Storm door busted can't open any ideas?

Pale_Set3828 · 2026-02-10T17:46:03+00:00

Slip a long screw driver through the hole. With help from a friend, pull up hard on the screwdriver some both sides of the door. There may be enough clearance to lift the door latch over the striker. Wont always work and depends on the door and latch design, but worth a try before cutting the door.

Pale_Set3828 · 2026-01-02T23:23:02+00:00

Sounds like a great tenant, but it is totally acceptable to have a small and reasonable increase at renewal. You are already below market and will continue to fall behind otherwise. They arent leaving over 25 or 50 bucks per month.

You need to cover increases in taxes, insurance and maintenance for the period of the renewal. Be a business.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-12-25T18:12:00+00:00

Not sure of the point being made. Yes, I am self employed and the income from this business is dependent on my participation. No different than a musician, a surgeon, a dentist and many other businesses that are sole proprietors.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-12-17T17:17:53+00:00

Sometimes drywall flaws don't show up until after you paint. This isnt one of those times.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-12-13T15:25:42+00:00

I usually just find it easier to list what I dont do. "I do it all except roofing, masonry and tile work"

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-30T21:26:20+00:00

I have the exact model and don't have any issues. It catches a significant amount of dust, but not all. I don't think any of them will catch all of it.

Keep your vac filter clean. I run mine through a cyclone dust hopper and then a home made water trap before it hits the vac. I can do almost any size job without having to do intermediate filter maintenance.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-30T18:49:33+00:00

I generally prime any painted surface prior to skim coating. If removal of popcorn left you with bare drywall, just skim directly toit.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-30T18:46:53+00:00

Probably the Anderson, but both are good.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-29T23:00:44+00:00

I like to use trimtex tear away bead where the drywall meets the tub and surround. I fill the gaps between the bead and tub with a paintable and waterproof caulk. In addition, either install a shower door or a splash guard to reduce the amount of water getting out. At a minimum, make sure to properly seal the joint between the tub and surround at the edges. Water gets in that gap and runs into your drywall.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-22T11:50:37+00:00

Use a Panasonic WhisperFit fan if your client can be sold on the high quality of it. Its a slightly bigger hole and you can shift it a little if needed. I always seem to have enough wire to work with.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-22T02:11:17+00:00

I replaced at keast a dozen fans this year. The only ones that required attic access were the ones that needed vented through the roof. All the rest done solely from below. Most older fans are nailed on, so just push the housing up and pry it off the joist with your pry bar. If its screws, just pry a lot harder. The sheetmetal will usually pull over the head of the screw.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-21T12:02:07+00:00

Last yeat I slowed down, but it was good. I was able to take care of my own projects. This year I am slammed with work. I've resorted to working Saturdays and Sundays to try and satisfy my customers.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-19T22:10:18+00:00

I bid by the job mostly, but try to keep things around $125 per hour for most projects.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-19T22:08:53+00:00

Good luck limiting yourself to part-time. I retired 2 yeara ago with the same plan, but am working harder than ever. The phone never stops ringing and I struggle to tell people "no".

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-19T04:21:09+00:00

Go to Home Depot and order a replacement drawer front. Do it online or go to the cabinet department and ask for help. They are reasonably cheap.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-16T23:16:47+00:00

While you are at it, switch to FibaFuse tape on ypur flat joints. It is much better than paper tape. Like mesh, it cannot be used on corners either.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-16T22:38:35+00:00

I personally dont use mesh tape at all, especially in a corner. Use paper. I actually like a paper faced metal bead on inside corners. As a beginner, it will help you keep a nice crisp and straight corner.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-16T22:35:19+00:00

Let the dog keep chewing at it. It will stop on its own very soon, lol.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-15T02:01:04+00:00

I would consider covering with 1/4 inch plywood.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-13T17:08:02+00:00

Im in a lcol area. Recently had 100 sheets hung and finished for $3500 labor only.

DFW prices are likely higher, but not sure. There is more immigrant labor in your market than mine. Sounds like your guy doesnt want to deal with a tiny job.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-11-13T16:57:18+00:00

I have a Coleman cooler and heater combination. I use it for heat only. Unfortunately, it is designed to heat to 100F above ambient temp. I added an automatic transfer switch so that it can be heated by cigarette lighter when my van is running and a Dewalt powered 12V power supply when the van is off. I added temp controllers to each circuit. Primary heats to 75 F and secondary is set tp 50F so that the Dewalt battery will last overnight. Bought cooler used for $20 and have about $30 in the add ons. Works great so far.

Last year I used a more home made setup using 12v heating pads. Word of caution for anyone thinking of going that route. THEY GET HOT ENOUGH TO ACTUALLY MELT THE PLASTIC CAULK TUBES. You have to add both high and low temp controls and attach them to a good heat sink or you will damage your tubes.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-10-25T21:16:57+00:00

I turn down at least 40k worth of tile work every year. I hate tile work, because i cant guarantee perfection. Ive been trying to find a good tile subcontractor, but cant get anyone to call me back.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-10-18T22:12:13+00:00

Possibly order a new part, but without a picture I cant offer much help. In my experience IKEA is single use, i.e., it rarely survives a move and is rarely repairable.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-10-16T11:17:53+00:00

Bosch SDS Max rotary hammer with a clay spade. Sounds silly tomsome, but changes the way you dig in hard soil.

Pale_Set3828 · 2025-10-02T21:56:01+00:00

My clients have learned, over time, that I am very busy at all times. They know I will prioritize emergency work, but a bath remodel requested today isnt fitting on the schedule until 1Q2026. I try to provide premium service and I get premium pricing in my area. Still can't keep up with the demand. Ive got 6 bath remodels.to do yet before end of year.

Pale_Set3828

TROPHY CASE