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Discussion Forum

Bob Vila’s “expert” advice.

dcstephano | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 21, 2003 03:42am

You have to catch today’s (4.20.04) “BV’s Home Again” or check it out on their web-site. Bob and his expert shutter guy hang the shutters upside down (or inside-out if you prefer). It’s a hoot!

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Replies

  1. Piffin | Apr 21, 2003 03:54am | #1

    I stop in to the web forum about once a week to save them from themselves, and occasionally recommend that someone stop in here for real world advice. Mostly, they have DIYs gioving other DIYs fqalacious advice and perpetuating myths. They get an over-abundance of attic, basement, and door/window redo questions.

    I made a bad statement once about our favorite - Home Depew but the next time there, it was censored to say ********

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. BungalowJeff | Apr 21, 2003 05:55am | #2

      Have you been to the TOH forums? Same crap, however the post jumping is ridiculous.

      New post on a roofing topic:

      "I want to remove a wall in my basement. How do I do this without moving the wires and plumbing inside? What is load bearing?"

      Next Post:

      "What's the best way to raise my foundations back to level?"

      It's like the blind leading the armless over there....that's not a mistake, it's rustic

      1. Piffin | Apr 22, 2003 03:35am | #7

        Yeah, Too insane like a mideastern marketplace on bomnbing day.

        Excellence is its own reward!

      2. canuckguy | Apr 22, 2003 02:12pm | #15

        We could use your help over there. When someone actually knows what they are asking for it is simple to answer, try giving advice to the 75 year old lady who wants to raise her toilet 6" because it is too low, or the guy who wants to be a contractor and wants to know how much he can charge without "rippin peeple off".

        Those people need your help more than a fellow contractor here.

  2. MarkH128 | Apr 21, 2003 05:59am | #3

    I don't see your point. They are hung to be operable, and when closed they are correctly shedding water to the outside. Unless I missed something.

    1. dcstephano | Apr 21, 2003 11:49pm | #5

      Yes, they were indeed mounted backwards. The louvers were nicely placed to protect the siding. If they were ever closed over the window, the direction of the louvers will allow both sun and rain into the window opening. I emailed the show and got an apology saying the contractor did it that way on purpose, since they would never be used. (That much was obvious since the shutter dogs were mounted in the wrong place as well)

      I just wanted us all to share a laugh about all that great information spewing out of TV these days. The danger of course is that with Harry Homeowner watching we have to continually re-educate the public when we are "doing it wrong".

      1. MarkH128 | Apr 22, 2003 03:27am | #6

        I saw that episode a long time ago and now recall something like that being mentioned during the show. I think that house was the best one ever shown being built on TV. Bob pointed out some things he would have done differently to make it even closer to an actual colonial home, but apparently he was not in total control. I liked that house a lot though, especially the flooring they used. It would have looked better on a larger lot.

  3. steveh | Apr 21, 2003 06:08am | #4

    I'm not a big fan of BV and the picture on his web site wasn't real clear but I think the shutters are correctly hung .

    When real functional shutters are hung and opened out against the walls they are correctlly installed because the side you are seeing is in fact the inside face.

    When they are closed for protection from the elements the louvers will be in the cvorrect position to shed water with the tops of the louvers slanted back under the leading edge og the louver above it.

    It only looks "wrong" because most shutters today are plastic trim thats screwed to the wall and is in fact the reverse of what it should look like and they are usually screwed to the wall past the casing so they are just wrong if your trying to convince people that they are real not bad fakes

  4. migraine | Apr 22, 2003 04:55am | #8

    There was a controversy here in Calif a few years back when BV was acting as a General Contractor on one of their homes.I believe it was a ocean front in Malibu, but I could be wrong.  From what I remember, It was a total abortion.  The alarm/audio/videp was so screwed up, nothing worked.  And that was just the beginning.  When they interview him, he just past the buck to every one else.  Isn't the General supposed to know what the h#*l is going on?

    1. dcstephano | Apr 22, 2003 05:16am | #9

      Migrane, hope your head is feeling better these days. I too saw that episode and it was a huge scandal - the "high tech house" never sold. As I said, I watch for comic relief. Does anyone have a favorite BV story?

