Answers

Sounds like inadequate venting for the drain lines. Could have been build this way or maybe a clog has developed in the vent pipe. Such as birds or squrrels building a nest in the vent pipe up on the roof. You should hope that it's a clog, which can easily be removed. In order for proper vent pipes to be installed the walls will need to be opened up.

Dennis D. Gehman, MCR - Master Certified Remodeler & Master Registered Plumber

Gehman Design Remodeling

Harleysville, PA 19438

215-513-0300

www.gehmanremodeling.com 

Ask for references of their Clients who worked with the architect in the past year on a project similar to what you're planning.

Ask for a copy of their contract

Who owns the plans and specifications?

Ask to visit a project that is in process

How long have they  been in business?

Who will be our main point of contact? and then ask to meet the individual

Dennis D. Gehman, Master Certifed Remodeler (MCR)

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

PA297

RetroFoam

PA120258

Office 215-513-0300

dennis@gehmanremodeling.com

www.gehmanremodeling.com

We've done this application numerous times in southeastern PA with one subtle change, we use closed cell foam insulation directly against the underside of the roof sheathing. Open cell will continue to let air/humidity through, closed cell will not. Since air can't move through the closed cell foam there isn't any need for air flow under the roof sheathing because there won't be any humidity there to potentially condensate. Air already moves through the fiberglass insulation and that won't change when the Attic becomes conditioned space. I believe it would be best to remove ALL of the existing fiberglass ceiling insulation so that the Attic space becomes 'one' with the rest of the House. Fresh air intake to the fossil fuel furnace is necessary. It should be set up with a power damper that opens when the furnace turns on to allow combustion air directly to the heat chamber. When the furnace isn't running the damper is closed to keep unconditioned air out of the Attic.

Dennis D. Gehman, CR, MSA, CLC, CKBR, GAC, CAPS

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

NARI = National Association of the Remodeling Industry

CR = NARI Certified Remodeler

MSA = CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator

CLC = NARI Certifled Lead Carpenter

CKBR = NARI Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

GAC = Green Advantage Certified

CAPS = Certified Aging in Place Specialist

Unfortunaely when a company goes out of business you no longer have a warranty. I suggest contacting a structural engineer in your area to assess the foundation situation and make recommendations of contractors who can make the necessary repairs

Dennis Gehman

Gehman Design Remodeling

www.gehmanremodeling.com

The contractor should have told you upfront that they don't deal with security systems before messed it up. It seems fair to me to let the Contractor know that you expect them to pay the bill for the security company to make the repairs.

Dennis Gehman

Gehman Design Remodeling

www.gehmanremodeling.com

Veery few windows and doors have alarm sensors on them these days. Most monitoring is done with wireless motion sensors that cover windows and doors / entry points to the House. If you really want to have sensors on the windows then a good electrician will be able to extend the low voltage wires.

Dennis Gehman

Gehman Design Remodeling

www.gehmanremodeling.com

Harleysville, PA 19438

Begin by going to www.NARI.org and find a chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry in your area. NARI members are held to a high standard and they commit to a Standard of Ethics in writing. On www.NARI.org you can look for design build contractors with Certified Remodelers (CR) and Certified Lead Carpenters (CLC) on staff. The contractor will know if they need the services of a structural engineer (P.E.) to specify what needs to be done. You're welcome to contact me directly with your questions.

Dennis D. Gehman, CR, MSA, CLC, CKBR, CAPS

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

PA 000297

355 Main Street

Harleysville, PA 19438-2417

O 215-513-0300

F 215-513-1280

dennis@gehmanremodeling.com

www.gehmanremodeling.com

NARI = National Association of the Remodeling Industry

CR = NARI Certified Remodeler

MSA = CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator

CLC = NARI Certifled Lead Carpenter

CKBR = NARI Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

CAPS = Certified Aging in Place Specialist

A belt doesn't sound like the proper material to hold anything related to air conditioning

What Abe said is correct. Professional installation of anything built is would be recommended. Depending on what type of proejcts you'll be doing in the workshop you may need special filters to keep the dehumidifier from getting clogged up.

Dennis D. Gehman

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

PA297

355 Main Street

Harleysville, PA 19438-2417

Office 215-513-0300

Cell 267-718-4697

Fax 215-513-1280

Email dennis@gehmanremodeling.com   

Web www.gehmanremodeling.com    

Depending on the light fixture you can paint it. Usually it's best to have an electrican replace it with a new exterior light fixture. It's always important to be sure that anything done on the outside of your House is water tight, it's even more critical with electric because water can cause shorts which can cause fires.

Dennis D. Gehman

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

PA297

355 Main Street

Harleysville, PA 19438-2417

Office 215-513-0300

Cell 267-718-4697

Fax 215-513-1280

Email dennis@gehmanremodeling.com   

Web www.gehmanremodeling.com 

Most stained doors were done with oil based coatings. That means you need an oil based primer first then you can use latex paint. Latex primer will not adhere to oil based coatings.

Dennis D. Gehman

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

PA297

355 Main Street

Harleysville, PA 19438-2417

Office 215-513-0300

Cell 267-718-4697

Fax 215-513-1280

Email dennis@gehmanremodeling.com   

Web www.gehmanremodeling.com