Home Buyin/Maintenance Thread - Where most of us are 30ish but act 47. Oh, and fuck home inspectors

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by Swim Cantore, May 4, 2015.

  1. Good Effort! Good Game!

    Good Effort! Good Game! Dallas Clark's biggest fan
    Donor

    Do any of you have a clue what could be causing this weird spotting / decay on my exterior stucco wall? It's only in one spot on the whole house and has gotten progressively worse. Previous owner said it was some kind of fungus or something that he had treated, but I can't find anything on how to deal with it online

    Some spots look like it's eating away at the stucco but can't be sure

    Not sure if relevant but this is behind where my outdoor grill is, if it's somehow heat related, but I don't use it a whole lot.

    Thanks much
     

    Attached Files:

  2. WillySaliba

    WillySaliba Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Philadelphia 76'ersArsenal

    I don’t know for sure but it looks like mold or moss type of spots. Where do you live in the country? Does the sun ever hit that part of the house? Have you tried pressure washing it or sucking its dick?

    edit: did not quote so tag, Good Effort! Good Game!
     
  3. Imurhuckleberry

    Imurhuckleberry Avid spectator of windmill warriors
    Donor
    Florida GatorsSan Francisco GiantsGolden State WarriorsSan Francisco 49'ers

    Our back yard (where the dogs go out the dog door) is down hill from the new build next door. They brought in a significant amount of dirt so now their runoff drains back there. The wet plus the dogs have now turned it into a mud bath. I think I’m going to put in a French drain and then some artificial turf. The drain I’ve done before but with the turf is there anything particular that should be done from a prep standpoint? I’m gonna Google but I thought a few people mentioned turf here previously.
     
  4. infected donkey

    infected donkey Arkansas Razorbacks
    Donor
    Arkansas RazorbacksChicago CubsAvengersBarAndGrillSoutheastern Conference

    I'll have to take a picture of all the impending doom trees I need to have topped that aren't on my property that would wreck havoc on the north side of my house. Damn Beetles have wrecked them in the past few years. (according to previous owner and me watching them for 6+ months).

    Look into a "soft washing" service for the stucco. I've had it done on my house's every couple years because of the humidity and moss and other things growing.
     
  5. steamengine

    steamengine I don’t want to press one for English!
    Donor
    Duke Blue DevilsHouston AstrosKansas City ChiefsLiverpool

    That’s pretty common with stucco I believe
     
    infected donkey likes this.
  6. Good Effort! Good Game!

    Good Effort! Good Game! Dallas Clark's biggest fan
    Donor

    I'm in LA (close to the beach). Not a ton of sun on that particular area, no.

    I tried the soft wash approach before but don't think I did it right. Will try that again.
     
    WillySaliba likes this.
  7. Simon Templar

    Simon Templar Well-Known Member
    Kansas JayhawksChicago CubsSneakersBig 8 Conference

    A giant ship’s engine failed. The ship’s owners tried one ‘professional’ after another but none of them could figure out how to fix the broken engine.

    Then they brought in a man who had been fixing ships since he was young.
    He carried a large bag of tools with him and when he arrived immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.

    Two of the ship’s owners were there watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away and the engine was fixed!!!

    A week later, the owners received an invoice from the old man for $10,000.

    What?! the owners exclaimed. “He hardly did anything..!!!”.

    So they wrote to the man; “Please send us an itemised invoice.”

    The man sent an invoice that read:

    Tapping with a hammer………………….. $2.00

    Knowing where to tap…………………….. $9,998.00
     
  8. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Worth it
     
    Snakes likes this.
  9. Tommy Jefferson

    Tommy Jefferson Well-Known Member
    Nebraska CornhuskersKansas JayhawksKansas City RoyalsKansas City Chiefs

    What’s on the interior side of the wall? Any chance there’s a leaking pipe there?

    I don’t know anything about stucco at all but if it’s only in a small area like that I wonder why it’s not in other places too.
     
    Funshot Residue likes this.
  10. Good Effort! Good Game!

    Good Effort! Good Game! Dallas Clark's biggest fan
    Donor

    The other side of that wall is a built in grill in my patio space. No running water or anything

    I had sent around a few messages to "stucco cleaners" on Yelp and one guy said it could be toxic black mold... anyone have experience with that and can that grow on stucco like this?

