REMODELING YOUR HOME?

Are you ready to take on the task of painting and a slight remodel?

Many home owners are choosing to remodel instead of relocation. I am on that journey now. WeeWHOOOOOOO!!!

BY: Cynthia Stanard    February 16, 2018

If you are remodeling please make sure to check the contractor’s license. If you are using a “Handy Man” make sure you get references and check them. Don’t get scammed or fooled because of a good “DEAL”.

Like my Daddy told me, “Just because it’s cheap, Don’t mean it’s good.

There are many scammers out there so “BE AWARE“ of who you are dealing with. You may want to check online @Google. Just enter the company name or person’s name. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)  to see if they are in “good standing”.

If you are just starting to think about remodeling you might want to check out one of the many www.HGTV.com home remodeling shows. They have great ideas for all areas of the home. And if you are interested in tackling the project yourself don’t forget to check out www.youtube.com videos on DIY videos. They have step by step videos by many professionals on everything.

If you are going to do the project yourself and are using a “Warehouse” type to buy your products, I would choose my own wood and other items and have the order delivered or I would go through a reputable wood supplier to choose and deliver.

Store Comparison Home Depot Hilo Hawaii, HPM Building Supply Hilo, Hawaii and Argus Building Supply Hilo, Hawaii.

Talking about getting screwed… Today’s story starts off at receiving a sub-standard product on an order that was recently handpicked by Home Depot order pullers. Delivery was great by Hawaiian Movers; I do believe that’s who it was.

For the past 17 years I have dealt with HPM Building Supply and Argus Building Supply located in Hilo. Building my house I bought my lumber from Argus Building Supply and HPM. The lumber all came in great shape. No split pieces, end pieces or chunks of missing wood. Throughout the years I have continued to order wood from Argus and HPM. Not one time did I receive anything close to Home Depot’s poor quality. I rate Argus and HPM pickers at a 10 compared to Home Depot.

Home Depot takes a 3 on a scale of low 1 to 10 high. Not sure how they train there pullers at Home depot, but what a disappointment. Most of my 1x4x12 was scrap wood. Not one of them came with one decent face that wasn’t tore up in some fashion. That’s if it was not a first cut after the bark is stripped, banding marks, grease or oil on the boards, most of the boards had the 1” side face was ripped off. The other lumber rates about a 6. I have always gone and chosen my own wood and packed into my truck. But this time I figured they could handle it. Obviously I was wrong… And was I going to wait for another delivery… no.

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My first step in my remodeling project was to paint the exterior and replace the trim on my house. I expected to sand with 100 grit sandpaper and add minor putty as usual. I had to putty and sand every board with 40 grade sandpaper and finish with a smooth surface with 100 grade sandpaper. The wood was so bad I should have returned it. The wood actually needed to be put through a planer, sides and corners remade with wood putty. I used 3 large cans of wood putty from Ace Hardware in Keaau and 3 days of sanding @8 hours a day. Home Depot only had plastic wood putty to repair the boards. I prefer the real deal. All I can say is thank god I am very experienced in finishing carpentry.

Speaking of ACE hardware Keaau, the staff is very knowledgeable. They really know their stuff. They also carry Shindawa Weed Eaters. Best for the Jungle. I have been through 5 craftsman weed eaters. One Shindawa that was used for 7 years, until it was stolen. Also ACE brand Metal Rust paint is very good.

Now with the new exterior paint by BEHR Marque Semi-Gloss, I have confidence the exterior house paint will last another 12 Years if not more as stated. The paint guy was spot on at Home Depot I give him a 10. Also the exterior Primer and Paint in one by BEHR is awesome also. I use exterior paint for the interior also. So will see how long this paint lasts. Check out my reviews on Painting Your House 101.

The Journey living in Hawaii. I built my own house from cutting trees to clearing land and building from the ground up. Learning along the way what will withstand the harsh salty air and the brutal rain storms. I am glad I was smart when I chose stucco for my exterior walls. It seems like other materials have gone to ruin in some way or another. Every piece of metal has rusted and flaked away into dust. Any wood exposed to the elements has deteriorated into spongy nothings. Constant Maintenance, everything needs to be painted or replaced here after a few years. I can’t tell you how many BBQS that I have laid to rest because of rust. I thank my luck stars that I have plenty of experience in all facets of construction, maintenance and the remodeling trades.