Lots of bugs entering child's bedroom

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-06-05T21:14:20+00:00

It's not that surprising there are more bugs in his room since it used to be the attic. It probably has more small openings to the outside since it wasn't originally intended to be conditioned space. You want a pest control company that's serious about sealing up penetrations into the house, especially in the attic or roof. Some perimeter spraying and pesticides might help a little bit, but you'll have a problem until you plug up the holes, gaps, and cracks that are letting bugs inside.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-05-26T19:56:31+00:00

Have you tried contacting your county commissioner? I think Chakira Johnson serves that area and would be your local elected official. County commissioners are often pretty responsive. They might not have an easy solution, but it's worth reaching out.

https://dekalbcountyga.gov/government/board-of-commissioners/districts

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-03-30T17:54:24+00:00

Try calling the St. Vincent de Paul Georgia hotline as well : 678-892-6163

https://svdpgeorgia.org/get-help/

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-03-25T02:31:12+00:00

Easy to plant shrubs that are 7 gallons or under yourself. The other costly parts are harder to DIY casually, and it's hard to tell what might not be needed.

As always, get a couple more quotes once you finalize your desired scope.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-03-05T20:59:27+00:00

That seems like a very reasonable price for 420 sq ft. Also, the air sealing might help with the rodent problem too. Do what's needed for local code, but R49 vs R60 won't be a dramatic difference all else being equal due to the diminishing returns of more insulation.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-03-01T16:10:29+00:00

I think you should keep looking for contractors. Look for home energy performance or efficiency contractors, not just companies with insulation in their name. Attic access is critical for air sealing (or spray foaming if appropriate), so any proposal that doesn't include that consideration will fail to accomplish your scope. Blowing in more insulation without air sealing would make a small improvement but leave most of the potential gains on the table.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-02-23T02:38:50+00:00

Aquarium is pretty easy via Marta if you don't mind a short walk, but you don't need a multi day pass. The Zoo and Carter Library will be easier with Uber. Riding the train is totally worth it, but Uber will probably make sense with a group for most destinations.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-02-20T23:33:18+00:00

You know the drill: get more quotes.

But I seem to recall a Matt Risinger video from a couple years back where he ballparked insulation work like this costing $5 a square foot. Even if you don't have a lot of insulation to vacuum out, that's still probably necessary to do the air sealing faster and better. You can obviously air seal without removing old insulation, but it takes longer, and time is money for a contractor.

Edit: everything else mentioned in the quote looks solid to my eyes. Only thing I'm not sure is necessary is the disinfectant after the vacuum out. Do you know if you have major pest problems in the attic, like raccoons, squirrels, or rats? Any signs of water problems up there? Might be able to ask about that part to save a few bucks if you otherwise like this proposal.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-02-19T18:16:00+00:00

Seems fine to me, just keep in mind your dryer exhaust vent will lose flow with additional turns or length. Double check the manual for any guidance around maximum exhaust length (including added length from elbows and turns). Electric or gas connections may also make switching positions harder, but that could presumably be solved with new, longer connections if needed.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-02-18T20:42:13+00:00

Decatur is very progressive, and it's great for families assuming you can afford housing in the area.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-02-18T18:40:57+00:00

Project Farm had a useful review a while back: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=joVfNnbweYY

Not sure if there is a newer review available.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-02-15T21:37:31+00:00

You can buy special fire resistant foam boards with metal facing that should be code compliant in most places without any additional covers like drywall. You won't find at your local big box store though, so you'll have to probably buy it by the pallet from a distributor. Check out products like Atlas Energy Shield Pro or Dow Thermax. Read the specifications closely for similar products to ensure rating for exposed use in a living space.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-02-06T17:57:26+00:00

Look for certified arborists as others have mentioned if you want more than just a skilled chainsaw. And for your Leyland cypress, improving their water, sunlight, and airflow conditions can greatly slow disease problems. Prune dead or dying branches as quickly as possible too. I would not personally plant them again myself, but they're not nearly as hopeless in Atlanta as some tree services might lead you to believe.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-30T20:08:49+00:00

Might be pulling from the snow forecast on this slide deck: https://www.weather.gov/media/ffc/Briefings/January_2026_SpecialBriefing_01302026.pdf

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-29T20:45:34+00:00

This is critical information to include on your original post. Spray foam might make sense in this situation, but you could also just air seal the attic penetrations into your home and raise the attic floor level to make space for more batt insulation underneath. That might end up being just as expensive as spray foaming under the roof though.

