Happy home improvements

[HornsRuleU]

Before the CFB season ends, I wanted to get your thoughts on what you've done to your house to save money, improve life, etc.

Here's a couple tweaks I've made in the last year that have really improved things. They may seem like meaningless little tweaks, but it's one less thing for your mind to waste time on. (Which, since you're on OB, you clearly care about.)

I bought some LED lights that have a motion sensor on the tip of them. They look like this:

I put one in the pantry, and the other I tried (briefly) in the laundry room. Cost? Pair of bulbs for $17.

The one in the pantry was such a huge hit that its light switch became a problem. We'd accidentally switch it off without thinking. The motion sensor is supposed to take care of that, but you have to leave it on 24/7.

So I disconnected the switch and covered it over with a bare plate. Now it comes on as soon as we open the door, and shuts itself off in a minute or so after the door is shut. We're finally out of the habit of hitting the switch. So add another $1 for the blank plate.

The laundry room was not so ideal, at least not at first. The ceiling is high, and there's a rod across the room for hanging nylon stuff. So the motion sensor on the light wasn't automatically coming on. So, I got a motion sensor at the switch.

Now it works perfect. [Edit: with plain, LED or curly-Q bulbs, just not the motion-sensor kind.] It's great because you don't have to think about it, and can have a basket full of dirty clothes and it just pops on instantly, and shuts itself off. Cost: $13.

It was a little more complicated, since the switch I replaced was a double switch (light on left, fan on right). So I paid another $2 for a plate to make that look good. But everyone's happy.

So... Got any cheap little tweaks that made everyone happy?

 

[2300 Nueces]

Before the CFB season ends, I wanted to get your thoughts on what you've done to your house to save money, improve life, etc.

Here's a couple tweaks I've made in the last year that have really improved things. They may seem like meaningless little tweaks, but it's one less thing for your mind to waste time on. (Which, since you're on OB, you clearly care about.)

I bought some LED lights that have a motion sensor on the tip of them. They look like this:

I put one in the pantry, and the other I tried (briefly) in the laundry room. Cost? Pair of bulbs for $17.

The one in the pantry was such a huge hit that its light switch became a problem. We'd accidentally switch it off without thinking. The motion sensor is supposed to take care of that, but you have to leave it on 24/7.

So I disconnected the switch and covered it over with a bare plate. Now it comes on as soon as we open the door, and shuts itself off in a minute or so after the door is shut. We're finally out of the habit of hitting the switch. So add another $1 for the blank plate.

The laundry room was not so ideal, at least not at first. The ceiling is high, and there's a rod across the room for hanging nylon stuff. So the motion sensor on the light wasn't automatically coming on. So, I got a motion sensor at the switch.

Now it works perfect. It's great because you don't have to think about it, and can have a basket full of dirty clothes and it just pops on instantly, and shuts itself off. Cost: $13.

It was a little more complicated, since the switch I replaced was a double switch (light on left, fan on right). So I paid another $2 for a plate to make that look good. But everyone's happy.

So... Got any cheap little tweaks that made everyone happy?

She has you working on your day off.... i feel ya bro.

 

[Son of Wasatch]

I don't know why, but I really like that light bulb.

 

[westx]

I don't know why, but I really like that light bulb.

Lol! I think I know why

 

[Belldozer1]

I’m considering putting a Spanish tile roof on my mobile home, trying to get HOA approval.

 

[oldhorn2]

better rethink that idea Bell....them tiles get slippy and the tires tend to just slide off em….

 

[Belldozer1]

better rethink that idea Bell....them tiles get slippy and the tires tend to just slide off em….

I'm thinking down the road and the effect it would have on my resale value. The shell of my trailer may rot but the Spanish tile roof would be there for life for the next owner.

 

[Drtxhorn]

Lol! I think I know why

Wow....I bet she's got really nice toes.

 

[StrangerHorn]

Why don't ya just cut the light off and on at the wall, like regular folks do? 17 bucks buys a lotta reg light bulbs!

 

[clob94]

I'm thinking down the road and the effect it would have on my resale value. The shell of my trailer may rot but the Spanish tile roof would be there for life for the next owner.

I'm two posts away bro. Just two more posts.

 

[HornsRuleU]

Why don't ya just cut the light off and on at the wall, like regular folks do?

You answered your own question there.

 

[StainedOrange]

We're doing granite Countertops and updated back splash. We have pretty much everything else done in our 40yr old house for it be considered 'up graded'. It will be the cherry on the top to get it sold at highest price. W/O the granite it looks like a 'every thing but' house.

 

[Belldozer1]

We're doing granite Countertops and updated back splash. We have pretty much everything else done in our 40yr old house for it be considered 'up graded'. It will be the cherry on the top to get it sold at highest price. W/O the granite it looks like a 'every thing but' house.

What are you using for backsplash?

 

[StrangerHorn]

 

[oldhorn2]

I'm thinking down the road and the effect it would have on my resale value. The shell of my trailer may rot but the Spanish tile roof would be there for life for the next owner.

that kind of selfless attitude will get you far with your HOA....a tip of the cap to you....

 

[clob94]

We're doing granite Countertops and updated back splash. We have pretty much everything else done in our 40yr old house for it be considered 'up graded'. It will be the cherry on the top to get it sold at highest price. W/O the granite it looks like a 'every thing but' house.

