Building Supplies aren't just for Contractors - Diamond Pacific. - 06/30/12 12:30 PM

Building Supplies aren't just for Contractors - Diamond Pacific.

For those of us in the building and repair profession, it is vital to have suppliers who can get the best materials in a timely fashion. For my building materials in Placerville, I prefer going to Diamond Pacific Building Supply. They have always gone out of there way to make sure that I am getting the best possible product for my job.
 
They are open to the public. You don’t have to be a contractor to get in, anyone can shop there. So if you are a homeowner who … (4 comments)

Jimboy's Tacos has a new look in Folsom, Ca - Same great food! - 06/29/12 12:37 AM

Great Tacos at a Remodeled Location in Folsom, Ca – Jimboy’s Tacos

Jimboy’s Tacos has recently gotten a new look in Folsom, Ca. If you have not visited there remodeled restaurant, you might want to give it a try. They has done a wonderful job in redesigning the place.

Those in the Sacramento area has probably already heard of Jimboy’s , there are several locations. They have a reputation of serving very good tacos; I remember when they won the Best Taco in Sacramento.
I couldn’t help eating there today!

 
If you get a chance … (7 comments)

Three Most Common Water Supply Pipes in Sacramento - 06/28/12 05:47 AM
 
Three Most Common Water Supply Pipes in Sacramento
 
I had a client who had very low water flow in several of their plumbing fixtures. After taking a few things, it became apparent that the pipes were the problem. The galvanized pipes have started to rust on the inside of the walls of the pipe. As the rust develops, it begins to reduce the amount of water that can flow through the pipe. Some of the pipes were nearly closed entirely.
 

Most Common Types of Plumbing Pipes
 
Galvanized Steel Pipe Copper Pipe Pex Pipe and Tubing  
… (20 comments)

Solidified Water? Does this really work? - 06/27/12 10:45 PM
 
Ask anyone who has ever had to remove a toilet, keeping the water from spilling out the bottom is extremely difficult. If the toilet tilts while lifting, water will pour out and onto the floor. This can be a problem in a bathroom remodel. I like to get a hefty bag worked under the bowl and raise the fixture carefully over into the tub where the water can be emptied.



While in the hardware store today, I saw this product that solidifies the water so that it doesn’t spill. This may require some more investigation before I … (12 comments)

Redwood Deck Repair in Fair Oaks - 06/27/12 06:27 AM
 
Redwood Deck Repair in Fair Oaks
 
Your redwood deck has lasted a very long time; you have kept it protected with stains and sealers and did your best to make it last. Unfortunately, despite your efforts, some of the boards are in need of repair or replacement. Maybe the deck boards are getting soft, or the nails are starting to pop. Something needs to be done to bring your deck back to its original condition.
Wood Decks Do Not Last Forever
Many of the homes and apartment communities in Fair Oaks have redwood decks, and many are in need … (10 comments)

Big Box Store Lacking Door Selection? Sierra Door and Supply can help! - 06/27/12 12:21 AM
 
Where do you find the doors that Home Depot doesn’t carry?
Sierra Door and Supply in Placerville


 
Have you ever walked into the Big Box Stores looking for that special door and weren’t able to find what you wanted? Wanted a special entry door lockset and didn’t see anything unique? Have a custom door need that no one can produce? If you are in the Placerville area, Sierra Door is the place for all your door and hardware needs.
The staff at Sierra Door is very friendly and enthusiastic about helping both the contractor as well as … (2 comments)

City of Stockton, CA on the Brink of Bankruptcy - 06/26/12 12:05 AM
 
City of Stockton, CA on the Brink of Bankruptcy
 
While other cities have gone into bankruptcy, Stockton may be the largest to date. It has been a something that has been a growing concern; the city budget is far from being balanced. Many factors have pushed the city into this situation: drop in home values, unemployment, and a multi-year labor contract have all played a part in the city’s troubles.
The drop in home values decreased taxes and fees to the city. Stockton’s unemployment rate is the second worst in the nation and is struggling to make improvements. The … (10 comments)

Need Dry Rot Repair in Placerville, Ca? Find an Experienced Contractor - 06/25/12 10:32 AM
 
Need Dry Rot Repair in Placerville, Ca?
 
