Alex Graham asked:

May 14, 2014
The Nest thermostat and its competitors: What do the pros think?
May 19, 2014

With anything like this, I hate to be the first especially with this manufacturer. They brought out the Nest smoke detector and it get recalled.  I would rather wait  and watch the press and blogs and when the dust clears and all is good then starting specifiing them. 

Phililp Anderson

Berkeley CA

Mar 26, 2014
I am looking to remodel my bathroom shower. Does anyone have information about the process and some price ranges that these jobs typically run?
Apr 15, 2014

Nathan, 

If we average the last couple of bathoom shower with bench including new shower, drain assembly, shower value and water line, gut and redo the shower with upscale tile and venting and lighting it runs about $35k.

Philip Anderson

Sean Cook asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the questions that remodeling customers forget to ask when selecting a contractor?
Apr 15, 2014

What experience do you have in this type of house?  Can you give me names of one or two (not three) clients for which you have done this type of work? How long does it take from start of design to significant completion?

Philip Anderson

HDRRemodeling. Berkeley, Ca

Apr 24, 2019
How can you soundproof a bedroom to prevent noises from coming out of your home in an affordable way? I live in a condo.
Apr 29, 2019
Soundproofing an Apartment: Non-Invasive Fixes for Quieter Renting
https://acousticalsolutions.com/soundproofing-an-apartment-non-invasive-fixes-for-q...
Philip

Tammy Sloan asked:

Jan 21, 2019
what can i put around the shower sides to make it drain toward the center drain?
Mar 4, 2019

I don't think so.  Nothing that will last under heat, water and weight.

Philip

Oct 25, 2018
The metal brackets weren't used in $17500 power brace system ! This is there alternative method of choice ? Should I file a compliant with BBB ?
Oct 30, 2018

Greg, 

What did the contractor say.  Why didn't she/he use them.  I would talk to the contractors before I file a complaint with the BBB.  Can you tell me more about the project?

Philip Anderson\

Joe Harris asked:

Sep 8, 2017
Any recommendation for car transport service?
Sep 18, 2017

https://www.nationaltransportllc.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6IeO1cGv1gIVlINpCh3cgAMHEAAYASAAEgLVH_D_BwE

I have heard good things about them.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

Apr 1, 2017
I need someone to level my floors and lay tile.
Apr 3, 2017

http://www.tile-assn.com/ The National Tile Contrators Association is a good start

and then google them

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

Jun 2, 2016
I have a client that would like to frame, insulate & drywall over a exterior door in her kitchen. The home is in DC are there any code issues or permits req?
Jul 25, 2016

yes I would be concerned about the egress issue (or the ways in which you can exit the home).  I would always check with the building department. 

Philip

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

Nov 28, 2016
What is involved in switching my fireplace to gas? (time, cost, effort?)
Nov 30, 2016

There are a very wide veriety of gas fireplace inserts.  

1. Check with the city to see what you can install.  Some cities are now requiring sealed units

2. Do not try runing a gas line by yourself.  Hire a licensed plumber to do it.

3. http://www.csia.org/?gclid=CL_Qk-SZ0dACFZBefgodOrUNRA Contact a CSIA certified chimney sweep to help you install. 

Thanks

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling Berkeley Ca

Aug 21, 2019
Started with a construction company over a year ago. Now dragging on foundation. At what point can u cut your losses and hire someone else
Jan 30, 2020

To help you I need to ask a few questions:

1. Do you have a good contract?

2. Does the contract state in writing start time?

3. Do you think you have paid money to the contractor more than the work completed?

4. Does your state require a licence?

5. Is the contractor a friend of your?

Oct 13, 2016
What trade put mortar between bricks on houses. What the price to install a metal roof.
Oct 13, 2016

I would recommend a licenced mason   Please don't have a handyperson do it.  It will look terrible and may not withstand an siemic even properly.

i would call some of the licenced home builder in your area and ask them who they would recommend/

Phililp

May 18, 2016
What are the phases of a kitchen remodel and in what order? How does the pricing of material and labor get explained in an estimate?
May 30, 2016

Set up includeing Dust Containment field, reverse air flow and floor protection

Demo concreete work, framing, roofing

Rough electrical

Rough plumbing

Inspection

Drywall,

Inspectioin

Mud and tape 

Cabinets and fixtures

Tile backsplash

Finish electrical

Finish plumbing

Fixtures

Finishes Painting 

Final Inspection 

Clean up

Photo Pizza Party

Each phase should show labor (both in house and sub), materials broken out

Hope this helps

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling 

Berkeley Ca

T Calvin asked:

Apr 21, 2016
Can a raised entry foyer be lowered?
May 30, 2016

We recently were asked to lay some beautiful recyeled tiles salvaged from an apartment building lobby in Paris.  But they were too thick by a little over an inch and you would end up with a trip hazzard

We pulled the floor, the sub floor and with engineering, lowered to top edge of the floor joistes, replaced the sub floor, install backer board and then the tile so that it came out perfectly flat. 

Expensive but the end result was beautiful.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

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