Ask an Expert

Q&A: What is a remedy for our leaky flat roof?

<p><a onclick=”window.open(this.href, ‘_blank’, ‘width=800,height=561,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0′); return false” href=”http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/08/29/modernhome2.jpg”><img title=”Modernhome2″ height=”210″ alt=”Modernhome2″ src=”http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pardonourdust/images/2007/08/29/modernhome2.jpg” width=”300″ border=”0″ style=”FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 5px” /></a><strong>Question</strong>: We own an apartment building in North Hollywood that has a totally flat roof. Every few years we install a new composition roof and it starts to leak again. We believe that the solution lies in providing…

Read more »

Got a remodeling question?

Got a remodeling question?

I’ve assembled a panel of Southern California remodeling experts ready and willing to answer reader questions on this blog. Do you have a question for a: Contractor? Green builder? Carpenter? Feng shui consultant? Architect? Home inspector? Loan broker? Landscaper? Decorative painter? Real estate agent? If your question involves a design issue, please include a clear…

Read more »

Ask a Contractor: How do we recycle demolition waste?

Ask a Contractor: How do we recycle demolition waste?

Question: We’re tearing down part of our 1940’s home to make room for an addition, and also gutting our kitchen for a major remodel. I hate to see all this end up as trash. How can we recycle some of this material? Answer: From my experience interviewing remodeling homeowners, the dread of an older home…

Read more »

Q&A: Where have all the arched windows gone?

Q&A: Where have all the arched windows gone?

Question: My husband and I were arguing about retrofitting windows the other day. We were out on a walk in a neighborhood with some beautiful little Spanish-style homes. One thing I love about them is their large, arched front windows. One thing I hate is when homeowners upgrade their windows and replace them with those…

Read more »

Q&A: Where have all the arched windows gone?

<p><a href=”http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/08/20/jenkinswindow.jpg” onclick=”window.open(this.href, ‘_blank’, ‘width=285,height=357,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0′); return false”><img alt=”Jenkinswindow” title=”Jenkinswindow” src=”http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pardonourdust/images/2007/08/20/jenkinswindow.jpg” width=”299″ height=”375″ border=”0″ style=”float: right; margin: 5px 5px 5px 5px;” /></a><strong>Question</strong>: My husband and I were arguing about retrofitting windows the other day. We were out on a walk in a neighborhood with some beautiful little Spanish-style homes. One thing I love about them is…

Read more »

A designer’s tip for budget granite counters

A designer’s tip for budget granite counters

I asked local designer Enid Harris if she could recommend anyone who sold granite counters really cheap. Here’s what she said: “I don’t have any low-budget granite or slab people . . . nor would you want one! The best tip I can offer is the one I used: Ask a stone setter if they’d…

Read more »

Dear Green Builder: I’m obsessed with granite countertops . . .

Dear Green Builder: I’m obsessed with granite countertops . . .

. . . but I’m also obsessed with green building. Do I need an attitude adjustment? For some new ways of thinking about this, I consulted a green builder: Question: My dilemma is that I love granite counter tops and yet I want to do a green remodel. I’ve heard that granite is out of…

Read more »

Ask a Realtor: How important is master suite in upscale area?

Ask a Realtor: How important is master suite in upscale area?

Question: I am buying an older home with four smallish bedrooms. (actually two are very small and two are OK). I can either keep all four bedrooms or use one to expand the current master bath (which is a 3/4 bath). To add a tub to the master suite, I need to sacrifice the smallest…

Read more »

Ask a Realtor: Play room or large laundry room better for flipper house?

Ask a Realtor: Play room or large laundry room better for flipper house?

Question: We bought a beautiful two-story, five-bedroom home in an excellent area of Newbury Park for resale. However, there is very little storage in the house and a very small laundry room, which feels more like a long closet. I read an article in The Times lately about laundry rooms being the next big renovation…

Read more »

Ask an Expert: Repair or replace damaged deck?

Ask an Expert: Repair or replace damaged deck?

Question: My house was built 20 years ago with a second-story redwood deck that is about 250 square feet. The deck has been stained, power-washed and decently maintained. But some of the deck joists and all four uprights have been diagnosed with dry rot/fungus and dry-wood termites. Should I replace the damaged joists and uprights…

Read more »

Sponsors

More Sponsors