Home Related Questions and Answers

Sunday, January 6, 2013

I have noticed large stars on home exteriors. What do they stand for? Is it like the Mason symbol?

Q. These stars have been painted different colors on different homes. They are five pointed stars and I only see one on a home's exterior. My mother thinks that it means "Order of the Eastern Star." Is this true?

A. I know what you are talking about. I have seen them as well. I am a Mason, and although the women's Masonic group called the order of the Eastern Star uses a star symbol, the symbols you are referring to are actually North American Barn Stars, originally hung on barns and houses by the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish for good luck, and have no Masonic connection. They have become popular as a decoration, even for the non-Amish.

Please feel free to contact me with any other questions.

What website can I upload my own photo to and choose paint colors?

Q. I'm trying to choose colors for my homes' exterior and I don't want to use the photos that they give me. For example Lowes allows me to use a paint tool on their website with given photos, but no option to use my own.

A. Behr Paint's website will allow you to do this for $4.95. You choose your color first, and then click "preview" and then it will give you the option of uploading your own photo.
http://www.behr.com/behrx/workbook/

You can also post a photo of your house on Roomvues.com. You can either tell them specific colors that you would like to see or get color suggestions from them, and they will photoshop them onto your house for you. It's free:
http://www.roomvues.com/

What is the general installation cost for a home monitoring system?

Q. 5 cameras for a 2 story home. 2 exterior and 3 interior cameras.

A. Wireless cameras from trendnet are about $150, I would recommend those for the exterior and run ethernet cable to the others unless you can run ethernet to all of them. Then you can access all cameras from a computer on your home network or even have them set up to view away from home. The good thing about POE cameras is you don't need to run power to them, they get their power over the ethernet line.

wireless
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=ProView+Wireless+N+Internet+Camera&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=14539041441216387408&sa=X&ei=hvenT6ztCo2btweQrZiWDA&ved=0CMYBEPMCMAI

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Wireless+N+Day%2FNight+Internet+Camera#q=Wireless+N+Day%2FNight+Internet+Camera&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=LvinT5vIJYfHtgffqJmXDA&ved=0CLABEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=db1187cf115279fd&biw=1121&bih=914

wired (POE power over ethernet)
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=ProView+PoE+Internet+Camera&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=7096260418526820499&sa=X&ei=gfinT5qZEsmltwfL-dCqDA&ved=0CKYBEPMCMAI

If you get the wired ones they are cheaper, and you would just need to make sure they aren't exposed to direct rain and they will work and are about half the price of one designed for exterior use.

Also if you put a pan and tilt one on a corner outside it may do the job of 2, another way to save $$.

Looking for contemporary log home interior pics?

Q. My husband and I were looking to build a log home, but only if we can have a somewhat modern/contemporary look for the interior. Neither one of us are really into the primitive or Americana decor, but we do like the look of the lighter log home interiors like this one:

http://www.mhwood.com/images/image41.jpg

Anyone know of any log home interior pictures that have a modern look?

A. http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=contemporary+log+home+interior+pics&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

Can you help me identify and locate an old home interior picture?

Q. I can remember almost 30 years ago my mother bought me a home interior picture that was in a very heavy metal frame with a rounded glass, the print was a small boy kneeling and praying into a beam shining down on him.
I know that I have seen the picture in some bibles and I would like to know the name of the print. I would also know how I might be able to buy the picture, frame, glass etc. that was purchased for me. I have tried the homeco and the home int. web site but without the name of the print I'm having no luck.

A. http://www.sonyaharrisgiftsandcollectibles.com/images/tn_Boy_Praying.jpg

is that the picture? You may also want to go to art.com and search praying

Finding out how much home interior is worth?

Q. I have some 70's era home interior and need to see if it is worth anything. I can't find anywhere to figure that out.

A. Look around your local antique dealers....many are dealing in the retro items now..ask them..it will give you a start, then you can price the piece accordingly if you wish to sell them. You can also google searches for items similar to what you have to see what people are asking for them. Just remember, you can ask what you want, but you might not get it, so there can be a large variance in the prices you see...take the middle ground to be safe.

What type of floor finishes would you recommend for the following cases?Justify your answer please...?

Q. What type of floor finishes would you recommend for the following cases?Justify your answer.
a) A chemical laboratory
b) A hospital
c) A garage
d) A bath room

A. a) Chemical resistant coating on a concrete floor.
This will allow for a variety of spills without degrading the concrete's strength

b) Jointed flooring system
This will allow for an easy installation on a large surface area. It will also allow spills to be cleaned up easily without any seeping through.

c) Concrete floor with a standard sealant
This will keep the dust down and allow for easy cleaning or such things as oil spills. It will help prevent permanent staining of the concrete,

d) Ceramic tiling
With the large amount of moisture that this flooring will be subjected tom you need a material that is impervious to moisture. Ceramic deters the growth of mold and mildew as it is a nonporous surface.

Hope this helps!

how do can i repair a deep scratch in my hardwood floor?

