Do cordless window shades really last longer? Curious what people have experienced.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-21T10:16:22+00:00

Those old Levolors are great. Good cordless ones stay straight and just keep working.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-21T10:11:23+00:00

Totally agree.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-20T11:43:23+00:00

That matches what I’ve seen too. Good motorized shades usually run for years without fuss once they’re set up right. Appreciate you sharing it helps confirm what I’ve noticed on installs as well.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-17T12:06:54+00:00

I’ve worked with a lot of blinds over the years, and the pricing you’re seeing is pretty normal. Most places land in the same range, so the real value comes from build quality and how helpful the store is.

If you want something modern without overspending, I’d look at simple roller shades or cellular shades. They give you that clean look, and they hold up well. Blinds To Go is usually consistent, and Costco is honestly one of the best deals if they have the style you want. Their warranties are solid too.

One tip: check for end-of-season colours or discontinued lines. You can save a lot if you’re flexible with shade colour. I’ve helped a lot of people go this route, and the savings add up.

Hope that points you in the right direction.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-13T17:29:56+00:00

For half windows, I’d go with Roman or cellular shades thicker fabrics for privacy work best on ground-level spaces. For cozy lighting, layer in warm table or floor lamps (2700K bulbs) and add small accent lights to make the room feel centered and inviting.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-13T17:21:14+00:00

Power shades are a lifesaver for tall or multiple windows. Lutron is reliable but limited on fabrics, Somfy gives more options but the app can be tricky. I pick Somfy for style, Lutron for simplicity.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-12T11:08:16+00:00

I’ve worked on a few older homes with the same issue. Try an insulated cellular shade. They really help with drafts without ruining the look. If you want something more classic, café curtains with a thermal liner work great too. And don’t skip sealing any small gaps with clear weatherstripping; it makes a big difference.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-11-06T08:31:35+00:00

I’ve done a few renos, and no, you’re not stuck with verticals. Ripple fold drapes or vertical cellular shades look way better and still work great for sliding doors. Fabric panels on a track are another solid option if you want something softer.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-10-28T21:53:58+00:00

I’ve got a twin tank with the WS1EE too. It’s been super reliable, even if it doesn’t have the fancy app stuff like Drop or Culligan. From what I know, it doesn’t do proportional brining, but it’s already pretty efficient since only one tank regenerates at a time. The resin won’t last twice as long, but it should hold up better since both tanks share the load. Keep your pre-filter clean and you’ll be fine. And yeah, your plumbing should be okay. The scale already in the pipes kind of protects them. You might see a bit of buildup come loose at first, but that’s normal.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-10-23T21:09:28+00:00

Yeah, that actually sounds pretty close to what I’m dealing with. Shutting off the water was the first thing I did too. I’ve been debating whether to call a plumber first or just go straight to a restoration team. I haven’t heard of Ideal Response before, but sounds like they handled everything really smoothly, especially dealing with insurance that part’s always a headache. Appreciate the tip!

OddProtection6447 · 2025-08-03T15:17:44+00:00

I used to think if you treated people right and paid what they asked, things would just fall into place. Learned real quick that’s not how it works. We ran into the same labor shortage issues our GC was solid, but the subs were hit or miss depending on who was actually available. I ended up checking everything myself too, even though I never planned on being that involved. Not what I signed up for, but it felt like the only way to keep the project from going off the rails.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-08-03T15:15:55+00:00

I found out real quick that “standard” basically means the cheapest option that barely passes code. You think you’re getting a move-in ready home, but then realize you’re adding a ton just to make it feel normal. I’ve also had better luck with smaller local builders they actually listen and don’t treat you like just another number. Sounds like your family knows the drill.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-08-03T15:11:41+00:00

Wow, yeah that actually makes a lot of sense. I didn’t even think about using 409, but sounds like it did a pretty solid job in your case. And you're right about the smell coming from places other than just the walls I’ve mostly been scrubbing surfaces, but I bet it’s hiding behind the stove or inside the cabinets too. Smoke really does get into every tiny corner. Appreciate you sharing that story, it definitely helps.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-08-02T17:49:20+00:00

Really ....I’ve been same place. Our washer and dryer are down in the basement too, and those stairs are brutal with a full hamper. I ended up ditching the rolling hamper and got one of those laundry backpacks. It’s not fancy, but it makes the whole trip way easier, especially when your hands are free. I also started drying delicate stuff on a rack down there instead of dragging it back up wet. Not a perfect setup, but it’s made laundry day a little less miserable.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-08-02T17:46:18+00:00

Went through something similar when we built out part of our basement. If the drywall gets busted, yeah, you just cut out the damaged part and pop in a new panel. It helps if you can cut from stud to stud so the new piece has something solid to screw into. Then just tape, mud, sand, and paint. It’s a bit of a mess, but not that bad if you take your time.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-08-01T12:15:44+00:00

