https://www.ebay.com/itm/186176403401
Less than $2K for the engine
I was curious about this part of your post: "My trusty independent Volvo mechanic has recently closed his shop. I have not found another – and doubt there is one in my town."
I highly doubt there is not an independent Volvo mechanic nearby. Where are you located?
Search found 2419 matches
- Tue Mar 19, 2024 6:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Help me with my car dilemma . . .
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1041
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4355
Re: Another 'should I get solar' question
Is this true?
I understand the micro inverters, but ultimately everything comes to a common A/C bus, yes? And the size of the A/C bus determines max size of the array?
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4355
Re: Another 'should I get solar' question
Looks like a win if you are there 7+ years.
Don't forget to 'size up' for an electric car, even if you don't think you'll get one I'd size up for one
Don't forget to 'size up' for an electric car, even if you don't think you'll get one I'd size up for one
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4355
Re: Another 'should I get solar' question
Just as an example, my house has the pin on it. It *screams* 'get solar!' If you had one of the orangish houses, harder call
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4355
Re: Another 'should I get solar' question
Have you used Google Sunroof?
https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/
It's a good way to visualize your sun exposure
With your numbers I would say yes, but would do cash. It has a quick payback - no need to finance
https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/
It's a good way to visualize your sun exposure
With your numbers I would say yes, but would do cash. It has a quick payback - no need to finance
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Please critique my portfolio
- Replies: 5
- Views: 502
Re: Please critique my portfolio
Impressive at 45!
With the kids out and on their own you're in fantastic shape.
To your question on if you should slow saving.... I'd say revisit the question when you cross $1MM in investments.
You asked if $85K is reasonable for retirement....only you can say though. You'd need to rough up your budget. Search within this forum for others' budgets and you can modify. For instance, we have no idea if you prefer to eat out every night or eat out only once per month (or of course, somewhere in the middle). Maybe you want to retire in Hawaii, at which point $85K / year might not cut it. Etc.
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Please critique my portfolio
- Replies: 5
- Views: 502
Re: Please critique my portfolio
any kids?
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to fix sewer back up?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 1686
Re: How to fix sewer back up?
Have you had the sewer line scoped? That is step #1
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 12:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4355
Re: Another 'should I get solar' question
It looks like from other posts you are in Connecticut.
Their program is here https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/conne ... nt-program
From what I read, it's basically net metering...
Their program is here https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/conne ... nt-program
From what I read, it's basically net metering...
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 12:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: navigation system for car
- Replies: 52
- Views: 2257
Re: navigation system for car
I looked on ebay - tons of replacement for the Lexus dash for $100-200
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1718
Re: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?
I would use the wall raceway to add a wall outlet in the right place (or just add an outlet through the wall), then do a straight shot via raceway. In other words, try and avoid the 90 - that is much less common and unclear if it's available.psteinx wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:11 amYeah, "raceway" seems to be the right term for this.Crimsonandclover wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:02 am Recommend #3.
Do a search for “floor mounted electrical raceway”.
I could presumably order over the internet, but if I wanted to see/buy it in person, is it typically available at an electric supply specialty store, or what?
Ideally, I'd have the ability to put a 90 degree bend in it at one point (corner piece).
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1718
Re: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?
Agreed.Crimsonandclover wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:02 am Recommend #3.
Do a search for “floor mounted electrical raceway”.
This would be a cost effective solution that I would try, before going to the best/ most effective (and costly) solution which involves jack hammering the slab.
Besides, if you ever change furniture arrangement in the basement you got this receptacle stuck in the middle of the floor. I just abandoned/covered up a receptacle in my living room so that there were more options for furniture arrangement.
https://www.amazon.com/Legrand-Wiremold ... B0006VAWFG
This is pretty cheap and would serve you well. Pair it with an appropriate thin extension cord that is rated for your needs
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:36 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1340
Re: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install
I'd expand this to say a must for anyone doing electrical work, not just DIY. My FIL is a retired master electrician and taught me clearly - on/off/on before working in any box (first test a known live wire to ensure the tester is working, then test the wires you are working on to ensure they are dead, then test the known live wire once more to ensure the tester didn't stop working in the middle).spacemanspif wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:04 amThis is sage advice. One of the best 10-20 dollar tools I have ever purchased. A must for any DIYer that does any electrical work.Don't do any work in boxes without a NCVT. They are $20 and are an absolute must before you touch any wires.
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1340
Re: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install
Don't do any work in boxes without a NCVT. They are $20 and are an absolute must before you touch any wires.
