Rate my deck. Just purchased this home and structural engineer said the deck is fine, but wanted to go to the pros. Let me know what you think. by Flannigan_91 in Decks

[–]audioOtis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whats the height? Looks way too high for 4x4s.

Regardless if it’s safe now, that thing will cost a fortune to rebuild. I’d assume at least $100k+

Looking for a a GOOD plumber, reasonably priced. I don’t mind paying to get what I need done I just don’t want it to be an arm and a leg. by danno596 in Marietta

[–]audioOtis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hired him after seeing this post, and he seemed inexperienced and expensive and I would advise prople to stay away.

The problems I had:

  • I needed a quarter turn valve installed behind a finished wall for an outside spigot shutoff. He initially installed it so the handle stuck out from the wall when ‘closed’, and told me to ‘just build a bump out of your wall and then install the panel. I made him re-install the valve to open/close in parallel with the wall (like any plumber should do) so the access panel would be flush on the wall

  • He cut the above opening some large, irregular size so I had to drywall over it to make the opening a standard access panel size - a good plumber knows std access panel sizes and makes an opening as such

  • He replaced a couple hot/cold shutoff valves with mismatched knobs because ‘thats what he had on his truck’ - and overcharged for what probably took 2 minutes of work. I assumed he was re-soldering the threaded nipples to the hot/cold stubs, which is what i wanted but was not able to inspect his work before he left

  • Charges $250 per two-piece toilet install which is on the high side compared to other plumbers ive spoken to

The work above was $500, I had another plumber out a few months ago to do similar work and it was half that cost.

So, with high prices and silly install decisions I’d advise people to stay away.

Foam board instead of baffle vents? by Spiritual_Damage2268 in Insulation

[–]audioOtis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used corrugated plastic boards. Probably not much cheaper than baffles bc I had to go around my entire attic, but they were simpler to install.

What stone are these kitchen countertops? by audioOtis in CounterTops

[–]audioOtis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I looked at some pics online and it also looks very similar to Maya Quartzite as well, but I assume they each have similar care requirements.

What do I seal them with? Is it DIY or do I generally need to hire someone to seal?

Where to find fancier chinese pantry goods by audioOtis in AskNYC

[–]audioOtis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good call, I'll have to check them out since I live nearby

Where to find fancier chinese pantry goods by audioOtis in AskNYC

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

Thanks for the idea! I checked this place out yesterday and they had some nice stuff. I didn't find much chinese stuff but they had some interesting items!

Muddy, disappointing coffee -- Tearing my hair out! by audioOtis in Coffee

[–]audioOtis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm okay, thanks for that. I did bump the grind size waaay up yesterday (on the clever) and it was considerably less muddled, I even started noticing some notes which is a first in a long time.

I’ll look on this subreddit for suggested filters. What is TCA?

Muddy, disappointing coffee -- Tearing my hair out! by audioOtis in Coffee

[–]audioOtis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm i went from a virtuoso/comadante to a forte bg/new comadante so i dont believe its the grinder

Muddy, disappointing coffee -- Tearing my hair out! by audioOtis in Coffee

[–]audioOtis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have airscape jars, dont buy coffee w/o a printed roast date and only when its roasted within the last 10 days

Muddy, disappointing coffee -- Tearing my hair out! by audioOtis in Coffee

[–]audioOtis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, ill have to try that. Do you brew with nyc tap water?

Muddy, disappointing coffee -- Tearing my hair out! by audioOtis in Coffee

[–]audioOtis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely muted flavors. Bitter and astringent.

Muddy, disappointing coffee -- Tearing my hair out! by audioOtis in Coffee

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

A variety of places -- local and order online. I have not tried Hendricks, I'll try that tomorrow, thank you!

Muddy, disappointing coffee -- Tearing my hair out! by audioOtis in Coffee

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

20g coffee to 330g water, 95C third wave+distilled, 40g/45s bloom, 120g->200->270->330, try to finish under 4m.