All Forum Posts by: Ryan R.

Thomas Crowley, you might consider doing both. The areas that are covered, like the front porch, I would try to keep cedar, and maybe the front 2nd floor that is showing. The areas that are exposed like the side and rear I would probably do vinyl; especially if the most exposed view is from the front.

That's what I wanted to know Eric. All the appliances will be new as well as the HVAC unit that was stolen. So the additional cost in this case would be unnecessary.

Also, the house has gas. Water heater is gas and stove is gas. The dryer and AC are going to be the major loads here I assume. I was told that 100 amp may be fine but I typically like to upgrade things if cost is minimal. What do you say?

Thanks Jon Holdman.

This is what it looks like. The weather head is bent over at a 45 degree angle with cut wires hanging out of it. Obviously the house has no power. The main disconnect is missing, stolen I assume. The meter is long gone and the main 3/0 wires you speak of are cut in the garage. So basically, I need power from the pole all the way to the service panel located in the house.

The sad part about this is that my uncle is a journeyman electrician with 30 years of experience but never had the desire to get his masters license. He gave me an idea of what I need but he doesn't have any idea on costs because he never got into that side of the business. He also doesn't want to jeopardize his license by doing work he isn't licensed to do.

The good news is that I found an electrician on Craigslist that advertised he is looking for side-work and will beat anybody's prices by 35%. He is a soldier stationed on Ft. Hood and has his masters license/osha license etc. He sounds legit. Gave me his license numbers. I'm going to have him look at it asap.

Thanks J Scott. Do you know the responsibility limits? I thought the power company was responsible for the line from the pole to the service head.?

John H. that actually sounds pretty close to what I'm expecting. Will update when I get an estimate.

I'm in the process of buying a foreclosure that had the main circuit breaker (disconnect) stolen. The main panel is located in the house and is fine. I've got some electricians coming out to give me some estimates but was wondering how much this has cost you.

Probably going to replace with a 200 amp service. The wire that feeds the main panel was also cut, so will need a new run from disconnect to main panel (20 feet').

I thought this was common practice. The previous homeowner is responsible for the difference.

Dell Schlabach, nice tip. I'm going to try that V shaped layout.

Have you got any tips for refinishing louvered doors? I thought I would take the time to refinish one rather than spending $300 for a new one; I should have just bought the new one and painted it.

Jon, I worked in a couple of restaurants in high school. Small restaurants, with the owners actively involved. One is closed and one is still open. Surprisingly, the one who had the better food is closed.. I guess this speaks to how important effective management is.

If you ever have a chance to stop in Brenham Texas, there is a restaurant there called "Must Be Heaven". Its in old downtown, old building, very rustic. They serve mostly sandwiches/soups but have other menu items as well; delicious pies. I think it's a winner and similar to what you are envisioning. When my parents lived in Brenham, we would always eat there when we visited; and it was typically packed.

The old charm of the building, the truly smiling face that takes your order and the fresh food made with loving hands is well worth the few extra dollars that you may pay.

They have a website that you can check out too.