Does your Placerville building have dry rot? You may have found the damaged wood yourself, it may have come up in a termite report, or a property inspector pointed it out to you. In any case, once the rot has started, it will only get worse if not corrected.
What is dry rot?
The term Dry Rot is used to describe the decay of wood by certain types of fungus. These rots weaken the structural strength of the wood, and can lead to problems in homes and other properties. In Placerville, dry … (38 comments)

Relay for life in Folsom, Ca – A Real Tear Jerker For Many - 06/24/12 08:23 AM
 
Relay for life in Folsom, Ca – A Real Tear Jerker For Many
 
If you have never been to a Relay for Life walk, consider it! Many of us have known and been effected by cancer; maybe directly, or friends, or in our family. Cancer reaches all of us in some way. The American Cancer Society has given us a way to be a part of the solution to this ugly disease.

Although I wasn’t a direct part of the team, I had the opportunity to experience the Relay for Life in Folsom last night. The two day … (6 comments)

Who eats lunch at Home Depot? - 06/23/12 06:51 PM
 
I get a lot of flak from friends and family about my eating habits sometimes. I can appreciate a good meal, but usually I eat to sustain life. I only had time for a quick bite, and since I was at Home Depot anyway, I had a hot dog to go.
The clever sign display really caught my eye.

 
… (28 comments)

Why do I have Water Damage, Isn’t Stucco Waterproof? - 06/22/12 04:25 PM
 
Why do I have Water Damage, Isn’t Stucco Waterproof?
 
One of the misconceptions in the Sacramento area is that water damage cannot occur if you have a stucco home. This is not true, water damage can occur through the stucco exterior walls. In Sacramento, the weather tends to be dry during the summer months, with raining periods during the winter. We do not experience the extreme cold weather, or the long dry hot desert-like conditions.
So why doesn’t stucco prevent water damage inside the walls of your Sacramento home?
Let’s look at how the walls are constructed.
First the … (60 comments)

Do you give blood? Marshall Community Blood Center can use your help. - 06/22/12 05:50 AM
 
 
Want to give blood?
Marshall Community Blood Center could use your help.
 
Believe it or not the need for blood can be seasonal; I was told that the summer months traditionally has a rise in demand for blood. People are more active and getting hurt in a variety of ways. So maybe now is the time to just try giving blood.




I do my best to get into the Blood Center in Placerville every 57 days. Ever since the first time I’ve given blood, I have gone to the Marshall Community Blood Center. Their … (8 comments)

I love dogs, but not yours! - 06/21/12 10:28 PM

I love dogs, but not yours!
 
How many times have you entered into a home with a little dog that will not quit barking? You know the bark; ear piercing, continual, unending. It starts when you pull up to the house and it fades away as you drive off. And the homeowner isn’t home.
I got instructions to get into a home today to check out some water damage repairs that needed to be done after a small flood. The owner wasn’t going to be home and they have a dog. As the owner described, “She’s a small dog … (12 comments)

Things can get rotten, even for Paris. - 06/20/12 10:03 PM
 
I got a call from a woman named Paris, she was interested in getting an estimate for some dry rot repairs. She knew that she had a problem but wanted to get a better idea of the repairs that needed to be done. I thought I could help her out.

 
She seemed to be a nice woman, who listened to my recommendations of what she should do. I told her that it wasn’t an emergency but it was something that needed to be done by a professional with experience in dry rot repairs.
 
She looked familiar, but … (16 comments)

Curb appeal includes the curb; Do you need your curb repaired? - 06/20/12 06:14 AM
 
Curb appeal includes the curb;
Do you need your curb repaired?
 

We often hear the term “curb appeal”. The term is used to describe how a property looks from the curb. As the potential buyer pulls up to the curb in front of your home, what do they see? This is important because it is the first impression that the potential buyer will have. It is important that the curb appeal is a good one.

What about the curb?
 
In talking about curb appeal, we talk about the landscape, window coverings, exterior paint and much more. … (35 comments)

Ready to replace some siding? It may be time to get the worse pieces. - 06/20/12 12:46 AM
 
Ready to replace some siding?
It may be time to get the worse pieces done.
 
Can’t afford to replace you siding this year? How about doing a portion of it this year, and wait on some of the repairs? A contractor can do the parts of the building that are in need of repair right away, and you can budget to get the rest done at a later date.
Many consider this as a part of the building’s regular maintenance program. The siding that has suffered the most water and dry rot damage get the current repair dollars. We … (6 comments)

Building Damages Due To Bats – You May Need a Cat. - 06/19/12 12:02 AM
 
Building Damages Due To Bats – You May Need a Cat.
 