In multigang boxes like these with new tech like these dimmers, space gets tight. If you are not experienced in electrician work you can get yourself in trouble. This may be a case where hiring a pro is worth it. Once you get your NCVT, pull the finish covers off and take a look inside, potentially pull existing switches out. Once you see how busy the boxes are you can make your call on whether to tackle the project
In multigang boxes like these with new tech like these dimmers, space gets tight. If you are not experienced in electrician work you can get yourself in trouble. This may be a case where hiring a pro is worth it. Once you get your NCVT, pull the finish covers off and take a look inside, potentially pull existing switches out. Once you see how busy the boxes are you can make your call on whether to tackle the project
- Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:27 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Giving (unequal) money to adult children
- Replies: 90
- Views: 8268
Re: Giving (unequal) money to adult children
exactly thistoddthebod wrote: ↑Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:03 amIf the other kids have a problem with mom giving $7,000 to her struggling child with "physical and mental health problems," they deserve nothing in the first place.TN_Boy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:59 amWell, until maybe they find out later and are not pleased with mom "punishing good behavior" by only helping the one in trouble and not the responsible ones. Whether that is a reasonable view or not is a different question and obviously purely a relationship issue.toddthebod wrote: ↑Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:41 am It's your money to do with as you please. Besides, your other children shouldn't even know about the gifts you've made.
But depending on family secrets to remain a secret may work out badly.
- Fri Mar 01, 2024 11:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Faucets for Bathroom Sinks?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1779
Re: Best Faucets for Bathroom Sinks?
My plumber said Delta or Kohler (he prefers Kohler). Said no to Moen
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Subaru Wireless Charging And Wireless Charging in General
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2113
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Front License Plate Mount
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2742
Re: Front License Plate Mount
What kind of car?
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:56 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best water heater with solar
- Replies: 55
- Views: 5255
Re: Best water heater with solar
https://www.supplyhouse.com/ I don't see your $500 water heater in there (and trust me - don't buy one from HD / Lowes). If I'm an electrician it's probably about $500 to add a 220V outlet (assuming you don't make me pull a permit, which you shouldn't). I think you're $700-800 on a decent baseline electric heater. I see about $1000 more for a heat pump version. At least in my state you get $750 back as a rebate for the heat pump as well as getting 30% back from the feds (in this case let's call that $500) so you are ahead $250 with the heat pump. As noted it will dehumidify the surroundings (is this in your basement?). Dehumidification makes the area feel cooler, which is what is noted above. Have you been changing your anode every 5-7 year...
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 24 year old- money problems
- Replies: 50
- Views: 6391
Re: 24 year old- money problems
This looks like good advice... I would take her / him up on it
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Has anyone ripped out a deck and replaced it with a patio?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3466
Re: Has anyone ripped out a deck and replaced it with a patio?
Suggestion: For topics like this, a photo is a godsend...
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cost of Tub to Walk-In Conversion With Dbl Vanity
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1416
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4357
Re: College cheating, what would you do?
She already recognizes that reporting her could come back and bite her. But she’s brought it up several times to me because it really irritates her, which I completely understand. She’s having her eyes opened to the reality of lying and cheating for the purpose of self advancement, something I’m happy to say she has not learned or seen from my wife or I. Two options.... - she should report the potential issue , it is not her job to prove anything. - replace her housing situation that does not include her current roomate. I always like to challenge anyone who reduces things to two options to come up with at least two more :D I had a weird roommate freshman year. He wasn't my favorite person by any stretch and we really couldn't hang around ...
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4357
Re: College cheating, what would you do?
Here's the thing.... in college everyone cheats, no different than the real world. There is a big sliding scale of cheating, ranging from: -Copying notes on a lecture you missed from a classmate -Running late, can't get all the HW done, scribble down the last couple of problems from a friend -Belonging to a fraternity that keeps old tests from past years, and you study them ahead of upcoming tests hoping material overlaps -Negotiating an extension on your finals / term paper / whatever because of X, Y, Z, when your classmates have to adhere to original deadlines -Getting chummy with the TA who gives you a leg up vs your peers / lets you know the three most important things to focus on before the test (of which he knows the contents) and on ...
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4357
Re: College cheating, what would you do?
I despise cheating. I would get a temporary email account. I would email her professors and the dean with Subject: Reporting potential violation of academic integrity. 1) this person has bragged about using ChatGPT for her papers, 2) suggest they run her papers against a tool that detects ChatGPT, 3) that you have no other evidence and it's possible that its just talk, 4) that she feels its an integrity violation not to report it, and it cheapens her own work (why you are damaged). 5) That she is reporting it anonymously to protect herself from retribution. Don't use the word "roommate" in the email, lol. Do not trust anybody else's integrity to keep such a claim private. Something may or may not happen, but she will have done al...
