Question 1

How do I repair cracks in my basement wall?

Accepted Answer

Foundations are rigid and tend to crack over time. Minor cracks are normally not a cause for alarm. Major cracks, on the other hand, indicate that there is movement and can undermine the home’s structural integrity. If the cracks are severe and many, it’s best to hire a structural engineer to evaluate the problem.

Question 2

How do I choose the best type of paint for a high-moisture area (such as a bathroom)?

Accepted Answer

Due to the high levels of humidity and condensation that both kitchens and bathrooms are subjected to, they become prone to paint cracking, peeling and mildew. Painting with a semi-gloss paint is recommended. Semi-gloss paint is also very washable.

Question 3

What flooring is best for basements?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t like to take chances, you can’t go wrong with ceramic or porcelain tile. Unaffected by water or water vapor, ceramic or tile can be installed right over the cement slab in your basement. Another option is to glue down vinyl tiles or planks. There are a lot of choices here that emulate real wood and hold up well to water.

Question 4

Should I add a basement addition to an existing home? Is it worth it?

Accepted Answer

I hope you are willing to spend a pile of money for this. When you have very limited space such as city lots with narrow side lots and small backyards this might be a consideration since adding on is not an option due to a lot of restrictions. An average basement can run anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. Now add to this the cost of relocating existing mechanics and the other possible structural considerations. The liability issue is also a potential consideration since cave-ins are certainly possible. Consider this alternative very carefully and get all the expert advice you can before embarking on this.

Question 5

What is the best method for removing wallpaper?

Accepted Answer

Wet it with a spray bottle of hot water spraying twice to loosen the paper behind the surface or just steam it off.

Question 6

How much insulation should I use in the attic?

Accepted Answer

This area requires R 49 in a flat attic. If the room is vaulted you would use an R 38 between each rafter.

Question 7

Should I paint concrete?

Accepted Answer

Concrete can be pained or stained using a sealer prior to doing so. Be sure to use paint or stain that is recommended for this application.

Question 8

Do all home renovations require a permit?

Accepted Answer

Any room addition, kitchen or bath remodel will require a permit. For all other renovations, it’s best to check with your local building department before embarking on any home improvement.

Question 9

How I can prevent mold?

Accepted Answer

Dry any wet areas immediately. Pay particular attention to exterior doors that gather moisture from bringing pets in from the outside. Improve air flow in your home. Open doors between rooms to increase air flow to bedrooms, closets, etc. Leave your shower fan on for at least ten minutes after showering. Monitor the humidity in your home. It should be between 30 to 60 percent to avoid the possibility of excess moisture which will invite mold.

Question 10

Should I paint over wallpaper

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of factors here to consider. What condition is the wallpaper in? Will the moisture from the paint cause the paper to lift?
And yet if you do remove the paper will you create more damage to the drywall and/or plaster. Removal of the paper is always the first choice but if you choose to paint over consider that you will see the seams from the wall paper and also have to live with the texture of the paper that will show in your new paint job.

Question 11

How do I fix water stains

Accepted Answer

You didn’t say where the water stains are. I will assume they are in the ceiling for discussion purposes. The first thing you must do is to mix up a solution of bleach water. If you use a spray bottle put about a 1/2 cup of bleach and the rest water. spray and clean the area and let dry thoroughly.

Question 12

What can I do to keep my pipes from freezing this winter

Accepted Answer

Disconnect all outside hoses to prevent freezing. If there is a shut off for the hose in the basement or crawl shut these off as well. open the cabinet doors below the sink to promote air flow to the pipes. Keep the garage doors closed whenever possible particularly if there are water pipes present. Finally keep a hair dryer handy just in case of a frozen pipe. This will thaw the pipe out and allow water to flow again. If you notice any split in the pipes before you thaw them, call a licensed plumber immediately.

Question 13

What is the best strategy for choosing colors in a kitchen? Should I go with warm hues or cool colors?

Accepted Answer

The best strategy for choosing colors in your kitchen is personal preference. When deciding between warm or cool colors, think about what colors you gravitate towards. Much time is spent in the kitchen so it is more important to select colors that you like rather than being “on trend.” Cool colors are the trend right now, however, you can find warmer tones in an updated color palette as well.

