What are /r/homerenovations' favorite Products & Services?

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I use a high expansion paintable latex caulk:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Big-Stretch-10-5-fl-oz-White-Paintable-Latex-Caulk/4411173

And I use a hook knife to remove the old stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-1774108-Linoleum-Knife/dp/B0052XR1D4

Wallpaper

https://www.amazon.com/Wallpaper-Adhesive-Waterproof-Cabinet-Drawer/dp/B086GTCZJB/ref=asc_df_B086GTCZJB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416690651218&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7814526430768291668&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqm...

You are not going to jack it back into place, unless that settling has caused some doors and windows to not close properly. Are you seeing that, or perhaps tilted floors?

If you are happy with the inside of your home, pack the gap with backer rod: https://www.amazon.com/Closed-Cell-Backer-Rod-Roll/dp/B001OBTXT8

for illustration only. You don't need 100 feet.

Then use a good quality masonry caulk: https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-vertical-concrete-repair.asp

P.S. Continue with the water mitigation outside. Your goal is to keep water from ever touching that foundation.

Step 1: email or call the manufacturer. They may have run into this before.

Step 2: a local sheet metal shop may be able to stamp out or cut some slots in the face of your hood.

Step 3: Cut your own hole and slap a grill over top:

https://www.amazon.com/Whirlpool-8183851-Microwave-Grille-Black/dp/B008M2IK9Q

Paint it any color that thrills you.

For a dressing gown all 4 might be overkill. You’ll need masonry anchors, a masonry bit (the size will be specified on the anchors), and a hammer drill (I don’t know if you can get away with a regular drill, my guess would be that it’ll be really slow and frustrating). I put a piece of tape on the bit the depth of the anchor to help me know how deep to drill the hole.

Alternatively you might want to check out something like a brick clip

use this or something like it. easy hole to cut, future proof and when you reuse wires you can put an appropriate plate for wires to feed through.

​

https://www.amazon.ca/Carlon-SC100RR-Voltage-Bracket-Backless/dp/B000W09PQI

You are fine. Mastic is listed as 'non-friable', which means the fibers are locked up in the material. I am sure there are some microscopic fibers in there, but they are glued into place. They are not going anywhere.

If this floor still bothers you, remove the remaining mastic with some of this:

https://www.amazon.com/500MR-Mastic-Remover-Concrete-Gallon/dp/B00U2RCK2C

Made out of soy beans. If your floor is like mine, you can remove the remaining black mastic with paper towels.

That’s $160 worth of insulation - why not just replace it! See https://smile.amazon.com/Owens-Corning-Kraft-Fiberglass-Insulation/dp/B093W4QQHX/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=3RFT3GMCMNBG4&keywords=pink+insulation&qid=1661220749&sprefix=pink+insulation%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-6

here

Doorbell transformer is worn out. Replace it

I had builder grade tile and used these mother of pearl tile and tiled right over it. Cheap, fairly easy and turned out great. Before & After

Green Scouring Pad 10-Pack 6"x9". Super Heavy Duty. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B097YTDBGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FGK389KPFW2ZEXECXJXT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Scrub Daddy PowerPaste Cleaning Kit – Natural Cleanser + Dye Free Scrub Mommy 1 ct https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B087QQRGRS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KCTN4AKXDGEFF48RZS02?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have done this with great success. Tiles are a good surface to tile onto as hopefully they are already level!

I applied a primer to the existing tiles to give a good adhesion.

Tilemaster Prime + Grip Multi-Purpose Bond Enhancing Primer 1kg https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V28RLSJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QCFEFM2AF3G0Q74PC4JN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I had installed new kitchen units so was sure to tile under dishwasher/fridge/range cooker so maintenance wasn’t an issue.

Put it above the fireplace, and use a pull-down, swivel mount to prevent eyestrain:

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Fireplace-Pull-Down-Full-Motion-Articulating/dp/B01GSRRIVM?th=1

If you don't like that idea, try the dozens of interior design subreddits out there, please.

I would look at using something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0829TKTV8

If you put 2 of those on each of the 4 sides of acrylic and cut the acrylic 1/4” short of the hole on both directions. I feel like that is what offices sometimes have on bannisters.

