All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Michael Herr 

Sorry, I didn't realize I was responding to such an old thread.  A BP rookie mistake!  :)

@Michael Herr 

Thinset is absolutely required beneath backer-board on a floor. 

Also, backer-board provides no structural strength at all. You can not install it directly over a 1x subfloor; that is way too thin and will deflect.   It does not sound as if you have a quality-minded contractor.  Just because someone has been doing something a certain way for a long time, does not mean it's right. 

You need to take it up and start over. If you don't, you will wish you had. 

I would wait til I had my own money to do it (or be able to obtain regular financing). Think how you would feel if your father lends you the money and the project bombs. It could easily happen, especially since this would be your first project. There's a reason why people say to avoid doing business with family and friends. 

Sounds good...thank you for setting this up. 

@Account Closed 

These things happen; it's just the cost of doing business. If it's just the cabinet bottom that needs replacing, it's not too big a job. 

I think that's called a pediment but it's  probably not the culprit. 

What kind of roof is that and what was done with it?  How is the very top of the brickwork sealed?  I'll bet it's one of those 2 things. 

Welcome to BP!

@Kerry Smith 

I'm in there!  :)

The roster is useful to confirm that a contractor is licensed but it doesn't tell you if there are any disciplinary actions against them by the board nor does it, as you point out, tell you anything about their work, reliability or trustworthiness. 

I have always found referral to be the best (though not fool-proof) method to find professionals. 

@Scott Weaner 

You still might consider, at some point, having an electrician upgrade the outlet to a modern 4-prong. There's a reason the code changed from 3 to 4: it's much safer.  And if this is a rental unit, I'd all the more have it done. 

@Nicole A. 

Its difficult to say without seeing it but it's actually a big clue that the water is coming in above the 2nd story window. So focus your attention from that point up. And the fact that you're getting a lot of water means it's a big leak. It shouldn't be too hard to find. 

You just have to keep narrowing down the search area til you find it. Look in the attic above that window area, then climb up and look above that 2nd story window from outside and look at the eave. 

Btw, caulk alone should never be relied on as  the primary method of protection against leaks. Windows should be flashed and properly detailed.