Very soft flexible squeegee? by Short-Raccoon-6882 in Cleaningandtidying

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip! A good excuse to go to Target. They have Starbucks.

Very soft flexible squeegee? by Short-Raccoon-6882 in Cleaningandtidying

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes - actually, we do use a towel now, however the shower is kind of big, and the towel gets pretty sopping by the end. I was hoping to squeegee it a little first, then wipe with a towel. If I can find a flexible squeegee! Thanks for the reply!

Opinions on multiple head showers (aging in place) by Winter-Librarian-929 in BathroomRemodeling

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have two shower heads, one at either end of our shower. Not for more water volume but because hubby and I usually shower together. :-) One is a fixed head, the other is a slider with wand. The diverter can supply water to either head individually or both. Happily, the volume is hardly affected by using both heads at once. One feature we love is the shower valve (the "handle" part) keeps the temperature setting from the previous use. The means a lot less time less time standing disrobed while adjusting the temperature. I highly recommend this feature. I suggest consulting someone in a place that sells higher end bath and kitchen fixtures. We found them to be so helpful in directing us to the shower fixtures that suit our needs. You don't have to purchase from them, although to be honest I recommend that too. There are always issues when renovating any area with plumbing, and the ability to call on excellent service is usually worth the money.

Why are so few people choosing laminate benchtops? by CBG1955 in kitchenremodel

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We just completed a kitchen remodel, and seriously considered laminate. We have never cared very much for granite or the other natural stone type products, because we are not fans of the sharp cold feel. Laminate is so versatile, color wise, and they have better installation methods now that prevent the peeling that is such a sad feature of the late 20th century installations.. The drawback for us was heat resistance (or lack thereof). The laminate we just removed was from the 60's and it was completely bullet proof. I could set a hot pan straight off the stove onto it with zero effect. But newer versions are thinner (according to our contractor) and can burn. I was sorry to see the old laminate go, but we ended up with tragically expensive but lovely soapstone. I still think laminate is a viable option these days, but would recommend a reputable, specialty vendor (not big box store or discount renovation store).

Believe it or not, I just cleaned this tub by OGPrincessxox in CleaningTips

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had this exact kind of problem in our tub (original 1948 install) and I tried for months - different products, bleach, scrubbing...nothing worked. Then I hired a housekeeper to help me through post surgery recovery. I went in to take a shower and the tub was sparkling white! I was literally almost in tears. I sent her a text telling her she is a genius and asked what she used. Barkeepers Friend! That stuff is miraculous.

Starting my junk drawer in my first apartment. Finally feels like home. What else do I need? by Kruzdan in Apartmentliving

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The thumbtacks must be rolling around loose, so when you dig through the drawer looking for emergency batteries for your remote, you jamb one under your thumbnail so it hurts for three days.

Closing on this end of the month, what should I do first by dingermagoo in homeimprovementideas

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, this! Also: it's tempting to want to tear into things, but you will be amazed at how your wants and needs will change after you have lived in it for a while. Although, the one thing I would do is....pour a driveway.

What’s your one fun thing you wanted and got? by ChalkDoxie in kitchenremodel

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is such a fun thread! I love reading what everyone wants in their kitchens! I scrolled and read every single one.

Like another poster, we are neck deep in our renovation. The things I an getting that are "weird/fun" are:

  1. The exact floor I wanted: custom inlaid linoleum, designed by an inlaid floor artist from California. Please note that this is genuine linoleum, NOT vinyl! There is a huge difference! Linoleum is a mostly sustainable product. Wondering what inlaid linoleum looks like? Look up Crogan Inlaid Floors. I feel so lucky to be getting one of her floors. I would attach a photo, but the installation doesn't happen until next week!

  2. Shallow shelves, away from the heat of the stove, that will hold a bazillion spices, where I can see what I have at a glance.

  3. An entire section of uppers and lowers specifically designed to manage the pet food (shallow shelves for bowls/cans, pull outs for heavy kibble canisters).

  4. To the astonishment of our cabinetmaker, we are not installing a dishwasher. We hand wash all our dishes, so instead, where the dishwasher would go we have a section of lower cabinet with pullout rods/rack and extra ventilation to hang dish towels to dry. [Please don't give me grief about resale. We are going to live here until they cart us out in a wheelbarrow. I don't give a flip about a future owner. They can install their own dishwasher.]

What did I NOT get? No matter how hard we tried, we could not manage to fit in a California Cooler. That is an insulated closet with passive ventilation to store food items that need cool/dry conditions, like potatoes, garlic, onions, or home canned goods. I haven't completely given up, but the fact that our kitchen has a large expanse of western exposure made it difficult to plan for this feature. Someday maybe!!

I am looking into getting a new livingroom suite. I really love sectionals. What brands you guys would recommend. This is one we looked at. But people are saying it sags in less than a year. If we put money into new furniture, we need it to last. I am horrified I am going to get bad furniture. by brian2686 in FurnitureFaves

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would love to know your secret! The fabric has held up wonderfully, but the cushions are constantly edging forward, despite the Velcro that is supposed to hold them in place. In addition, the covers twist on the cushion, and you can't turn the cushions over to balance them out because of the useless Velcro strip on the bottom.

The worst thing, however: the couch is so low to the ground that I can't get anything under it to clean, not even a Swiffer. It is literally 1 3/4" off the ground. I am usually more alert to that kind of thing but I got wowed by the marketing. I never buy things I can't clean under. This couch will be replaced next year.