Q. we recently moved some furniture and scratched a long gouge in the hardwood floors right in the middle of living room. the floor finish is varathane. can i do a touch up job over the existing finish and if so, how do i do that or will i have to sand down the entire area and refinish the entire room?

are there any good quick fixes to this type of problem?

A. A quick fix is wood putty and sand paper, then use an Old English that matches the wood.

Can anyone estimate how much it costs to finish an attic? About 1200 sq ft.?

Q. The attic is unfinished, not fully insulated, unwired, unventilated... but quite large - with floor finished covered. A couple of windows, maybe 8 feet in the center, but fairly steep roof with rafters. Decent staircase up - but would also need a spiral or other additional staircase. Bathroom upstairs would be bonus, but not required. Any estimates? Anyone have anything similar done?

A. with wiring, insulating, ventilation, finishing windows and trim, hanging sheetrock and finishing drywall and painting, and carpet you are probably looking at twenty thousand or so.

Where to find forecast of building materials prices?

Q. I work in a construction company and today my boss just threw an assignment on my desk. I am supposed to find out price forecast of building materials such as Steel Rebars, Ready Mixed Concrete etc.

I am v v new in the construction industry, barely 2 months, and I really have no clue where to start. I've already found analyst reports on BMI on commodities (steel) but that's not what he's looking for.
Someone help me pls?

A. There is no one that I know of to make such forecasts, except the National Association of Home Builders and at the bottom of the web link below you will find 2 links to free samples of such forecasts (without fully subscribing to their service for the real McCoy):

http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=133

How can I find out what company supplied the cement and building materials for a state construction project?

Q. If anyone knows about the building materials used in Boston's Big Dig... that would be helpful. I am very interested in the cement...not the bolts holding up ceiling.

A. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of separate contracts for the project known collectively as "the big dig". "Aggregate Industries" supplied much of the concrete, but virtually every plant in the New England area supplied at least some of the mix used on the project. Many construction contracts included both construction and materials, so the concrete supplier did not submit a separate bid, but was priced in with the contractor's bid.

The custodian of records at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has a list of all bid opportunities and all bidders selected. The material is public record.

Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza
Suite 4160
Boston Massachusetts 02116
617-248-2800

What are the effects of transportation of building materials?

Q. What are the effects of transportation of building materials?

Environmental and effects on the material itself???

A. The material ends up in a new location.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Why is the security light on my Camaro coming on all of the sudden?

Q. I've had a '97 Camaro for a few months and all of the sudden the security light is coming on when I try to start it disabling the starter. I've been using the same key the whole time. I have had no problems with this car until now. I have to wait 3 minutes and then it will start. The key is in good shape. Not dirty or wet. Is there an underlying issue I should check out? Thanks.

A. Do NOT replace the ignition by yourself! My car's ignition was replaced by the dealer (not a Chevy dealer, just a used car lot) and now my light will NEVER go off. Take it to a Chevy dealer and they CAN help you. If it is the ignition then they will be able to fix it, but if you replace the ignition yourself then you risk having that light on forever because the ignition was not programmed into the car's security system. The guy I got my car from said they didn't have a key for my car and that is why they replaced the ignition but if he would have actually read the owner's manual it says that if you take it to a dealer they can make a new key that is made specifically for that ignition. I don't know what could be wrong with it, but if you have the funds to do so, I would take it to a Chevy dealer.

How to get past a security light?

Q. I'm sneaking out tonight, and we have security lights in our yard. How do you get past them without making them turn on?

A. best way is to go to your circuit breaker in the garage and find the breaker for the security lights/that side of the house. turn it off. then wala, problem solved.
another way would be to remove the sensor on the lights
remove the light bulbs
avoid the lights/sensor
tape the sensor up (during the day or something)
or as someone else said, avoid emitting Infra red radiation

actually, I think the way you COULD do this seriously, is the following:

find/buy one of those "space blankets". (reflective blankets meant to keep you warm by keeping in all IR heat) you can buy em at walmart and camping store as well as the kennedy space center if your interested haha.

then, cover yourself in it COMPLETELY shielding yourself form the camera, and go for it, walk, dont run, past the sensor, and you may be able to sneak past it because the blanket will hide your IR radiation from view of the sensor.
I haven't tried it, but I think it might work, seeing as how the blankets ar meant to keep IR radiation in. so they wont let it out and will act like a sort of camo from the sensor.
btw, the blankets go for like a max of 20 bucks.

*edit*
The walking slow thing, may work a bit, but you must understand how this stuff works to understand that it wont work well. maybe at all. the security light sensor is looking for a "change" in the IR temperature it is sensing. so if you move really slow, it might not detect a change. but then again, it might. its not worth trying. US a highly reflective material like a space blanket or shiny shiny aluminum.

What shall I do If my security light comes on in my chevy impala?

