Hour 1
Listen to learn how to deal with construction scams, how to add support to an aluminum roof, and more!
Dealing with Construction Scams
A homeowner hired a high-end builder for new construction. Six months later, she noticed problems like nail pops and drywall tape showing through.
The builder came and looked at the house, upon request, but they wouldn’t fix these issues. So, she called someone else who could correct the work, but they wouldn’t go against that high-end builder.
Now, she asks, “What can I do?”
There are industry-standard and legal documents that tell you what you should expect from construction. Based on the information, this was most likely a hasty drywall installation and finishing.
But what this company did, based on your retelling of the story, is not right, and it’s important to know the signs.
We suggest writing a letter to the builder, insisting to meet with them to discuss suggestions to remedy your problem. Within 10 days, send a certified letter directly to them. This will require them to sign it to show that they received it. See what happens.
If there is no response, you may need to consider litigation because your home’s value is affected by their mistakes. Find an attorney that routinely works on construction defect cases and have them send a letter.
Another thing to do is call a home inspector. They can identify the problems, and then the attorney would have expert evidence about the issue.
In the future, do some research about contractors to avoid scams.
How to Add Support to an Aluminum Roof
A homeowner has a 45-year-old aluminum sunroom that sits on a concrete slab. It has a corrugated roof with screens and storm windows. The frame is constructed with two by two hollow aluminum stock. He wants the roof’s support to be more load-bearing because he wants to install double-pane windows and an entry door.
He says, “Any thoughts on how I can reinforce the roof?”
First, check if it is load-bearing. There are ways you can reinforce the roof. You can put cross sections running perpendicular to the existing aluminum rafters. You can use wood beams or additional aluminum if you want it to blend in.
The key thing to remember is to have vertical support under each end of the beam. Sometimes, it may only require one mid-span board that you might. be able to wrap with some attractive wood that will act as an intentional accent in the room and prove the support you need.
Hour 2
Listen to learn how to help fading siding, fix a leaking hose, remove a fertilizer stain, and more!
How to Help Fading Siding
A homeowner has face vinyl siding that has faced due to the sun. She knows there’s a product to correct it, but it is very expensive.
She wants to know, ” The space is three feet wide and 10 feet high. What do you suggest?”
There is a company that we worked with called AromorAll. They make things primarily for cars, but er tried out their products on things like shutters and doors that are exposed to the sun, and it worked wonders.
Another product to try is called Rejuvenate. The company makes a lot of floor cleaning products and ways to clean wood furniture, but they have a product called Outdoor Color Restorer. This will help bring back the color of your faded siding.
Both of these products may have to be applied multiple times over the years, but they are definitely cheaper and easier alternatives to more expensive and extensive products.
How to Stop a Leaking Hose
A homeowner struggles with a leaking hose when hooking it up to the faucet. This happens with both of his faucets, so he thinks it’s a problem with the hose.
He says, “Please tell me if there is a different type of hose or attachment I need.”
First, it could be a hose problem. A lot of times with commercial hoses, the little washer that’s in there likes to pop out every now and then. If the washer is not in there, you’ll never be able to tighten the connection enough to keep the hose from leaking.
Check the end of the hose and see if there is a rubber washer in there. Sometimes they dry out when you disconnect the hose for a while, and they pop out. You can buy a whole pack of these (apply as directed) and easily fix it if that’s the problem.
If that doesn’t fix it, then it’s a problem with the faucet.
If the faucet is leaking, it is either leaking from the stem or the faucet itself. If it’s leaking from the faucet itself, try tightening the bonnet — the knot that’s right on top of the faucet. Ensure you don’t tighten it too much so that you can’t operate it. If the faucet gets faulty and needs to be changed, you should check out our DIY Outdoor Faucet Installation Beginner’s Guide
Or, take it out and replace the rubber gasket at the end of the stem. When you pull out the shaft, loosen the bonnet, and pull out the stem.
At the end, there’s a washer that deteriorates after a while, so you’ll have to replace that.
How to Remove Fertilizer Stain on Concrete
A homeowner has a 5 x 7 concrete porch. The previous owners fertilized a plant, and it went onto the concrete and damaged it.
She wants to know, ” Is there anything I can do to make it look better?”
When fertilizing a garden is important to note that you need to get it off of any surface as soon as you can by sweeping or using a water hose.
In terms of getting it off, the first thing we suggest is to try to clean it the best you can and see if any will come up and minimize the damage.
Another trick is to use trisodium phosphate (TSP) or an industrial masonry cleaner. It works really well on concrete, and after using it, use a stain or coating to seal it.
Do not paint the concrete because that could lead to peeling, chipping, and cracking.
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Simple Solutions
Garden Coffee Break—Use leftover tea leaves and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, gardenias, and even blueberries. A light sprinkling of about one-quarter of an inch applied once a month will keep the pH of the soil on the slightly acidic side.
Smoke Detector Upkeep—To ensure the smoke detectors in your home are operating properly, you should vacuum them twice per year. Remove the floor nozzle from the end of the wand and vacuum the outside of the detector to remove any dust that may have been collected inside the detector. This is important because a dust buildup can block the sensor and prevent the detector from sounding an alarm during a fire.
