Bird house building what is the best wood to use for custom home design houses?
Q. I am looking to build a custom bird house for my friend for a house warming gift (I know clever!). I want to have an exact match of the house. But i do not know what wood to use for the main of the house and the details?
Asked by notredameswimmer - Sun Jul 29 19:57:57 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 2 Answers - Comments

A. cedar. Smooth side on the inside, rough side on the outside. Cedar is durable and insect resistant.
Answered by Munya Says: DUH! - Sun Jul 29 20:00:36 2007

Where does the money come from to rebuild a house?
Q. There are so many people building houses now a days, how do they come up with the money to build a house. I would like to rebuild a house that is 150 years old. The basement gets totally flooded and the wood really is not very good anymore. it has 2 floors, 4 bedrooms upstairs with 1 1/2 bath. I don't actually know how much square feet it is though. But if I still owe about a 150,000 on this house and it is really not worth selling because I won't get all that money if I sell that house. the house now is only worth about 98,000, all the rest is the interest. I would like to rebuild the house on the land but how do I come up with the money in the next 15 years?
Asked by slick25 - Mon Oct 9 11:45:56 2006 - Maintenance & Repairs - 4 Answers - Comments

A. Typically, there are two ways to do this: 1. People take some equity out of their houses by refinancing their mortgages 2. Use a line of credit on the house (which essentially is another loan) In Scenario 1, as an example, if you purchased a home for $100K and a few years later the house goes up in value to $300K, then you've built up $200K in equity. Some people take advantage of this by taking some of the equity out by refinancing -- restructuring your mortage. Let's say you want to remodel and need $50K. You refinance your mortage from $100K to $150K. Now, you owe $50K more but you also take $50K out as money in your pocket. You can use this to remodel your house. Of course, you can take even more money out based on what you think you… [cont.]
Answered by errant_hero - Mon Oct 9 12:13:59 2006

What house materials can repel house flies?
Q. I am going to make house fly repellant using garlic, thyme, cinnamon and orange peels. But what other materials do you suggest I use for this? Just materials that can easily be found at home. Please just give me ingredients that can easily be found at home or recipes for a repellant. And thanks to all.
Asked by davidjericho95 - Tue Jan 5 16:23:49 2010 - Garden & Landscape - 3 Answers - Comments

A. Flies come in through gaps in screens, open doors, windows and cracks in the foundation. Even drainage pipes are entranceways for flies. Make sure you have good tight screens and don't leave doors or windows open unless they are screened and that should be sufficient.
Answered by mark - Tue Jan 5 16:30:23 2010

How to house train a dog who is kennel trained?
Q. We have been putting our puppy (15 weeks) in a kennel each time we leave the house and she doesn't pee or poo in her kennel. I don't want to her to have to be kept in a kennel each time we leave, so the last 3 times I've let her be free in the house. But she pees in the house when we leave, how do I get her to hold it until we get back? Thanks everyone for the great advice!
Asked by meredith03 - Sun Nov 1 21:34:54 2009 - Dogs - 6 Answers - Comments

A. We are still talking about a puppy (a baby). You have to think, it's about muscle control, and some muscles need to be built up. Time, patience, and consistency. You might try using just one room. A room that is easy to clean, and not too large. Just make sure you can set her up for success. Good luck.
Answered by Bye - Sun Nov 1 21:40:52 2009

When staging a house for showing, do you leave the items in the home?
Q. My husband and I are getting ready to list our house for sale, and are getting it ready to stage. Before I buy items for the house (like artwork, plants, candles, etc.), I was needing to know if these items are expected to stay with the house or will we be able to take them with us? Also, any ideas for staging the house would be quite helpful. We have already decluttered everything, taking down all personal pictures, magnets, etc. We have painted everything neutral and cleaned it up inside and out.
Asked by sparklelove8702 - Sun May 18 13:30:03 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 4 Answers - Comments

A. Not unless the items are mentioned in the contract, for instance, some people sell the house with the refrigerator, washer and dryer but that has to be written into the contract. If the people buying your house requests an item stay you can negotiate with them. I would suggest giving the rug a professional cleaning that always makes a good impression. I still remember walking into a house with a white rug.. but with a black trail of dirt to all the rooms not very impressive.
Answered by Tapestry6 - Sun May 18 13:40:44 2008

How important are house flies to the planet?
Q. Seriously, if house flies were extinct, would other animals be affected so greatly that they too might extinct? I abhor house flies. Can someone give me a reason not to hate house flies?
Asked by pulgitananita - Fri Jun 19 15:51:32 2009 - Zoology - 2 Answers - Comments