Q. Im having a passlock problem in my 2002 chevy impala. The security light blinks on and the car wont start. I have to wait like 10 minutes before it resets itself. The dealor says it cost 600.00 to fix and no one else would touch it. Ive called around. Is there an easier way out of this?

A. all chevrolets have this problem, even mine. this summer i found out what my problem was. first the light blinks then, my tahoe woulg turn off while i applied the break peddle. killing all power to vehicle.
chevrolrt dealer told me same thing $600 to fix.

i thought the all\arm system was holding it off, on anti-thift, cause i could hear the alarm box making clicking sounds

the problem with mine was a loose positive battery post.
even tho the post was tight, just wasn't tight enough'
post was tight into the battery, but loose between both cables that hooked to the positive pose, not much just enough to cause problems.

what i did was put a lock washer between both cables, and installed cables in a v shape from bottom looking up.

havent had the problem again.

around here, i know at least 7 people with same problem

give it a try, before spending $600

What is the recent economic activity on HOME BUILDING?

Q. Recent ecnomic activity (taxes or spending) done by the U.S. government and how it effects the home building industry.

I am doing a paper for school and not having much luck on this topic. Anything helps! Thanks guys!

A. growth is all most zero

Does any one have any experience with having their home build on their own land?

Q. Since cost of new home still pretty high in North East region, I am wondering if any one have experience with having a New home build on their own land.
I am thinking about buying a land and then having a home build with developer so I can save some money in process.
2 Q
1. Is that a good idea?
2. Will I save some money by doing this?

A. Building your own home can be a great experience. You get to be involved in all of the decision-making process, you choose exactly how you want things to look, etc.

It can be a nightmare though---bad contractors, delays because of weather, etc.

Just make sure that you are very careful when contracting, and don't try to start building in the middle of winter!

You can save money by building on your own, but don't use cheap contractors that will use substandard materials. Research everything and everyone you use carefully. You can also save money by working on some of it yourself---if you have skills in construction. Don't try to take on a job that you aren't qualified at(like wiring---when you have no idea about being an electrician!!) because you could end up paying for it later on.

Best of luck!

What are the issues with copper plumbing in a home built in 1988?

Q. I have a friend who has a home that has copper plumbing. The residence was built in 1988, and she was told by a neighbor that copper plumbing is bad and has to be removed/replaced in order to keep the value of the home for resale. This doesn't seem to make sense and the home DOES NOT have any plumbing issues to date. The neighbor cautioned that copper plumbing can burst. Is there any ring of truth to this or is the neighbor thinking of something else. A home built in 1988 doesn't seem that old to me.
Please help. All answers are welcome. Thanks.
Additional details. Here is the suspected issue:

Different metals or types of pipe: copper and galvanized iron, were directly connected in the potable water supply system

From this point of view, we are told the entire plumbing in the home needs to be changed. Can this be right?

A. If the copper pipe is stressed, it will create a leak, but only if stressed. By this I mean thin wall, kinks, etc.

I have never heard of copper pipes devaluing a home. If anything, copper will add value compared to CPVC or galvanized. If there are no issues with leakage or significant corrosion, leave it.

What color dining room table should I get for my nook?

Q. My entire kitchen cabinetry is oak wood that is stained a medium-mojagany. In my nook area, I have a ton of cabinetry in there, so I'm thinking if I try to match the table to the cabinets, it may be too much. I was thinking a lighter color table... does anyone have suggestions? It cannot be glass of any sort because we have 5 young kids that will use the table for each meal. Thanks in advance!

A. Go with something painted that coordinates with your kitchen outside of the cabinet color/grain -- cream, blue, green, yellow, red, or black. Or change materials -- get a metal and slate/tile table. Or, mix light and dark wood tones so it breaks up the look, but looks deliberate, not mismatched. Or go ahead and match your cabinets for the top of the table, but have the rest be metal or painted another color.

I have a split level home built in 1986. What changes can I make to update it and increase my resale value?

Q. Upper Level - 1 master with small 3/4 bath; 2 guest bdrms; 1 full bath
Mid Level - front room and kitchen
Lower Level - office; 3/4 bath; and family room with fireplace.

We recently had a new roof and siding put on and plan on landscaping the front for "curb-appeal" in the spring. In the meanwhile, we were hoping to get some ideas on how to spruce up the house DIY style.

Initial thoughts are:
1) Replacing vinyl flooring in all bathrooms with ceramic tile.
2) Refinishing kitchen cabinetry (their all wood)
3) Putting in laminate wood flooring in kitchen.
4) Replacing appliances (they're all probably 10 years old) if there's money left.

Any advice or other suggestions.

A. Kitchen remodel is your best "bang for the buck" people really look at the kitchen when looking for a home a up to date kitchen is your best option!

How do you match hardwood floors to exsisting cabinets?

Q. What would be the best color or type of hardwood flooring or other material to match to existing walnut Kitchen cabinetry?

A. most of the time if the cabinets are dark, then the flooring is light and so on. Basically you want a little contrast between the two so the whole kitchen doesn't disappear into a one tone black hole.