Homeowner Forum / General / November 2004

I had the Award hardwood floors installed (with ceramic in the top
layer) (glued on slab) a few years ago. At that time, there were minor
problems like gaps in planks but I was shocked recently when a small
drip in the bathroom caused some water to go under the floor. I think,

Putting on new shingles - IKO brand, Chateau type, single (1) tab,
architectural or "designer" style, 100% asphalt (not fiberglass).
On the back of each shingle is 3 strips (running the full length of
the shingle) near the top, the bottom, and the center.  The strips are

In the same are two kitchen sinks. Sink number one works
great. A couple feet away (in this little church) is sink number
two.  It has no cold water but hot water works and occasional
it will cough and sneeze hot water (from trapped air pockets.) If

Is this "par for the course" with contractors, etc?
I am a relatively new home owner (2 years). I recently started on a quest to
have a pocket door installed. I got myself a Penny Saver and called a few
"door installers". None wanted to come out to do a single door. I then

*New York Central Fire and Mutual:*
If you're out looking for Homeowners insurance, Buyer beware. I have
had New York Central Fire and Mutual for the 8 years that I have owned
my home here in New York State, faithfully paid my bill even after I

Is there a shower which can be switched from running off the hot water
tank in the winter months to an electric system in the summer?

I have moved into my new house for about 3 months now. Every so often,
i lose power and then it will come back on after 2 minutes or so.
Might have to call the electrician to check it out. Isn't electrical
services still under warranty for a a new house? Any opinions on what

I have a two car concrete driveway about 95 ft long and 16 ft wide and leads
to a side entrance garage.  It is not very hilly and has a mild slope. I
live in SE Michigan where the snow fall can be considered moderate to
heavy. I am looking for a good snowblower as my single stage ...

We attempt to transport a water heater (still in box) to a rugged
location and drop it on its side. When unloading the water
heater off a Ford 2-ton truck it tips over and lands onto its side on
a pavement from 3-feet. A second attempt to move it on a

In trying to replace one of the four
48" fluorescent tubes in my ceiling
light, I accidentally dropped and
shattered the translucent plastic

I am having a house built for me by a national builder. I just noticed
today (before the sheetrock was put up) that the casing for several
wires is broken and exposing the wire. Is this a safety issue or am I
being paranoid? I think that it had to be replaced in that situation

Hi, Does anyone know of any [upright] vacuum cleaner that definitely
does
NOT use "fiberglass" in any of the filters? (by, "filters," I mean
anywhere.... the bags...the hepa filter.... the secondary

I have had this problem for years and it's about time I tried to rectify
it..
Basically, whenever I put my quilt cover in the tumble dryer, it ends up
wrapping around itself so that at the end of the drying cycle it's in a

Would appreciate any opinions on the "Little Giant" ladders.
Guess they are available in a few different capacity/size ratings; all seem
to be in the $ 300 - $ 400 range.
Pretty expensive, but looks like something to consider for a new homeowner's

I have a GFCI outlet in the garage next to the main breaker box. The
only thing that plugs into this outlet is the automated sprinkler
system. I have had the house for about five years (new when bought). I
remember the GFCI outlet occasionally tripped (not often prior to this