A. House flies suck. Roaches, too. But sadly, they are part of the ecosystem, both as waste management and as food for other animals. Personally, I would rather both species fall off the face of the planet, if it were possible. Of course, the reality is that house flies and cockroaches have been here millions of years before we were, and will be here millions of years after we're gone.
Answered by Sentient Tornado - Fri Jun 19 16:13:19 2009

My house has been infested with flys, what causes this, and what can i do to get rid of the problem?
Q. I have just moved from Vegas to Texas. I bought a house. I've always had apartments, that took care of any unwanted insect problems. So anyway, it's early winter and every room in the house seems to be infested with flying insects. I think that they are your typical flys, but dont they dye when it gets cold? Why are they thriving, even when Ive bought and used sprays, and fly paper. They look like nats, but only bigger. Help me please!
Asked by vegasvuxeb - Wed Dec 6 20:14:53 2006 - Other - Home & Garden - 10 Answers - Comments

A. I live in Texas too. Hang up zip lock bags of water around the house. I don't know why it works, but it does. No chemicals and messes! Try it !
Answered by brandiwos - Wed Dec 6 20:22:45 2006

My house is infested with fleas, what is the best stuff to get rid of them?
Q. My house has so many fleas. I have not had fleas for 15 or more years in my house. My cats stay inside, but my dog goes in and out. I am sure she brought them inside. I have dipped them, sprayed the house etc. Its not working. What the best chemical to buy, and where? I prefer to go to a store, rather than order on line.
Asked by memyselfeye - Wed Jun 18 19:05:43 2008 - Other - Home & Garden - 8 Answers - Comments

A. Try doyourownpestcontrol.com and type in fleas in the search section. Thet have great ideas. I myself have used Demize ec it kills eggs,larva and pupae. Follow directions carefully. Bombs do not work. believe me
Answered by Robert M - Wed Jun 18 22:20:38 2008

How to keep house smelling clean with a small dog?
Q. My husband and I are thinking of getting a small house dog. I'd love to have one, but there's so many people I know that have dogs in the house and it smells disgusting! My in-laws have 3 wiener dogs and their house smells horrible. I do not want to be like this! Please give me tips on keeping a fresh-smelling house even if there's a little Shi Tzu living in the house!
Asked by sarcasm_rulez_all - Sun Mar 29 22:02:57 2009 - Cleaning & Laundry - 6 Answers - Comments

A. I'm a big fan of vinegar. It absorbs a lot of odors, especially if they have an accident. Giving a dog regular baths makes a big difference in odor as well. A lot of that dog smell is unwashed dog, probably.
Answered by Sunshine - Sun Mar 29 22:33:54 2009

When is a house considered a mansion?
Q. I have always wondered what the real defination of a mansion is. I know it means a really big house but I just notice new large homes being developed around my community and some are getting larger and larger. Would a 6,200 sqft house be considered a mansion? I mean how many sqft do you need in order to determine that your house is a mansion? I'd like to know exactly what a mansion is by size of sq footage. Thank you for the defination but I see large homes in my community that would make any priest feel comfortable to live in but I just want to know if my house could be considered a mansion? Everyone who comes to my house say " its a mansion"! I think its not a mansion but a large house, but how can you determine if its a… [cont.]
Asked by Teng - Wed Mar 14 02:38:00 2007 - Other - Home & Garden - 7 Answers - 1 Comments

A. a house is considered a mansion when its and independent house,it has 2-3 storeys,a large garden,a huge open terrace,etc.it should be around 6000 sq feet or more.it shud also look bright and new(for ex assistance).
Answered by RAASHI ARUN - Wed Mar 14 02:59:20 2007

How do I protect my house form a divorce if I am already married?
Q. I am in a very shaky marriage right now. We have talked about filing for divorce at the beginning of next year. In recent weeks however things have taken a turn. We are talking about trying one more time. Here is the fun part! Last week I received a letter from my landlord that he is not going to renew our lease. Financially I am at a good position to buy a house. However I don t want to buy a house if my wife is going to end up divorcing me and take it. I also don t want to sign another 1 or 2 year leases to rent. So I have to make a decision fast on what to do. One option is getting a postnuptial contract that would indicate if we devoice the house stays in my possession. The trick would be getting her to sign it. Another option is to… [cont.]
Asked by 1 2 - Thu Dec 21 16:15:03 2006 - Renting & Real Estate - 8 Answers - Comments

