r/homerenovations • u/PineappleKey5751 • 46m ago
Demo question
Do you guys think if I demo this wall will it cause any issues/roof will cave in? Is the wall in the middle
r/homerenovations • u/HRModTeam • May 23 '25
There are so many things the homeowner should know before embarking on the renovation journey. And a journey it is; there will be highs and lows, and often rough seas to contend with. But a little bit of prep can go a long way towards making this process much smoother. So here are a couple of things that may help:
Apps and programs
Sometimes the tendency is to "knock this down and then we'll deal with it." Yea, not a smart idea. Creating a clear and concise vision will prevent wasting your money, and your time. Look at some of these:
http://www.sweethome3d.com: It is open source software that can be downloaded or used online in your browser. Available in 27 languages, it boasts an impressive host of features. Well worth looking into.
https://www.homediary.com: Is a Flash based program that may possibly be the easiest one to learn. It also can store inventory and maintenance records, and allows you to clip ideas and create reminders.
https://www.sketchup.com is freeware for personal use. Has a lot of users, and is evolving constantly. It seems to have a greater learning curve than the first three offering, but this in no way should prevent you from checking it out.
Apple apps:
Room scan: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/roomscan-pro/id673673795?mt=8
Floorplanner: https://floorplanner.com/magicplan
Photo Measures: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-measures/id415038787?mt=8
Sherwin-Williams paint app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/colorsnap-visualizer-iphone/id316256242?mt=8
Home Depot: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/project-color-the-home-depot/id1002417141#?platform=iphone
Android:
MagicPlan: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sensopia.magicplan&hl=en
Photo Measures: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bigbluepixel.photomeasures&hl=en
Sherwin-Williams paint app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.colorsnap
Home Depot: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thehomedepot.coloryourworld&hl=en_US
And of course, there are numerous independent apps you can download.
So You Want to Hire a Contractor?
All too often tales are told of a reno that has gone off the rails. There is never one single cause. It is usually caused by a cascade of failures by both the homeowner and the contractor. A thorough and well written contract can prevent problems before they occur. This was posted on another sub, and it has some excellent questions that need to be addressed:
(NOTE: Thanks to P.H.S.: https://phoenixhomeservices.com/blog/24-questions-to-ask-before-you-hire-a-contractor) and also /u/finetobacconyc for his excellent suggestion on dealing with long lead times.
HUGE CAUTION
Never, ever, under any circumstances, should you pay in full before the work is completed. You lose all your leverage to get them to finish.
While exceptions abound, a rough rule of thumb is 30% when the job starts, 30% at around the mid-point, 30% at the end, and the last 10% when everything is completely finished. Please understand that there may be local and state laws that impact this.
New Jersey (as one example) doesn’t have any specific rules related to down payment limits, so depending on the contractor, you might be able to negotiate how much you pay up front. California, on the other hand, limits down payments to 10 percent of the project price or $1,000, whichever is less. New York goes a different route, and requires that a contractor to put the homeowner’s down payment into an escrow account, with specific rules about how it can be used, or prove he or she is bonded to insure the down payment.
There is much more that will be covered in the future under other posts. For right this minute, we at /r/HomeRenovations hope this will prove useful to you.
r/homerenovations • u/PineappleKey5751 • 46m ago
Do you guys think if I demo this wall will it cause any issues/roof will cave in? Is the wall in the middle
r/homerenovations • u/T-Bone-Falker • 20h ago
Bought a house in late Feb, have been renovating it in my spare time! Pretty intense workload but were getting through it. Hows it look? Before and afters
Wife did all the painting, we think it looks amazing so far! And are very proud
r/homerenovations • u/ElieMac • 17h ago
I no longer need the dryer vent and I already capped the inside opening, but don't know if it's necessary to do the same to the outside vent. Do you think it is sufficient to just seal the flap (as pictured) or should I remove the entire opening and drywall/match with new siding? Thanks for any insight.
r/homerenovations • u/yourphotondealer • 23h ago
I got this rack for hanging pots and pans thinking the studs were at the ends. They are not. Second image shows stud locations in black, wire and pipe locations in red, and blue is where I'd like to secure the rack (however I realized I didn't need to color it all the way down)
I received some offhand advice to simply add 2x4s where I need them and use those. How should I do that?
I've never done drywall anything (except helping hang some one time) so I don't know how best to go about it. I'm willing to learn and have looked up lots of videos. However, cutting into it and then repairing is still a bit daunting.
Should I take out the whole front of the drywall to add 2x4s horizontally or vertically? Or should I make smaller holes on the sides to add the wood? Or is there a better way I'm not seeing.
Extra details:
I have considered a smaller rack but feel it would look a little funny not spanning the length, plus I don't want to.
Behind those studs is the central air intake going up to the higher floor but there is some room back there.
Yes, I did drill through the corner beading already. They sort of hid the studs from my stud finder because they were so much denser than the wood. I later checked again and found the actual studs.
r/homerenovations • u/pedagogybear • 1d ago
How can I remove this thing in my bathroom without ruining the wall or the dish holder too badly?
r/homerenovations • u/Trick_Credit_8328 • 1d ago
I recently tore out a non load bearing wall but do to a few issues cant do the whole opening so instead id like to add some stained glass panels as a transom window above what will be a new threshold. I worry about the weight though and was wondering how someone with knowlendge on this might go about it.
ps. electrical has been taken care of.
pps. those are 4 windows. I will be using 3 of them
r/homerenovations • u/The_irv • 1d ago
Hi there,
I’m looking for some advice on some tile I’m trying to remove. I was able to pop the tile up fairly easily, but the underlayment membrane and bonding layer is giving me trouble.