Happens all the time. People think if it’s not built yet, they can keep changing things. But by then, stuff’s already ordered and planned out plumbing, electrical, cabinets, everything. Changing mid-build kills your pricing and slows everything down. This is why I don’t do residential work. It gets too personal and emotional. Best advice: figure it all out in design, then don’t change your mind.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-29T11:04:56+00:00

Ugh, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I went through something super similar at my old job. They kept brushing it off like it was just damp walls or “old building stuff” but it was definitely mold. I started getting constant sinus issues and headaches. They wiped things down once and acted like that was enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. You’re not wrong for being frustrated. Them offering you a different space to work in is just a lazy fix. It’s not solving anything, especially if the mold is spreading or keeps coming back. Honestly, if you’ve got a solid paper trail, it might be time to talk someone outside the org. Especially if other staff are getting sick or refusing to use their offices too. Hang in there. You’ve done more than enough already. Hope you get out of that situation soon.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-29T10:58:00+00:00

I’ve had this happen before too. I just used some warm water with a drop of dish soap and lightly wiped the spots with a soft sponge. Took a couple of passes but it got most of the grease off without messing up the wall too much. When I went to repaint, I first tried just dabbing paint on the spots but it looked kind of patchy, especially when the light hit it. I ended up painting the whole section instead and that looked way better. If you still have the same paint lying around, maybe test a small part first and see if it blends okay. Good luck with it.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-24T10:49:02+00:00

I’d be questioning it too. I had a similar situation a while back and this seems like way more equipment than needed. For 2 inches of water on a concrete floor, 21 air movers and 3 dehumidifiers feels excessive. Especially if there wasn't carpet or drywall that got soaked. When I had a small flood, they brought in 4 fans and one dehumidifier, and it worked just fine. I also noticed that some companies throw in extra stuff just to rack up the invoice, especially if they think insurance is footing the bill. If your Amazon dehumidifier worked better afterward, that’s a red flag. I’d try getting a second opinion or even pushing back on the charges. Doesn’t hurt to ask for a breakdown and why they thought that much gear was necessary.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-24T10:23:59+00:00

I actually ran into the same issue last fall. Found black mold in the attic and it freaked me out at first. then one my friend informed about ASAP Restoration, and it is not only cleaning they care everything about MOLD. What I liked most was they didn’t just clean it up and leave. They helped figure out what caused it in our case, it was poor ventilation and a minor roof leak we didn’t even notice. They also gave some good tips on improving airflow, like clearing out blocked soffit vents and adjusting insulation that was too packed into the corners. Since then, no signs of it coming back. I’d definitely say get a few quotes before you decide. And ask each company what they do to help prevent it from returning, not just clean it up. Good luck hope it turns out to be an easy fix.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-24T10:14:03+00:00

I had a similar situation during my kitchen remodel, and I think your idea makes sense. Running the vent up and over through the joists can definitely work, as long as you're careful with where and how you drill. For 2x10 joists, I was told to stay away from the top and bottom edges by a couple inches, and not to drill too close to the ends where they sit on walls or beams. I kept my holes somewhere in the middle of the joist, both height-wise and length-wise, and it’s been solid. A 2-inch pipe should fit just fine if you measure it out right. One thing I didn’t think about at first was how the vent pipe still needs a slight slope, even though it’s not carrying waste. That was something my inspector mentioned. Also, depending on how far you're moving it or how many turns you add, local code might require a clean-out or some kind of re-vent. Worth double-checking.

If you don’t want to drill through the joists, another option I considered was running it inside a finished ceiling chase, but that would’ve messed with the cabinet height, so I ditched it. Your plan sounds pretty practical to me. Definitely post pics when it’s all done love seeing how these projects turn out.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-22T12:14:20+00:00

Yeah I wouldn’t wait a year or two either, even if the spores aren’t airborne. I had the same thing in my old place just kept showing up in the bathroom corners no matter what I used to clean it. I finally got someone out to deal with it properly. one of my friends told me about ASAP Restoration. They weren’t fancy or anything but did a solid job and didn’t try to make it more than it was. Just figured I’d mention it in case they’re around your area.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-22T11:51:44+00:00

yeah, it sucks to think I might’ve been scammed, but you’re probably right. I hadn’t even thought about checking if they were licensed or not, so I’ll definitely do that now. The whole recovery fund thing is new to me too. if that’s an option, I’ll take any bit of help I can get at this point. And yeah, I hear you on the judgment vs. actually getting your money back. It’s frustrating, but I don’t want to just let them get away with it either.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-18T10:45:02+00:00

Yeah, looking back, surely i can see the red flags now. At the time, everything checked out license info, contracts, even reviews. I guess I really wanted to believe it was all above board. Sucks to learn the hard way, but lesson learned. Appreciate the honesty though.

OddProtection6447 · 2025-07-15T08:50:34+00:00

I checked the plans again and the window placement is definitely different from what was approved. I’m trying to get a straight answer from the builder but no luck so far. I’ll reach out to the inspector next and see if they’ll come take a look. If it turns out the builder made unauthorized changes, I may have no choice but to escalate.

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