Most tubs like this have a hatch or access door on an opposite wall in which one can get to the motor and plumbing parts.  This one did and it was in the closet behind the tub.  I removed the door and took a look with the flashlight.  The entire sub-floor beneath the tub was wet.  I concerned over where the water came from.  Could it be a transom window over the tub that is improperly sealed?  Is it from this tub itself? There is a bathroom directly above the bath in question.  Is it coming from there?

How I reduced the possibilities:  First, I examined the walls for water damage (from a possible leaking window or from upstairs).  No visible damage.  Next, I turned on the bath faucet and waited to see evidence of a water leak.  I turned the water off and listened carefully for dripping water…nothing.  I filled the tub up to the first set of water jets…nothing.  I filled the water level to the remaining water jets.  There was the culprit.  The manufacturer of the tub never tightened the main coupling where the water jet pvc lines attach to the motor.  Fortunately, it was right there at the access panel.  I tightened it by hand and the water stopped leaking.  How lucky was that?  Problem solved?  No.

I turned on the jets to make sure no other leaks were happening.  I went back to the motor area at the access panel and water was shooting everywhere from yet two other connections THAT WERE NEVER SCREWED DOWN/TIGHTENED (this section is where a plumber can add a water heating element).

I blame this firmly on the plumber for not checking these connections prior to installing the tub.  I suspect there may be a reason that the manufacturer leaves these connections loose.      

Anyhow, given that the hardwood flooring is only a year old and white oak, it can be repaired by sanding, re-staining, and re-sealing.    IF YOU ARE GETTING A TUB INSTALLED, make sure your plumber checks all the water connections on the tub PRIOR to setting the tub.

A: …the tiny tool belt.

I spoke with a bee expert and he said that the dramatic increase in rain over the last year has caused an influx of Carpenter Bees.  If you live in an area where they exist, you will notice VERY large bees that fly solo and dig perfect little circles in un-sealed wood (such as mailbox posts, exterior pine ceilings, fence posts).  Some articles claim that these bees do not sting people but can act aggressively if you threaten their home (the hole where they live).  Apparently, these bees dig a hole (a perfect circle) and as soon as the hole is at the depth of their bodies, the make a hard right turn and dig the same depth in that direction. 

A homeowner asked me to identify if he did in fact have carpenter bees doing damage to his beautiful home.  I noticed several small holes in the pine “tongue in groove” pine ceilings but the inside edges of the holes were dark which told me that they were stained and aged (naturally occurring).  AHA!  As I approached the side porch, I got “buzzed” in an aggressive “fly by”.  I looked up and saw a freshly dug hole in the ceiling.  Within a few minutes, the large bee approached the hole then climbed in. 

Just a hole?  Why worry?  Carpenter bees pose a threat to homes since their burrowing/digging activity never quits.  They can dig through, and subsequently destroy, rafters, joists, supportive walls and roof lumber.  I do not advocate killing bees.  I do advocate closing off the hole with wood filler or caulk.  Wood filler is stainable and paintable.  Caulk is paintable.  If the bee is inside the hole, he will likely die in short order.  If he is not home when you begin to seal off the hole but returns later, he will likely just leave and go bother someone else!

The thing is, times have changed rapidly and new construction is down to a halt.  All of those General Contractors and sub-contractors are now looking for work in the remodeling biz.  You are likely competing for business against 300% increase in those also competing.  In new construction, General Contractors are less concerned with your appearance, habits (smoking), and language than they are the quality of work you do and how that translates into profits for them.  Because of your ability to get the job done for them, they turn a blind eye just about everything else.  In the world of working for home owners, all that is the opposite.  In other words, the public and their expectations are greatly molded by today’s advertising and images of how workers are supposed to look if they are talented or quality.

The average home owner thinks of a window installer and they think that a guy in starched khaki pants and an ironed (starched) shirt with a great build is going to show up already wearing safety glasses, deer skin gloves, and is a close second to Tom Cruise.  They expect that a fireplace installer is a grandfather-like figure who gives the kids candy. 

If you want to better ensure that you get the jobs, you will need to think of your image as how the home owner expects.  If you smoke, wash your hands and chew gum prior to meeting the client.  Tuck your CLEAN shirt in.  Shave.  Put your ball cap on the way is was engineered (bill to the front).  Don’t spit and cuss.  Look the prospect in the eye and listen.  You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

My job is to solve problems, help you land work, pay your bills, and make certain that home owners trust you and identify with you.  People usually hire (or buy from) others with whom they most identify.  They will hire a lesser talented and more expensive tradesman if they think you are rough.  What a shame for you to lose a contract because you looked sloppy and acted like an amateur but would have been the perfect person to handle the job.

Since the lint/fabric is wet as it exhausts, it naturally builds up on the inside of the flex line.  You will be amazed at how much lint is built up in there.  The result is that it reduces the size of the exhaust and creates extra work for the dryer to force the air out.  It is much like a clogged artery adding stress to the function of the heart.

This flex line is inexpensive and easy to replace. Do it every year…even if it is a pain.  After all, nothing is more painful than a house fire.

Finally, every dryer has a lint filter that is easy to clean out.  Clean that thing EVERY TIME you use the dryer.  You will be amazed at how much more efficiently the dryer works.  Once a month, rinse and lightly scrub that filter as well.  The build-up of fabric softener and detergent on that thing makes it a lint vacuum! A gentle soap such as Ivory or a weakened solution of bleach and vinegar also works.