A. "Financially, you are in a good position to buy..."...sorry, but a more accurate statement would be..."WE are in a good position to buy..." she's entitled to 1/2 the money you use to buy a house...you'd just end up owing her that money in addition to half the value of the house...Do not add to your assets at this time...
Answered by Paula M - Thu Dec 21 18:55:04 2006

How much is the value of my house decreased if it is the biggest one in the neighborhood?
Q. I am trying to sell my home and my realtor wants me to ask $73 per square foot when the lowest asking price in the subdivision is $98 per square foot. The house is 5 years old, all brick, on a beautiful lot with a creek running through it, and nice on the inside. The flip side is it is the only 2 story house in the subdivision, and is 2300 square feet when the other houses for sale in this subdivision have about half that square footage. I would like to know how much less our house is actually worth being the biggest house in the neighborhood?
Asked by Eve - Tue Aug 22 21:01:00 2006 - Other - Home & Garden - 3 Answers - Comments

A. Just for curiosity sake-- check your address with Zillow.com-- also check the county assessor files-- here we can do that online. I have had good realtors-- but I don't trust them all. After all-- the higher the sale, the more the realtor gets-- but also-- the more sales-- the more the realtor gets. Something to think about. good luck
Answered by omajust - Tue Aug 22 23:16:36 2006

I have two house possibilites. Should I start organizing and packing beore I know?
Q. I have never moved with a house full of furniture. I have only moved from apartment to apartment to house. The house I currently live in my husband bought before I met him.
Asked by - Thu Nov 19 13:06:11 2009 - Packing & Preparation - 1 Answers - Comments

A. If you are an organized person you might be happier to start packing as soon as you can. Most people will wait till they know where they are moving to, but if the time for the move will be short, all packing you have done before the decision is made will be welcome. Start by packing, (or sorting and repacking) all things stored, the kind of things that are mostly memories. The kind of things you will not need at all. Next, if you have a double set of pots and pans, plates and so on, pack one set of those, so you will have all you need, but will only have half the work left when it is time to pack. As soon as a decision is made, when to move or when the new house will be available, you can start with packing the things you do not need till… [cont.]
Answered by Willeke - Thu Nov 19 15:10:51 2009

How big is the house or apartment you live in? Would you like to live in a mansion? how big is your ideal home?
Q. In terms of square feet or square meters, how big is your house or apartment (approximately, of course)? Would you like to live in a bigger house or apartment? How big would be enough for you considering the bigger the house the higher the maintenance costs? Do you own your house/apartment of do you rent? Is it better to rent or to own?
Asked by Raymond - Thu Jan 7 00:33:19 2010 - Other - Society & Culture - 6 Answers - Comments

A. We have a small, 2 bedroom arts & crafts bungalow. It's 1,500 sq feet. There's only me and my hubby so it's just the right size. It has a dining room and that's important to me. We spend a lot of time in there eating, playing games, and stuff. I might like another couple hundred square feet to make the bathroom bigger and one of the bedrooms bigger. But no more than that. I really hate the feel of very large newer homes. To me, they feel more like an institution than a home. I want something that is warm and cozy and comfortable. I don't want huge ceilings where my voice echoes. I really would feel cramped in something lower than 1,200 sq feet. Once I rented a home with only 900 sq feet and it was too small. We are buying our home. The… [cont.]
Answered by Witchy - Thu Jan 7 01:46:38 2010

House???
Q. What is the name of the episode of House where House lifts up a girl's gown and finds a tick between her legs?
Asked by moviefreak - Mon Jan 15 17:41:56 2007 - Reality Television - 2 Answers - Comments

A. Season 2 Episode 16 Safe starring Michelle Tractenberg as the girl whose gown he looks up.
Answered by LORD Z - Tue Jan 16 07:14:33 2007

Can house foundation problems cause gas line leaks?
Q. I had several leaking joints along the gas pipelines in my house attic and am wondering if it is possibly caused by the foundation setting problems? In other words, is there any relationship between gas pipeline leaks and house foundation problems? Yes, the gas leaks have been all fixed and the plumbers didn't know exactly why there were quite a few leaking joints along those metal pipelines in the attic. The leaking pipes are located in my attic and they are all steel pipes and steel joints. Those pipes are supported on the wood board in the attic. Can house foundation or structure problems cause those leaks in the pipeline joints?
Asked by Tom - Sun May 31 21:57:49 2009 - Maintenance & Repairs - 3 Answers - Comments