      1. migraine | Apr 22, 2003 05:46am | #10

        I have never really liked the way "Bob" acts on his show.  He always seamed to be the "know it all" and never gave the other guy a chance to have any input.  But the show that you are talking about really showed his true colors.  He put shame to other people who call themselves "General Contractors"....   To many other more inportant things to think about.  I think he is on the same playing field as the "Trading Places" people.   Enough of the "Bob bashing".

      2. User avater
        SamT | Apr 22, 2003 06:20am | #11

        Nah, I quit watching Bob Villain when I saw him glue countertop tile to a pressboard!? substrate and the backsplash to the drywall/

        SamT

        1. migraine | Apr 22, 2003 08:35am | #12

          I like that ...Bob Villain

          1. andybuildz | Apr 22, 2003 01:15pm | #13

            BV is about as good as the power tools he endorses in his ads.

             

             

            In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

            http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

          2. GHR | Apr 22, 2003 02:10pm | #14

            And you guys think your good or right?

            Get real.

          3. migraine | Apr 22, 2003 07:25pm | #16

            Well, yes and no.  When I do work for some one, I do it right.  When I do make a mistake, I fix it.  I don't Whine and blame every one else for my mistakes.  This is business, but it is also someone else's money I'm being paid with.  On the other hand, I have seen some great ideas and good work on some of his shows.  Unfortunately he spoiled the entertainment.  

            Just like the guy on another post who is asking about how to laminate an "L" shaped top surrounded by posts.  Lots of great suggestions, more than one way to do it, and his finished product looks pretty good. I would have done it different, but his way was just fine and that doesn't make me right.  It's just my opinion/ method is different.  Reading his post was entertaining to me, just like a lot of the other posts on this site.   If you like Bob, that's great.  He just reminds me of the type of guy the people mumble "B.S." under their breath when they sneeze or cough.  ;) 

          4. User avater
            Qtrmeg | Apr 22, 2003 07:51pm | #17

            Migraine, don't let George get under your skin.

            It's hard for someone like that to open his eyes when his head is up his...

          5. CAGIV | Apr 23, 2003 01:26am | #18

            You do realize BV got his job on TOH not because he was a carpenter or contractor but because he was an architect who supposely was able to be a better host because of this, being able to talk about different designs and such.

            His ability with a hammer and saw had absoultly 100% nothing to do with him being hired.View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          6. User avater
            JeffBuck | Apr 23, 2003 02:07am | #19

            I heard he was an engineer...

            JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

             Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

          7. JamieFichter | Apr 23, 2003 04:02pm | #31

            "I heard he was an engineer..."

            Hey, that's not funny...kinda stings a bit...  :~)

            Just for future reference, I like it when posters on the forum make fun of architects instead of engineers...ha ha

            Jamie (one of the "other" types of engineers)

          8. migraine | Apr 24, 2003 08:22am | #61

            Yeah, how about those "engineers" that give the cabinet guy drawings in 1/10th scale?

          9. migraine | Apr 23, 2003 02:07am | #20

            Figures...   Some of the architects that I have worked with over the years come up with some off the  wall ideas ( some are good, some are bad).  They turn and sell the idea to the homeowner and what the "approximate cost" is and then turn them over to us to try and figure out how its done.  Try and tell the homeowner that it can't be done or is beyond their budget.  Their remark is always" but the architect said he has done it before and shouldn't cost that much"   Boy, I HATE IT when they do that...

            Plus, have you EVER heard and architect say, "Boy I sure made a mistake on your drawings.  I don't know what I was thinking when I drew that.  The Building department should have caught that.  Let me write you a check for my error.  I sure don't want to make any of the subs eat it on account of my error."

            Isn't that what the General calls "Back Charges" when a sub makes a mistake?

            Enough of  B.V. and architect bashing

          10. User avater
            scottyb | Apr 23, 2003 04:07am | #21

            I see you visit the bulliten board every so often,as do I, but you should

             check out the fixit forem.

            Nothing to do with TOH, which is probably for the better.