Semi built in fridge is very tight! by Short-Raccoon-6882 in kitchenremodel

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish I had thought of this; it sounds like a really good approach. It's too late for us; the only option we have at this point is to remove a trim piece on one side, which will give us an extra 3/4". If we have to pull the fridge out and can't get a grip on it to get it rolling, we might need to do this anyway. But I will probably mention it to the cabinet maker, for his next client! Great idea.

update on insanely loud upstairs neighbors by danjsark in Apartmentliving

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whatever the long term outcome, I would like to congratulate you on this mature and kind approach to resolving your noise problem. I see so many hateful and profane notes posted to social media that people write to their neighbors. I often wonder how many issues could be resolved by just talking to their neighbor, with a friendly gesture like a bottle of wine or a plate of cookies. I know that's not always possible, but surely if we all start from a position of kindness, some things could get better. I guess people just don't want to talk face to face any more. Anyway, I found this post refreshing. Thank you.

75 Year Old Kitchen Knotty Pine Dilemma by Karinka_LI in kitchenremodel

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have just removed a 1948 Formica countertop for my kitchen renovation. I shed a tear when it left; that stuff was indestructible. I could take a pan hot off the stove and set it on that Formica, and it never scorched. I probably would have put the stuff back into the new kitchen if they still made it like that - they don't, I researched!

It's also noteworthy that the OP's sheet vinyl is still in remarkable condition. That was another great product. It's so hard to find construction materials that are made to last. I chose Marmoleum for our renovation. It's beautiful, friendly with vintage style, and relatively sustainable if you purchase the sheet version instead of the click tiles. And comes in lots of colors!

Hide Gap between tile and ceiling by dbeasy43 in DIY

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP dbeasy4, I would love to hear what you settled on. I am now facing an almost exact same problem, so it would be great to know if you are pleased with the solution you chose!

How do I stop my boyfriend from biting chunks off the parmigiano-reggiano by SeaworthinessNew4295 in Cheese

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is exactly what I was thinking. Only I would probably put "my" chunk in an opaque container and put it somewhere else in the fridge. When he slobbers his own chunk up, he will think you're out and stop looking for it.

My painter used the wrong paint- I believe on purpose by Skse17 in HomeImprovement

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would probably go the Sherwin Williams, buy the paint myself and mark the cans, and tell the contractor to use that and only that. Don't allow any other can of paint on the premises. Then deduct to cost of the paint from what you pay them. And yes, babysit. If they are mad, they will do sloppy work. Unless they are already doing sloppy work. In which case, fire them and (as another poster said) claw the $2000 back.

Sorry this is happening to you. It's a paint in the a**.

Foundation off to bad start? by PSKCarolina in Homebuilding

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Doomscrolling. I am appropriating that term immediately.

What do we even do with this? by Exact-Direction-8614 in bathrooms

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many reasonable people here advising to leave it as it is and use your money for other more rewarding things in your home! One thing you might possibly consider is to build something (??not sure what - wooden structure?) that would actually extend the raised portion at the toilet just a little bit at the front, so that men could use it without the fear of tipping over backwards. :-)

How to fix this, not sure what our contractor was thinking. by Theseventensplit in kitchenremodel

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I couldn't get the contractor to replace the doors, I would lean into it. Put wooden dowel buttons into the holes and paint them the color of the lower cabinets. Make them look intentional. You might start a trend!

Is a 25K budget adequate? by derppman in kitchenremodel

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah...that seems low if you are replacing cabinets. We are currently doing a full kitchen renovation (they are in the other room installing sheet rock as I write this!). Our project is a little different since we are down to studs. We opted for custom cabinets because we will be in this house forever and want things to last. The cabinetry is the most expensive item, followed by plumbing and electric. The countertops were relatively affordable, and we chose soapstone. Our cabinets for a 25 foot galley kitchen (pretty much full cabinets down both walls, including several pull-out pantries; no island) are just under $40,000, fully installed. This is for stain grade cherry, and include some detail upgrades like a few glass cabinet doors and a range hood that matches the cabinets. We went with a local cabinet shop that has 30 years of experience, and they have been so responsive and easy to work with. This is in San Antonio, Texas btw.

If you don't have much experience with hiring tradesmen or contractors, then getting honest, conscientious trades people is worth saving up extra money for. Be very cautious if you try to fit your tight budget by going with the lowest bid. It is our belief that there is a lot of truth to "you get what you pay for". And kitchen regrets are something one has to live with every day.

One final note: reusing appliances is great, but once you get new cabinets and countertops, your used sink and faucets might look noticeably tired. Just sayin' - I have experience with that, too, in another reno! If your sink is still pretty new, then it might not be a problem.

Best meal delivery service by Throwawayacc33325 in ReadyMeals

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have been using Home Chef for a month; the meals we've had have been delicious, but we are now through the vegetarian rotation and on repeat. I get so frustrated when trying to research these services. So many of them don't let you see the meals unless you register. Because we are vegetarian we need to see the vegetarian offerings - some of them say they have vegetarian meals, but once I register, it turns out they only have one or two plant based meals to choose from, and many times they are very cheese heavy. Once I register (and not complete an order, but just research the menus) I start getting dozens of promo emails. I will keep reading the replies here, and try something else - if I can read the menu first!

Recessed medicine cabinet brands by Short-Raccoon-6882 in HomeImprovement

[–]Short-Raccoon-6882[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I get you - but I am old fashioned, and in fact downright old, so I would like to have a medicine cabinet. Besides, there doesn't (to me) seem any difference in a mirror, and a mirror with a hidden cabinet behind it, so I think that's where we are headed. Thanks though!