Maintenance & Repairs - April 2007

Years ago I contacted a handyman to do some repairs on a crumbling chimney. He promised he'd be over at 9 AM. I waited and waited and he finally came at 11:30 AM with a story that he had to go and look at some other jobs. He inspected the chimney to determine what materials he would need and said he'd be back in an hour. It was more like 3 hours. He dumped 20 bags of Quickrete in my back yard (this is to repair a few rows of bricks), then announced that he had to go look at some more jobs, then he had to pick up his helper and he'd return shortly. Shortly was about 2 more hours. Now it's getting dark and he shows up with a 15 year old kid. By now I had had it with this guy and said I decided I didn't want him to do the job. He became obstreperous and threatened to have me placed on a contractor's blacklist. Now it seems that I can't get anyone to work for me and the house is falling apart. IS there any such thing as a contractor's blacklist? How could I have handled it better?

2007-04-04 04:36:37 · 3 answers · asked by debodun 2

just brought a new house .from the outside my roof looks fine but i went in the loft and in some places i can see the roof tiles and day light .wiil it be exspensive to fix.thanx to all who answer cheers

2007-04-04 04:35:25 · 8 answers · asked by jammys 3

I live in a high-rise, and the building moves a lot in the wind. Just mudding results in cracks, but I am worried that taping will create a bump in the wall.

2007-04-04 04:28:56 · 4 answers · asked by aftermath 2

2007-04-04 03:17:43 · 2 answers · asked by fsanchez75 2

2007-04-04 02:44:42 · 4 answers · asked by Lee W 1

i have a room that is 12x20 is it cheaper to get carpet or wood floor? or should i get the piece tile at the dollar store for $10.oo a box.

2007-04-04 02:07:03 · 12 answers · asked by grumpyjen28 3

We have iron deposits in the water coming to the house which stains the bath and toilets pretty bad, not to mention the fact that it is a real pain to clean...We already have a whole house filter, but it's not really doing a great job at getting all the dirt out.

I'd like to know what I can do to FIX the problem permanently ?

2007-04-03 23:33:24 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous

My hot water system broke down recently and I'll have to replace it.

Should I go for a combi-boiler, immersion heater, other? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each system?

I live in a 3-storey, 3-bedroom terraced house with my wife, and a stepdaughter who is with us 50% of the time.

Should I have 2 separate, small boilers, one for ground floor (washing up, handwashing) and one for top floor (bathroom)? The reason I ask is that I'm wondering how much heat I'm losing by pumping hot water up & down 3 floors?

Any advice much appreciated.

2007-04-03 23:16:28 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous

Just had my warm air central heating condemned this morning. We will have to replace it with a new system but I was wondering what were the pros and cons of warm air heating vs conventional radiators.

Any advice gratefully received.

2007-04-03 23:09:17 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-04-03 20:59:15 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous

My lawns suffer from weeds and brown patches where grass is not growing evenly. Can I get rid of the weeds without killing off the grass? There are so many different types of grass seeds on the market. Which would be best suited for the Kansas City area? They're not big lawns, front and back yard. I'm looking for an inexpensive but effective solution to their appearance.

2007-04-03 20:53:37 · 3 answers · asked by julio44cal 1

I've moved to a new house and gas hub is constantly sparking. Anyone knows how to fix/work-around the problem please?

2007-04-03 20:34:15 · 11 answers · asked by Jay 1

Whenever I turn the tap on to get water it smells like rotten eggs. I do not have a well. What could this be and is it dangerous to use or drink the water?

2007-04-03 19:12:19 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous

I have a Maxxus Sundance Spa that is just over one year old (the warranty is void b/c I bought it from the previous owner who owned the house I purchased). Recently, the lights inside the Spa quite working. I don't think the lights burned out b/c there is more than one light and none of them work. There are lights under the water and lights near the water fall, neither work now. They have been working fine since I've had the Spa (which is a year) but last week they wouldn't turn on when I pushed the main button.

The problem actually started two weeks ago. The spa has two points where you can turn the lights on. About two weeks ago the main button to turn on the light quit working, but the auxiliary button on the other side of the tub did work. Then, a few days later both both buttons worked again. Now, neither button works.

I've checked the owners manual and it doesn't say anything about troubleshooting the lights.

Is there anything I can do before I call a repair person?