Those do look like they open though I imagine there's some reason they were painted shut, hopefully it wasn't a good one! You'll want to cut away the paint and peel the caulking (or cut it if it doesn't peel). Amazon sells a tool that I've seen recommended specifically to cut paint around windows. I've been meaning to buy it for my own painted-shut windows when I get around to that project.

CRL Window Zipper Deglazing Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QL57QSM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_7HZ2EBD1RNFZE35ME332

Once they're open, maybe repaint your sills with an exterior paint to beef up the water proofing (check for cracked old paint that hasn't been touched up while the windows have been sealed shut). Then take some time to air seal the windows with foam. Figure out what sort of gaps you have between the window and frame when it's closed and locked, then find a foam tape of appropriate thickness to fill that gap.

Don't use a hammer on windows.

I completed misread your comment haha. So embarrassing. Here are the tv consoles.

Floating TV Shelf Wood Wall Mounted TV Stand Entertainment Center Media Console with Storage (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MBST8K6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_856Q836XBR6W21MXD0JB?psc=1

Thank you! I bought vinyl wrap from Amazon for super cheap. It cost about $13 total for 2 doors. I took out the handle, spray painted it black, and popped it back in.

17.7" x 355" Grey Wood Grain Contact Paper Wallpaper, PVC Self Adhesive Peel and Stick Wall Paper, Easy to Clean Decorative Wall Covering https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088GXB4KM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AY4WNVZ1MWMFS0EA7S1R?psc=1

36 Pieces (9 Sets) Cat Chair Furniture Socks Cat Paw Chair Leg Socks Cat Furniture Socks Knitted Socks Non Slip Chair Table Leg Socks Hardwood Floor Protectors for Interesting Christmas Decoration https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CX43ZTC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZWH20N4VEHX7YBBYNPRW

im sure you could cut it out and install this :

Brushed Nickel Recessed Toilet Paper Holder - Includes Rear Mounting Bracket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QUBVZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_0EK6VXYX9RD1H4FY35E9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

> SORRY for so many questions.

Not al all!

>What is a dry trap?

I guess the first thing to do is describe the purpose of a trap. The trap is filled with water to act as a block from sewer gasses coming back up the pipe. The water at the bottom of the trap blocks these gasses. If that water isn't high enough that it covers up the top of the bottom bend, then there is a gap that gasses can come out through. A dry trap is one in which there isn't enough water to cover and block this gas.

>Why illegal?

An S-Trap is illegal because it's more likely to result in a dry trap. This is because as the water drains out, it is more likely to create a vacuum effect which pulls the water that was supposed to stay in the trap along with it, resulting in the dry trap. A P-Trap that isn't appropriately vented can have the same issue.

>What is an AAV?

An AAV is an "Air Admittance Valve." Generally it's used in place of a vent in areas where a vent would be difficult to install. They allow air into the pipe, put not out. This prevents the vacuum that I mention above from forming, which means that the water will stay in the P-trap.

For this install, I would have the line come down to through the trap and then back up, and then instead of going directly down again, I would have a flat spot at the top with a wye fitting. The I would sent some pipe up past the sink, eventually another 45 to get the pipe straight vertical and then go as high up next to the sink as I could get. I would put an AAV at the top. The other flat side of that wye would eventually use a long 90 to a 45 to head back to that bottom drain, back to a 45 at the bottom. The angles on this would look pretty silly, and would take up more space, but would solve the issues here.

Here is a link to the product I recommend for finished wood floors, has worked good for me in the past.

https://smile.amazon.com/REALINN-Wood-Furniture-Repair-Kit/dp/B08T12BCMW/ref=sr\_1\_11?crid=WLXZ7M5NF1DC&keywords=Floor+and+Furniture+Repair+Kit&qid=1642285931&sprefix=floor+and+furniture+repair+kit%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-11

Lots of choices on Amazon.

AC Infinity Wall-Mount Duct Grille Vent for 4-Inch Ducting, White Metal, Heating Cooling Ventilation and Exhaust https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MHBT9F1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_P47NQ1MDAXKK7W9PC710

Though spraying the ductwork was not easy. Had to buy an extension pipe for the spray paint rig:

https://www.amazon.com/TINVHY-Airless-Paint-Sprayer-Extension/dp/B092MGWR25

Once set up it did a good job.

