OHW

Just be sure to never use anything metal to remove the ice with. Too many coils have been punctured doing this in the past!

I remember my grandmother doing just that with a metal scraper!

I've seen square edge subway tile (original) with a very thin grout line. We're talking 1/16" maximum. As cs said, you definitely want this in any areas where water could hit the tile, such as in a shower. Just curious, how were you lucky enough to score such a large amount of original subway tile? ...

If you are repainting a 1950s refrigerator, I would highly recommend sandblasting it versus sanding by hand. Any auto body shop should be able to do it for you if you don't have the equipment.

Waterlox would be a much more authentic looking finish than poly. I've never liked poly in an older house. It makes the wood look like it's plastic. Pratt and Lambert's 61 floor finish was another authentic finish, but I think they've taken it off the market. They now have a product called 38 Clear ...

Sorry to hear it didn't come out in your favor. Here is what I would do if I were you: 1. Take the time to do it right no matter what. If you have to slap a coat of paint on everything to "pretty it up" for the city bean counters, so be it. It won't hinder your ability to repair split or rotten boar...

I was taking a closer look at the lower windows the other day looking for signs of cords and weights, and there don't seem, to be any, I have a feeling these were pretty basic windows that have always just been propped open with a stick. They could be older replacement windows. Most windows made be...

It would probably be the same as the other windows on your house. On the porch, it looks like there's a 1 over 1 next to the door. That's probably what would have been in the second story opening as well. These were very common during the last quarter of the 19th century. If you are lucky, the perso...

Finished woodwork was largely a product of the Victorian era. Many pre-1850s houses have pine mouldings and trim that were intended to be painted from the beginning. It gained popularity again in the 1900s through the 1920s with the Colonial and Neoclassical Revival architecture. As a result of pain...

Rip 'em down and put up Mega Marts that will be plowed over themselves in 20 years - that's what the name of the game is these days.

I just drove past an 1840s row house that is being demolished this morning. Saw perfectly good, tall 6 over 6 window sashes being chucked into a dumpster.

Sad.

Good luck, Jim! It's a shame that they have put you through this.

It may be a little late now, but I think I would have consulted an attorney when the threats first began. They have dragged you through a lot of unnecessary grief and inconvenience (and, working 6 days a week, your time is valuable!).