2007-04-03 16:08:29 · 3 answers · asked by jcueland 1

2007-04-03 16:03:20 · 7 answers · asked by ripfreak 2

My husband and I just bought a house with a fireplace. I had to put in some mortar and I need to cure it. It says to start a fire to cure it. I have no kindling to get it started. I dont have lighter fluid and I will NOT use gasoline. I have tried using printer paper cause I dont have newspapers. It just keeps burning out. Running out of ideas. Anyone have an idea for me? Thanks and hugs to all!!

2007-04-03 16:01:09 · 2 answers · asked by Wendy M 1

After every use, I will wipe the whiteboard without delay. But the marker will still stain the board. I believe that the protect layer is gone. what can I do to restore the protection layer?

2007-04-03 16:00:40 · 3 answers · asked by Woodstock 1

My stove and lights work but sockets stopped any electricians out there?

2007-04-03 16:00:12 · 4 answers · asked by LarryG 2

The water runs when turned on but when I switch it to shower mode, a little water comes out and thats all. I have already replaced the shower head but am still havin the same problem. Plumber came out and said that he would have to replace the bottom part (where the water comes out of with the pull tab to switch it to shower) for $320!! Is this correct? Can i replace this on my own?

Thank you!

2007-04-03 15:55:43 · 7 answers · asked by c0c0nuts 1

We are trying to replace the storm door. Well my husband, being mr. fix it that he is drilled about 12 holes in the side of the door to connect it to the frame...all of which are the wrong measurements. And now the fram is bent too. Should we just scrap the door and start over, or can it be saved? Also, any tips on installing it before he ruins something else?

2007-04-03 15:37:01 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous

Just asked question about tub, more details in that question.

I did get some good replys. I went back upstairs and looked around a bit more. Realized that I highly doubt it is from the overflow considering it leaked more when my daughter drained it.. we are not talking buckets, but when water is dripping through your ceiling onto your favorite chair, it seems like buckets.lol

Probably 1/2 cup at most came through the ceiling.

As I said I could not see anything from the access panel, so it has to be the drain. That subfloor is lower there so it would make sense that I could not see the water.

I have a commercial tub and shower enclosure, I believe the grate instead of actual tub plug makes it commercial. Anyways, when I remove the grate there is no screw just a metal cross, so nothing to tighten. Unless a screw fell out.

2 get to those pipes as I am sure it is simple to remedy, can I cut through the side of the fiberglass tub surround instead of going in the ceiling

2007-04-03 15:01:41 · 8 answers · asked by Steffi 3

I have the air temp set at 75 degrees to cool my home. The first floor of my home is freezing but the second story of my home is warm. What can I do to improve the cooling of the second story.

2007-04-03 13:53:23 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous

We have a shower curtain and liner in our shower. However every morning our floor gets wet after we take a shower. The liner won't stay all the way against the side. The water comes out in the little gap soaking the floor. Does anybody have any solutions to this problem?

Keep in mind we have an apartment and can't have glass doors.

2007-04-03 12:51:38 · 6 answers · asked by troyman2000us 2

I need to know if charcoal ligher fluid ( the stuff for igniting charcoal grills) can replace regular ligther fluid for zippo lighters.

2007-04-03 12:23:35 · 3 answers · asked by blah 1

As in what parts are needed, I think something like a pump for pressure, but I'm not sure!!

2007-04-03 12:08:50 · 6 answers · asked by natashamarks6 1

First, what is the advantage of air-powered tools over electric powered tools? I have used air tools before...just wondering about any specific advantages.

Second, do most (or all) air compressors allow the operator to regulate output pressure?

Let's say the compressor advertises a maximum of 150 psi, but I don't want more than 90 psi.

Thanks in advance.

2007-04-03 11:59:37 · 5 answers · asked by powhound 7

the technician came, but never actually did anything. they charged me 60.00! i called them and the csr said that they charge just for coming out. can i fight this?

2007-04-03 11:56:30 · 6 answers · asked by Johanna 1

2007-04-03 11:55:55 · 7 answers · asked by pops 3

Hello,
I think I have a small water leak under my slab in the garage of my house. I was wondering if anybody else has had this happen to them.

1. Does homeowners insurance cover this (or any part of this)?
2. How much does it cost to have a leak detector guy come out and check for leaks?
3. How much to have someone jackhammer up the slab and repair the copper pipe?

I am really handy with tools and can fix alot of stuff . . but I have no idea how to find the leak . . . if I could get in the ballpark area I would dig it up and patch it myself.

Any help would be great . . . otherwise I will break down and make the calls in the morning..

Thanks,
Randy

2007-04-03 11:44:36 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-04-03 10:36:15 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous