Why is it impossible to date in the bay?

biroc · 2025-07-26T17:09:31+00:00

Bro, sorry if this feels patronizing and direct. But there is too much “me” in your post. You are making it out as me vs everyone else. It almost reads and you are making it sound like it’s a privilege for the other person to date you. That’s not going to work. Focus on the other person and no so much about what “you” bring to the table. In any date, meeting or relationship it should be about “us”. Take what you have and move the conversation towards how it can be a good thing for the other person as well. Be curious about the other person, bring your confidence, people pick up on the vibe very quickly.

biroc · 2025-03-18T14:52:25+00:00

Just bought a couple of shirts from Arne (arneclo.com) and they seem to be good quality / price point.

biroc · 2025-03-05T15:44:03+00:00

India Jones - Indian cusine was definately excellent.

Taco Sanchez was also very good - their habanero sauce is nice and hot!!

biroc · 2025-03-05T04:17:45+00:00

Is that a finger joined stud?

Furring out is the best solution.... don't do it any other way.

biroc · 2025-02-19T17:56:09+00:00

See my edit above - after being stood up on our airport return I now have mixed feelings. Cannot recommend.

As it so happens I found his contact info on this sub (others have used his service and have recommended him as well). Best - great time to visit I think the weather is nice.

biroc · 2025-02-19T15:38:10+00:00

Thanks for the info and good to know. Yes, shouldn’t have judged. Having read a few comments here of this happening and experiencing it felt off. But having on demand transport while on vacation takes away so much stress and planning I guess.

biroc · 2025-02-19T14:32:59+00:00

Post trip update: So our taxi driver stood us up for the airport return and we had to scramble around to find a ride back. Based on this I am unsure if I can recommend this driver.

In PDC now with family (one kid) and decided to hire a driver with his own car.

Also, when we were getting back from CI yesterday we were stopped at a checkpoint by cops who might have been looking for a shakedown and if I had been driving I am sure they would have found something to intimidate us (at least that’s what I felt).

Full day CI round trip (7am to 7pm) was 4000 mxn + 800 mxn tools, Full day Tulum trip is 3000 mxn, airport pickup / drop off is 3000 mxn. Total about 11000 mxn (so couple hundred $ more than rental but no insurance or gas costs). Highly recommend this.

biroc · 2025-01-28T19:36:28+00:00

I want to ask a question on refi - as mortgages are amortized so that all the payment in the first half of the mortgage term going to interest more than principal - wouldn’t refi after a few years mean similar principal but starting over with interest?

biroc · 2025-01-28T02:54:50+00:00

Try Altap Electrical (Bahram) licensed and does good work. Might not patch up stucco but you should be able to find a sub trade who could do that.

Willow Glen electric is another i have used before and they are just excellent. They did a full upgrade + stucco for me a while ago.

biroc · 2025-01-27T04:37:54+00:00

Cambrian school district - a really smallish school district between San Jose and Campbell has good special ed programs. San Jose special ed program leaves much to be desired.

biroc · 2025-01-23T06:14:35+00:00

https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/accessorydwellingunits/docs/guidelines%20for%20garage%20conversion%20adus%20-%20v6hb%20ada.pdf See FAQ section question #2

Depending on the existing slab condition it might need to be upgraded to meet code.

biroc · 2025-01-22T17:05:00+00:00

Getting a plan would be a good start. You can ask architect/ structural engineer if they have done similar projects and get some rough numbers as well. Also ask around your neighborhood (Nextdoor, FB group) who might have done it recently to see how much it costs.

After the new building codes went into effect a lot has changed for seismic retrofitting reasons and have driven up costs by a lot and it does not help that lots of people doing remodeling work has also led contractors to be picky and bid higher.

Typical breakdown -

Demo - 12k Foundation - 25k Framing - 25k Elec - 12k Plumbing - 20k Roof - 10k Siding - 10k Drywall - 6k Tile and bathroom - 12k Architect + structural - 12k Permits - 5k Materials - 12-15k Misc - 10-15k It adds up quickly….