          11. HeavyDuty | Apr 23, 2003 04:55am | #22

            I think you guys are just jealous. Have you seen his ocean front house which he put up for sale for a few million bucks? It's all hype and marketing. They show people what they want to see and tell people what they want to hear. "Architect said he has done it before and shouldn't cost that much." I am sorry folks, it is people like us that have to deliver the bad news "it can't be done or is beyond their budget".

            Tom

          12. User avater
            GoldenWreckedAngle | Apr 23, 2003 06:27pm | #34

            Some of the architects that I have worked with over the years come up with some off the  wall ideas

            Aw, Come on Migraine, you know you love the challenge. You would miss us if we were gone. :-)>

            Plus, have you EVER heard and architect say, "Boy I sure made a mistake on your drawings.  I don't know what I was thinking when I drew that.  The Building department should have caught that.  Let me write you a check for my error.  I sure don't want to make any of the subs eat it on account of my error."

            Well, you might have a point if in fact Architects ever made a mistake. I thought I made one once but, as it turned out, I was wrong.

            Actually, Architects eat their mistakes financially just like everyone else does. Believe it or not- some architects are humble enough to admit it when they screw up and do their best to fix the problem ASAP. Even when they have to write a check to do it.

            Isn't that what the General calls "Back Charges" when a sub makes a mistake?

            Yep, and when an Architect makes one it's called a "change order." I hate those things! Some of the contractors in our town have attended classes to learn how to underbid to get a job and make up the difference in C.O.'s. Makes for a less than productive relationship for the whole team.

            I don't know if BV is an architect or not but coloring the whole field of architects with the brush that painted him just ain't right man... it just ain't right.

            Deeply wounded in Texas...

            Kevin Halliburton

            "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." -Elbert Hubbard-

          13. User avater
            CloudHidden | Apr 23, 2003 06:33pm | #35

            Gotcher back, dude. Course, he was talking about architects and not lowly designers, so I'm in the clear.

          14. User avater
            GoldenWreckedAngle | Apr 23, 2003 07:02pm | #39

            Lowly designer my foot!

             Architects fear to tread where thou hast trod oh master of the hidden clouds. Circular, domular, shotcretular marvels thou hast wrought- the math is simply too much for me to ponder...

            Cloud Hidden- Mr. Pi in the sky...

            Lowly designer indeed! Ha! Kevin Halliburton

            "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." -Elbert Hubbard-

          15. migraine | Apr 23, 2003 09:20pm | #46

            Don't you mean "interior desecrator"  ;-)               I'm in one of those moods today

          16. JohnSprung | Apr 23, 2003 09:41pm | #47

            Shouldn't it be "inferior desecrator"?    ;-) 

            -- J.S.

          17. User avater
            CloudHidden | Apr 23, 2003 09:41pm | #48

            Now, now, I ain't one of those interior dudes. Just building designer or house designer. All that frilly stuff someone else can do. Only concrete and steel for me! :)

          18. CAGIV | Apr 23, 2003 10:03pm | #49

            oh so you got a problem with male interior decorators now do ya?

            What if I told you my pops was one, and he liked it and was good at it??View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          19. User avater
            CloudHidden | Apr 23, 2003 10:22pm | #51

            I'd say, "Good for him." I ain't one. In fact, mostly I design so that curtains and wallpaper aren't needed! I know they do other stuff, but don't know what else. I do exterior design, not the decorative arts. Why? What's your point? :)

          20. CAGIV | Apr 23, 2003 10:26pm | #52

            Well you were supposed to come back with, something to the effect,

            Oh I meant no offence to interior decorators yada yada yada lol

            just busting your balls, but it didnt work lol

            P.S.  If my dad was an interior decortator, I probably wouldn't talk about it to much :)View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          21. canuckguy | Apr 24, 2003 02:19pm | #62

            Cag,

            Off subgect.

            Was that crying or singing of the Blues I can hear wafting across the border? Good series, good luck next year.

            Canuckguy

          22. CAGIV | Apr 24, 2003 08:51pm | #64

            canuckguy,

              After so many years of watching them fall short in the playoffs, its donw to a won day rant that I get over pretty quick these days, the term always next year, doesnt seem to bring much hope anymore :)

            View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          23. User avater
            NickNukeEm | Apr 24, 2003 08:58pm | #65

            Now you have a glimmer of an idea what it's like to be a Red Sox fan. :)

            I never met a tool I didn't like!

          24. Piffin | Apr 24, 2003 03:39am | #58

            IMO, your pops was one of few interior designers who have fathered children.

            ;).

            Excellence is its own reward!

          25. CAGIV | Apr 24, 2003 03:42am | #59

            lmao that one got me going.

            read further, hes not one, was just trying bust clouds balls, but it failed...

            If my dad was, I probably would say he was a fireman or cop or something...View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          26. User avater
            BillHartmann | Apr 23, 2003 10:11pm | #50

            I have not watched BV for about a year because of when it on here, but I LOVE his show. Not for the informational content, but to see if he can go for two complete sentences without dropping one trademarked name. And some times he will get 2 or 3 in those two sentences.

            Also seeing all the wrong statements that he makses. Such as "I see you are using XYZ, that is a new product, right". The respones is "no we have been using it for 10 yesrs". And on and on.

            As far as realistic projects Home Time has some. They just finished up a 4 show back yard make over.

            And they have out a new (started this year or last year) syndicated show on commercial TV. All of the projects on it have been typical projects that the "typical" home owner would get into, either DIY or hired out.

            In all of the shows the HO either helped or did a significant part of the job.

            Sample projects included a 60's ranch makeover. New side, new trim, new floors and some decorative walls. I think that this was done in 2 series, one inside and one out. HT did all of the work, except they had a specialist do the some decorative painting.

            Another was a finishing an attic. The HO has dome much remodeling on other parts of the home in the past. The HO did all of the deconstructing, insulation, some of the drywall, some of the framing. Worked with the HT team some some of the other work. Had a pro for the electrical and plumbing.

          27. Pd5190 | Apr 23, 2003 06:41pm | #36

            I don't get to watch BV or the others very often but I do enjoy them. But just ounce I would like them to take an average home and take a realistic budget and show the average person what they can do without having to mortgage there grand kids.

          28. User avater
            aimless | Apr 23, 2003 06:56pm | #37

            I agree, these million dollar renovations are very hard to relate too - most folks in humble old houses do very modest renovations and take years to do it. I don't get to watch the show regularly, but I think they did a modest renovation on a shotgun house in N'Orleans. The owner had a very limited budget for the renovation and they accomplished quite a lot. The owner did a lot of the work and I don't remember if the Silvas were involved at all, but Norm and Steve were there.

            I kinda liked Steve, and I'll miss him. Bob talked too much and Steve may have asked dumb questions when you're a contractor, but many of them were good ones when you're Jane Doe homeowner who only gets to see the show once a month at best. I certainly wish they'd hired a replacement other than a banker (according to the article I saw, he's not quitting his day job)!

          29. User avater
            CapnMac | Apr 23, 2003 07:15pm | #40

            They did a "Behind the Scenes" show on ToH.  Russel Morash, the producer is who is really in charge on the show.  They made a point about how is was about being "watchable," as opposed to informative (hace to leave HT its niche <g>).  One of the things that was really striking was where they were talking to the sub before they rolled tape.  Consider what sort of pressure you would be under after the tv crew sets up.  Sound people, studio lights, camera people all on the jobsite.  Now they swivel a camera at you, and say things like "Try to not answer with one word, but try not to get too detailed."  Then the light on the end of the camera pumps a couple of hundred footcandles at you (there's a mink covered mike either over your head or down around your knees, in case you need any more distraction).

            They did the BtS on the big lake shore project.  The Aussie's wife was a touch miffed when they talked about the size of the budget--she did not appreciate having the financial laundry aired in public (which is understandable, given how much "we" hate "rich" people any more . . . )

            It's just a show (luckily).

          30. andybuildz | Apr 23, 2003 07:32pm | #41

            Its just a show (luckily)

            Cap

                 Thats why we need The Piff and Andy TV show. How realistic can ya get?

            HBO here we come...lol

            Be filmed in a tipi

                               Namaste

                                       Andy....PS...There must be someone here readin this that can fund us!!  OK back to work again....I hear the floor callin me 

             

            In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

            http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

          31. User avater
            CloudHidden | Apr 23, 2003 07:43pm | #42

            >There must be someone here readin this that can fund us!!

            Check in with that guy in the Tav who just graced us with his tax return and the million dollar AGI.

          32. andybuildz | Apr 23, 2003 08:31pm | #43

            Cloud

                Gee, did I miss that one? 

             

            In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

            http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

          33. User avater
            CapnMac | Apr 24, 2003 12:51am | #54

            HBO here we come

            Probably have to be on cable just to protect the children . . . <g>

            Some college students wanted to document "what I do at work" the other day.  My answer, "Why I NBC that desparate for comedy programming?"

            The Piff/Andy/CAG call in show woulf be a hoot (don't know what would be learned about construction, though . . . )

          34. andybuildz | Apr 24, 2003 02:27am | #55

            Piff/Andy/CAG call in show woulf be a hoot (don't know what would be learned about construction, though . . . )

            Cap

               Yer kiddin.right? Total really real reality show.

            Can't believe some exec hasnt contacted me yet to steal my ideas

            Be real

                 Namaste

                          Andy <G> PS wheres Andy E when ya need him? 

             

            In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

            http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

          35. User avater
            BillHartmann | Apr 24, 2003 02:51am | #56

            Bob Vila is now an expert in a new field.

            Before I go one make sure that you are sitting down. Don't have any liguid in your mouth. And make sure that there is nothing sharp that you can hit when you fall out of your chair.

            IT IS MEDICINE!

            He is doing public service annoucements about getting tenus vacinations.

          36. CAGIV | Apr 24, 2003 02:55am | #57

            tenus?

            tetanus?

            if not what is tenus?

            By the way as unskilled as the doof is, you got figure he needs to keep current on his tetanus shots.

            View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

            Edited 4/23/2003 7:56:51 PM ET by CAG

          37. User avater
            BillHartmann | Apr 24, 2003 07:00am | #60

            "tenus?"

            It is what you have when you don't afford enough electrons to spell tetanus. <G>.

          38. User avater
            CapnMac | Apr 25, 2003 02:38am | #68

            Yer kiddin.right? Total really real reality show

            Who, me, kid?  Nah, never (much).

            Guest appearances by ProDeck & Cloud Hidden, to keep it really real.

            How about a hunting segment with Major Wood & Gunner going after b*bc*ats?

          39. CAGIV | Apr 25, 2003 02:41am | #69

            How about a hunting segment with Major Wood & Gunner going after b*bc*ats?

            Only if they show a confirmed killView ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          40. User avater
            IMERC | Apr 25, 2003 02:52am | #70

            Can I be the spotter and skinner?

          41. Ray1 | Apr 25, 2003 02:56am | #71

            "Only if they show a confirmed kill"

             Confirmed kill.......Give me break Bigbird, very few people ever get in the opportunity to even see a bobcat, let alone and to have killed one.

            Bobcat

            Edited 4/24/2003 7:56:46 PM ET by Bobcat

          42. andybuildz | Apr 25, 2003 03:11am | #72

            Now speakin' of Bobcats u guyz.....Today I had the nicest guy come with his way cool "bobcat"....lol....with all kinda attachments to dig around my cee-ment pond for new lines.

            Dude asked me if it was OK to go further into the back yard cause it'd F up my lawn......ROFLOLMAO....my property looks like mars by now....I told him no problem....do whatcha gotta do.....dude drives backwards and is up to his chasis in mud OMG....never broke a smile offa his face. Said he hopes I dont mind lookin at his "Bobcat" for the next six months....I was picturin' an old Italian dude cursin at me flallin hisarms about and threatin me...lol....this 35 year old guy was as nice as could be. We hitch the BC to the back of his "FORD" 4 wheel drive pickup and we yanked the fugger outta da mud....and back to diggin.

            Dude was a real great guy.....everyone should have his    tude.

            Why'd I start jawin bout this? Oh yeh LArry..I mean Bobcat.

            Personally I think he's winnin this battle....but to tell ya the truth.....I won it...I can actually talk to him like a peep to a peep.....think about that y'all

            Ting is....I "know" y'all love the fight!

