Home Improvement Thread

[jgold47]

I think we need a home improvement thread. Any and all home improvement questions, comments, etc... belong here.

All advice given is to be taken at your own risk.


I will start.


Has anyone ever taken apart a window to replace a broken sash cord. is it as easy as it looks on the videos?

 

[Dakota rube]

Yes. It is quite simple. Tom Silva shows how it is done

 

[Usul]

home improvement in masturbation

 

[jgold47]

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

Yes. It is quite simple.


Tom Silva shows how it is done

Thats actually the video I watched that inspired me. I pulled out one of the windows last night, but their isnt an access to the sash weights, whcih means I would have to pull the front molding off, which I am not interested in doing. Just yet.

The good news is that all but 1 window will open, and we found the screens for all the windows but one in the back, which I am going to put one of those 3 pane storm windows on anways.

 

[MrG]

Great idea, OP. I don't have anything I need help with at the moment, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the thread.

Originally Posted by Usul

home improvement in masturbation

I don't think so, Tim.

 

[pontifex]

Originally Posted by jgold47

I think we need a home improvement thread. Any and all home improvement questions, comments, etc... belong here.

All advice given is to be taken at your own risk.


I will start.


Has anyone ever taken apart a window to replace a broken sash cord. is it as easy as it looks on the videos?

Just did that. It's like anything else you do with your hands - the first time, you're probably not going to like the results. You're not going to even know what questions to ask or what can possibly happen when you touch something. Instructions don't help because the examples they're using don't exactly match what's in front of you. Instructions also leave out basic points that you're not going to think of until it's too late. If somebody tries to explain it to you, there's a good chance you won't even know what they're talking about. You go back and forth from the hardware store, buying the wrong supplies, tools, etc. So you do an amateur job and if you actually finish it, you're discouraged by the poor results.

You know you did something wrong, but you don't know what.

Then, if you're not completely discouraged, maybe you watch somebody who has some experience attack the same problem. You still might not understand what he's doing.
Or, you watch a video example or read about it and see some instructional photos.

But then, if you attack the problem again, it will make sense and you'll be able to do it. Everything you've done and now the new information you've watched will come together.

That's what happened to me. First window attempt didn't turn out well at all. It sort of worked, but not well, and it looked terrible. It ended up being replaced.

I was not interested in attempting it again, but I really wanted to save some original wooden windows. I had contractors helping me renovate. I begged them to save the windows. They refused. All contractors will refuse, it's easier for them to use new materials. They don't want to fix things, they just want to install crappy new stuff made out of plastic. What do they care, it's not their house. Besides, they're not paying for the plastic junk they're installing, you are.
Finally I told them I wasn't going to pay for all new windows, just some of them. So they replaced 5 windows and did put some time into fixing 5 of the originals. They didn't finish fixing them, they just started on it. I watched them. One of the contractors nearly finished one of the windows completely. I used that one as an example. After they were gone, I finished repairing the rest of them. They all work now and look far better than they did before.

I recommend not using new nylon or plastic rope to replace a sash cord. You need to use the same kind of cotton or wool rope that was there originally. The nylon rope will not stay inside the track of the rollers. It will slip off, maybe even the first time you lift the window, which means the weights will no longer function. So all your work will be for nothing.

You should also clean all the paint off any moving parts, especially the rollers. Unscrew them and take them completely out of the wall so you can do a good job. When you put them back in, clean, they'll work the way they're supposed to.

I don't understand why people think it's ok to paint moving parts. News flash: it's not ok. It prevents that part from moving, making the whole thing, whatever it is, inoperable. And it looks terrible. If it's a vintage item, the paint is probably covering up meticulous artwork as well.

 

[robsam]

Yup ! Mr. pontifex is right. Actually he shared his real life experience. I am agree with him regarding contractors. They are anytime ready to waste your money by using unnecessary plastic stuff in your house even if you don't like it. As I think most of the people (almost 95% ) like a wooden window or doors instead of plastic junk. And traditional structures are having the same but if you go for renovation it becomes creepy with contractors. Of course, I love my descent wooden stuffs so I am never gonna install a plastic one.

 

[StephenHero]

Everyone should start by removing every square inch of carpet in their home. Once that's taken care of, we can really get down to business.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by StephenHero

Everyone should start by removing every square inch of carpet in their home. Once that's taken care of, we can really get down to business.

I find certain forms of carpeting can be rather swank looking in that midcentury bachelor pad sort of way.

 

[StephenHero]

Let's find middle ground.

 

[MrGoodBytes]

bump

took the day off to finish up some long neglected loose ends.

finally got the very last peice of old electrical out of my place (light switch that required chiseling some tile). got a few more nutone dimmer switches in, and a motion detection switch in the laundry room. Got into the attic and reran the electrical and replaced the can light for the fireplace, been avoiding that one for 3 years. Got the last two ceiling vents replaced.

its nice when you finally get those last touches together that you've been overlooking for a long time.

 

[mordecai]

Originally Posted by MrGoodBytes

been avoiding that one for 3 years. .

.

you have no idea how reassuring this is to me right now. my new years resolution will involve the following put off tasks:

baseboards & quarter round
window framing & caulking
rewiring and installing light switches and ceiling lights
installing new mailbox
painting kitchen, bathroom trim, and touchups from moving

 

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by mharwitt

you have no idea how reassuring this is to me right now. my new years resolution will involve the following put off tasks: baseboards & quarter round window framing & caulking rewiring and installing light switches and ceiling lights installing new mailbox painting kitchen, bathroom trim, and touchups from moving
Do the painting before the baseboards. Just in case you decide to touchup any other areas. If you're going to be putting in fans are you going to use remotes? If so, they make a nice combo light switch/fan remote. Assuming, of course, that your fan runs off the light switch.

 

[oDD_LotS]

Originally Posted by jgold47

Has anyone ever taken apart a window to replace a broken sash cord. is it as easy as it looks on the videos?
My wife and I have about 55 windows in our house (90 year old, double hung) that need repairs/restoration, and I've been learning a LOT from "Working Windows" by Terry Meaney. I got a copy of that book for my birthday and it covers all of the commonly found issues with old windows and is written in a fairly easy to understand way. From what I've seen/heard, window work is usually time consuming, but not too difficult. Good luck! This week has found me finishing up a long-neglected bathroom painting project, and I plan to start on the vapor barrier and cement board for new subway tile in our shower tomorrow.

 

[MrGoodBytes]

Originally Posted by mharwitt

you have no idea how reassuring this is to me right now

well I bought the place almost 4 years ago, did a gutting of most of the place and lived in a construction zone for 2 years.... there were alot of little details you just learn to live with.

I still have a few odd pieces of missing trim and a few areas that need quarter round to cover gaps in the hardwood floors I put down.

I think I'm done for a while. I need to save up to replace the 2nd bath I gutted 4 years ago.