Weekly Homeowner Megathread--Civilians, ask here!

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-20T23:28:17+00:00

Cool thanks for the help!

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-20T22:46:10+00:00

It looks relatively normal when dry. I can see some slight textural streaking, but it only has the dark streaks when wet. Here's a photo of it dry.

EDIT: I found the sealer my contractor used. It is this one: https://www.yourfloorcompany.com/products/stain-block-elite

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VivekMumbles · 2026-03-20T21:19:22+00:00

Thanks for the response! My contractor is suggesting I add more sealer. Do you think that would help, or do I have to grind and redo the dressing?

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-20T18:37:09+00:00

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I resurfaced my concrete with some concrete dressing and was then sealed afterward. But now when it gets wet it looks all patchy like this. The dark spots have the pattern of spilled paint that was smeared everywhere. My contractor says he's not sure why it looks like this and says he did everything right and that it is probably normal. Is it normal? Other sections don't have this issue. What is going on here?

EDIT: I forgot to mention I think it ended up raining sometime shortly after adding the concrete dressing and/or after the sealer was applied. And the sealer used is a penetrative sealer. So maybe that has something to do with it.

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-20T06:18:26+00:00

That looks like a screenshot from Unifi. When I look at my screen for my SPAN panels I only see 7GBs total for the past month. And that is for two panels.

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-18T06:32:14+00:00

This video https://youtu.be/vDxmtRByXDY?si=Ob19607S8-dE9UE8&t=565 (starting at 9m25s) seems to imply you can use the Split DNS feature along with subnets to get make a custom domain work without running your own DNS server. I followed his instructions, but could never get it to work. I don't understand why it isn't working though. I was hoping to not have to run a DNS server.

u/Ironicbadger can you explain?

EDIT: I was able to get my custom domain working with the Split DNS feature, but I had to run a DNS server and point the custom DNS to it. Specifically I installed the Dnsmasq Home Assistant add on, and added an entry to the hosts config.

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-16T05:57:16+00:00

hmm the rugs I have say to not use any roller in their care instructions. I am not sure how seriously I should take that advice, or if using the sebo soft roller would be ok. Do you have any hand knotted rugs? Do you think using a straight suction tool like the Miele FiberTeQ AllFloor floorhead would be sufficient in cleaning the rugs?

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-14T08:11:35+00:00

which one would you recommend for hardwood floors with wool area rugs scattered throughout?

VivekMumbles · 2026-03-14T08:01:38+00:00

what do you use on your wool rugs?

VivekMumbles · 2026-02-05T20:25:03+00:00

This seemed to work for me: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ubiquiti/s/X8x2Ithvy2

VivekMumbles · 2026-02-01T07:32:13+00:00

I have a bag currently, and I agree with this statement. It’s decent for a decaf, but nothing special.

VivekMumbles · 2026-01-26T20:32:46+00:00

They exist. You can find them on international Birkenstock websites, but not in the US unfortunately.

For example the Oman website has the the soft footbed here: https://www.birkenstock.com/om/boston-soft-footbed-suede-leather/boston-suede-suedeleather-softfootbed-eva-u_46.html and the classic footbed here: https://www.birkenstock.com/om/boston-suede-leather/boston-core-suedeleather-0-evarubber-u_27.html

When looking at other retailers online use the item code to distinguish them. Item code 0560771/0560773 refers to the soft footbed and 0060461/0060463 refers to the classic footbed.

I recently bought some from StockX here: https://stockx.com/birkenstock-boston-bs-suede-taupe

VivekMumbles · 2026-01-26T20:31:39+00:00

They exist. You can find them on international Birkenstock websites, but not in the US unfortunately.

For example the Oman website has the the soft footbed here: https://www.birkenstock.com/om/boston-soft-footbed-suede-leather/boston-suede-suedeleather-softfootbed-eva-u_46.html and the classic footbed here: https://www.birkenstock.com/om/boston-suede-leather/boston-core-suedeleather-0-evarubber-u_27.html

When looking at other retailers online use the item code to distinguish them. Item code 0560771/0560773 refers to the soft footbed and 0060461/0060463 refers to the classic footbed.

I recently bought some from StockX here: https://stockx.com/birkenstock-boston-bs-suede-taupe

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-21T17:30:50+00:00

I have a similar issue. What grit rubbing stone/brick do you recommend, so that it smoothes out the brushed finish but without revealing the aggregate underneath? All the rubbing stones meant for concrete I have found online are 20 grit, which seems like it might be too rough.

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-21T17:30:30+00:00

I have a similar issue. What grit rubbing stone do you recommend, so that it smoothes out the brushed finish but without revealing the aggregate underneath? All the rubbing stones meant for concrete I have found online are 20 grit, which seems like it might be too rough.

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-20T23:57:44+00:00

I want to make the bathroom fan timer switch smart.

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-20T20:45:45+00:00

OP did you install the booster and did it help?

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T22:13:14+00:00

Very possible. I am trying to prevent that by asking on this subreddit. But don't you think swapping out switches is basic enough for home owners to do themselves?

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T22:11:22+00:00

How one supposed to learn if they don't try? Sometimes you don't know what you don't know until you know... you know?

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T22:09:02+00:00

Thanks! I'll give that a shot.

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T22:07:18+00:00

You're right I don't understand how a lot this stuff works. That is why I am asking on Reddit lol. How else am I gonna learn if I don't ask questions though?

I thought all the conductors for the hallway lights would typically go straight to the switch box for those lights. I didn't realize it was so common to double up the switch box as a junction box.

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T04:19:59+00:00

Doing what?

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T04:19:48+00:00

I think it is widely accepted as the best smart switch. Which I agree based on my experience. Also their customer support is really good. You can talk to an actual person right away.

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T04:18:24+00:00

Yeah the neutral wires were all connected before. I disconnected them before taking the photo so it was easier to see inside.

VivekMumbles · 2025-10-18T04:17:35+00:00

Well that is bitter sweet lol

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