good results with "tiki torches" over citronella wax candles. we keep a perimeter of them around our deck and patio at the lake and it always does the trick. But we usually light them a little while before moving out there so they have time to work.

Quote :

"To me, it sounds like an over-sized unit to me. Hopefully you don't have humidity problems over the summer. If you do, you might be able to replace the thermostat with a smarter one that is programmed to look at temperature and humidity to determine when to run and how long to run. "

well i don't think it's an oversized unit. This was last week so I do not remember the tonage, but my outdoor unit was the same size as the rest of the units on my side of the building. Something isn't right though, there is some heat entering from somewhere as I can turn the AC off and the temp will shoot up several degrees in no time. I know my windows are not the most efficient, but they all close completely and have a decent seal. last night my beer glasses were sweating profusely, is this a humidity problem?

4/27/2011 8:06:34 AM

Quote :

"i've always had good results with "tiki torches" over citronella wax candles."

Should have put a "other than tiki torches" disclaimer in there. My yard is looking nice and I'm trying not to cheapen it up with tiki torches (no offense to people who use tiki torches, they just wouldn't look good in my yard right now).

4/27/2011 8:15:04 AM

at some point you may have to sacrifice appearance for overall comfort of you and your guests. But yeah, i see where you're coming from. I wouldn't want the cheap woven tiki torches either, but they do make some nice dark iron pieces, which is what I have, that do not take anything away from the decor.


or you could always get one of these and enjoy many fine nights of entertainment.

4/27/2011 8:30:57 AM

I remember those as a kid...they were mesmerizing!

4/27/2011 8:37:23 AM

Quote :

"well i don't think it's an oversized unit. This was last week so I do not remember the tonage, but my outdoor unit was the same size as the rest of the units on my side of the building. Something isn't right though, there is some heat entering from somewhere as I can turn the AC off and the temp will shoot up several degrees in no time. I know my windows are not the most efficient, but they all close completely and have a decent seal. last night my beer glasses were sweating profusely, is this a humidity problem?"

While condensation itself doesn't necessarily mean your space is too humid, yes, more humid air has more water to condense on cold surfaces.

The reason I mentioned it was an oversized unit is that a unit cycling on and off is a tell-tale sign. It's not the only possible conclusion but you'll see it a lot.

Also, you say there is "some heat entering from somewhere." Does it feel hot or is the thermostat just reading hot? (iow is the thermostat near any any heat sources?). The thermostat in our downstairs is on the same wall that we mounted our TV on now and it reads hot all the time (I knew it would beforehand). I'm planning on either buying a new one and relocating it or buying a new one that has a remote sensor I can place on the coffee table or something.

4/27/2011 8:40:01 AM

it feels hot. this is what's weird. I have vaulted ceilings, i've always thought vaulted ceilings helped places stay cooler since the heat rises.

it's a wood-framed building, i'm the top corner unit and my main living room gets almost all of the afternoon sun. I have a ceiling fan in the main room and a tower fan in the bedroom. The living room just never seems to be able to cool, it always feels so stuffy.

I'm going to pick up a cheap window box fan and see if exhausting the air will help cool it down some as i'd like to minimize my AC use as much as possible.

4/27/2011 9:06:25 AM

Where are your vents for your system? You can also get something to read temperature coming out of the vent vs what the room is reading/the return air. 15-20 degrees is good/standard for residential situations. If you measure these temps I would wait until you have had the unit on for a few hours and not right after you have come home from work and turned it on for the first time if you leave it off during the day.

4/27/2011 11:48:38 AM

Ugh, roof replacement time. Been on borrowed time anyway. 1993 house with what appears to be 15 year roof.

4/27/2011 2:03:21 PM

Someone that mentioned LG Refrigerators...

I won't be buying another one. Mine damn well burned my house down. The upper unit with the light bulbs malfunctioned, and even though the doors closed, the lights stayed on. We noticed a smell, and the top of the fridge was super hot. Opened the fridge up to find the upper unit melted off of its screws, and even when you push in the tabs, the lights stay on.

This is on a 5 year old French Door unit.

I am going to repair it myself. For the time being, I removed the light bulbs.

Reading posts online, a LOT of LG refrigerators have this problem.

[Edited on April 27, 2011 at 2:39 PM. Reason : .]

4/27/2011 2:39:07 PM

^Yea I remember a few months back it was stinking up the house because the damn light wouldn't go off and ran like all day/night long and was trying to cook the plastic/wiring in the top.

4/27/2011 3:15:46 PM

^^^ Roofwerks

4/27/2011 3:36:30 PM

On a repair note, I replaced the belt and belt tensioner on our dryer that stopped working. Saved me $125 in labor costs and whatever jacked up price they would have served me for the parts

4/27/2011 4:05:57 PM

The LED light on your fridge got hot?

4/27/2011 4:32:57 PM

Roofwerks did the roof on my last house, i give them a 10/10 on installation, a 7/10 on clean up, and a 5/10 on price. I think if you read reviews, you will see that is about the average. I actually got a quote from them this week for my new house, it was 2 grand higher than my other 2 quotes. I dont think I will use them again, even though I was pleased with the quality of the roof. The combination of having to clean up after them and the cost is enough to make me shy away.

This time I will likely use coble brothers roofing, they seem to have replaced half the roofs in my neighborhood over the last year. Looks like clean and quality work, neighbors are all happy.

4/27/2011 7:18:36 PM

^^No, the lights on the inside of the fridge.

4/28/2011 10:00:39 AM

my house was built in 93 and i'm about 18 years in on a 20 year roof. I'm contemplating my options... I've read a lot about solar shingles and while they are not worth it price-wise now, maybe in 4-6 years when i do need to replace the roof they might be. Problem is, I am only planning to stay in my current house until it makes it worth it (market-wise and family-wise) to sell it... would solar panels increase resell value significantly?

4/28/2011 10:09:42 AM

no

4/28/2011 11:49:39 AM

i didn't think so either.

4/28/2011 11:49:59 AM

anyone ever went with a metal roof?

4/28/2011 12:37:31 PM