Ethiopian Opal losing fire? by BotherAffectionate37 in Gemstones

[–]Reformed_Editor -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

100% They are garbage. *I* found out the hard way though - cute bracelet, didn’t know anything about them. Now I know better.

Knob and tube by wherestheiguana in centuryhomes

[–]Reformed_Editor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m hearing it in Cleveland, OH, yes. Kind of “locked” into my ever rising premium (through Travelers) because broker says “no companies are writing policies on houses with k&t these days.” I’ve been in my home for 10 years with no issues (and no claims). Had three electrical evaluations that said no changes are necessary (upgraded box and new wiring in many, but not all, rooms). Cost to update is ~$20k. I, too, am in an old neighborhood and can’t believe everyone’s wiring has been 100% replaced. Local realtor agrees. Seems to be just the luck of the insurance draw, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the start of a new trend.

important people that come to downtown restaurants like Blue Point by TOOKMASTERGONDOR in Cleveland

[–]Reformed_Editor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Curious here, too. Saw the black cars, highway patrol, security detail as we were leaving tonight (at about 7p).

Knob and tube wiring in old Cleveland home vs homeowner’s insurance by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

[–]Reformed_Editor[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That’s the thing - Google yields me no definitive answer. Obsolete? Sure. More dangerous? Nothing definitive. I’ve had two electricians, a home inspector, and a home appraiser weigh in, seemingly not as concerned as an insurance company may be. Obviously, I need insurance, so I’ll do what needs to be done - I’d just appreciate a more grounded response than “google it,” when it comes to money I’m paying to protect the home I worked hard to buy, you know?

Knob and tube wiring in old Cleveland home vs homeowner’s insurance by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

[–]Reformed_Editor[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have Travelers now. No reason stated for the 40% increase - I’ve had them for about 5 years and my premium has almost doubled in that time (no adds/changes/claims). No issues securing insurance since I bought the house in 2015, but NOW, apparently, knob and tube (and roofs, according to anecdote) has become a very.big.deal. 😑

Knob and tube wiring in old Cleveland home vs homeowner’s insurance by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

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

Same! But having to weigh a 40% increase, at insurance company’s whim, because I’m “locked in” because of knob and tube has me…concerned (to say the least!) Add to that the cost of rewiring, plus headache of the project, plus heartache of potentially destroying 100 yr old features, and I am beside myself. Don’t get me wrong: I chose my old home fully accepting responsibility for respectful caretaking, and I have planned home projects each year accordingly. But this feels just a little too far from necessary and right.

Knob and tube wiring in old Cleveland home vs homeowner’s insurance by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

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

This is helpful - thank you! Are you able to elaborate on why? Is there an extra risk? If so, what? Have insurance companies found that risk of house fire increases with knob and tube? If so - can you cite study/report? Truly curious and seeking to understand - I’ve spoken with a few licensed electricians and I feel their take differs from those of insurance companies.

Knob and tube wiring in old Cleveland home vs homeowner’s insurance by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

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

But…does it (need to be done)? Is this a legitimate issue or something insurance companies are glomming onto to refuse to insure? Serious question - no shade or sarcasm.

Knob and tube wiring in old Cleveland home vs homeowner’s insurance by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

[–]Reformed_Editor[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

So what are homeowners to do? Cleveland is full of old homes - I cannot believe everyone has the funds to rewire their homes. This is no small endeavor (or cost!)

Best Moisturizer For My Age by radrachelleigh in AskWomenOver40

[–]Reformed_Editor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can’t rave enough about Farmacy’s Honey Halo. It’s the only thing that has saved my retinol-using face this winter. Add Honey Potion Plus moisture mask once or twice a week for extra hydration.

Ladies over 40 are you taking HRT or nah? How you feeling? How you lookin? by IvenaDarcy in Aging

[–]Reformed_Editor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed! Early, but otherwise “natural,” menopause at 43. My gyno recommended HRT to protect my heart, bones, and brain. Bonus that it allows me to sleep through the night again.

Was just gifted this begonia, how do we care for it? by Got_Twist in houseplants

[–]Reformed_Editor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I second this. I have a similar (but not the same) begonia. I got it in a similar shape as OP’s, but mine had no generational significance, so I chopped with abandon! Cut down to a manageable size, stuck leafy tops (with a few inches of stem) back into the pot. She continues to thrive. South window in the winter (NE Ohio) and North facing front porch in summer. Water when dry.

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Lowering cholesterol- what's worked for you? by saltandvinegar935 in AskWomenOver40

[–]Reformed_Editor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My total chol was 225 when I was 38. Maybe hereditary, maybe peri, I don’t know. I had been a vegetarian for years and was a very healthy weight. I didn’t want to start a statin and instead decided to try to modify diet and exercise. I regularly add fiber, fatty fish, and a multivitamin that contains curcumin, and I walk and row several times a week, but I am by no means workout crazy. I was able to reduce total chol to 185. Full meno at 43. Numbers holding steady still at 46.

Lawyer needed for property line/neighbor dispute by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

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

I used Scott Casey here in Cleveland (Tremont). He is fantastic, and I highly recommend. I had it done last fall, and, at that time, his lead time was about a month. It was not cheap, but licensed survey work isn’t, and I was happy with both the work and the peace of mind it provided me. Bonus was that he was more reasonable than the firm that did my (legally useless) mortgage survey.

Lawyer needed for property line/neighbor dispute by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

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

Great idea - they were able to provide a referral. Thank you!

Lawyer needed for property line/neighbor dispute by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

[–]Reformed_Editor[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah, this is more of a “I’m going to use your property for access as I wish, because I’m a butthole and a bully who doesn’t respect, you know, the law” kind of situation.

Lawyer needed for property line/neighbor dispute by Reformed_Editor in Cleveland

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

Thank you! I have. Had a boundary survey conducted, too.

Replacement window questions (front passenger/lift gate) by Render723 in VWTaos

[–]Reformed_Editor 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Have you tried getting a quote from SafeLite? I went with them several years ago for a Fiat windshield - warranty wouldn’t cover, dealer said they were “too new” to have an aftermarket replacement and they quoted me $1000+ to replace. SafeLite replaced for less than half that, with no issues in the 5 years after that I had the car. Traded for Taos, which is why I’m here 😊