    Thx
     
    One Two, Dump, bigred77 and 1 other person like this.
  11. mal630

    mal630 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Ohio State BuckeyesTiger Woods

    So I moved to a new apartment. I have 1 gig internet but its in one of the bedroom closets. I seems to be functioning well but streaming on my TV has started to suck. It could just be the built in wifi/roku within the TV isn't great? It is about 2 years old. I've realized that I have no option to hardwire short of running a 120 foot cord out of a bedroom closet to the living room. If I buy a 4k roku or apple TV do you think their built in wifi would work better than my tv?
     
    One Two, Dump and bigred77 like this.
  12. ned's head

    ned's head Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Not sure about stucco but Amazon sells a cheap at home test for black mold that may give you some peace of mind
     
  13. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    If it's black mold, it's probably growing IN the wall

    Any chance you can pull the grill and see into the wall cavity?
     
    One Two likes this.
  14. Name P. Redacted

    Name P. Redacted I have no money and I'm also gay
    Donor
    Kansas State WildcatsSeattle Kraken

    90% likelihood your problem is poor wifi coverage/speed from your router. Might want to look at getting a better router or a mesh system like eero.

    But also yes stand-alone units will typically have better hardware, I quite like my Apple TV.
     
  15. ned's head

    ned's head Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Are you running 2.4 or 5 ghz? May want to try the other and see if it works better
     
    One Two and mal630 like this.
  16. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt


    Tv manufacturers aren't interested in keeping their built in software up to date, so yea there's a good chance a separate dongle thingy would work better
     
    One Two and mal630 like this.
  17. Boom TittyMilk

    Boom TittyMilk User Formerly known as Big R
    Donor TMB OG
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesAtlanta HawksAtlanta United

    I use a power line in our house for my tv and ps5

    https://www.bestbuy.com/site/netgear-powerline-2000-extra-outlet/6203586.p?skuId=6203586
     
    HuskerInMiami and mal630 like this.
  18. mal630

    mal630 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Ohio State BuckeyesTiger Woods

    Yeah, just seems kind of excessive for a 1000 sq foot apartment. I'll prob start with the $40 roku stick and see how it goes from there.
     
  19. Imurhuckleberry

    Imurhuckleberry Avid spectator of windmill warriors
    Donor
    Florida GatorsSan Francisco GiantsGolden State WarriorsSan Francisco 49'ers

    Do a speed test with your phone from the location of your tv. What do you mean by suck? Lag? Low res?

    do you have a a mesh Wi-Fi or an extender?
     
  20. arrdub

    arrdub Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida State Seminoles

    Idiot move of the day and advice needed:

    I have a PVC water line in yard running to 2 existing hose bibs

    I am extending this about 80 linear feet to add 2 more hose bibs attached to 2 different structures

    bought all PVC piping and joints and bibs… unfortunately for 3/4” pipe instead of 1/2” which I now realize is what the existing line is :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

    Am I ok to just buy a 1/2 to 3/4 connector to bring this 3/4 run downstream from the 1/2”

    or will that cause issues? If helpful; the 3/4 run will be uphill from the 1/2… or do I need to go back and buy all 1/2 stuff?

    Any counsel?!??
     
    bigred77 likes this.
  21. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    If the pressure is good you'll be fine
     
    One Two, Dump, arrdub and 2 others like this.
  22. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    But if you're going to the store anyway, why not just exchange it all, will be cheaper
     
  23. Open Carry

    Open Carry TMB Rib Master
    Donor
    Hartford WhalersAuburn TigersConnecticut HuskiesAtlanta United

    Built a door for my crawl space today. Previously it was just covered by wire mesh shoved in place that easily fell out, so I had several cats living in there. Hope they all left before I locked it.

    EA55A267-DAD6-4DD5-B7C0-57AB7736D2AE.jpeg
     
  24. arrdub

    arrdub Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida State Seminoles

    I just couldn’t fathom walking back into the depot with 10 loose PVCs and 15 assorted couplers and hose bibs and waiting for 6 hours at the return desk

    pvc is down and spigots are live. No illl effect

    Thanks for your help
     
    goblue31602 likes this.
  25. arrdub

    arrdub Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida State Seminoles

    “Hopefully they all left”

    sounds like a risky downside proposition

    :killmepete:
     
  26. arrdub

    arrdub Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida State Seminoles

    Also I need to upgrade my crawl space access too

    Piece of junk in there now
     
  27. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt


    6 hours at the return desk?