Not all cats can do this, but I have a cat that can catch bats. When I saw the first catch, I just thought it was a fluke. But then I watched him one night and saw that he had a way of catching them regularly. He is a pretty smart cat, but we concerned that the bats may be carrying disease that will harm the cat. The vet wasn’t too concerned; we try to get him in the house when he is in a stalking mode.
Bats … (19 comments)

Nothing like getting a hammock for Father’s Day - 06/18/12 12:22 AM
  Nothing like getting a hammock for Father’s Day
 


I was surprised with a hammock for Father’s Day and I quickly jumped on to try it. This led to a few photos and a nap. There is something about a hammock that is so restful. If you have never tried a hammock, you don’t know what you are missing.


While this would have been more than enough for this father, there was more to my day. I was treated to an afternoon at the movies. I rarely go to the movies, but today I got a … (24 comments)

Let Ikea help complete your home improvement project in Sacramento. - 06/16/12 11:10 PM
 
Let Ikea help you complete your
home improvement project in Sacramento.
 
So you have spent all of your free time finishing that home improvement project. Your workmanship looks great, but now you need to do the final touches. Where can you go to get all of the accessories for your home at a reasonable price?
Look for an Ikea near you!
If you are lucky enough to have an Ikea within driving range, I suggest taking a look around. You can get an idea what it is like by checking it out online. Visiting the store is a … (4 comments)

According to my iPhone Sacramento is going to be Hot! - 06/16/12 06:54 AM

According to my iPhone
Sacramento is going to be Hot!
 
Sure the real estate market is picking up, home inventories are down, sales have increased, and homes are finally starting to move. Things are getting hot in the Sacramento Real Estate Market.
The weather is getting hot also, just look at today’s forecast!
 
… (12 comments)

Folsom Sidewalk Sale Raises a Relaxing Thought - 06/15/12 10:03 PM
 
  
Folsom Sidewalk Sale Raises a Relaxing Thought
 
It was a hot day that included some physical activity. By the time 4:00 rolled around, I was pretty tired; and then I saw this. A hammock that was out at a Sidewalk Sale in Folsom. I almost gave it a test drive.
 

… (16 comments)

My inexpensive bathroom renovation in Sacramento was destroyed! - 06/15/12 03:43 AM
 
My inexpensive bathroom renovation in Sacramento was destroyed!
 
I posted about an inexpensive renovation of a bathroom in Sacramento in December. Updating your current bathroom does not have to cost a lot, and it can be done quickly too. Having these improvements done to your home doesn’t guarantee that it will last forever.

Here is an example.
After completing the inexpensive bathroom, the homeowner has had nothing but good things to say about it. He is telling his friends and neighbors and I may be getting new jobs from the referrals. He called me recently to tell me … (20 comments)

Pitcher pitches the first perfect game in Giant’s 128 year history. - 06/14/12 12:15 AM
 
San Francisco Giant Pitcher pitches the first perfect game
in Giant’s 128 year history.
I’m not a big follower of baseball (until the playoffs), but the Giants pitcher Matt Cain did something that no other Giant pitcher has done. Cain pitched a “perfect game”.  That means that he did not allow one batter to reach any base. No hits, no walks, no errors.
This will be talked about locally for a while!
 
 
Congratulations Matt!
… (12 comments)

Working in Sacramento? Better keep an eye on the Air Quality. - 06/13/12 10:17 AM
 
Working in Sacramento?
Better keep an eye on the Air Quality.
 
Air Quality is not always something that you can see, an unhealthy air day can look like any other day. There are organizations that do keep track of this sort of thing, if you are out and about, you may want to know what the air quality is that you are breathing.
Today’s air quality in the Sacramento Region looks something like this. The dark area had reached the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level (USG). Were you aware of this?
 
 
So what is the Air Quality … (4 comments)

Controversial Historical Landmark in Placerville. What do you think? - 06/12/12 03:19 AM
 
Controversial Historical Landmark in Placerville.
Not new to the local residents.
 
Do you find this Hangman’s noose offensive? Many do.
Is it a part of Placerville history? Yes it is.
 
That is the controversy behind this dummy in the Hangman’s Noose. The background is very extensive but here are the main points behind this Historical Landmark no. 141. First let’s look at the official description of the landmark.
 