            Be in love

                    Namaste

                                  andy 

             

            In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

            http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

          43. User avater
            CapnMac | Apr 25, 2003 03:23am | #73

            a confirmed kill

            "A"?  LOL  I figure there's enough hides there for a 13 episode series all by itself.  (Besides, think of the challenge of hunting chameleons . . . <g>)

          44. Piffin | Apr 23, 2003 06:59pm | #38

            My Neo Classical Renaisance TV won't let me watch Bobius Villanus much either.

            what is the going appraisal rate for grandchildren these days? I was thinking of taking out a mortgage on mine.

            ;).

            Excellence is its own reward!

          45. migraine | Apr 23, 2003 09:18pm | #45

            No, not ALL architects, just the ones I care not remember. :-)   I worked on a job in So Cal when the architect brought in a class of architecture students and he  started to tell the students about the image that he saw trying to present on this job.  He didn't realize that the designer, myself(cabinet guy), and the GC's supervisor where in the master having a meeting on how to fix the transition from the curved wall to the shower to the tub and why where there steps going up to one and down to the other for no apparent  reason.  Along with why the bed placement had a concave curve and which made it impossible to see 1/2 of the ocean view out of the window.  Plus he was taking total credit for the kitchen design that was 60% of the designers and 40% mine.  He sure did get quiet after he found us there.  By the way this designer had her s*^t  together. She came up with some off the wall ideas (all curved stuff) and made that job a FUN challenge.  Plus, she was a knockout.

          46. dcstephano | Apr 23, 2003 05:35am | #23

            One of my all time favorite TOH shows was in the first season when BV went over the final budget with the yuppie homeowners.

            Does any one remember the poor guy's face when he was told they went "about $250K over budget" and he had to refinance the house?

          47. User avater
            NickNukeEm | Apr 23, 2003 05:57am | #24

            I never understood how much the HO has to fork over on the THO shows.  Are they responsible for the whole enchilada?  Doesn't the show kick in some compensation?  What about all the gadgets they want to advertise so they pack them even if the HO doesn't want them?  Do they pay for them too?  (I don't know, but always wanted to find out.)

            Does anybody have the straight skinny?  How much is the HO responsible for on home improvement shows?

            I never met a tool I didn't like!

          48. CAGIV | Apr 23, 2003 05:59am | #25

            From what little I understand, the HO picks up most of the tab, but they may get substantial donations or discounts for products pimped on the show.View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          49. User avater
            IMERC | Apr 23, 2003 06:09am | #26

            Never saw BV NOT go over buget.

          50. andybuildz | Apr 23, 2003 05:31pm | #32

            Katrina wrote TOH (was gonna get out my 12g and shoot her in the head when she told me that)(kidding duh). They wrote her back and said they use all their own guys for the most part and thats free but we pay materials etc etc.

             I told her......go on vacation honey....this is my baby.

            They also told her they "usually" don't leave the Mass. area due to weather.

            I'm takin pictures and will post em' towards the end of the the job (in a hundred years lol) and we can critique my work for the first Piff & Andy TV show.

            We'll be the next Siskel and Ebert dissagreeing and ranking each other out about houses.....How funny and entertaining would that be???? LOL

            I'll sit on a cushion on the floor and Piff will sit on a chair he made and we'll have Bobcat calling into the show under different names crackin on us.

            Behind us will be pic of a certain person under a bar table and another ontop of trusses and another in a library with her fingers crossed. Oh and lets not forget the caller that calls in about polotics and inspecting houses.......and oh yeh that JD dude on the other line yellin at him. and maybe some college guy that knows alot about building being politically correct all the time and being our middle ground.....the list goes on......hmmmmmmspose it may have to be on HBO cause I need pin up girls holding tools....heh heh....now wheres BossHogs calender?

            Well back to work........

            Be belly achin' funny

                              Namaste

                                          Andy 

             

            In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

            http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

          51. Piffin | Apr 23, 2003 06:01pm | #33

            ROTFLMAO

            Don't forget we need Jencar and her sledgehammer - maybe dressed up as Miss Thor!.

            Excellence is its own reward!

          52. CAGIV | Apr 23, 2003 08:32pm | #44

            Dude, your wife called to get TOH to work on your home???  and was serious??? 