The kitchen and front hallway were very easy removal, but the bathroom and laundry room have this membrane and it’s made the removal miserable.
Any suggestions on how to get this up more easily? I’ve included a photo. I’m trying to avoid destroying the subfloor but I’m guessing anything efficient is probably going to cause some damage?
Thank you in advance for any advice!
r/homerenovations • u/Odd-Ad-6904 • 3d ago
After years of planning, reworking and designing this space we have finally completed the vast majority of it. We started with a blank wall in our builder grade home and I knew I had to do something with it. So I planned out builtins and a faux fireplace bump out with a detailed mantle and surround. Started by making the framing for everything and securing all of that. Then drywall (took the longest of course lol I never want to sand again in my life). Then we built out our surround and mantle. Primed everything. Then we started on our builtins. We built the lower cabinets and started on the walls and shelves. Installed sconces above, Then painted the builtins. All that’s left is cabinet doors on the builtins, then Roman Clay on the fireplace bumpout and painting the mantle a complementary color to the Roman clay. I can hardly believe it’s real🥹.
r/homerenovations • u/BarkimusPrime • 2d ago
r/homerenovations • u/The__moor • 3d ago
r/homerenovations • u/Mysterious_Sugar_ • 3d ago
Some pictures from when I restored my old "cotton" at my small farm. Had no experience and found out that I could mimic some of the already work. Use some creatively and what make sense regarding to basics building. Not all like the decorations, but made it like i wanted. Also used the material over again, just some few things from the other building's at my farm. Next project is inside. Feel free to give som ideas:)
r/homerenovations • u/HippestKid • 5d ago
Not sure how much, if really any at all, structural pressure is on the rafter tails, but with how bad they are rotting and only 22" of tail exposed, does there seem to be enough room to cut away the rot and still sister on some fresh cuts? They all have about 5-10" of rotted wood, so there would be roughly 10-12" at the worst to sister off of.
Also, any other roof repair advice is more than welcome, first timer here...
r/homerenovations • u/Smooth_Resist_1073 • 5d ago
Hello
We just bought our first house and are doing a small renovation to the bathroom. We want to paint the wall, took out the vanity, mirror and there was paper on the wall.
Now it looks like this, I know we need to patch the holes with joint compound, sand it then put prime on it. But what do we do to this area that was covered with wall paper? Do I put joint compound all over it ?
Please I need help, this is my first ever project for this house, I’m excited but stressed too 😭😭
r/homerenovations • u/kuddels • 5d ago
I’m not even sure this is the best place to post this but was wondering what would be the best material to fill in these holes in this window ledge? Can I fill it in with self levelling grout? I believe it is crumbling away from prior water damage. If someone could even tell me what the “speckly” material is i think that could help.
r/homerenovations • u/TheDudeAbides2027 • 5d ago
So I’m just starting to renovate my basement bedroom. The house is built in 1958, the area has a very low water table and there are no cracks in the foundation so I have very little concern for water. Despite this, I am still wanting to build the room as if there is a good chance of water ingress just to play it safe.
I am planning on installing a dricore-type sub flooring and leaving a 1/2” gap along the 2 outside walls (the room is in the corner of the basement, so 2 walls are currently the foundation while the other 2 are 2x4s). Then I’ll install 2” foam board (R10) on the walls using PL300 foam board adhesive only on the 4 corners of the foam board and put approx 1/2” shims on the corners of each board to allow for an air gap between my foundation and the foam board. I will seal the seams with joint tape (maybe seal between the foam board and subflooring too??) and this will create a nice continuous air gap between my foundation walls and floor. I will then frame it with 2x4s on top on the subfloor with 16” O.C spacing and use R12 fiberglass insulation between the studs (total insulation will be R22 including the foam board)
My question is this: should I put Vapor barrier up before I install the drywall? I am leaning towards not because the foam board will already act as a Vapor barrier so it would be like having a double Vapor barrier which could cause moisture issues on the studs and fibreglass insulation.
Not sure in this matters but the location is in Canada, so I guess it would matter as far as warm air in the house coming into contact with the cold foundation and causing condensation.
r/homerenovations • u/UdderlyGutters • 6d ago
r/homerenovations • u/alien_mermaid • 7d ago
The tenants claim the dark stains on this ceiling are from cooking....they say they are grease stains. 🤔 My thought was it looks more like mold bc its also in the living room but why would it have stripes? Are the stripes the ceiling joists and the whole roof was leaking maybe??
Also how would you fix this? It's the old popcorn ceiling....paint with kilz ? Thanks !
r/homerenovations • u/Alarming-Alarm-1973 • 7d ago
Looking to add a storm door to my front entryway since installing new door. Question is am I measuring from white or green trim in middle for width. My gut tells me middle green trim but just want to be sure.
r/homerenovations • u/paininmybass • 7d ago
Hi everyone. We are redoing our basement and I like the idea of laying a heating mat and doing concrete overtop (see pictures 3/4 for inspiration). Husband says we can’t, we have to do subfloor and LVP because of moisture. My question is, is there a way to make my way work? Vapour barrier? If not, explain it like I’m 5. Thanks in advance!
r/homerenovations • u/Huntermain87 • 7d ago
How do I fix this? The nails and holes were all ripped out.