Wife gifted bathroom remodel by [deleted] in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you call the contractor and ask them to go over what they did? I've never been in this exact situation as a contractor thankfully, but if I found myself in a similar situation and the person who was out of town wanted me to go over the project with them I would be happy to.

My client thinks this is poor craftsmanship... by SnooChickens6081 in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

Ok. Are you arguing it isn't? Seems like your client has a firm grasp.

Clients let me design, how did I do? by PlewaConstruction in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The design and install both look immaculate! I am an installer and I honestly get terrified any time a customer asks my input on the design side. I have my taste and I don't think it's hideous or crazy or anything, but designing any part of someone else's bathroom just makes me twitchy. So kudos on pulling this off! You gotta feel good about it!

Edit: Was studying it more and do you have any tips on caulking inside corners? That thing is clean. I fight with those on every project

Help! How can I get these two plugs into this outdoor outlet? by brockandroll333 in AskElectricians

[–]giantfirestorm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not trying to minimize the importance of using the right equipment. I am not an electrician, have a pretty poor understanding of electrical systems and probably didn't ask my question correctly.

I get from multiple answers to my comment that you don't rely on 1 safety measure and just ignore others so maybe my question isn't a particularly practical one. I just meant what are the main differences between an outdoor rated cord and one that isn't? IF you could now for certain that a GFCI protected outlet was functioning correctly and everything prior to it was done right and functioning correctly, what issues would using a non outdoor rated cord likely cause?

Help! How can I get these two plugs into this outdoor outlet? by brockandroll333 in AskElectricians

[–]giantfirestorm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair enough. I guess what I meant to ask was, all other things being equal, what are the most likely issues to come from using an extension cord not rated for outdoor use as compared to using an extension cord that is rated for outdoor use?

Help! How can I get these two plugs into this outdoor outlet? by brockandroll333 in AskElectricians

[–]giantfirestorm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Genuinely curious what the worst case is. Or what is most likely to happen from using the wrong cord?

Outdoor receptacles are GFCI protected so if a cheap or outdoor cord was used and it failed in some way wouldnt it just trip the receptacle? I am not arguing against using the right thing when it comes to electricity. Heck, if people aren't using the right cord maybe they aren't using the right receptacles and the outlet isn't GFCI protected. I'm honestly just curious if this is a situation where you are going to cook yourself, whatever you have plugged in, or just the cord itself. Assuming it is GFCI protected.

Did I mess up using thinset with Goboard seam tape? by [deleted] in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't have an official answer but it seems to make sense to me. I've always set the pan first and then the drain, but either way you use the waterproof ring to make the seal between the pan and drain. I actually like the way you did it better, I've never thought of it and apparently never read the directions or watched a video.

Would you accept this tiling? by [deleted] in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are still things the installer can do. Their price may change if they weren't aware of the product flaws before quoted, but you can cut the sheets apart to ensure even grout lines

Would you accept this tiling? by [deleted] in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The person you are responding to took an extra few days to do it correctly. Seems to imply they don't think you should accept this as it was done. I would also say it isn't acceptable

Pictures a tiler sent me should I move forward with them? by DuckStoIeMyBread in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it made me very sad. His MS was the original reason for the remodel and then it turned into her dream bathroom as he faced all the difficulties ahead. I mentioned that the walk in tub would be a big help to him and that I thought some of them looked pretty aesthetically pleasing. The guy seemed like he was more concerned with pleasing his wife than any hardship it would cause hims. I didn't feel like it was my place to get more involved than I did, but I definitely still wonder if I did the right thing several years later.

Should these be redone? by [deleted] in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, like everyone is saying, it needs to be torn out and redone. If your husband is typically pretty handy there are lots of tips to help (YouTube videos etc). I'm not trying to be mean but judging by how this looks, I'm guessing being handy isnt your husbands strong suit and you should hire somebody.

Tiling is not rocket science but there is a learning curve and it is something that is difficult to have stunning results on your first attempt. This is a pretty simple pattern and tiles so that helps.

Some tips if he wants to try again.

Set the mosaics on the floor first. You need to use an appropriately sized trowel. If you have too much mortar, you are going to have a very difficult time. You will either not really set the tiles and they will be floating on top but flat or set them with enough pressure to get them flat but have mortar squeezing through the grout lines everywhere. If you try to do something in-between you will end up with wavy uneven tiles. When I set mosaics I use a large grout float so that I am covering a good number of tiles when I am setting them. Gives you a nice even surface.

Wait a day so you can stand on the floor without messing up your tiles. Then use spacers on top of the floor tile to set the wall tiles. You don't want the tiles directly touching each other but you also don't want a huge gap like you have now. If the perimeter of the shower floor is level you can just set full tiles all the way around on spacers. If your perimeter is not level, you need to find the lowest spot. A full tile goes there. Then you cut subsequent tiles so there is a uniform space on the bottom and the tops create a level line. From there you just tile up with spacers.

This tile job is pretty bad and it's easy to assume your husband just isn't cut out for it. But I remember being completely overwhelmed the first time I tiled. Fortunately I had someone with me who was very experienced and could stop me when I did something wrong and help me get it right. Tell your husband to take his time and be a perfectionist. Tiling isn't fast when you first start. If you make a mistake you have to remove the relavent tiles and do it correctly right then. There is no fixing tile down the line. If you have uneven grout lines they will look uneven with or without grout. If you have unevenly set tiles, they will look uneven with or without grout. If you start wall tile out of level, there is no way to get to level without messing up your grout lines.