• Take razor blade and clean up old wood filler that has started to deteriorate.
• Vacuum crack to remove all loose debris.
• Get some of this https://smile.amazon.com/REALINN-Wood-Furniture-Repair-Kit/dp/B08T12BCMW/ref=sr\_1\_11?crid=WLXZ7M5NF1DC&keywords=Floor+and+Furniture+Repair+Kit&qid=1642285931&sprefix=floor+and+furniture+repair+kit%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-11

• Apply as directed.

• You can also use a nail set and set the visible nail a little deeper and fill that hole as well and any others you come across.

Something like this and screw it to your table/desk https://www.amazon.com/AM-alphamount-Universal-600X400mm-Adjustable/dp/B08TGYB4F1/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?crid=2REVTMZ5F67NS&keywords=desktop+tv+mount&qid=1641074183&sprefix=desktop+tv+%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-10

I installed our new kitchen backsplash as we were having other electrical work done on our house so I asked the electrician what he would do. He said to either use some of these spacers (link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GYLWZV7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S32TDWPGBPWBPWBVBAR2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) Or pull the outlet through the hole (with the power off) and tape the heck out of it and then rest the outlet on top of the tile and screw it into the box with longer screws. We did option 2 because option 1 didn’t fit out outlet boxes for some reason and 6 outlets have been like that for 2 months with no problems.

Hard water? I had that issue and it turned out our hard water contained silica. And although we use a softener and filter, silica just can’t be filtered out so it either builds up or etches. Couldn’t tell you why standard cleaners don’t work on it, but you have to buff it off with an abrasive paste like glass polish. This is what I use and has worked wonderfully: CRL Bio-Clean Water Stain Remover - 16 oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00494PJLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TXWM5HX8W7XT1MSG55X1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Apply and buff by hand or use an auto buffer/polisher.

It’s a shelf bracket. OVOV 2 Pack Metal Shelf Brackets Industrial Floating Shelf Brackets Wall Mounted Decorative (Black) 8" https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07YY8K1G2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WJM5SCZB53A8D4YRZKHC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

It can be so much easier to do a simple repair yourself than getting a landlord to fix it for you, can't it? sigh Anyway, having rented a lot of places missing drain covers myself, I found the shower mushroom an easy fix for most of them, though they look ugly. Those flat metal clip style drain covers (even when they can't actually clip) look a little nicer while they last, but usually don't stay put very well. Both are food enough options. There was a time when I used to spend a decent amount of time and money on nicer fixes for rentals just because they made me happy, but eventually I got jaded enough about having to mess with something that should have been someone else's responsibility, and started doing the bare minimum that would make me comfortable. If that's how you're feeling now, I'd maybe invest no more than five bucks and five minutes. This would fit the bill for that: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094XZ47QW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_NP818G7C144H0YDA4P7Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Home Improvement 1-2-3: Expert Advice from The this has been a go to for me on a few projects.

I also recommend having a notebook of graph paper for projects. It helps and is fun to look back on old planning. Light layout, builds, etc.

Home Depot (Home Depot ... 1-2-3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0696213273/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_E5CRNWYPC9Y1D5P8PH8Q

something like this: Door Corner Seal Weatherstripping Exterior Door Frame Seal Wedge Draft Stopper Adhesive Corner Seal Pads for Weather Stripping and Draft Protection (White,32 Pieces) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TTZXFWZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q6N9HQA6YY336E8TNTCZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Use a wire mount.

IBRA Ultra Slim Wall Mount Bracket System for Samsung, LG and Philips LED,LCD,OLED TV. Fits most 13" to 70" Screens https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0035U6FII/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_37ZMFW68VZ36QK6H3X1B

Is there attic above? An easy way might be to simply add in a receptacle in the attic (easy)

Then add an old work ring, and one of these - https://www.amazon.com/Listed-VCE-2-Pack-Single-Brush/dp/B071X8RLJL

Then just fish a long lightning cable own - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Powerline-Lightning-Certified-Charger/dp/B013JNUHR0

I can't think of a neater way to be honest

I think they used some sort of textured pattern roller

Example: Drywall Texture Pattern Roller for Decorative Paint Texturing (Basket Weave Pattern) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y124838/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dlmgFb9SM64ZC

Just a matter of finding one that looks similar.

I DONT think this is an orange peel type spray can texture.

Good luck

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PB7UVA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are a lot of variations of this thing out there.

I don't have experience installing - we almost went this route, then decided a large enough media console would look better and be more practical than an on- or in-wall solution. But, it's very well rated.