Coming from a construction family, growing up, Wes became a neighborhood handy-man. In high school and college, when not on the soccer field or a Wyoming ranch, he worked for builders and property management companies. Later he would become a licensed General Contractor and real estate developer.

Wes Taylor

Given that Wes ultimately became the holder of the purse strings and having to make critical decisions related to contractors, processes, and materials, he developed a deep compassion for home owners since they carry the same responsibilities but while having limited experience. Wes eagerly shares his expertise with those in need. When it comes to construction, the learning curve can be steep, expensive, and unforgiving.

In an intimate television interview with a prominent HGTV/DIY producer, Wes said, “being a spec builder means that the buck stops here…literally. Exactly like the average homeowner, I am the end-user or purchaser of labor and materials. Along the way, I developed what I refer to as an “unfortunate luxury” (a profound compassion for the home owner). Sadly, too often, the home owner has to go it alone. That is why I became their #1 advocate.
Wes is right at home at, and as, America’s General Contractor™. Similar to that of a doctor or lawyer on any given street in America, Wes just happened to be the General Contractor on his. Daily, it seems that Wes’ gets a knock on the door or phone call from a neighbor or friend seeking advice (that “one quick question”) prior to contracting their needs. Naturally, Wes didn’t mind and decided to turn it into a multi-media entity that could benefit everyone and reach as many as possible. After all, having a friend “in the know” is invaluable! Wes offers his common sense approach to these matters in his blog, television series Home Stretch, and his radio broadcasts. He may even answer your question or compliment your video post! But our forum is open to everyone with a question, answer, terrific video, photo, or story related to his or her home. By giving everyone access to America’s General Contractor, our intent is to fulfill our goal of providing as much information as possible to help eliminate your stress, arm you with the facts, and increase your confidence and quality of life when it comes to all things “your home.” Getting it done right the first time is more than a slogan to us – it is our passion!

Hosting Remodel America

In picture one, notice how the aluminum flex line is crushed onto the shaft of the exterior vent.  This assures that the exhaust line will eventually fall off (vibration) and allows all kinds of room for lint to collect.  The middle of the flex line is also crushed (the result of poorly handling the line during install).  This is a fire hazard more than anything.

In picture two, the flex exhaust line is fastened to the exterior vent and allows little room for lint to collect.  It is a good idea to also use a clamp!

Take the exhaust line off your dryer once a year and either clean it out or replace it.  You will be surprised at how clogged most lines are.  That is the result of wet lint collecting and building up (like a clogged artery).

Notice that these people (the disliked, distrusted) have a few things in common:  For they are called in to help us, in some way, when something isn’t working correctly.  With the exception of the varying types of sales people, they represent COST, PAIN, CHANGE, and deal in a highly specialized capacity that the average person knows little about (voluntarily).  You hate them until you need one.  So where does that leave us? 

In other words, if you get terribly sick or injured, will you put your money where your mouth is and just NOT get medical attention since you hate doctors?  If your car breaks down during rush hour tonight, will you just leave the car and toss the keys into the river below since you hate the mechanic?  Say your toilets just stop flushing and you hate contractors…will you just sell the house and move into your car?  Oh ya…you left the car at the bridge when it ran out of gas and will not start for some reason. 

Look around your current space.  Every single thing you can see has been sold along its journey to you. When you go home tonight, marvel at what some contractors did in order to provide the home you chose and live your safe life.  When you are driving the family to a fun dinner or vacation, remember the mechanic that fixed your car last time.

Your job (John and Susie Citizen) in life is to find ways to repair, manage, and maintain all the things that bring you survival, comfort, joy, and safety.  If the skill set is beyond you, find qualified people in whom you can trust.  Word of mouth is the best way to find trustworthy people who will help you repair, maintain, and manage the things in your life that you cannot.  This applies to your health, relationships, vehicle, home, and family. Don’t just let it slip then curse some professional because of your lack of action or understanding or knowledge of what they do.

I believe that we function best when we are aware of what’s in store for us, can plan, expect…but ultimately, CONTROL.  Lots of folks find a mechanic in whom they trust.  Whew…car matters handled!! Some home owners are lucky when they find a contractor who respects them, cares for the job at hand and does so at a merciful price.  Others find peace among all the diplomas and reference accolades hanging in a doctor’s office and settle in for the dreaded procedure. 

But for the Type A personality controlling types, they will find a place to assign their distrust, angst, and dislike and usually it is on the very person who is there to help him or her.  Fortunately, I have only had three projects/clients that, if I could go back in time, would have just NOT worked for.  These situations turned out poorly.  YES…the projects got done.  However, the clients were miserable, on edge, angry, always questioning every move anyone made along the way.  They held an inherent distrust of the project and the players because they couldn’t control it and didn’t understand that we were there to help them…yet they remained under foot and made every hour there a challenge.  Note to those FEW OF YOU who are like this: IF YOU DO NOT LIKE NOR TRUST THE DOCTOR OR LAWYER OR CONTRACTOR OR PILOT, then don’t hire one.  Do it yourself!

Conversely, most customers will be trusting, confident, reasonable, and respectful.  It is those projects that turn out so well!  Remember, those who fix things for you in exchange for money are earning a living (just like you).  For the few nightmare customers out there, consider the work you do.  If YOUR boss is inherently distrusting, disrespectful, constantly under foot, and unhappy with your work, how well will you continue to perform for him or her?