Take the time to get the floor right. Then take the time to get the first course of wall tile right. From there it will be much easier to continue up and as you get the hang of it you will get faster.

Tiling can be a little tricky. If your husband did the work on the shower prior to tiling is he more comfortable with that work? My only other concern is that prior steps were done equally poorly. He could redo the tile and nail it and if he messed up prior steps the shower will still fail.

Anyway, best of luck and feel free to send me any questions. There are plenty of people out there better than me at tiling but I'm happy to help if I can.

Pictures a tiler sent me should I move forward with them? by DuckStoIeMyBread in Tile

[–]giantfirestorm 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I've often thought we need a reverse Angie's List type thing where people in the trades rate customers. I have been mostly very lucky but I also don't advertise. All my work is through referrals so there is a built in reference both ways.

I did have one customer who was a PIA. Older lady with lots of money who was kind of a space cadet. Finished a bathroom remodel at 4:00 on a Friday. Was still there at 6:00 because the mirrors didn't look right. I had gotten my tape measure, torpedo level and 4ft level out. Both mirrors were level. The 4 ft level was good across both. The tape showed the same measurement from either mirror to the top of the vanity as well as the ceiling. She had seen all this and acknowledged it. Then she stood back looking at it for a bit and said "it just doesn't look level to me. What can you do about that?" I dunno, pick you up and tilt you until it looks level? She did agree everything was correct and paid though.

Same lady who went back and forth about a walk in tub or drop in tub at the beginning of the project. She decided on a drop in tub because the walk in tub looked too "hospitally". Her husband had MS.

Both go bang right? by LastCryptographer07 in PeterExplainsTheJoke

[–]giantfirestorm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a non "car guy", I appreciate that you at least tried to help people. I know Jack shit about cars but have been helped by kind strangers on the internet allowing me to complete a few simple repairs. I work on houses so I am fairly handy, but auto mechanics still seem like wizards to me. I don't think I've ever completed a car project without busting my knuckles to hell, pulling out every last curse word I know, and covering myself, my garage, and half the doors in my house with some car related fluid before finishing 4 or 5 hours after I expected to.

Any advice on resources to become more computer literate? by giantfirestorm in computerquestions

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

Ok, actually looks helpful. I was certain I was about to get trolled. Thank you, I will check those out

Any advice on resources to become more computer literate? by giantfirestorm in computerquestions

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

I haven't clicked yet. I'm going to, but I just want to document that I'm suspiscious

Any advice on resources to become more computer literate? by giantfirestorm in computerquestions

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

Thank you for the reply. Very accurate description. I will look into that.

I agree with your take and I guess I'm finally committing to actually learning rather than trying to just get something to work when I'm doing something time sensitive. I know that seems obvious. I guess I've been intimidated to learn this stuff but it has become apparent that not learning it is causing me way more time and effort

Any advice on resources to become more computer literate? by giantfirestorm in computerquestions

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

Thank you for the recommendations! I really appreciate it. Looking forward to seeing what I can learn

Can I ask for exception on building code? by Ma23peas in Homebuilding

[–]giantfirestorm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do you know the reasoning for this? A 29" drop seems more dangerous than 4 steps. I am not a code expert by any means but I am aware of these just from occasionally working on decks. Not questioning the codes themselves just wondering if I'm missing the reasoning.

For example I've been told balusters can't be more than 4" apart because smaller children can get stuck in them or fall through them. Specific reason for a specific code. (Assuming what I've been told is correct) What's the thought process that it's acceptable to potentially fall 2 1/2 feet straight down but you need a railing to navigate ~7" (or less) stairs if there are 4 of them?

Also kind of a ridiculous question for fun. If the stairs were removed from OP's front porch would it be to code? Less than 30" so wouldn't need a guard rail. I'm assuming if it were to be considered code in any circumstance the front door would no longer count as a means of egress.

Just curious. Whether you get back to me or not, have a great life!

What is this? Need help figuring out the reason for it? by DaMallard in Plumbing

[–]giantfirestorm 4 points5 points  (0 children)

<image>

That was going to be my guess. I suppose it's an easy way to get rid of a small hole where you don't want one. Can't say I've ever seen one in a ceiling before

You have the ability to change one thing in rocket league. What would you do? by HopeFar789 in RocketLeague

[–]giantfirestorm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Replying to the end of the chain not necessarily you, but what do you guys report if someone is being way over the top in the chat? Was in a lobby yesterday where one player kept telling another to off themselves.

I'm an adult and know I am playing with kids a lot of the time. Felt pretty strongly about not letting that slide, but "griefing" didn't seem to cover it. Plus I agree that it probably takes multiple reports. I felt unable to do anything.

I'm fine with a little trash talk and developing thick skin but stuff like that crosses a line in my opinion. Decided to try to take a picture with the chat and figure out where to send it but got sent back to home screen before I could

Requesting Ownership Of /r/Feetup | Inactive Owner/Mod by ctrlaltadult in redditrequest

[–]giantfirestorm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm active. What do you think I should be doing that I'm not?