A. I suppose it is possible but I would think it would be isolated to the area of the foundation. What type of material that was used for the gas line and the specific problem where it was leaking would be helpful. You might just have poor connections or piping without adequate room for normal building movements. Did professionals repair your leaks? What was their opinion? Edit: I would suspect weak joints to begin with. Loose joints or faulty materials.
Answered by gizmoe - Sun May 31 22:23:21 2009

I am renting a house with old carpet. How do I get smells&stains out of the carpet & otherareas of thehome ?
Q. I am going to rent a house that people were evicted from. They did not take care of the house at all. I am wondering if there is anything I can do to effectivly clean the house, and carpets. I am interested in odor remover and stain remover. this house has really old carpet, looks like berber type and I intend to rent a steam cleaner. But are there any home remedies etc, that could also help? The former tenants left rotting food in the kitchen also. I want to get rid of the smells! I am getting first month rent free if we clean it ourselves, so I can't ask the landlord for help on this. Also, these people were smokers. I noticed the blinds had a lot of dirt possibly nicotine build up etc. Thanks for sending me any helpful advice you have!!! [cont.]
Asked by hannahlovescarebears - Wed Jun 7 07:04:39 2006 - Cleaning & Laundry - 5 Answers - Comments

A. Scrub the walls down with a scented pinesol, shampoo the carpets with a good carpet shampooer suce as Rug Doctor. Spray capet with Carpet Fresh made for pets. Take blinds down and hang up outside, spray with Greased Lightening and let set for a few seconds and rinse with a hose don't forget to spray both sides of the blinds and the pull cords. If walls are bad, repaint to eliminate the smoke odors, white vinegar or bleach water will clean the kitchen, also scrub refridgerator out with bleach water and set an open box of baking soda in the fridge or a piece of charcoal to absorb the odor. Purchase one of the candle warmers from Walmart, and a drinking glass from goodwill with a thick bottom and pour liquid potpourri in it and set on the… [cont.]
Answered by judy_derr38565 - Wed Jun 7 10:42:50 2006

How come NJ house prices arent falling like the rest of the country?
Q. How come NJ house prices arent falling like the rest of the country? Will they ever? I want to buy a house, can buy a house, but am unsure because I dont want to buy and then my house value drops. Please provide information.
Asked by akj147 - Sat Feb 16 13:02:54 2008 - Renting & Real Estate - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Real Estate is a very local market. Just look at prices around the country, how prices have fallen at different rates around the country and you will see. As for prices in NJ, again, it is locally centralized. Where I am in NJ, prices have increased the past year. There have been 3 sales of homes in my development this past year. Each sale has been higher than the last. The increase seems to be about 4% this past year. Now this increase is MUCH smaller than the double digit increases that were happening during the booming market of the past few years, but I am happy with the 4% increase. One of the other answerer showed that in Morris county prices have declined. It just happens to be that where I am, it is still considered an up and… [cont.]
Answered by Patrick - Sat Feb 16 14:18:28 2008

How can I get free housing grants or inexpensive house contractors?
Q. My grandmother's house is more than 50 years old and it is a small old wood house that really needs remodeling. The city wont let her rebuild on the property but she can remodel. Due to a car accident she is in a wheel chair and the house is not handicapped accessible at all. Alot of the wood is rotten and there are cracks and holes. Bascially the whole house needs to be fixed. She doesnt have the money for renovations or to pay high loans. I want to find housing grants for her or either an inexpensive contractor that maybe does payment plans or some sort. Thanks
Asked by kaykay r - Mon May 7 15:38:11 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 1 Answers - Comments

A. If you are in the United States try contacing your local Community Action Coalition. You might also contact the local Habitat for Humanity offices as well as local churches to see if they have any programs to help with this type of thing.
Answered by kimmi_35 - Mon May 7 15:52:54 2007

How does inheriting a house with a minor work?
Q. My grandfather is dying and he is leaving his house to my sister, who is 14, and I ( I am 21). I want to live in the house when he passes, but my sister's legal guardian wants to live in the house with my sister. How does this work? Shouldn't I be in charge of the house until my sister turns 18? my sister's guardian is our grandmother. we have different dad's and our mother has drug issues. my grandmother is not married to my grandfather. and no, I do not have a criminal background whatsoever. thanks!
Asked by Brittnay - Mon Mar 28 16:37:20 2011 - Renting & Real Estate - 3 Answers - Comments

A. What you need to do is get yourself a lawyer with experience dealing with estate issues. You should have a pretty clear-cut case since you are an adult and capable of taking possession of the property and your sister's guardian has no ground in this, but estates can be really messy. Be prepared.
Answered by Remy - Mon Mar 28 16:41:16 2011