Rachelw's Profile

@RURAL AND RUEFUL - it is actually new hardware for only $85 - different style and material. If you click over to the project's website they give more details.

All- my firm has actually used these systems in one form or another for our projects all located in Chicago, the north shore, Wisconsin and Michigan. None of our clients have had any isses using permeable paving for their patios, driveways, sidewalks,etc. So yes, they do work for areas prone to snow, frost, shoveling etc. and most of the mfrs have done testing, so you could find more details from them. Also, for those of you who really do like asphalt, there is a permeable asphalt,but I don't have any experience with it.

Hey guys -- just wanted to clarify the section about choosing your breed with care. I did not mean to imply that ALL large dogs are bad for small spaces. I do agree with others that there are large breeds who are good for small spaces, and small breeds who are incredibly energetic. Our dog is small, low-key, yip-free and a great city dog, which what attracted us him (and he's super adorable). And the point was just that - not just size, but what will suit your home and lifestyle best. Many shelters have helpfully categorized their dogs with personality types and energy levels, and these should be taken into consideration when selection your new family member. Cheers!

All -- thanks for all the lovely compliments! We really did appreciate the idea the tenants before us had, but yes, it needed some tweaking. We do own - it's a duplex condo in a 12-unit historic building, and for some reason we're the ones who've taken advantage of the under-the-stair space!

We did not use piano hinges for the doors, they're just heavy duty cabinet/institutional style hinges. While having the top edge of the doors sloped is not ideal, it was the best way to maximize the door openings. And, it took a little readjusting and sanding through the seasons to get it to open smoothly.

Because our stair 'redo' was actually a smaller part of a larger renovation project in our unit, I'm not actually sure of the cost. I designed the remodel, but we worked with a woodworker/contractor colleague of mine who did all the rough carpentry work, while my husband and I shared all the finishing duties.

all -- I've actually installed the standard sun tunnels in a ton of projects and they're great. They are meant more as a light source rather than a view, when skylights can't be installed. They provide a ton of light (you could easily mistake one for an electric light fixture) and you can actually fit them with both a light kit for night use (a fluorescent ring bulb inside the diffuser) and an exhaust fan. I can't remember the specific costs for material and installation, but I don't think it's any more than window, if not less.

I agree with Hickepedia. Your fridge was likely designed under the assumption that the indoor air temperature would warmer than the refrigerator temp. The seals might be cracking and the motor might not run properly. Additionally, heat always wants to gravitate to cold, so in this case your room temp might be sucking 'heat' from the fridge. So, really, it seems like if it's getting this cold inside, the refrigerator is useless - unplug it and you'll save electricity.

Also, with keeping a cold house, be careful that nothing else goes haywire such as your plumbing pipes or anything else not designed to operate optimally at such low temperatures.

Thanks for the tips everyone - these are the answers I was looking for! Definitely didn't mean to offend anyone by confusing knitting with crocheting. I totally appreciate knitting/weaving/crocheting, and have tried my hand at it, but alas continue to be yarn-challenged. I'll probably get in trouble for that, too, sorry! Still, this could be a neat idea for my Bertoia chairs.

@incensenhoney -
yes, screens are a great solution and retractable ones are a good option for small spaces and keeping the door wide open. Check out our post on retractable screen doors (there are a lot of other companies that make these too) and how to install a screen door.

akay --

They used MDF because they had scrap pieces of it and it was really easy to cut. They also painted and caulked everything, but a different room probably would be better for maintenance issues. Read on the link above for more details about their experience.

Sorry Runemistresss -- according to the website their server recently crashed and they're still experiencing issues... Maybe check again in a few days.