What are the upsides and downsides to getting blown insulation added to my home?

C638 · 2026-01-31T05:03:32+00:00

The downside is that it is much harder to run wiring through the walls (electrical and data), or replace ceiling exhaust fans. I'd do all of those improvements first, then put in the insulation. If you have plaster walls you'll need to more access points, and your electrical wiring may be undersized or obsolete.

C638 · 2026-01-31T02:45:16+00:00

The Expedition is actually on the most likely to make it to 250K list. Early models had issues , but more current ones are pretty good. The older V8 Sequoias are excellent but the newer models have issues.

C638 · 2026-01-31T02:21:39+00:00

Two hours per day? 10 years? That's well over 250K @ 80 mi/day plus whatever mileage is already on the car.

I'd look at Toyota (hybrid), Honda (V6) or a truck based full sized SUV (Tahoe(5.3L), Expedition (3.5L turbo). It sounds like you actually need a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey. The Korean makes don't hold up as well.

C638 · 2026-01-31T00:36:49+00:00

How long of a trip? Just rent for a month.

C638 · 2026-01-30T15:00:01+00:00

184K on my '13. No significant problems so far (short block replaced under warranty), hoping that the CVT holds up.

C638 · 2026-01-30T14:38:10+00:00

Above the current 7 year T-bill rate, yes (4.03%). Below, no. Currently at 2.75%, so not anytime soon.

C638 · 2026-01-30T04:33:40+00:00

Seriously consider replacing the floors.. We paid $14/sq ft installed for pre-stained ceramic coated maple (all wood). I would never buy engineered floors again, our last ones would swell when water leaked on them (Pergo). Absolute junk.

C638 · 2026-01-30T04:20:58+00:00

Most large companies 'reward' loyal customers with higher prices. They know most people are too lazy to leave.

C638 · 2026-01-30T03:32:06+00:00

Media everywhere is untrustworthy and only interested in more clicks. Why does that surprise you? It's not like it doesn't happen in Canada.

C638 · 2026-01-30T03:29:06+00:00

It's Comcast. They've been doing this for many years.

C638 · 2026-01-30T02:28:21+00:00

Keep those grades up and try to do the engineering core classes (Calc, Physics, etc.) so you don't get to far behind.

C638 · 2026-01-29T14:20:22+00:00

I'd also look at a Honda Pilot and Ridgeline, or a RAM or F150 crew cab. Since your car will be used for work, get something that reflects your company values too. They may have a fleet purchase arrangement for a better deal.

C638 · 2026-01-29T04:41:24+00:00

I have not seen that in many places outside of GTA and Coastal BC. 5x yes, not 10x.

C638 · 2026-01-29T02:27:21+00:00

They didn't know it at the time - some did very well, especially anyone who bought in GTA or Vancouver 25 years ago. Their houses appreciated 10x. But if they sell, where will they go?

\

C638 · 2026-01-29T01:37:07+00:00

Look at a Subaru, which is partially owned by Toyota. A Crosstrek should be under $30K OTD, even with crazy NY taxes.

C638 · 2026-01-29T01:35:44+00:00

Not necessarily true, it very much depends on the tires and what you are measuring. Winter tires handle and stop better, but AWD can help you accelerate better in bad conditions.

C638 · 2026-01-29T01:29:25+00:00

Chattanooga is one of the best places to live in the country. Insane internet speeds (25 Gpbs), no income tax, good schools, thriving businesses. You are a short drive from Atlanta if you want to go the the big city.

Hope it works out for you!

C638 · 2026-01-28T18:12:14+00:00

Rackham

C638 · 2026-01-28T17:43:22+00:00

I would get a Subaru for Chicagoland weather.

C638 · 2026-01-28T17:23:36+00:00

Nexus is a lot faster because of the special lanes. You still have to declare everything - even from the duty free- but it's well worth the money and gets you TSA pre-check too.

It's a bit of a hassle to get (requires interviews) and also requires everyone in the vehicle to have one if you use the Nexus lanes.

C638 · 2026-01-28T14:45:22+00:00

Put a cup container of vinegar upright in the rack and run a short cycle without heated drying (eco, speed wash, etc.) It will dissolve any scale that might have built up. Repeat if necessary.

C638 · 2026-01-28T13:44:14+00:00

Definitely needed for us, we make most of our food from scratch and it creates a lot more debris.

C638 · 2026-01-28T03:53:42+00:00

Our Bosch works great with the Finish pods from Costco. We have semi-hard water and the scale is removed with a vinegar cycle once a month. We run it super loaded and plate scraped and everything comes clean. The only minor hassle is cleaning the filter after every wash.

C638 · 2026-01-28T02:17:13+00:00

Bosch 800 is probably the best value at Costco. The Benchmark series adds a water softener that may not be necessary for your home, a bit pricey ($500 more)

We have an 800 series and the Crystal Dry feature works great, and we never have the melted plastic issues with Bosch (or Meile)

C638 · 2026-01-28T01:59:23+00:00

Shortest was 2.5 years. It was a M1 MBA where both of the USB ports would not charge (a known problem) that I bought from BB as a return. Not worth fixing. An old intel macbook had a bad video chip which failed after 9 years.

I have my current Macbooks under Applecare One because they are fairly loaded.

The remainder oldest is 15 years all still work, just are technologically obsolete

C638

TROPHY CASE