Who do I hire to advise and/or reassure me on structural issues in my old house? [more inside]
posted by pluckysparrow on Oct 29, 2009 - 4 answers

[Renovation DIY filter] I need to install window wells for my basement windows. Is a drain really necessary or can I get away just by filling it with gravel? [more inside]
posted by ddaavviidd on Sep 4, 2009 - 7 answers

Pimp my ceiling! The prior owner had 4 parrots and I want to ditch the fowl acoustical tile in my living room. Is there any source for pressed tin (or a reasonable fake) or wainscot that won't leave me squalking? [more inside]
posted by iiniisfree on Sep 2, 2009 - 9 answers

Would it be a good idea to hire an architect for this job? Can you recommend one in my northern New England area, or can you recommend ways to find a good one? Any thoughts on how much the job should cost? [more inside]
posted by Herkimer on Jul 13, 2009 - 5 answers

Grout - how do I remove it without removing shower tiles? Pictures and detailed question inside. [more inside]
posted by spicynuts on Jul 9, 2009 - 13 answers

RenovationFilter: I'm attempting to buy a registered historic home. The bank might require some repairs which, if required and done, could coincide with other renovation that may or may not affect the historic designation (roofing/ windows etc). What resources or advice might inform my decisions? [more inside]
posted by iiniisfree on Jun 15, 2009 - 10 answers

Gday, Can anyone recommend a company to do a bathroom renovation in the inner west of Sydney? Or any hints and tips on picking a company, costs etc? Convenience, time and cost are all (naturally) important. Thanks!
posted by Admira on May 2, 2009 - 0 answers

Please recommend resources for learning about home remodeling, particularly basement finishing. [more inside]
posted by medusa on Apr 30, 2009 - 3 answers

Looking for architects and other resources for home renovation project in San Francisco. Modern, green, yada yada. [more inside]
posted by squishy on Apr 14, 2009 - 10 answers

What are these wires for in my kitchen? [more inside]
posted by SNACKeR on Apr 10, 2009 - 13 answers

So I seem to have bought a house. For $8000. Now what? [more inside]
posted by Michael Roberts on Mar 26, 2009 - 88 answers

What exactly does it mean for paint to be formulated "for metal substrates only"? Can I use it on wood? [more inside]
posted by torticat on Feb 24, 2009 - 7 answers

i am trying to decide whether it makes more sense (financially) to renovate our house or sell it and start over somewhere else. [more inside]
posted by thinkingwoman on Jan 22, 2009 - 24 answers

We just boxed in with drywall a round 5" heating duct, running from floor to ceiling in the corner of the living room. Because of some odd features of the room, this took up more space than it should. What I'd really like is to replace the duct (and drywall) with a paintable rectangular duct running up the corner of the room, that would look just as good as drywall. This would have to be rugged enough to withstand small children playing in the room (e.g. not dent like typical metal duct). Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by winston on Oct 5, 2008 - 5 answers

My house had two fireplaces which were walled over by the prior owner. I'd like to reopen them and possibly retro fit them to be gas fireplaces. How horrible (read expensive and time consuming) of a construction job would this be? [more inside]
posted by 26.2 on Sep 19, 2008 - 6 answers

Advice/tips on re-tiling a kitchen floor... [more inside]
posted by rokusan on Sep 2, 2008 - 10 answers

How can I get paint off a porcelain bathtub? [more inside]
posted by longsleeves on Aug 20, 2008 - 8 answers

When is a heat pump worth it? [warning: a bit long] [more inside]
posted by Shepherd on Aug 15, 2008 - 19 answers

Do you know where I can get some inexpensive and attractive lever-style doorhandles? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library on Jul 31, 2008 - 12 answers

How can I fix a peeling soap dish in my tile? [more inside]
posted by acoutu on Apr 20, 2008 - 12 answers

Bathroom Renovation Filter: DIY vs. Contractor [more inside]
posted by Xurando on Feb 22, 2008 - 16 answers

RenovationFilter: I live in the top floor of a historic building. I have a small section on the sloped ceiling where the original planks are visible. One problem is that there are spaces between the planks, an inch or into the spaces is the actual roofing material. As you can imagine this is hardly energy efficient. I'd like to "plug" up the gaps but leaving the sections of planking exposed for aesthetics. Does anyone know how I could do this? I'm imagining there's some kind of black spray foam insulation I could spray in there that would expand to fill it, and not be too visible, but I'm not sure if there is, or if this works. Any recommendations for tips or specific products is highly appreciated.
posted by dearleader on Feb 12, 2008 - 17 answers

I'm looking for remodeling picture sets (like this) for renovation inspiration. They don't have to be on Flickr, but a sequential, step-by-step series would be nice. Is there a site that specializes in these types of DIY remodel picture sets?
posted by (bb|[^b]{2}) on Jan 30, 2008 - 2 answers

What does it take to get a 'rehab' mortgage to purchase a building? [more inside]
posted by geos on Dec 8, 2007 - 0 answers

Shortly after marrying Mrs Mutant I learned I needed a new kitchen. After precisely NO debate on this topic we're starting the kitchen work Sunday. I have some questions. [more inside]
posted by Mutant on Dec 5, 2007 - 12 answers

