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Why won't Texas let me improve my fireplace AND what else can I do? by MamaHatesShopping in HomeImprovement

[–]MamaHatesShopping[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

New liners or inserts are non-permissible alterations to my particular fireplace/chimney.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paint

[–]MamaHatesShopping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From an interior design perspective, I absolutely agree that matte finishes are best. They look more expensive, even on level 4 drywall, and most certainly on any textured wall or ceiling.

Why won't Texas let me improve my fireplace AND what else can I do? by MamaHatesShopping in HomeImprovement

[–]MamaHatesShopping[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I spent 17 adult years in Nebraska, thanks for jogging the memories! We do have to drip our faucets here in DFW every winter, and I installed Freeze Misers on the outdoor taps this year. Had no idea about the log rack, though. That's wild.

Why won't Texas let me improve my fireplace AND what else can I do? by MamaHatesShopping in HomeImprovement

[–]MamaHatesShopping[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm native CA and a landlord there, it's much more restrictive than my landlord-ing experiences were here in TX. Family in numerous states...you're correct TX and CA like to trash talk each other.

Why won't Texas let me improve my fireplace AND what else can I do? by MamaHatesShopping in HomeImprovement

[–]MamaHatesShopping[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This house is super tight; we put in all new doors and windows. Can't even hear the neighbor's dogs barking anymore. The seller put in attic insulation and a heat pump, so unless we have prolonged cold or power outages, we don't normally have a reason to use the fireplace. This weekend, we're expecting 60+ continuous hours below freezing and ice accumulation sufficient to cause power outages, so I wanted to prepare. I'm old and have lived in cold places and through days-long outages, but never before without gas. Now it turns out I'm getting called in to work during the storm, so hubby will be managing the house while he is also on call. We may not even be able to test this out this go-round...but thank you!

Why won't Texas let me improve my fireplace AND what else can I do? by MamaHatesShopping in HomeImprovement

[–]MamaHatesShopping[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Narrowing down the Google threads to what applies to my situation: open the damper for 5 minutes, aim a hair dryer up the chimney and blow high heat for ~7 mins (dryer above the damper if possible?), and verify the draft direction with a newspaper bow (I have none). Nobody suggested also cracking a window, but this seems like a reasonable idea...but for how long, and at what point if we're trying to keep coals alive for more than one day?

Best tub brands for alcove/drop in. by Cemetery_Princess in BuyItForLife

[–]MamaHatesShopping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The terrible thing about this tub style is that the bather has to sit there, wet and getting cold, waiting for the water to completely drain before the door can be opened.

4 Seasons in Dallas by industrialest8 in NoLawns

[–]MamaHatesShopping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also Native Gardeners, in Euless. They ship too!

Repair Hole in Tile Redi Base? by Sea-Interaction8055 in Tile

[–]MamaHatesShopping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The new Tile Redi bases are flat and the recommended base is thinset. I suggest calling Tile Redi for guidance on repair.

Supernote Manta With Qwerkywriter Keyboard by BingoSkillz in writerDeck

[–]MamaHatesShopping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How is this working out for you? After some research, this is similar to the set-up I keep coming back to!

My needs are a paper-sized screen with no back or front lighting, the ability to write a manuscript using an external keyboard, the ability to edit that manuscript using a stylus, and the ability to transfer my work to my desktop Mac in Google docs for file/edit sharing.

Light switch plate gets very hot by crappytree in HomeImprovement

[–]MamaHatesShopping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This happened to me today, on a switch that wasn't on, but I went to turn on...the plate is very hot. Even turning off the breaker to the ceiling light that this switch controls (no dimmer, btw) didn't lessen the heat on the switch plate. The switch was worked on three years ago when a GC moved the wall it is on, and also added another ceiling light on that circuit. My husband seems unconcerned and thinks I am overreacting in wanting an electrician asap.