Home Repair and DIY

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
Anyone have recent experience with replacement windows? I am pricing replacement double-hung windows for Chez deLarge. Is there any advantage with contacting the Pellas of the world directly vs. going to a local dealer first? Anything to avoid?

thanks,
AdL

Supposedly Pella and Marvin are somewhat more premium than Anderson.

As for contacting Pella directly, I believe you will get refered to the local Pella dealer anyway. When I dealt with a Pella guy (or Marvin guy), I felt licked all over. Because he was neither female nor hot, I rather disliked the experience (like a car sale in my own home). That said, it's how the business seems to work. I would call a few places and have them come give you estimates.

Try to avoid getting licked.

[Alex_de_Large]

thanks, everyone. I will try not to get licked (unless the sales person is hot, female, and Mrs. dL decides that she is suddenly into 3-somes...)

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by Alex_de_Large
thanks, everyone. I will try not to get licked (unless the sales person is hot, female, and Mrs. dL decides that she is suddenly into 3-somes...)

You can look at all three at your local Lowes or Home Despot, I think. And the management there frowns on licking customers.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by taxwonk
And the management there frowns on licking customers.

One could easily get that impression; you might have a different one if you could ever find someone to help you.

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
One could easily get that impression; you might have a different one if you could ever find someone to help you.

I usually solve that problem by standing in the middle of the main aisle and shouting at the top of my lungs "Can somebody please help me." You'd be surprised how quickly help arrives.

[Oliver_Wendell_Ramone]

Originally posted by taxwonk
I usually solve that problem by standing in the middle of the main aisle and shouting at the top of my lungs "Can somebody please help me." You'd be surprised how quickly help arrives.

Sure, it works for you, but I don't think Burger is looking for someone to come running with a defibrillator.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Oliver_Wendell_Ramone
Sure, it works for you, but I don't think Burger is looking for someone to come running with a defibrillator.

Although grabbing one of the loading trucks and taking it for a spin at least sometimes gets attention. And if not, joy ride! Win-win.

[Fugee]

I'm getting a new furnace this winter and really need to add more insulation to my attic.

There currently is loose cellulose with an R factor of about 2. Well maybe not that low but I need to add a whole bunch of R-factor, probably R-25.

I'm trying to decide whether to add more blown in insulation (either more cellulose or fiberglass) or to go with blanket insulation. The price difference isn't enough to be decisive.

I* will most likely need to get to the bottom of the insulation in the future for wiring, putting in a Solar Tube or other such stuff. So it would be smart to choose the insulation that will be easiest to work around.

Any thoughts?

*And by "I" I mean a professional type someone hired to do the work.

[bold_n_brazen]

Originally posted by Fugee
I'm getting a new furnace this winter and really need to add more insulation to my attic.


Any thoughts?

Yes. I'm really glad I live in South Florida.

And that it's 71 degrees this morning.

[Fugee]

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen
Yes. I'm really glad I live in South Florida.

And that it's 71 degrees this morning.

Don't you also need good insulation when it's hot to keep the A/C bills down?

Despite the coming winter, it was a glorious fall day.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Fugee
Don't you also need good insulation when it's hot to keep the A/C bills down?

Despite the coming winter, it was a glorious fall day.

Yes, but heat rises, cool falls.

I'd go with the fiberglass bats. Less messy and easier to move and deal with (i.e., with blown-in, it stirs up if you move it). Wiring and a solar tube should be a non-issue either way, especially if done by a pro.

[Alex_de_Large]

Originally posted by taxwonk
You can look at all three at your local Lowes or Home Despot, I think. And the management there frowns on licking customers.

BTW, we ended up going with the Pella Architect series, with true divided light. Gorgeous, and very professionally made and installed.

[bold_n_brazen]

Today I replaced a light switch that wasn't working quite right. And by quite right, I mean at all. I have had a spotlight on my driveway that's been on for at least a month.

Anyway, I managed to do it without electrocuting myself too badly. Here's a helpful little DIY hint. That fuse box in your garage. You should USE it before you start tinkering with the stuff in the wall behind the light switches.

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by bold_n_brazen
Today I replaced a light switch that wasn't working quite right. And by quite right, I mean at all. I have had a spotlight on my driveway that's been on for at least a month.

Anyway, I managed to do it without electrocuting myself too badly. Here's a helpful little DIY hint. That fuse box in your garage. You should USE it before you start tinkering with the stuff in the wall behind the light switches.

How are you enjoying your new perm?

[robustpuppy]

$4,200 for a new gas furnace???!!!