NO. 141 HANGMAN'S TREE 
In the days of 1849, when this city was called Hangtown, vigilantes executed many men for various crimes. This was the site of Hay Yard, … (65 comments)

Getting new shower walls? Consider replacing the shower fixture too. - 06/12/12 12:04 AM
 
Getting new shower walls?
Consider replacing the shower fixture too.
 
You got tired of the old shower walls, and have finally gotten the guts to replace the dated materials with a new, up-to-date style. That is great news; you will enjoy the decision once the home improvement is completed. But this may be a perfect opportunity to do a little more.
Consider replacing the shower plumbing fixture also, they will not be a better time to replace the plumbing located behind the walls. This just makes sense, but too often it is overlooked or not considered an important change.
… (12 comments)

Great food at Bricks on Main Street in Placerville, Ca - 06/11/12 12:35 AM
 
Bricks – A restaurant on Main Street in Placerville, Ca
 
We got a chance to get out to dinner tonight in Placerville, Ca. The restaurant we chose was Bricks. The restaurant is named after the old brick structure that houses the business. The menu listed a large number of choices. The food was in the $8 – 10 range for a burger and fries, sandwiches were similar, and the large dinners $15 – 20 range.


I had the Mario burger with fries. The burger was a ½ pound Angus beef burger, with mushrooms, bacon, onions and a … (12 comments)

Moisture trapped behind wallpaper can lead to mold and mildew! - 06/11/12 12:08 AM
Steven Smith has an excellent photo showing how wallpaper can trap moisture  inside the wall. this trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
Would your inspector have caught this in his report?
 
Leave a comment at Steve's original post.
 
Via Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc):
Home inspectors are often in a position where we have to not only report on the past but, also, we have to predict the future. Whether all parties involved in a real estate transaction like that role of the home inspector is not the point. In this state, … (2 comments)

Looking for that unique piece of jewelry in Cameron Park, Ca? - 06/10/12 08:09 AM

Looking for that unique piece of jewelry
in Cameron Park, Ca?

I was looking for a new ring about a year ago, after looking around at many different places, I was told about Jon Bate Jewelry Studio. I found it to be a comfortable studio that had an enormous selection. I was looking for something unique and was leaning toward a ring made of Tungsten. After talking to the owners Jon and Pam about all the pros and cons of several new ring materials, I was having a tough time in choosing the ring that I wanted.
We … (10 comments)

Rich in history and a fun place to visit with nature – Coloma, CA - 06/09/12 10:09 PM
 
Rich in history and a fun place to visit with nature – Coloma, CA
 
There is a landmark in Coloma at the Sutter’s Mill Site that is right on the river. It is a rather large wall with the official marking stating that it is an historical landmark. Apparently John Sutter and his crew discovered gold in this area, the history of the gold discovery and the subsequence “rush” to California is well documented.
If you are ever in the Coloma, CA area you will likely drive right through the state park. Take a few minutes and see … (10 comments)

Is it too early to be talking about fireworks in Cameron Park? - 06/09/12 12:33 AM

Is it too early to be talking about
fireworks in Cameron Park?
 

If you have never seen the fireworks display in Cameron Park, I hope you get a chance this year. The annual event happen at the Cameron Park Lake located at Cambridge Road. The fireworks are actually launched from a small barge on the water.
The synchronized display is the finality of the day long festivities. The day begins at 2:00 pm with an evening filled with great musical entertainment, food and craft exhibitors, and contests at the Cameron Park Summer Spectacular.



This … (6 comments)

Okay, I admit it. I cheated! (And I’d do it again) - 06/08/12 10:05 PM
 
Okay, I admit it.    I cheated!   (And I’d do it again)
 
The first time, I was a little nervous and was afraid that I may get caught. I snuck around, making sure that nobody would see me. The hiding of the hand written notes, the late night internet searches, and the constant looking over my shoulder while it was happening. I didn’t want anyone to know.
After all, what would people think? I’m a general contractor and I should know better. How could I possibly explain that I didn’t know how to do a three way switch? That’s right … (22 comments)

Flat roofs can have its own problems; dry rot is one of them. - 06/08/12 12:49 AM

Flat roofs can have its own problems;
dry rot is one of them.
 
Flat roofing can be a problem because it is difficult to get all the water to drain off the roof. If the roof sags at all, the water will puddle until it evaporates. The puddles can cause the roof to sag a bit more; more water will be resting on the roof. If there is any failure in the roofing, the moisture can

accumulate quickly into the plywood, and framing below. This can cause wood rot to begin.

