All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Jonna Weber  What did you and the plumber do to get the wall to "talk"?  Is this building 1-story or 2?  Did it make the sound when you walked near the wall? If doing something makes it happen, that is a big clue. 

@Karen S. You are referring to the EPA RRP rule.  You can easily look up the regulation; there is a pamphlet available. 

You didn't say how old your house is.  The chances of it having lead paint increase with the age of the year built. In a nutshell, you are allowed to work on your own property (homeowners are exempt) but you may not hire someone to do work (that disturbs more than a certain amount) unless they are certified  

However, if it is a rental, the homeowner exemption does not apply.  Your best bet  would be to have it tested, especially if the tenants have children under the age of 6.  

@David Hisaw  I would not risk my inlaw's money...even if they offered it.  I'd either find my own source of funding or save up til I had it. 

@Mona V.  Welcome to BP!

@Justin C.  I'm not aware of any removable railing system. Any such system would compromise the structural integrity as you alluded to. I'd just build a small wall, as you suggested. 

If I may, two suggestions for the future:

1. Always build stair stringers using 2x12 stock (these look like 2x10's). 

2. Plan out your railing, etc before you build the stairs. As it stands, if you build the wall now, you will have to contend with the overhanging treads, which will complicate drywalling and finishing. 

I think @Michael Quarles meant "newel" post.  :)

@Jerry George  If you want to just give 25k to someone that is not even a close friend, for a non-specific purpose...go ahead.  I wouldn't do it.

There are better ways to invest...

@Nicole A. I'm glad you got it solved but now I'm going to be deluged with "luck" requests!  :)

@Chris Farrugia This business is different for everybody. Some enjoy doing many deals while others enjoy making money while engaging in a very satisfying craft.

If you are trying to learn how to rehab a house, living in and working on your own is a good approach. If you are  methodical, you can learn to do most remodeling tasks yourself. And having to live with the process and results will teach you to appreciate and understand the importance of producing work of a high quality.  

If you then go on to do other things in real estate, this experience will only help.

@Anson Young I love the look of white cabinets with black counter tops. I can't predict the future either but good design and good taste never go out of style!

@William Levin  Even if it proves to be his fault, would you really want him to fix it?  Based on his response, I wouldn't.  So, I see little point in him coming to look. Have someone else investigate it and go from there. 

If you have a case, you can pursue legal action but....well, you know....