Answers

Condensation from the differential temperature is of course on answer.  The other and more concerning is the furnace or force air unit (FAU).  I would recommend contacting a licenced heating contractor and ask them to check the replacement air going to the FAU.  The old windows were letting in a lot of air. What air was acting as replacement air for the furnace.  With the new windows you are no longer supplying replacemet air to the furnace.

See Pella’s Understanding Condensation fact sheet at:

http://pressroom.pella.com/fast_facts/87/ 

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling Inc

Berkeley Ca

I think it is necessary to sit down and calmly talk about this issue.  Most people in the service business do the right thing.  But it is a two way street and normally it is best to find the middle path.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

I would work backwards and figure out what you can do abou the moistue.  Do downspouts dump water right on the foundation or do they do what they are suppose to do which is move water downhill and at leadt 36" away.

Look into a sump pump at 48" deep

I think it is a good idea to deal with the cause of the moisure intrusion before figure how to cover it up

Philip Anderson

Berkeley Ca

Before you do anything new...look at what is already there. 

1. Do the existing windows allow drafts?  Upgrade existing windows first before considering new windows.  I don't think the payback is that great over existing windows that are properly maintained. 

2. Is the header serviced annually?  Change the filter monthly (there are so cheap), check all the ducts for breaks and tape them up.  Walk around the house when the heater(s) are on and check the temperatur in each room.  When you have done your homework then have a profeswsional come in.

3. Seal around the ceiling can lights on the second floor that are allowing heater air into the attic. 

4. Replace the seal around all your exterior doors.  This is really the case on the door from the garage to the house. 

Start there \Philp Anderson HDR Remodeling Berkeley CA

John,

When you see the wasps around, look at the exterior of the chimney and possibly from a ladder.

What you may see is that they are not coming down into the chimney through the top or chimney termination but in through small cracks in the brick where the mortor has come loose.  I would spray the area for the wasps, wait a resonable amount of time and seal the crack and then purchase and install a http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Chimney/Top-Sealing-Chimney-Dampers/Chimalator-Top-Sealing-Chimney-Damper  lock top type chimney cap. 

Thanks

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling.

Nathan, 

If we average the last couple of bathoom shower with bench including new shower, drain assembly, shower value and water line, gut and redo the shower with upscale tile and venting and lighting it runs about $35k.

Philip Anderson

With anything like this, I hate to be the first especially with this manufacturer. They brought out the Nest smoke detector and it get recalled.  I would rather wait  and watch the press and blogs and when the dust clears and all is good then starting specifiing them. 

Phililp Anderson

Berkeley CA

What makes a good remodeling client?  

Usually has worked on a home project with a reputable contractor before.  One who has resonable expectations as far as price (investment) and time line. One who can make a design decision and stay with it instead of going back over the color of the walls 'one more time'. One who respects exception designers and carpenter. 

I think that does it.  That is my wish list

Philip Anderson

Berkeley Ca

While I value Abe's professionalism and experience, I would take a slightly different approach.  If you are not changing anything in either room then a qualified handyperson can pull the old fan, enlarge the opening and install a new fan.  If you are remodeling the room or you are going to go from a single switch operation to a multiple switch type fan, I would then go with a remodeling contract or an electrician. 

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling.

What experience do you have in this type of house?  Can you give me names of one or two (not three) clients for which you have done this type of work? How long does it take from start of design to significant completion?

Philip Anderson

HDRRemodeling. Berkeley, Ca

I had recently answered another question about chimney.  Please do not use if the smell continues and contact The National Associations of Chimney Sweeps to get a certified professioinal out to your home to inspect it before you use it again. 

http://www.ncsg.org/ 

Philip Anderson

Berkeley CA

I use windex very lightly with a soft cloth

Philip

I always refer clients to Remodeling Magazine Price Value Ratio. If you go to Remodeling Magazine it will pop right up.  It is the bible of the industry.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley, Ca

Not that I know of.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling