r/HomeImprovement

The downstairs bathroom smells like poop. Not strongly, kinda like someone farted in there 20 min ago and it's still airing out. We noticed this smell a couple years ago and after investigating, we discovered a pipe under the house had begun leaking (so gross). Got that all fixed and cleaned up and the smell went away. Started noticing it again a few weeks ago. Went back under the house, couldn't find any leaks or anything wrong with the plumbing. It doesn't smell under the house. No signs of water damage, the toilet itself works fine, can't really identify where the smell is originating. Doesn't smell in any of the other rooms, just the bathroom. It's driving us mad, any thoughts on what/where to check?

I set up an appointment with a plumber ​about a week ago to upgrade my water heater and I figured I could basically "​get to know their work" to see if they wanted to do a bathroom remodel and if I'd be willing to work with them as well. Small job, quick and easy and I don't risk my big job on a stranger. He quoted me an exact amount​. I clarify, he says "​yep that's all in parts and labor"

The day comes and he doesn't show. When I call him he claims has no idea who I am, but can send someone over right away. The kid comes over doesn't take any measurements or anything but tells me he can do it for me tomorrow. I ask about the quoted amount and he says that is for cash. I said "like a check?" He said "no​, cash, we can give you that price".

Today he shows up and before they begin I tell him I'll need a contract and bill of sale. This "plumber" tells me they don't do anything on paper for cash. I said "​that would void any warranties and I won't be able to get my permits". He said permits cost extra and they would never do permits with cash. The problem is I was quoted a price and I wasn't told it was a cash price and then when they showed up they told me 'oh they can't do that price ​unless it's cash'. And then told me that they can't do a legitimate job with cash payment. I kicked them out and he had the balls to tell me to call and make a regular appointment for the water heater. I THOUGHT I did that. Yikes. Always ask for a paper trail. This scammer really tried to tell me everything would be valid without one. Never fall for the scam.

Hey all! Just got our first home. What are some things we should be doing as far as maintenance goes monthly, semi annually, annually? Anything from changing ac filters, cleaning gutters, ect.

We are on city water, have an electric water heater, central AC, live in FL.

So basically what the title says. Made the mistake of hiring a friend for a bathroom remodel, was originally supposed to be a 2 week project and 3 months later it’s still not finished.

Chewed the contractor out a few weeks ago and he’s went radio silent on me since then but all of his tools are just sitting in my garage taking up space. I know where the guy lives I’m just not sure of the legality of dropping his tools in his front yard without his consent. I live in MI and the contractor lives in IN for reference.

Update: Got a hold of him, may get it finished this next week otherwise he knows tools are getting dropped off. Notified him in writing and will take pictures of what I dropped off.

I own a 2-story craftsman home from 1914 and the three bedrooms on the 2nd floor all have closets. The way the home was built, the roof slants down from the closets making them very difficult to use other than for storage. They all have normal doors on one of the ends, and then go about 12 feet back, while the roof slowly slants downward and away. By the door, the height of the closet is the normal height of the rooms, but if you crawled all 12 feet to the back of the closet, the height is only about 3-4 feet. It’s not letting me add a photo, so I hope this makes sense - if you need some clarification let me know. Looking for ideas of things I could do to use the space better.

Thinking about building something where you upload a home service quote (HVAC, plumbing, roofing, etc.) and it tells you if it’s reasonable or overpriced, how it compares to similar jobs and what you could negotiate

Basically a sanity check before spending $5k–$20k.

Is this something you’d actually use, or would you just Google / get another quote?

Caulk shrank and pulled a thin line of paint off a stucco wall next to vinyl window trim. I’m gonna pull out the old caulk and put on Dynaflex Ultra advanced exterior sealant. Can I just cover the line where the paint came off with caulk or do I need to repaint? Is Dynaflex any good? Wall gets direct sun and rain (if we’re lucky and get any).

I want a window film for privacy since it's directly at my bed, however, all I'm seeing either block UV, obstructs light, or both. Would preferably like it to work somewhat at night, but know that's pretty hard if there's really anything other than a small desk light on. I have plants and cats who love window watching, so I don't want to block any heat or UV. (or at least as minimal as possible) Also love looking out the window in general, and seeing as I have no overhead attachments, the window is my main source of light. Is this simply too unrealistic? Willing to spend a decent amount of money since this is important to me, but I'm on a budget and would rather save as much as I can. Amazon would be appreciated, but in-store is just as good. Rather not pay more than I need to just for shipping. Thank you so much for any help!!

TLDR (too long, didn't read) -

• !! Can see outside like there is almost nothing there
• !! Can't see inside during the day at all (and possibly at night)
• ! Doesn't block heat or UV
• Preferably in-store or on Amazon
• Clear, not patterned or frosted

I've got a bathroom light fixture that I absolutely hate, but cannot current afford to replace. Any ideas how to repair this so it's not hanging out of the ceiling? The sub won't let me post a photo so I have no idea how to show it to y'all.

I have 1.8 inch pavers and 1.7 inches pavers. Did I screw myself over? Or is the difference negligible?

so I renovated the house like 6 months ago. I noticed some of my wafer lights sag a little. when I went go adjust them and tighten them the cut was exposed. meaning it was either to big or just sloppy, so he left them just a little loose so it covered up one of the sides being cut more than the other uneven.

anyways I'm stuck with it. I don't want the attic space getting into my second floor. what's the best way to seal this up from inside, the easiest way.

thanks

I bought my home in 2024. First month I replaced every smoke detector in my home with new Kidde 10 year lithium battery smokies. 7 total in my house and two CO/Smoke combo units. Since then, I have had to replace each of the three bedroom units upstairs (3 different rooms) at least two times per room. Without fail they last about 6 months and then start randomly chirping in the night and I have to permanently disable them. 7 brand new smokes, but only the units in these three bedrooms are constantly failing early and I cannot understand why. These are just standard smokies, not the combo units. Why these three rooms specifically when everything else is lasting years as expected? Starting to think it’s ghosts.