Flat roofs do not last … (18 comments)

FAQ – I don’t know what to do, what would a contractor suggest? - 06/07/12 08:47 AM

FAQ – I don’t know what to do, what would an expert general contractor suggest?
 
If you are faced with making a decision about your dry rot or water damage problem, it would be a good idea to ask someone who knows about and has experience in handling these moisture related conditions. As general contractor with 25 years of experience in the removal and repair of dry rot and water damage repair, I think it is important to find out what should be done. Whether you choose to follow the contractor’s advice, is your own business. At least find … (16 comments)

Is your deck railing safe? - 06/06/12 06:09 AM

Is your deck railing safe?
 
You have had your deck for a while; you have kept it in good condition. Regular painting has protected it from water damage and rot. Pressure washing and maintenance helps in maintaining the value year after year. It looks good by all appearances. But could you be missing something?


As a General Contractor, I get to inspect, repair and replace decks on a fairly regular basis. While most of the calls that I get are for the decking itself, but sometimes the deck railings are in need of repair. I recently … (10 comments)

FAQ - I've repaired it already, why is this water damage recurring? - 06/05/12 05:21 PM
I've repaired it already, why is this water damage recurring?
 
If the same water damage recurs, then the water damage problem was never corrected properly. Sure, the damage may have been removed and new material put in its place, but the problem still exists. So don’t have the same repair done again.
It is important that the contractor or handyman that you hire understands why this sort of thing happens. Where is the water getting in? Is the flashing installed correctly? Are the windows leaking? These and many more questions need to be asked by the repair person if he/she … (10 comments)

Who cares what light fixtures I decide to install? - 06/04/12 09:59 PM
 
Who cares what light fixtures I decide to install?
It may be a deal breaker!
 
There are so many choices in light fixtures to choose from today. Where do I begin? Everything from simple single bulb fixtures to elaborate, fashionable metal finishes. There are literally thousands of options to take into consideration, it depends on many factors.
 
Some considerations in choosing a light fixture to install:
Are you selling your home? Is this an investment property? Will it match the existing finishes in the home? Is it enough light for the room? Does it fit the style … (44 comments)

A Sunless Sunrise in Sacramento this morning - Photo - 06/04/12 07:00 AM

A Sunless Sunrise this morning.

After several very warm days in the Sacramento Region, the temperatures will be much lower today. The expected high today is 68 degrees, much cooler than the upper 90’s that we have had. We had better enjoy the cool temps; it will be rising again soon,
 
… (12 comments)

FAQ – Is it too late to do a change order in my home improvement? - 06/03/12 08:44 AM


FAQ – Is it too late to do a change order
in my home improvement project?

 
You have thought about this project for a very long time; electrical, plumbing, window locations, even the color of the tile grout. You did all the research and planning, found the right contractor and your home improvement has begun. Then it happens, you have to ask.
Can we make some changes to the improvement?
Even the best laid plans can require some changes. The realization can happen before the start of the improvement or sometimes well after things have gotten underway. … (12 comments)

Floor Tiles are getting larger every year! – Photo - 06/03/12 12:19 AM

Floor Tiles are getting larger every year! 
 


I’ve been setting some floor tiles; it seems that they are getting much bigger the last couple of years. When will it end, even the tile spacers are getting to be pretty heavy.
 
Tromler Construction – 916.765.5366
Sacramento, Placerville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn
 
… (14 comments)

So you think your bathroom exhaust fan is working correctly? - 06/02/12 07:57 PM

Just because your bathroom exhaust fan is running,
Doesn’t mean it is working properly.
 
I was working on an exhaust fan in a bathroom today, it was filthy, noisy, and it didn’t seem to be moving the air through the vent. I decided to open it up and change the motor, and clean up the housing. After opening the cover and removing the fan motor, I noticed the back draft damper was stuck solid in the closed position.
(The photo is taken from inside the original fan.)
 

No air was flowing through the bathroom exhaust vent!
 
… (4 comments)

Are you doing the same thing and expecting different results? - 06/01/12 09:31 PM
 
Are you doing the same thing and expecting different results?
 
I got a call from an apartment community manager today; there was a problem with the sheetrock in the kitchen. I drove out to take a look at the situation. This is a photo of the ceiling in the kitchen; there is a crack in the area of a previous repair.
 
 
There were 4 or 5 cracks in the drywall ceiling in the apartment unit. Looking at the repairs, I could tell that the repairs have been done several times – in the same areas. In at … (27 comments)

 

Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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