            Thats grounds for a sit down talk :)

            Can't see you and steve getting along to well, but could make an interesting behinds the scenes pay-per-view type deal lol

            So get on it already, the tv show, ya keep talking about it, lets see some action, its not like there are any good home improvement shows on the air anyway. so you would have no competition.

            neilView ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          53. Ray1 | Apr 25, 2003 01:03am | #67

            "I'll sit on a cushion on the floor and Piff will sit on a chair he made and we'll have Bobcat calling into the show under different names crackin on us."

             Hell... I'd just get banded there also.....

            Bobcat

          54. User avater
            SteveInCleveland | Apr 23, 2003 02:34pm | #27

            The homeowner foots the bill for a large portion.  A lot of the materials are also donated.  For example, on the most recent "dream kitchen project", the homeowners ended up paying out between 80 & 85 K.  On top of that, another 200 K in materials, etc. were donated.  It is my understanding that the homeowners are then taxed on all donated materials.  (and YES, they did say 200 K).

          55. BungalowJeff | Apr 23, 2003 03:02pm | #28

            From what I have read, Bob Villa tried to restore an old house and could not find contractors that shared his "vision", so he started to do it himself. Theoretically, that was how he got the TOH job.

            Now, I know there are a lot of Steve haters, but remember, his job was to play dumb to get the contractors, subs, and designers to explain their work. His "lame attempts" at trying his hand plaster (which he has done about three times) and stucco patching looked pretty good.

            The homeowner pays for the job, however, they also pay taxes and installation labor for materials. Tom Silva pointed out on the Boston Row House, the mill shop were fans and provided a free upgrade from the door trim ordered, however, the fancier trim required twice as much installation time, rendering the upgrade savings moot. I would also think that having to use the Silva Brothers as the GC must add a bit to the budget....that's not a mistake, it's rustic

          56. User avater
            CloudHidden | Apr 23, 2003 03:10pm | #29

            >I would also think that having to use the Silva Brothers as the GC must add a bit to the budget.

            You mean it's not an open bid each time?

          57. User avater
            bobl | Apr 23, 2003 03:55pm | #30

            they go for quality over price

            bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

            Edited 4/23/2003 9:07:49 AM ET by bobl

      3. sailr | Apr 23, 2003 11:41pm | #53

        You might be interested to know that it was actually a comic that bought that Malibu house.  His name escapes me at the moment, but he was a frequent guest on Johnny Carson.  I think he even guest hosted a few times.  He's a Jewish guy (being Jewish was part of his act) with a big nose. long brown hair, and always has a dark suntan.  Guess the joke was on him.  He sued, as I recall.

        1. TommH | Apr 24, 2003 06:34pm | #63

          David Bremmer?

          1. sailr | Apr 25, 2003 12:09am | #66

            Yep, he's the one I was trying to remember.

      4. daddoo | Apr 27, 2003 08:50pm | #82

        I'll never forget the episode of TOH where BV turned on the newly installed whole house fan, and sucked the hat off an inspector's head.............

        1. CAGIV | Apr 27, 2003 08:55pm | #83

          There was an episode of home improvement where that happened,  I didn't know it really happened on TOH, now that would be funny.View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

        2. dcstephano | Apr 28, 2003 03:54am | #86

          And all the while Bob stands there like nothing ever just happened. Is it just my imagination, or does the camera always zoom in on BV's scary mole?

          1. daddoo | Apr 28, 2003 04:04am | #87

            A friend from Boston once told me that BV was a real estate developer, and came up with the idea for the show.

            Be it known to all that BV is a definite menace to society with tools in hand. Besides, America may shop there for value, but I have never met one Professional who would shop there power tools............

          2. kbd | Apr 28, 2003 07:00pm | #88

            The story I have heard in Boston, is that BV was a kitchen designer /installer who hired people to do the work. He was doing a kitchen in Newton, MA for the wife of a WGBH(public broadcasting) producer and that is how he got the show. His first house was in upper Dorchester, a rough neighborhood at the time. He rehabed an old house with some character. He came in way over budget $170,000. Back then WGBH owned the house and it went out, to be sold to the highest bidder. Sold for $75,000. He was later fired because he did tool deals. These were forbiddened by his contract. The classic example of being the wrong guy at the right place.

