ShareThisFifty-two weeks of the year, and to the best of my ability, I answer questions posed by my readers either in this column or by e-mail.
In 2008, I answered the following questions: five concerning condensation (mold and moisture); five on insulation; 10 on sealing ductwork; two on removing wallpaper; five on venting (attics and clothes dryers); two on well water and water heaters; five safety issues; 11 on general home repairs; two on pest infestation; two introducing new tools; and three on how to conserve energy.
A lot of people ask me where I get all the information to answer all these questions. Well, it comes from experience (more than 40 years of construction background) and it comes from research. Yes, I still have to study just like a school kid.
I want to thank all of my readers across the U.S. for giving me such great questions; questions of interest to most homeowners and do-it-yourselfers. Without you, there would be no home maintenance column, because I can't make this stuff up.
Over the years, I have received a few letters with satanic mumbo-jumbo written all over the paper and envelopes, valid threats if I write about odors or damage caused by animals and of course the expert who takes umbrage with what I have to say.
But one question really sticks out in my mind. Let me tell you about the most challenging question I answered in 2008. This question and answer were not published because of the confidentiality of the writer, but it went something like this:
I received an e-mail from a lady somewhere in Virginia complaining about a contractor she had hired to remodel her home. She paid the contractor one-third of the total before the job was started (something I would not recommend), and as the work progressed additional sums were paid.
Somewhere near the end of the work, the contractor said he was losing money and had to take on another project putting her work on hold unless she would come up with the final payment.
In her e-mail she alluded to the fact that all the construction mess and the contractor's actions were driving her to the point of suicide.
I'm not an expert on human behavior, but this lady's letter sounded like a cry for help.
It was late in the evening when I called a friend of mine who is a psychologist to ask him what he thought and then forwarded the e-mail.
The writer had included a phone number in her e-mail, and from the area code I was able to determine her general location.
I asked my friend if we should contact the authorities in her area. He assured me that there was no immediate danger, but he said to answer her e-mail right away and assure her that there are things she can do to regain control of the situation.
I really felt good about being able to help by answering her question, and she did respond to my e-mail thanking me and letting me know that everything was going to be OK.
Keep on sending your questions, and have a happy and safe 2009.
Evansville resident C. Dwight Barnett is a Master Inspector and is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home improvement questions at C. Dwight Barnett, Courier & Press, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702. His e-mail address is d.Barnett(at)insightbb.com. Please include a SASE with your questions.
HOME MAINTENANCE
