What we typically do is either lay 1/2 ply or OSB over the planks screwed into the joists w/ 3-inch deck screws, then put a standard waterproofed cement board thinset tile installation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Now this dagger was drilling his brain that he was losing his home, he was never gong to be able to successfully pull out of this and he might as well sell to them at a 20 - 30% loss.All the while, he kept looking at the living room he had remodeled completely with his own hands, the bedrooms, the new infants room, the back deck, the storage units, the front yard rose garden and landscaping all done with his hands, blood,.sweat and tears.

He'll remove all vents and roof jacks, and replace with new.Second contractor will remove existing roofing membrane down to wood deck substrate. clean, apply1 layer #15 lb base underlayment, install Malarkey Highlands laminated 30 year asphalt fiberglass shingles, seal all roof projections, ground clean up and haul away for $4524.( http://www.malarkey-rfg.com/PDFFiles/MRP%20WebFliers/HighlanderFlierWeb.pdf) Highlander-CS™ ~ Malarkey's 30 Year Laminated ShingleBuilt with the strength of a highland castle, the Highlander protects your home while providing distinction, security and value that is prized by today's homeowner.

To quote WWII Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, "I would never invade the United States, there would be a gun behind every blade of grass."

As an alternative to filling it in, consider building a deck over it.

My mother in law built a deck over her pool cause it was cheaper and looked better than filling it with dirt.

This way you see what a fixed up/updated kitchen, roof, deck, bathroom etc... looks like in comparison to the original.

If you're going to be doing bigger things (roofing, adding walls, plumbing, electrical, decks, etc) you may want to use a GC.

I will keep you posted regarding the progress of my project. yes my job will be a full rehab ..I can imagine knocking down some walls to open up space looking for a more modern layout ..moving electricity, refinishing/putting new flooring, gutting kitchen, new cabinets, counter tops, full paint outside/inside ..possible new deck, yard, possible cosmetics in the basement (new carpet, finish walls etc) ...properties selling for under 50K in my area are needing all that ..I hope I will not discover too much while opening walls. most of those houses are winterized with no utilities running ..so once I switch electricity/gas/water on ..lets see if the thing will not fall apart ;-)

The home also has a full basement, deck and a one car garage that can be converted to a two car.