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2018 Northwest home and fashion style
Posted on February 20, 2018 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItIf you are looking for modern approaches to Seattle house decor and design there are some terrific trends to get ahead of! No need to credit me when a guest comments or you get a letter from the neighborhood association – please enjoy all the praise and accolade for your self! The 2018 Northwest home […]
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Creativity abounds in the Northwest!
Posted on December 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItHere are more creative home repairs that I have seen in recent inspections. These prove that while some things have a single right way, there are many more areas where creativity abounds. Is there such a thing as a wrong way? You will have to decide! Rain barrel slide Why have one rain barrel when […]
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Outdoor electrical components 101
Posted on December 10, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItHave you ever noticed those components outside your garage wall? Ever hit that metal rod sticking out of the ground with your weed wacker? Ever wondered what that big braided wire is for? Here is a quick 101 crash course on those exterior components for those of you interested. First, let me introduce you to […]
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Problem panels and wiring
Posted on November 30, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItElectricity evokes fear for many people. It is a powerful energy that has been harnessed for much good use. I wanted to briefly point out the two panel types and one wiring material that have been problematic in houses of the 1960s and 1970s. If I find these issues I recommend additional evaluation and necessary repairs […]
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Clean the screen!
Posted on October 30, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItWhere does the water go as you boil the pot and see the water level decrease? What happens when you reduce juicy tomatoes to a thick, rich marinara sauce? How come your neighbors smell your dinner when they walk by your house? The answers to these questions can be found with the ventilation fume hood […]
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Love those DIY-ers!
Posted on October 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItOften I ask my clients their do-it-yourself comfort level. Recently I have seen some do-it-yourself work that had me thinking that some people’s confidence far exceeds their ability (or at least their foresight!). Joining the many previous posts on creative home repairs I offer these ideas for those of you who enjoy doing home projects […]
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SCARY MOMENT! Use the right panel screws!
Posted on September 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItFew people would ever consider it safe to remove an electrical panel. It is why home inspectors and electricians have their jobs! This story may further discourage anyone from opening a panel… I had one of my top 5 scariest moments at an inspection this summer as I re-installed a panel cover. As I removed […]
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Flashy metal hopefully you never notice
Posted on September 10, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItWhen dealing with the number one house problem in the Northwest, water, there is an important feature that most people never notice. At joints and protrusions and edges of our roofs is a feature called “flashing.” This bling is for your house to channel water in the right direction. It serves like bumpers and channels […]
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Some more creative home repairs
Posted on August 30, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItI return to the creative ways that I have seen people update and maintain their houses. With the resources of Google and Youtube it is hard to understand how do-it-yourselfers can get things so wrong. So without further adieu, here are some recent ideas for those of you looking to do a job twice! Designer […]
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Love at 120-degrees!
Posted on August 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItHow hot is too hot? That’s a relative question, right? Not anymore! Borrowing the tagline from my family’s favorite take’n bake pizza place I have some interesting facts that I have learned concerning the best and safest operating temperature of your hot water supply. First, 104 degrees (F) is the temperature considered safe for bathing. […]
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