- Wed Feb 21, 2024 11:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My girlfriend wants to contribute to my mortgage. How can we be tax savvy about this?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 4358
Re: My girlfriend wants to contribute to my mortgage. How can we be tax savvy about this?
What is the problem you are looking to solve here?
- Mon Feb 19, 2024 2:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style
- Replies: 64
- Views: 7113
Re: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style
Delay gratification, save up cash for it.
It sounds like you have your e-fund too low overall...
It sounds like you have your e-fund too low overall...
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 8:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4171
Re: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
This can be done DIY with sharkbite. You need pipe cutter, teflon tape, pipe dope, two wrenches, marker, sandpaper, ruler, and two sharkbite male adapters. https://www.sharkbite.com/us/en/brass-push-to-connect/fittings/adapters/brass-push-male-adapter Video shows a crimp connector in place of sharkbite. https://dev.willplumb.com/how-to-install-the-flo-by-moen-a-detailed-guide/ Marker, sandpaper, ruler and second wrench is needed for sharkbite connector. The overall install is same as video. OMG - I am still amazed thinking how wrong this could go for me! Starting with the pipe cutter! For what it's worth, the pipe cutter is practically 'dummy proof'. If you can use a pair of scissors you can use a pipe cutter. People could 'practice' this ...
- Fri Feb 09, 2024 12:16 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
- Replies: 165
- Views: 25677
Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Another way to put it
The vast majority of my savings are earmarked / locked up for my OldSelf, ie late 50s / 60s me. Since it's 'off-limits' I don't get to enjoy it, therefore I don't consider my CurrentSelf wealthy. I prob sleep better knowing my OldSelf will be in good shape, but CurrentSelf is just continuing to live as I've always lived
The vast majority of my savings are earmarked / locked up for my OldSelf, ie late 50s / 60s me. Since it's 'off-limits' I don't get to enjoy it, therefore I don't consider my CurrentSelf wealthy. I prob sleep better knowing my OldSelf will be in good shape, but CurrentSelf is just continuing to live as I've always lived
- Fri Feb 09, 2024 11:52 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
- Replies: 165
- Views: 25677
Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Stolen and reposted
Poverty is being one emergency away from homelessness.
Poor is having stability, but nothing else.
Middle class is having stability and comfort.
Upper middle class is stability, comfort, and capital gains.
Rich is having enough capital gains to live on, even poorly.
Middle-rich is being able to live middle class on capital gains.
Upper-rich is being middle rich, with children who have capital gains.
Wealthy is when your children are guaranteed to be upper-middle class, even if they do nothing.
Very wealthy is when your grandchildren meet the above criteria, even before they are born.
Poverty is being one emergency away from homelessness.
Poor is having stability, but nothing else.
Middle class is having stability and comfort.
Upper middle class is stability, comfort, and capital gains.
Rich is having enough capital gains to live on, even poorly.
Middle-rich is being able to live middle class on capital gains.
Upper-rich is being middle rich, with children who have capital gains.
Wealthy is when your children are guaranteed to be upper-middle class, even if they do nothing.
Very wealthy is when your grandchildren meet the above criteria, even before they are born.
- Wed Feb 07, 2024 11:23 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Quit or stay at my job while searching.
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2092
Re: Quit or stay at my job while searching.
A couple of comments above say 'continue to coast'
That doesn't match with OP's "I’m mentally checked out at my job", "My boss have been nitpicking my work", and "secretly I’m hoping to be laid off"
My guess - you are about to get fired. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (severance).
To the OP: I would focus on improving at work, learn how to bring value and make your managers more effective, and in parallel start your job hunt. It sounds like you are being way too passive. You are almost 30, time to step up and be a leader.
That doesn't match with OP's "I’m mentally checked out at my job", "My boss have been nitpicking my work", and "secretly I’m hoping to be laid off"
My guess - you are about to get fired. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (severance).
To the OP: I would focus on improving at work, learn how to bring value and make your managers more effective, and in parallel start your job hunt. It sounds like you are being way too passive. You are almost 30, time to step up and be a leader.
- Wed Feb 07, 2024 11:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4171
Re: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
I have Flo
I installed it myself with Sharkbites as noted above. Pretty simple stuff...
Works as expected. It has alerted to slow leaks (faucet) and long showers (good reminder to yell at the kids to get out), and one time my wife left the house with a faucet running (alerted me, shut the main water off, and when she returned and we restarted the water found the open faucet).