    I feel like maybe you are exaggerating just a bit
     
  28. arrdub

    arrdub Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Florida State Seminoles

    Yes but 6 minutes can feel like 6 hours can’t it?

    wallowing in the shame of my incorrect purchase?

    like my own personal scarlett letter
     
  29. Open Carry

    Open Carry TMB Rib Master
    Donor
    Hartford WhalersAuburn TigersConnecticut HuskiesAtlanta United

    Well I haven’t heard trapped pissed off feral cats under the house, so, so far, so good.
     
    arrdub, One Two, Lip and 1 other person like this.
  30. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
    Donor

    The next test will be if under your house starts smelling bad
     
  31. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    I need help finding a good 10x10 shed. I don't need windows. Just a shed to store mower and landscaping/pool stuff. Looking online, I keep seeing 3-5k and I don't want to spend that much.
     
  32. texasraider

    texasraider thanks
    Donor
    Texas RangersKansas City ChiefsDallas Mavericks altTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    do you have access to some large cardboard boxes? Call it a fort instead of a shed
     
  33. Duck70

    Duck70 Let's just do it and be legends, man
    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    Just have one built. Will look nicer and should be comparative in price.
     
  34. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    I would prefer he builds it himself and posts all about it here
     
  35. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    who builds these? During Covid I watched hours of videos of people building sheds and thought I could do it myself. I just had a cement pad poured, so that's done. I'm afraid I'll start and get bored and we'll have half a building in the back of our backyard.
    upload_2023-1-30_13-23-56.png
     
    One Two, Dump, Lip and 3 others like this.
  36. Duck70

    Duck70 Let's just do it and be legends, man
    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    A shed like that is a massive overkill imo, with all the wood joinery.

    Something like this is much more realistic.
     
    One Two and HuskerInMiami like this.
  37. Imurhuckleberry

    Imurhuckleberry Avid spectator of windmill warriors
    Donor
    Florida GatorsSan Francisco GiantsGolden State WarriorsSan Francisco 49'ers

    Just don’t let The Hebrew Husker ’s girlfriend see it and you’ll be fine.
     
  38. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    I just googled a pic of a random shed incomplete. What you posted is what I'm looking to build.

    Here's a link to the info in case anyone else is curious. They break it down really well.
    https://myoutdoorplans.com/shed/10x10-shed-plans/

    If I am putting this on a cement slab, do I need to put it on 6"6" SLABS? I know I don't want it directly on the ground, but i'd prefer it not be 6" off the ground.
     
    #35138 HuskerInMiami, Jan 30, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2023
    Duck70 likes this.
  39. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

  40. The Hebrew Husker

    Donor
    Nebraska CornhuskersSeattle MarinersColorado AvalanceWWENebraska Cornhuskers alt

    It doesn’t appear to be attached to a fence or a deck, so he’s already in the clear!
     
    Funshot Residue likes this.
  41. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
    Donor TMB OG
    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    I just cleaned up my desk, including a stack of refi solicitations. Many were 1.XX%
     
    Lip, One Two, Hatfield and 2 others like this.
  42. AHebrewToo

    AHebrewToo Albino Hebrew Extraordinaire
    Donor
    Indiana HoosiersNotre Dame Fighting IrishWashington NationalsIndiana PacersIndianapolis Colts

    And then this spring when the mice start leaving little mouse turds in his cupboards.
     
    Redav likes this.
  43. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
    Donor
    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    dis me but less than 2.7% because 15yr term. Basically never moving again unless I can pay cash or rates return because I have already tasted the sub 3 fruit.
     
  44. LetItSoak

    LetItSoak Well-Known Member
    Donor

    We're at 2.9% so we'll be dying in this damn house
     
    Lip, One Two, Dump and 5 others like this.
  45. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    The plumbers replaced the main line; water going from the main to our house. It was 1/2". It was probably closer to 1/4" because of all the gross stuff in the pipe. They finished up everything underground (sprinklers, electrical, plumbing, lighting) and are going to start getting the yard prepped for astroturf. They're also planting the expensive Date Palm my wife had to have today.
    upload_2023-1-31_9-29-43.png
     
  46. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    Sprinklers for astroturf?
     
  47. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    No, sprinklers are for the flower beds.

    And my shower this morning was amazing. So much pressure.
     
    bigred77 likes this.
  48. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
    Donor TMB OG
    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    were you coming from cast iron?
     
  49. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Miami DolphinsNebraska Cornhuskers

    yep.

    Just got our new tree installed.
    upload_2023-1-31_11-4-42.png
     
    Sub-Zero, One Two, Duck70 and 6 others like this.
  50. Doc Louis

    Doc Louis Well-Known Member
    Donor

    How old is the router?
     
    bigred77 likes this.