All Forum Posts by: Jay B.

It varies on the location your in, but to get around using the more expensive AL rated switches and outlets, you can get special marrettes that are rated for both copper and aluminum. These allow you to pig tail copper to the ends of the aluminum wiring, and use whatever switches you want.

I spoke to my electrician, and the insurance company, and both said that this was fine. But, as mentioned, it may be different in your area.

Jay

if you don't want to trap them, you will probably need to ID the type of bird, and figure out when they are usually done nesting, and the chicks are all grown, and out of the nest.

If you simply wait until the bird is gone, you may be trapping in young chicks, or unhatched eggs.

I actually use direct buy for my renos.
it allows me to spend the price of an economic version, but receive a upper/middle end product of whatever I'm buying.

The big savings i've noticed is for flooring (carpet/tile/hardwood/laminate), cabinets, and counters.

Yes, you can likely pick up some of this cheaper from ReHab stores of Habitat For Humanity or garage sales, but this allows me to pick exactly what I want for colors and style.

As mentioned, wood putty, or the caulking would likely be the best fixes

I would also suggest not resting it on the floor when you install, and leave a small gap (that would then be filled with the silicone/caulk).

That way, if the caulk fails, it shouldn't wick up any water spilled on the floor.

Also, I personally wouldn't use MDF wainscoting, as if there is any penetration, it will swell and be quite noticable, where pine (or other real wood) wouldn't be as noticable if there was damage.

Jay

I agree with everyone else on this one - paint it white. It makes it appear larger, brighter (as it will reflect light better), and provides a nice contrast

qkjones - you are correct, except that the benefit it has over regular vinyl is that (I think) it's easier to patch.

Thanks everyone for their thoughts and opinions. I've decided to simply go tile and laminate, as I've had good results with them in my other rentals.
I think this vinyl plank would work, but it's a lot of money to try, and depending on which reviews you read, and which produce you get, I question the longevity and wearability of it.

Everyone is correct, there is simply not enough mud on it. I've been doing my own taping for a while, and with the butt end seams, I always run into the same problem you have. - And don't paint over it thinking its only noticable becuase of the color. It will telegraph through your paint.

For the factory beveled seams, I use the mesh. Its self adhesive and easy. For the butt seams, I use paper.
It works for me, and I am no pro at it, but can get damn good results doing it this way. - although it likely takes me a bit longer than a pro...

Thanks devnic, but I have one question, what do you mean by 'it comes up easily'?

Jay

Anyone have experience with vinyl plank flooring in a rental?

The stuff I am referring to can be seen here:

TrafficMaster Allure 6 in. x 36 in. Cherry Resilient Vinyl-Plank Flooring

Thanks