            The best scene on the show was when he was demo-ing an old house. He, himself, was taking down a plaster lathed wall with a shovel and hit a live wire. The sparks are great. Too bad it wasn't an all metal shovel.

  5. CAGIV | Apr 26, 2003 03:22am | #74

    Let me be the first say I hope you have a miserable life later B!tch, and by the way to offer stands

    Look me up when your out this way, we can work this out face to face

    View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image
  6. CAGIV | Apr 26, 2003 04:20am | #75

    Pussycat,

      I don't need an invention on my resume to make me feel good about myself, I know when I go into someone's home I give it my best and they get a quality result.

    Try that instead of trying to pimp some POS invention that may or may not be of any success.  Your tool just add's one POS to a market filled with gimmicks that some Joe blow DIY handyman is going to purchase because  he is going to be lead to believe that  he can do a better job with it.

    Stan and Armin seem to get by with out your little toy and their work is beyond compare.

    Maybe someday someone will say that about you. Doubtful though.

    That means more then  the god only knows how many years you wasted on your little POS.  Stop trying to compensate for your lack ability and skill with other things and focus on what you claim to be a craftsman.

    I'm guessing you fall way short of that, in reality you are probably a hack who couldn't make it and therefore,  found another way to attempt to prove your own self worth. 

    Quite sad really.... Now Ba Bye Don't let the door hit ya

    View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image



    Edited 4/25/2003 9:21:58 PM ET by CAG



    Edited 4/25/2003 9:23:22 PM ET by CAG

    1. 4Lorn1 | Apr 26, 2003 07:16am | #76

      I wouldn't worry too much about out resident twit making any money on this. It is such a simple device that a week before it hits the store a Chinese manufacturer will copy it and sell their, slightly modified version, for $.50 less. Lowes and HD, ever looking for cheaper prices, will purchase the copy.

      Little does he realize that a patent is just a right to sue. It won't finance the legal case. Any small change can be claimed, it doesn't have to have merit, to be a separate device and not subject to the original. Few patents survive a real fight.

      Defending your own patent and prosecuting infringement is costly. Especially if the suit has to be taken to the WTO and served in China. Such a specialized and easily created device is unlikely to generate the sort of proceeds necessary to justify mounting a major defense. The corporation will fill out a few forms in protest and quietly let the case drop.

      Actually this is a good thing. The Chinese manufacturer will take the loss as they sit unsold on the shelf. It isn't needed. Soon enough you will be able to get a copy for $.25 on the deep discount shelf.

      And yet again another chance to vent before clicking "Ignore" again. Another week. Another couple of aliases ignored. Life goes on.

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Apr 26, 2003 08:48am | #77

        Does this mean that I can't be the spotter and skinner?

        Was really looking forward to the job..Even packed for an extended stay...

        Why can't I have just a little bit of real fun once in awhile?

        1. 4Lorn1 | Apr 26, 2003 09:51am | #78

          I think your going to have take a number, or cut cards, on this issue. Lots of candidates and only one, thank your favorite divinity on this point, silly cat.

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Apr 26, 2003 05:28pm | #79

            Cut cards??? OK.... Just thought I would let you know that I have MY deck of cards ready and handy...

        2. CAGIV | Apr 27, 2003 06:57am | #80

          You can skin him, but you have to hold him down yourself, I don't want what he has....View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

          1. User avater
            BillHartmann | Apr 27, 2003 07:03pm | #81

            Maybe I had better be watching out also.

            "I’m coming through Kansas City, you can rest ashore"

            Because I live in the KC area and I will be resting on my shore. since my boat is not in the water yet I will be ashore.

        3. User avater
          CapnMac | Apr 28, 2003 02:41am | #85

          I can't be the spotter and skinner

          Spotter, for sure.  Skinner might be iffy on two counts.  First, 25mm FN AMR that has been aching to be tested, would leave a bit of a mess, even at 1500m.  Secondly, there's the "getting any on you" factor that cannot be discounted.

  7. CAGIV | Apr 27, 2003 10:44pm | #84

    I'm not the one who wants to skin you, maybe you should address Imerc?

    View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year and daaa. Blues View Image

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