Recent comments in /f/philadelphia

Bartleby_TheScrivene t1_jddn2xa wrote

Reply to comment by ambiguator in Rowhouse bathroom addition contractor recommendations? by andrewbt

New electric, though some were already ran to the kitchen. Replaced the wire with correct guages for circuit (had some 10ga wire running on an outdoor light and a 15a circuit) added GFCIs and properly routed them with nail plates. Had to fix a bootleg ground that stopped GFCIs from operating properly.

New gas line, moved it to the other side of the kitchen. This also fixed what i consider poor workmanship on the previous clusterfuck that was the gas line, redid the sink fittings after cutting down the old copper, ran a pex through the wall for an icemaker box.

Didn't move HVAC but did install a duct for the range hood which required knocking out and replacing some bricks.

Had to build new framing, as well as build an exterior wall to utilize and support the roof. Old build had the roof in a sorta awning configuration, but it was only supported on that side by a very old, and obviously rotting stud. Doing this allowed me to change the kitchen and gain a few square feet.

Speaking of framing, installed new structural walls with studs every 12" (over the top, I know) because the brick wall that was supporting the ceiling did not have a sill plate, so the joists were resting on brick and were beginning to show signs of decay. Also, one of the joists was literally .25" from falling off the bricks because of settlement issues.

Fixed 3 different roof leaks caused by improper flashing on the roof where it meets existing neighbors structure. They used clear silicone. It cracked and leaked. Added a bucket of blackjack and mesh tape so should last a few more years.

Floor was more than 2" off level due to settlement. Went into crawlspace to support floor from underneath by building yet another wall in the crawlspace. Wasn't necessary but it made me feel better. Then leveled the floor using 21/32 OSB with tongue and groove and a series of shims, finished up with 2 bags of self leveling cement.

Replaced windows, which had rotting framing, with new pressure treated frames and flashing tape. Still need to add exterior moulding.

Cabinets were then ordered, and I assembled them myself. Got from Washington Avenue. Countertops were ikea. Did subway tile and black grout.

Had a contractor neighbor who came through every couple of days to help with bigger stuff like putting drywall on the ceiling. He also was the one who installed the cabinets. Borrowed a lot of tools from him. He also made sure I was doing things correctly, and was extremely helpful when I had questions or needed solutions to problems.

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bpousley t1_jddk28v wrote

Reply to Philadelphia pulls out of community litter cleanup program, Glitter by Easy-Reading

I'm CEO at Glitter and thought I'd clarify a few things the article misconstrues:

Glitter cleans 175+ blocks every week with direct resident and business support and this doesn't stop that work. The union complaint only affects a small pilot program we had to coordinate for pickup of collected litter after trash day. We now must work directly with neighbors to store the collected bag on the block until the following trash collection.

Good news: Glitter continues to work everyday with neighbors to solve the after trash day mess left by the city. We're just now forced to do it by ourselves!

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RoverTheMonster t1_jddjx8v wrote

Reply to comment by viaHologram in Philadelphia pulls out of community litter cleanup program, Glitter by Easy-Reading

Full disclosure: I’m a Glitter cleaner and IMO — at least where I live and clean — cleaning the day before can make the bigger difference. As you’re saying, it’s how people put their trash out that causes so many problems. When I clean the day before trash day, at least all the ripped plastic bags and paper bags of trash and recycling get consolidated into heavy-duty trash bags so that stuff doesn’t end up everywhere when it inevitably gets blown about. That makes it more manageable for neighbors to maintain their block until they put their trash out next week, too

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grumpy_old_lady t1_jddiaqq wrote

Reply to Rowhouse bathroom addition contractor recommendations? by andrewbt

Had a bathroom done by [dRemodeling] (https://www.dremodeling.com/) and was pretty happy with the construction. Learned from that experience that design-build was not for me (found the design work pretty unoriginal and unexciting - the designer was not particularly sophisticated IMO), but if you are not looking for high end design work, I would recommend.

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