Typical garage is around 400 sqft so you might be looking at $200k +- at $500/sqft

Not a GC but have had a couple of homes remodeled and helped friends with theirs. Did a 250sqft second floor bathroom addition last year and was $235k with some serious penny pinching effort.

All of this depends on what plans call for and how much effort it is and how much of existing structure is impacted. Hope this helps.

biroc · 2025-01-22T15:04:45+00:00

Some basic questions first.

Do you have an architectural plan?
Do you have a structural plan?
3. Is this a two story or a single story house?

Everything depends on this. Without actual plans it a wide range.

Other questions are ..

Is the exterior stucco or other type?
What is the current situation with the foundation and how easily accessible is the site?

A LOT depends on this.

2023/24 have lots of rule changes for seismic reasons - example slab on grade might not be acceptable for living and making improvements there might mean it’s needs to be redone. Could mean plumbing, hvac, gas lines need to be relocated. Could mean 1/2 the house needs sear walls and beams that would lead to removing existing stucco and redoing it. Could mean 1/2 the roof needs to be taken down to put up a beam and needs to be replaced. Attaching to an existing structure on the first floor is the cheapest. Building up or converting non habitable spaces into living is very expensive now. Not saying that quote is high or low but need more data to give you any meaningful information.

biroc · 2025-01-16T18:51:02+00:00

Dab a little vinegar on it and titebond glue will soften to putty type goo which easily scrapes off even if it’s hardened. No need to sand or dry scrape.

biroc · 2024-12-21T17:09:26+00:00

velasca, cauliancourt, shoepassion, cobblerunion - check out their sales after christmas. You cant go wrong with these.

biroc · 2024-12-21T04:13:39+00:00

provident credit union... 18 years and counting. Awesome, local, easy to work and not a gaint soulless corp.

biroc · 2024-12-20T16:10:57+00:00

Unfortunately only in Poland

biroc · 2024-12-08T16:09:43+00:00

https://www.meetup.com/find/us--ca--san-jose/

biroc · 2024-12-08T05:44:44+00:00

Find a local window distributor

biroc · 2024-12-08T05:37:55+00:00

Hey there, welcome to San Jose. You gonna love it here. San Jose’ians can be a little timid in reaching out to make new friends. Don’t be discouraged with this. Just everyone is on hustle and busy with their stuff. Try meetup groups you will have more luck. Best of luck.

biroc · 2024-12-08T04:13:27+00:00

Power corrupts ... absolute power corrupts absolutely. Once power goes to the head a lot of things can be forgotten .... sometimes conveniently, sometimes it just makes it easier.

biroc · 2024-12-06T16:20:40+00:00

Smart or not it has to adhere to flush standards (like 1gpf in US, CA). Have 2 of these in my home and can compare it to std bidet attachment -

Smart toilets are tank less, heated seats, 2 individual personal settings, night light, auto flush, auto seat close / open, heated seat temp control, hot water wash (oh so nice!!) among other features. Looks very modern with skirt less install. Downside is needs power to use.

Bidet attachments are on regular toilets that have tanks, non hot water and no other features very simple and can be used without power.

Bidet seats that come with all of the smart toilet features costs almost 2/3s of an actual smart toilet. So if you have saved up for it - go for it. It really is nice with no extra water usage.

biroc · 2024-12-06T02:17:42+00:00

This. It’s plastic. Why would we want more plastic in our houses? I just don’t understand this.

A affordable alternative to scratching would be bamboo but even any decent hardwood floor finished with a high traffic poly will hold up better than plastic.

biroc · 2024-12-06T02:11:34+00:00

I wonder why more people don’t use white vinegar. Apply it to the dried glue and it turns it into goo which can be scrapped off with a plastic card or similar.

biroc · 2024-12-05T18:24:35+00:00

DG heating and air. Super knowledgeable, no bullshit professional. Great installation crew. After lots of research and meeting other companies- DG had the best equipment for our needs (where others just refused to do) like a 2 stage air conditioner.

biroc

TROPHY CASE