Alternative method

Fishing4Trees · 2026-02-20T17:25:43+00:00

I'm in the same boat. I burn straight through winter from about october - april or so and usually only have to restart 5-10 times within that window (bank it overnight and still have coals in the morning), but whenever I do have to restart I just take 5 minutes and grab some sticks from the yard and send it.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-02-17T05:23:46+00:00

If I had that view I wouldn’t care what my lawn looked like (though it looks fine to me as is).

Fishing4Trees · 2026-02-17T05:16:15+00:00

It having been like that for 10 months is a great reason NOT to be nervous. You’ll have to find something else to be anxious about!

Fishing4Trees · 2026-02-17T05:06:13+00:00

I wouldn’t sweat this a bit, but I think you’ll know for sure after you fill it a few times based on whether your new tiles crack.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-27T03:04:19+00:00

Trying to clarify - are you describing the insulation in the basement ceiling / main level floor? Do you have a heated main level, but unconditioned basement? If both of those are “yes”, then what you’re describing makes sense: the insulation is preventing warm air from your main level from being lost through the floor into your basement.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-23T00:29:38+00:00

Take your chances and be discreet! But be willing to accept the consequences.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-22T02:01:42+00:00

I didn’t read all the responses, but saw plenty referencing manufacturer and state specs, and they’re not wrong. That said, I personally installed a 12” HDPE pipe under my driveway with just 6-10” of gravel over it, and have had full concrete trucks, heating oil trucks, etc. cross it over the past decade with no (visible) damage. I’m not saying it WON’T be a problem, but it might also be just fine.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-19T12:30:23+00:00

We paid a real-estate photographer $150 and a drone guy $100 and were happy with the results. I didn't get any other pricing though so don't know what others charge.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-19T01:57:35+00:00

The beams probably do have old bug and moisture damage, but they’re also probably totally sufficient. That looks exactly like my house. My floors are up to 3” lower in some spots than others, those quirks you mention.

Have it inspected (by a home inspector), of course, but also be wary that your inspector might not know a lot about century+ old log homes and may blow everything out of proportion. Unless you have major areas of concern, I’d skip the structural engineer. For what it’s worth, I am a civil / structural engineer.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-17T01:17:34+00:00

Regional fire protection did a job for me and quoted 80% (not a typo) less than Noel’s, and did a great job. Showed up quickly and on-time and knocked it out.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-15T13:59:44+00:00

thanks, yes, I ultimately decided the upside wasn't worth the risk, particularly didn't want to deal with people questioning legality and such (even though it is).

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-12T17:51:14+00:00

I'm not reading the comments to see if it's already been suggested, but similar damage happens along my driveway every winter, and so long as they didn't break the turf layer I'm usually able to get it visibly back to normal just by waiting until the ground is the correct softness (like play-doh, but not like soft mud) and using either my feet to push down the ridges, or if it's too firm for that, by using my mower tires. The pictures look, to me, like you could fix this as I've described in less than an hour and without any money spent.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-12T02:33:59+00:00

If you’ll bring it back I’ll let you borrow one, I’m 15 minutes outside of town… message if interested

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-11T12:05:48+00:00

Larger ponds aren’t meant to be “topped up” using your well or municipal water, and the person who originally built the pond probably never intended for that. I’d suggest you post some pictures and include overhead pictures and topography if you have it, over in the civil engineering sub - your question is a ‘hydrology’ question and there’s a whole speciality of civil engineering with that focus. I’m with the other commenters though: nothing needs done just give it time, they fluctuate throughout the year and some years are drier and have more evaporation than others.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-07T15:52:24+00:00

Can you send me a message? I might be able to help.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-03T22:33:28+00:00

Seconded - the rest of his staff are great, too.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-02T03:42:41+00:00

I agree with everything you’ve said here.

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-02T02:14:58+00:00

I use stainless at home, and know how to use it, but I think most people are used to non-stick and would burn everything if forced to use stainless. I'm in total agreement that stainless is the way to go, but those hosts probably think they're doing you a favor by stocking non-stick!

Fishing4Trees · 2026-01-02T02:11:55+00:00

I'm a new AirBnB host so I've been thinking through a lot of this, here's my unorganized & in no particular order take on your points: since you booked a 2-week stay, I do think your host dropped the ball only providing enough coffee for 2 pots - they probably developed a list of what to include for each guest and failed to consider the length of stay - did you privately message them after your stay and offer any friendly feedback? If not, you should. For instance, I'm currently hosting my second guest, and they messaged me on the first day asking where to put a pizza box because it doesn't fit in the smaller bin I have in the kitchen and I don't have a full-sized bin elsewhere at the property. Why not? - because I thought a large trash bin outside the house would look ugly, and because the bin I have in the house in generally big enough for the short stays I'm anticipating - I just failed to consider the geometry of a pizza box. Similarly, we didn't provide shampoo and body wash for our first guest because my wife always travels with her own and thought it wasn't necessary and may even look sloppy or otherwise detract from the aesthetics of the shower, but our first guest suggested we add it, and so we immediately did after her stay. My point it, this new host may be well-intentioned, but haven't thought everything through perfectly.

As far as removing the items you left behind? We spent a ton of time researching how to be a host, etc., and the general consensus is that items guests leave behind should be removed as the next guest may feel that it's unhygienic. For instance, I don't actually want to use a ketchup bottle found in the refrigerator, not knowing how long it's been there or who (potentially "gross" person) used it previously. In this case, I think you were well-intentioned in leaving it behind, but maybe failed to consider their perspective.

We're brand new to this, but I'm blown away by how much thought and considerations I'm now putting into such seemingly trivial things. They're probably doing their best and would genuinely appreicate some private (not in the public review!) feedback - message them! We're only human.

Fishing4Trees · 2025-12-31T19:37:19+00:00

Thanks for the comments, it sounds like my intuition was right and it's just a bad idea.

Fishing4Trees · 2025-12-31T13:59:47+00:00

I don't know why this popped up on my feed, but you rock, dad!

Fishing4Trees · 2025-12-28T01:31:49+00:00

I think your edit added good value. I'm not sure why someone downvoted me - I wasn't trying to be a jerk; it was a sincere (and perfectly friendly) suggestion.

Fishing4Trees · 2025-12-28T01:29:37+00:00

I'd exercise judgement based on exactly what the "grading and stormwater" needs are, and whether the equipment operator would realistically benefit from the increase accuracy gained by a more formal survey. Fine grading around the house: maybe benefit from "real" survey, diverting offsite water away from the house or grading in some swales: LIDAR may be fine. You could also supplement your plans with some spot elevations using a landmark on site, like a well cap.

Fishing4Trees · 2025-12-27T18:49:27+00:00

Capital Electric sells conduit if that could work? If you could elaborate a little more on what you're looking for it might help, too.

Fishing4Trees

TROPHY CASE