Question 14

Do you recommend water-saving toilets and shower heads? How do I pick the best model for my home?

Accepted Answer

We do recommend the use of water saving toilets and shower heads. On average, 20-25 percent of water usage in a home is from showering and the average person uses 27 gallons of water a day from just flushing the toilet. The benefits of using these products in your home include water conservation and lower water bills. Water saving toilets and shower heads can drop household water usage by as much as 40 percent. In selecting these products, research specific brands and models on the internet for comparisons and reviews.

Question 15

Freestanding vs. Built-in bathtubs: What do you recommend and why?

Accepted Answer

There are pros and cons to both bathtubs. For example, freestanding tubs offer more options in style and design but are typically more expensive than built in tubs. Built in tubs are better in smaller spaces and offer more surrounding storage for towels and soaps but are not as visually impactful as a freestanding tub. Choosing the right tub has a lot to do with your existing space and your budget.

Question 16

How do I select the most flattering lighting in the bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Flattering bathroom lighting is dependent upon multiple sources of lighting to eliminate any shadows. Lighting sources should include fixtures around the mirror, overhead lighting and lighting above tubs and showers.

Question 17

Should I have a garbage disposal installed in my kitchen?

Accepted Answer

This is somewhat complicated in that a disposal provides a quick way to get rid of small scraps. However, the downside to this is the average of 900 gallons of water it takes to dispose of excess food every year. More and more people are choosing to turn the unwanted food scraps into compost for plants and gardens. In a world of ever shrinking water supplies, this may be a better and more environmentally friendly choice.

Question 18

I want to remodel my kitchen, but I have no idea where to start. What do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

One of the best ways to start is to collect magazine pictures of some of the things that you like, and in some cases things that you may not like as well. The National Kitchen and Bath website is an excellent resource for ideas and guidance.

Question 19

What type of tile should I use on my bathroom floor and shower?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain would be my choice for the following reasons:
It’s the least porous type of tile
Limited maintenance and the most choices available.
Here at Reliable, we also use an epoxy based grout to ensure water tight integrity and stain resistance for many years to come.

Question 20

What’s the best way to ventilate my bathroom? Do I need an exhaust fan?

Accepted Answer

The one way to vent your bathroom is by opening a window or skylight if they exist. Being in the Chicago area in the winter not too many people open windows for ventilation. The best year round way to vent your bathroom is by an exhaust fan.

Question 21

What should we be doing to get ready for the summer? Our house is 10 yrs old and we want to keep up with any maintenance projects that we should be considering.

Accepted Answer

If you have a steel garage door, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of car wax on the face. As a painted surface, the garage door is susceptible to discoloration and fading. By applying a coat of your favorite car wax every summer, your door will maintain its beauty for many years. This also applies to storm doors and windows as well.

Question 22

Do I need to clean the leaves off my roof?

Accepted Answer

Most definitely! Leaving leaves and branches can cut your roof’s life as much as in half. Should you notice any tree branches rubbing against your roof, have them removed and trimmed back by a proper licensed contractor to insure the integrity of your shingles for many years to come.

Question 23

When is the best time of year to do my house’s maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Spring and fall are the best times to consider your maintenance projects. Replacing filters, changing smoke detector batteries are a great job for spring and fall. Cleaning your dryer vent is something that also should be done in the spring and fall. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your dryer and more importantly avoid a fire from built up lint.

Question 24

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking for a traditional fiberglass furnace filter, once every three months should be enough. Factors you should consider: do you have pets? Do you smoke or live with someone who does? Once a month should do the job to keep the toxic air at bay in your home should this be the case. As a remodeler we recommend once a week especially during the drywall process where airborne dust can find its way into everything you own especially the furnace.

Question 25

How do I keep my grout from discoloring?

Accepted Answer

It is of the utmost importance to seal newly installed grout to prevent discoloration over time. Excess water used in the installation can cause this as well. The best way to insure against discoloration is to make sure you’re using grout that has not exceeded it’s shelf life and follow manufacturers suggestions for recommended additives while preparing to install your new grout.

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