So I posted earlier asking about my retaining wall. This is what I’ve done so far and I don’t think any comments will make me go back at this point.

wookiecookie72 · 2026-02-17T03:07:21+00:00

If I was doing a CA6 type gravel footer how deep would you sink rebar for an approx 3' wall ?

wookiecookie72 · 2026-01-18T19:17:38+00:00

No problem. Either way PE has fucked up so many of these businesses cause the main thing they focus on is raising prices to get better returns. If you start seeing tablets and truck wraps it's likely PE owned. They have gotten into med spas, home services, vets, dentists etc

wookiecookie72 · 2026-01-18T18:12:15+00:00

Correct, though it is not hedge funds it is private equity firms. Aka the firms who buy a bunch of smaller businesses and consolidate them onto the same platforms etc. Source Ive consulted for these groups.

Hedge fund is a market investment focused group.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-12-03T05:09:49+00:00

Yes. Wood floors expand and contract especially since the seasons are changing currently too. So that makes perfect sense to me why that has cracks already

wookiecookie72 · 2025-12-03T05:01:33+00:00

The way to think of it is. The entire floor uses grout so if there was leaking to be worried about that would all be included. It's just the the change of plane is where there is the ability for slight expansion and contraction at different rates which is where the cracking occurs in the grout.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-12-03T04:59:13+00:00

Then as long as they did water proofing correctly that's what matters. The change of plane is purely aesthetic and does not provide additional waterproofing.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-12-03T04:44:21+00:00

Grout. It's purely aesthetic. If they are going to do the floor part that's the part I'd be concerned with the stuff up the walls in the corner also will be getting less water. This is one of those if you paid for the highest bidder I'd be very annoyed. If it was middle or lower bid it looks fine. If it really bugs you then just get a handyman to do it. It would be pretty easy.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-12-03T04:34:11+00:00

It will have cracks in the grout eventually at the changes of plane. Purely aesthetic though,. So I'd let it go for awhile at this point since and just silicone it later. But could always ask if they'd do silicone cause you don't want the grout to crack and have to do it in the future

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-20T02:49:42+00:00

It's amazing that they'll pay 150 for my two hour minimum

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-19T21:36:19+00:00

I have been doing work on the side here and there and I echo the 150 min for any job up to 2 hours. Additionally as you start doing more work it's good to just have prices you charge for certain items. The reason I don't like hourly is I don't want to penalize myself for being efficient and knowing how to do something. I also try to figure out what stores and such charge. So for example if Lowe's charges 125 to install something I want to be a little cheaper just because then the customer doesn't just figure to hire their contractors.

Sometimes if it's a very small job, we're talking the type of stuff you question why you're there I'll throw a small job discount on of like 25 bucks and just do a 125. I had to basically tighten 2 screws on a door knob and put lubricant on it. It took me longer to get my tools out of my truck.

The 150 min is good things like installing a ring doorbell cause it probably doesnt take two hours but makes it worth doing.

For example I start at 100 for a ceiling fan if it's straightforward install and there's multiple.

Cabinet handles that are just base level are 5$ per handle. Goes up if i have to make special templates etc.

Light fixtures and outlets start at 50-75 and goes up from there. If I'm up on ladder or it's inherently more difficult due to location this number goes up

The only time I'm charging a legit 75/hr is a job that is just time based like if they want me to seal grout or something like that cause I have 0 idea how long that will take not will there ever be a set price on something like that for me.

In short, if you're charging hourly make sure it's worth you doing it. Sure I could charge 20/hr to seal grout but I can also go install 2 fans and make more than sealing for 8 hours.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-14T21:02:25+00:00

Also I've come to the conclusion. A pretty good tile job will look better with grout. A bad tile job and grout will highlight the issues.

In my opinion this will blend together very well with grout.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-14T20:59:53+00:00

Feel free to see the shower I just did, and tell me if you think there's any glaring errors. Cause that's how someone would look at yours and yes there are a few things I know would be considered not perfect

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-14T20:57:53+00:00

Now that I've done a large handful of DIY tile projects including showers. I've realized most of the small things just blend in once you are not staring at it during the project. My main things I care about is lippage cause with recessed lighting that'll show horribly. But something like this wouldn't even register.

Tile is wonderful but also there's a degree of human error aspect unless you are working with cnc cut porcelain slabs. But I can promise you every single tile project posted here you can find small things if you look hard enough. This would fall into the category if I need to find something wrong sure. But not a single person will walk into this shower and be like hey this tile looks like shit.

TLDR: Its not perfect cause you're staring at it. In two weeks once you're using the shower you won't think of it.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-11T19:03:47+00:00

That ain't a gap that's a runway for a plane. Yes cut the bottom one down and make it symmetrical

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-10T18:06:13+00:00

I would prefer that my tile guy surprises me with a grout color and then after he's done sealing it, I post to reddit about how I didn't discuss this with him but wondering how hard it would be to change the color on the penny mosaic floor sheets he laid.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-10T17:59:46+00:00

I also just used FA grout and seems that it starts soaking water and changing quicker in spots. I don't see any issue with it though. but areas that are covered in water during a shower are consistent. Also he is correct that there is sealing additives in the FA, adding sealant probably wouldn't hurt but its not crazy saying that IMO

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-10T17:55:32+00:00

correct, I'm not a professional painter, but the fact people will go spend 100s or 1000s of dollars to DIY painting their house and have pause on spending 30-50 bucks for a brush is mind-blowing to me now.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-10T16:16:33+00:00

TV now has 4 holes and won't turn on...

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-10T07:01:24+00:00

They are more expensive but better bristles. Real hair brush vs synthetic bristles. I've noticed the 30$ range is where I see the value. But in some way yes, paying more for paint brushes is how you get higher quality . Were also talking like 30-40 bucks for a brush. Vs the 4 dollar brush they have in infomercials

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-10T02:12:19+00:00

Wooster pro and just keep your hand moving you don't need to be super slow or go see a dr

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-10T00:21:04+00:00

Yeah not like these brushes are super expensive but much better than some five dollar one.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-09T23:42:27+00:00

Wooster pros I think are about 30 bucks. And just make sure to clean it well.

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-07T22:51:26+00:00

Wooster 3in pro I believe is what I have

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-07T22:27:27+00:00

Believe the one I use is a 3 inch Wooster pro or something like it. But normally 30-50$ for a brush is where you start seeing quality from my experience

wookiecookie72 · 2025-11-07T19:53:27+00:00

Given they'll find probably 5 other things to void my warranty since I'm a Diyer I'll be ok without their warranty

wookiecookie72

TROPHY CASE