After what has felt like months of waiting, it now looks as though I may very soon have a new flat (yay!) and need builders to carry out renovations in that flat. Although several friends of mine have made recommendations, I am having trouble finding recommended builders who work in (very) central London, WC1 to be precise. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by sueinnyc on Nov 25, 2007 - 6 answers

I need to locate two light fixture mountings that have been plastered over in the ceiling of my condo. [more inside]
posted by talkingmuffin on Aug 22, 2007 - 10 answers

The end is near. Now, how do we expedite it? I'm talking about a house renovation, and a contractor who is trying to shake more money out of our pockets at the 11th hour. What would you pay for, knowing that this guy can make our lives a living hell with a mechanical lien or litigation. More inside ... [more inside]
posted by terrier319 on Aug 16, 2007 - 7 answers

Home Renovation Filter: How do I get the last lingering residue of smeared sheetrock/joint compound dust off of my wood floors and ceramic tiles? [more inside]
posted by desuetude on Jul 10, 2007 - 8 answers

Need ideas and suggestions for converting a detached two-car garage into a home office and a more efficient storage space. The garage is roughly 20' x 20' and about 70 years old, uninsulated, unvented, with a poured concrete floor. What are some features we should think about adding, and what are some possible pitfalls? Before/after photos and personal stories of renovation/conversion also sought. [more inside]
posted by Asparagirl on Jul 3, 2007 - 13 answers

Our house needs new siding, and we've had several siding contractors out to give us quotes. There's not a lot of talk about materials though - is this normal? [more inside]
posted by Nodecam on Jun 8, 2007 - 10 answers

My landlord is renovating the apartment next to mine. It is very noisy from 9 to 6 every week day (even today). Constant hammering, squeaking, sawing, etc. The walls are shaking and I found paint dust along the walls of my apartment.. It's driving me crazy. [more inside]
posted by mrunderhill on May 28, 2007 - 9 answers

Is it safe to powerwash asbestos/cement siding? [more inside]
posted by eirelander on May 19, 2007 - 9 answers

RemodelingFilter: What's the name for the not-so-common style of bathroom sink in which (1) the back half of the bowl fits firmly within the vanity/countertop like a normal top-mount sink, but (2) the rounded front half of the bowl juts out several inches from the vanity, overhanging similar to the front edge of a pedestal sink? [more inside]
posted by skyboy on Apr 8, 2007 - 3 answers

What are the risks associated with adding a second bathroom to an old apartment building not necessarily "wired" for the task? [more inside]
posted by waterbottle on Apr 6, 2007 - 11 answers

Sources for antique wood from old construction, like old crossbeams, etc? Or used/abused antique tables? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on Mar 21, 2007 - 10 answers

Kitchen cabinet camouflage - bring me your ideas! [more inside]
posted by acoutu on Feb 18, 2007 - 19 answers

How do I remove a recessed toilet paper holder? [more inside]
posted by Felicity Rilke on Feb 4, 2007 - 9 answers

DIY.filter: I have a converted attic with acoustical tiles attached to the ceiling. Does anyone have any thoughts on mudding over them or covering them up with something to update the look? [more inside]
posted by retro88 on Oct 9, 2006 - 11 answers

How do you figure out a real estate buyer profile? We've purchased a home and will be doing some updates. We don't know how high end to go. [more inside]
posted by acoutu on Aug 8, 2006 - 12 answers

How do I seal holes in the vapor barrier around electrical wires? [more inside]
posted by GuyZero on Jul 16, 2006 - 10 answers

Please help me figure out how to replace this nightmare of a (rental) counter! See [more inside]
posted by theantikitty on Jul 15, 2006 - 18 answers

I bumped into my neighbour the other day and he asked to meet with us and his neighbours on the other side. Apparently it is a legal requirement in Ontario that when you undertake serious renovations that you discuss it with the neighbours. So I asked him what he planned on doing. His response: we're going to demolish the existing house and build a new one. [more inside]
posted by mikel on Jul 8, 2006 - 16 answers

What type of wood should we use for historically-appropriate exterior window shutters? Details inside, special interest for those in hurricane-prone coastal areas. [more inside]
posted by Robert Angelo on Jun 6, 2006 - 9 answers

Can anyone recommend home inspectors and/or renovation contractors in Portland, Oregon? [more inside]
posted by spacewrench on May 15, 2006 - 3 answers

Anyone have experience with home asbestos removal? [more inside]
posted by cowmix on May 5, 2006 - 3 answers

We're trying to figure out the best kitchen counter material for our new kitchen. I know there are lots of great options, but we've narrowed our needs/wants down to a few important ones and have a shortlist we can't get past too easily, so are looking for some insight. [more inside]
posted by iTristan on Apr 30, 2006 - 22 answers

What can I do with an unattractive brick wall in a family room? [more inside]
posted by donnagirl on Apr 14, 2006 - 19 answers

What can you do if you live in a concrete building and need emergency access to your bathtub connection but have a neighbour who blocks access? [more inside]
posted by acoutu on Sep 14, 2005 - 21 answers

What can we do with this three-season porch? [more inside]
posted by nev on Aug 23, 2005 - 12 answers