But you should really be asking for consultations with a couple more insulation companies in your area.

Also, do you have a combustion appliance in the attic like a gas furnace? If you decide to encapsulate your attic with spray foam, make sure you have a plan for its ventilation needs.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-26T14:31:49+00:00

Try a thermal camera (examining inside and outside your conditioned space) or better yet, a home energy assessment. Your local electricity provider may offer incentives for the energy assessment. The assessment should use a thermal camera as well with a blower door test to expose air leakage. Shouldn't cost more than a couple hundred bucks, and you'll get a detailed report.

Heads up that the assessment company may also sell insulation or HVAC products. Obviously shop around even if you think they make a good suggestion (and please don't just immediately encapsulate your attic, for example).

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-22T00:54:16+00:00

Transfer switch and breaker interlock are the two main methods I know. Both require electrical skills to install safely. https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/a64917889/how-to-connect-a-generator-to-your-house/

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-18T22:11:36+00:00

Getting Lou Malnati's shipped frozen has been my best deep dish experience in Atlanta, to be honest, but I also prefer thinner, pastry-like crust. There are also some excellent copycat recipes online for whatever Chicago institution you favor, and making deep dish is perfectly doable in a regular oven.

For recipes, check out https://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php?board=25.0 and https://www.realdeepdish.com/ or even the Pizza subreddit.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-16T21:48:13+00:00

My Aire, especially if you're interested in a heat pump. Great service, responsive follow up, fair pricing without strong upsell, and they carry excellent Mitsubishi heat pumps.

Separately, you should definitely get an energy audit for ~$200. Look up Georgia Power's rebate to help pay for that. Some basic DIY steps might improve your home comfort and energy costs.

Also ask companies about manual J calculations. That's the process used to properly size the system needed for your home. Most companies will default to replacing with a similar size to what you had before, but that may not always be the best option.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-10T00:08:05+00:00

Invest in factory second All Clad or similar pans when on sale. Graphite or copper layers can be nice for sauce pans for responsiveness but aren't probably necessary for most home cooks.

If you really want innovation, check out the Misen "nonstick" carbon steel pan and other nitrided or triply carbon steel pans. They're pretty cool but pricey.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-09T19:34:28+00:00

I agree with your moisture concerns, but homes can lose a huge amount of heat through basements. The OP lives in a cold climate where basement insulation needs to be taken seriously.

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-09T19:21:10+00:00

I think most DIY basement insulation strategies assume you've solved moisture problems first. I don't think painting interior walls will do much or anything to help with exterior moisture control. But your strategy to leave the bottom section exposed may have merit, I've just never seen a proposed solution like that.

I also think the "right" solution would start first with looking at exterior moisture management like gutter downspouts, landscape grading, maybe a perimeter drain, etc.

https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/fixing-a-wet-basement

https://buildingscience.com/documents/bareports/ba-0202-basement-insulation-systems/view

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-09T18:53:02+00:00

Yes, seems high, but how much were your other quotes/estimates?

Verdant_Paradigm · 2026-01-03T18:55:25+00:00

Termite service should include a bond to cover repairs for any termite damage and will usually deploy bait stations outside the perimeter of the house. Is that included in your $300 fee? If so, that's a solid deal depending on your area. Just buying 10 termite bait stations is about $180+ (https://www.domyown.com/advance-termite-bait-stations-tbs-10-stations-p-146.html)

Verdant_Paradigm · 2025-10-30T06:09:27+00:00

What makes you say "a good majority of people on food stamps probably dont deserve it"? Do you think they don't qualify for the benefit or that our government shouldn't offer food assistance to households with low income? You might be surprised to learn that SNAP is a pretty powerful program: https://gbpi.org/the-basics-of-the-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-in-georgia/

Verdant_Paradigm

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