The thing works...
I installed it myself with Sharkbites as noted above. Pretty simple stuff...
Works as expected. It has alerted to slow leaks (faucet) and long showers (good reminder to yell at the kids to get out), and one time my wife left the house with a faucet running (alerted me, shut the main water off, and when she returned and we restarted the water found the open faucet).
The thing works...
- Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oil fired hot water boiler
- Replies: 66
- Views: 5049
Re: Oil fired hot water boiler
OP, just checking that you got the guidance you were seeking?
- Thu Feb 01, 2024 6:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oil fired hot water boiler
- Replies: 66
- Views: 5049
Re: Oil fired hot water boiler
Do you have natural gas service?
- Mon Jan 29, 2024 1:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 5515
Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
As noted above though it could be as simple as turning a screw on an hose clamp connecting a drain hose.
If you visually looked and saw a leak coming from a pump casing - ok, maybe time to replace. But to declare replacement the only option without looking to see what's dripping, that seems extreme
- Mon Jan 29, 2024 12:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
- Replies: 90
- Views: 13166
Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
I mean...there is strict dollars and cents of a payback via energy bills. There is also some benefit in being comfortable as well I would suppose. Presumably you're investigating this whole thing primarily based on comfort and not energy bill, no?
- Mon Jan 29, 2024 5:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 5515
Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
It should only cost you an hour or two at most to pull the unit out and run a cycle while you watch it. Start there and report back
- Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:33 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1521
Re: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
Practically, we would not be able to judge without photos / layout of the home. Only you could say
In all seriousness, I may try putting up a cardboard wall. I'm mostly interested in how it will change traffic flow in the house and the overall feel of the room.
- Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1521
Re: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
Enclosing it is very straightforward.
'For 5' open space, that's 60". Studs are 16" on center so 4 studs, wallboard, plaster and new trim, then paint. Probably add an electrical outlet in the process, so some small electric work.
Materials are cheap so it's all labor. Feels like about 20-30 hrs of labor (closer to 30 if you hire out the painting). Matching existing trim could be a little challenging but I'm willing to bet not a big deal. Figure $3K for the job all in, and scale it up or down based on local COL.
Out of curiosity, which doorway would you close?
'For 5' open space, that's 60". Studs are 16" on center so 4 studs, wallboard, plaster and new trim, then paint. Probably add an electrical outlet in the process, so some small electric work.
Materials are cheap so it's all labor. Feels like about 20-30 hrs of labor (closer to 30 if you hire out the painting). Matching existing trim could be a little challenging but I'm willing to bet not a big deal. Figure $3K for the job all in, and scale it up or down based on local COL.
Out of curiosity, which doorway would you close?
- Thu Jan 25, 2024 2:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hot Water Dispenser
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1242
Re: Hot Water Dispenser
Nice work!runningshoes wrote: ↑Thu Jan 25, 2024 1:57 pm Closing this out - new unit arrived yesterday evening, let it sit in the house for about an hour to let it "warm up", 10 minute install, even the holes for hanging it on the side cabinet wall aligned with the previous unit. Used existing filter as in true BH fashion I only replaced it 3 weeks ago and they are NOT cheap.
- Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hot Water Dispenser
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1242
Re: Hot Water Dispenser
This is what the SST-FLTR looks like
As you can see it plugs into an outlet, so swapping the power supply is trivial / simple.
The water connection is standard 1/4" stainless NPT so again - very simple to swap
Lastly, the dispensing unit (visible portion) fits through a standard 1 3/8" opening in your counter, again no big deal.
Buy a new unit and install yourself if you are a bit handy, or hire a plumber alternatively to install. It's a simple job and won't cost much.
Insinkerator are the standard and that's what I went with. Should be $200-300 depending on model. If you hire a plumber expect another $300 for install. Good luck
As you can see it plugs into an outlet, so swapping the power supply is trivial / simple.
The water connection is standard 1/4" stainless NPT so again - very simple to swap
Lastly, the dispensing unit (visible portion) fits through a standard 1 3/8" opening in your counter, again no big deal.
Buy a new unit and install yourself if you are a bit handy, or hire a plumber alternatively to install. It's a simple job and won't cost much.
Insinkerator are the standard and that's what I went with. Should be $200-300 depending on model. If you hire a plumber expect another $300 for install. Good luck
- Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is having insulation blown into the walls of an old house worth it?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 4233
Re: Is having insulation blown into the walls of an old house worth it?
