My Old House

Issues and Events involving our Home in Independence, Missouri
My Old House on Winner Road
8/21/2004

Fix the Shocking Socket !

Filed under: Bedrooms,Electrical and Lighting — Admin @ 10:46 am

The NW bedroom had a “shocking” surprise for us the first night in the house. We slept in that room on that night and both my wife and I got electrical shocks while turning on and off the light switch! We had been careful after that to touch ONLY the plastic “switchy-thingy” (the part that actually moves).

Well, today I decided to try to fix it. I opened it up and was surprised to see that one of the main wires basically has 4 inches of exposed, uninsulated copper !! This piece appears to be sqeezed somewhat into the fixture and part seems to be protruding a bit outward, towards the switch plate. I carefully used a pair of plyers (with an insulated handle) to try to bend this wire back a bit. It wasn’t easy, as the wire was stiff and I was concerned that I would push the whole fixture back into the wall. But, after moving the wire back a bit, I decided to put a piece of black electrical tape on the back of the switchplate across the area where it might come in contact with this wire.

The “Welcome Wagon” visits… in Reverse !!

Filed under: General,Neighborhood — Admin @ 10:45 am

8 AM While bringing the garbage can back from the curb, I discovered broken glass! The north window on our garage is broken! Some of the woodframe is broken and lying on the ground too. Did somebody throw a rock? Did somebody break in ?

Checked and although there’s some glass on the inside of the garage, it’s not very much. What’s missing? The only thing I can figure is missing is a red Craftsman toolbox.

Fortunately, all of my small tools are inside the house!

The thieves ignored my power saw (which was in a cardboard box) and a brand new chain saw (also in the box) right above the …



A very busy “day off” from work

Filed under: General — Admin @ 10:44 am

I made calls to three other roofing contractors today, two based on recommendations from friends, one because he fixed a leak for me once.

At about 9 AM, we met our neighbor, Leah, from across the street! She says there’s a nieghborhood association that’s having a meeting on Thursday night at 7 PM. She says there are plans in the works to repair and upgrade Winner Road, which excites us greatly! The road desperately needs a sidewalk on the other side of the street. There’s a LOT of foot-traffic through here, combined with a lot of car traffic (and a good portion of it driving too fast). We promised to attend the meeting.

Brad Sellmeyer, one …



Like Gomer Pyle used to say….

Filed under: General — Admin @ 10:43 am

While I was at work all day, unknown to me, my wife was getting started painting the NorthWest bedroom…. pink !!

Surprise – surprise- surprise!

We had a bit of a fight over this. I’m concerned that we don’t even have everything unpacked and stored yet and she’s already making changes… plus the changes are without my consultation! She counters that I haven’t consulted her on the roofers. (Well at least she was well aware in advance that I’d be arranging to have the roof replaced !) I just want her to slow down. I know she’s anxious to decorate. She says it just makes sense to paint a …



Time to call the roofers!

Filed under: Exterior and Roof — Admin @ 10:40 am

Left phonemail for two possible roofing contractors today, both of whom I had contacted over a month ago for something else: We had asked them to evaluate the roof of this house prior to purchase, as there was some question as to just HOW BAD the roof was/is. Our inspector had said that it needed immediate replacement and might not be insurable.

However, both of these contractors had said that, while the roof wasn’t all THAT bad, it should be replaced soon.

So… I’ve asked friends and coworkers for roofer referrals. I now have a list of five individuals and companies whom I’d like to get bids from. I’m off work next week Monday through Thursday, so …



« Previous PageNext Page »

Powered by WordPress