Gunckel custom counters in Seguin. Legit the best out there. They do all the granite work for every frost Bank and every Mercedes dealership.

 

[Belldozer1]

Not really a home improvement, more of a land improvement but I cleared this land off, now me and the boys are cleaning it off, building a pony wall on top before we build a retaining wall below. Any of you young bucks want to come swing a pick axe with ol Belldozer just say when

 

[horn wild]

You sure you want to seal that granite every year? I know it looks better than quartz but I would not want or do the sealing. They last 2 houses we built we put a switch in the pantry so when the door comes open the light comes on. I’m sure the motion light works just as good.

 

[oldhorn2]

ahhh…..the ole refrigerator button switch....very smart and fool proof....If there is anything I want fool proof it is the pantry door!

 

[StainedOrange]

What are you using for backsplash?

White washed ceramic tile

 

[Son of Wasatch]

I have a headboard for my backsplash, or her back. Never use her front, if there is a round two, it can make things pretty sticky.

 

[Bwilk55]

Not a cheap upgrade but I added smart LED bulbs in almost every room (except guest bath and bedroom). I wanted to upgrade to dimmable lights anyway, so instead of changing out switches, I just bought LED bulbs that can be dimmed via app or voice on Alexa. I am using the Phillips Hue Brand.

My favorite thing, when I say "Alexa, I'm thirsty" the light in my bar turns on.

 

[bostavan]

First, the installation of soft roofing should be done with the material warmed up indoors. Shingles and mastic should be stored in residential heated rooms. Secondly, to glue the bituminous elements will have to use a heat gun or industrial hairdryer. But it should be understood that the improper and careless use of these devices can lead to a fire. To mount a soft coating in the winter period, it is better to contact professionals. If the masters are experienced enough, they will take on this work. But it may cost much more than in the summer. Roof construction in the winter is performed in several stages. You can also choose several popular variants of coating at your discretion.

 

[Oldmanastro]

First, the installation of soft roofing should be done with the material warmed up indoors.

Well that was out of nowhere…..check the dates, pre-pandemic when we were free!

 

[westx]

Well that was out of nowhere…..check the dates, pre-pandemic when we were free!

Well, at least it is a reminder for @HornsRuleU, who op’d this thread to get out of his slumber and help us bash ou this week. I haven’t seen his name come across these parts in a long while

 

[EWNHorn]

We just cleared our back two acres (have 4.2 acres) that was solid trees and dug a 1/2 acre pond. We wanted an acre pond but the dang sand and water just below the topsoil kept that from happening. Just waiting on the pond to fill now, since we've only had one big rain since it was done Sept 2nd. The rye grass I planted back there is jumping up though. Looking better.
We replaced the three different types of flooring we had (tile, carpet, and compressed wood planks) with the vinyl wood planks through the whole house (about 2600 sq ft). Then bought a vacuum robot thing that works while we at work!
We redid our shower while floors were being done. Took out old shower and jetted tub and replaced with one big butt shower with rain fall head, detachable head and fixed head (yeh yeh I said head).
Our next project is to either replace windows or seal them up better. Whoever built went super cheap on windows.
Best thing we did was build an at home gym though!
Good luck on your projects. After windows.............I'm DONE..........

 

[Belldozer1]

Well, since this thread has resurfaced I can only add to it. In this thread, I previously posted some pics of the top of a hill I excavated, well after I excavated it I went ahead and threw down a pimped out rental, I beat the covid price gouging by doing about 70% mostly myself. Close to being done, need to build a cabana with fireplace by the pool and finish tile work around pool.

 

[westx]

Well, since this thread has resurfaced I can only add to it. In this thread, I previously posted some pics of the top of a hill I excavated, well after I excavated it I went ahead and threw down a pimped out rental, I beat the covid price gouging by doing about 70% mostly myself. Close to being done, need to build a cabana with fireplace by the pool and finish tile work around pool.

Very nice man.

 

[LonghornMM]

Very nice, Bell. I would be interested in renting that in the near future. Please PM me with the details.

 

[Drtxhorn]

Well, since this thread has resurfaced I can only add to it. In this thread, I previously posted some pics of the top of a hill I excavated, well after I excavated it I went ahead and threw down a pimped out rental, I beat the covid price gouging by doing about 70% mostly myself. Close to being done, need to build a cabana with fireplace by the pool and finish tile work around pool.

That is well done my man! Do we get the friends and family discount?

 

[Belldozer1]

Very nice, Bell. I would be interested in renting that in the near future. Please PM me with the details.

Thanks. I still have to finish it up and am still furnishing it. Buying furniture and appliances are in the ridiculous waiting period.

 

[Belldozer1]

That is well done my man! Do we get the friends and family discount?

Hey what do you know about that Cajun joint out towards your area

 

[BigBrotherAgs]

Dammit I came over here to talk crap about football and I’m reading about lightbulbs??? Where is the man’s forum!!!

 

[LAY THE WOODY]

Dammit I came over here to talk crap about football and I’m reading about lightbulbs??? Where is the man’s forum!!!

Edison didn't realize when he created light he also created the honey-do list. 😁

 

[Belldozer1]

I guess I should add these pics to my project too. I had to build a 75' bridge across a steep dry creek to access that rental I built. It was a job.