A couple points of clarification When you blow in insulation to a closed wall you blow in cellulose (looks like this), not foam. If you tried injecting foam you'd just blow the wall up. https://fdinsulation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cellulose_spraying_03-1024x714.jpg To blow in the cellulose you cut 2" or so holes into the exterior of your home and use a hose to blow the loose cellulose in. Often for a typical wall, you have studs 16" spaced apart, so you need to put those holes every 16" or so. You then need to patch / repair those holes. The blown in cellulose is usually fairly effective as insulation and you would notice a clear difference. One thing you'd have to check is your wiring. For older homes such as yours th...
- Thu Jan 11, 2024 6:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
- Replies: 90
- Views: 13166
Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Agreed, $2800 reasonable. It's a labor intensive job and also very messy (blown in cellulose is a pain in the ###).
Do it once and do it right adage applies here.
Do it once and do it right adage applies here.
- Fri Jan 05, 2024 10:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hot Water Heater (Good deal or did I get scammed?)
- Replies: 51
- Views: 7268
Re: Hot Water Heater (Good deal or did I get scammed?)
Some things here: 1. Ensure your old tanks are not full of water and are fully drained. This is easy to do (they have a drain at the bottom). Maybe a pain to do a bucket brigade if you don't have a drain up there though. But don't leave them full. 2. $4200 for a tankless is a reasoanable price, no issue there. 3. Given these were in your attic, better to replace early than late (ie 50 gallons of rain on your second floor ceiling). So no issue there replacing the second unit early 4. I personally question why you needed a 40 and 50 gal tanked unit unless your house is really big. From what you describe one 50 gal could easily pick up the load. 5. At this point I wouldn't bother removing the old units unless you need / want the space (assumin...
- Thu Jan 04, 2024 9:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Enormous Property Tax Increase
- Replies: 66
- Views: 9667
Re: Enormous Property Tax Increase
Which state is this?
- Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
- Replies: 90
- Views: 13166
Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Sureshoe, I didn't see a response - have you personally evaluated the insulation in the attic?
- Wed Jan 03, 2024 2:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
- Replies: 90
- Views: 13166
Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Make a layout of your second floor, with North marked, and post it, noting the “problem children” rooms.
Do you have access to the attic above these rooms? Have you inspected the insulation? What type / thickness of insulation do you have?
Do you have access to the attic above these rooms? Have you inspected the insulation? What type / thickness of insulation do you have?
- Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How much Xmas gift money is appropriate for teachers?
- Replies: 104
- Views: 13745
Re: How much Xmas gift money is appropriate for teachers?
I think with recent inflation $100 per teacher is the standard (and something smaller for aids)
- Tue Dec 19, 2023 11:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Interior paints
- Replies: 47
- Views: 6150
Re: Interior paints
Remove wallpaper strip and mud. If done right, 80% of the time is on prep and only 20% on paint
As noted get good brushes and learn cut technique
Use fresh roller. I usually have 9" rollers and 4" rollers. 9" covers most of the wall. Cut the edges in, then use the 4" roller to smooth out / blend in the paintbrush marks.
Get good paint, that is not where you want to cut costs. I am a Ben Moore guy, for interior I like Regal Select, others think spending more on Aura is worth it. I think you'll be fine either way.
In your case I would do primer first, then two coats of paint. The second coat will go on easily / quickly so it's not double the work, plus your edging will already be done.
Good luck
As noted get good brushes and learn cut technique
Use fresh roller. I usually have 9" rollers and 4" rollers. 9" covers most of the wall. Cut the edges in, then use the 4" roller to smooth out / blend in the paintbrush marks.
Get good paint, that is not where you want to cut costs. I am a Ben Moore guy, for interior I like Regal Select, others think spending more on Aura is worth it. I think you'll be fine either way.
In your case I would do primer first, then two coats of paint. The second coat will go on easily / quickly so it's not double the work, plus your edging will already be done.
Good luck
- Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Funding Remodel Options?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 752
Re: Funding Remodel Options?
I've done projects like this. You don't cut a $250K check on day 1 as I'm sure you know as well. Let's say you don't want to sell investments - ok. You've got $160K to get started. That is at least a 3 month head start. Somewhere in here comes design, long lead materials, basic order of operations (permiting/demo/trades/inspections/finish). If it's historic district then expect permitting to take a little while. In the meantime cut back retirement investing to employee match only. If your gross salary is $500K that is $30K+ net coming into your bank account every month. How much is your monthly expenses? How many months does it take you to save $100K? Do you have any upcoming vacations you can postpone? I'd look to save as much as I can for...