Ceiling Cracks - A Cautionary Tale

After nearly 50 years in the remodeling business, I've seen my fair share of scary stuff inside people's houses. Some of these stories might hit home for those of you who put off fixing problems because you're afraid of what you might find. While big issues can be a pain and expensive, letting them go can lead to even bigger headaches down the road—and could even mess with your health.

One summer, I got a call from a woman in Bristol who said her roof was leaking. It was seemingly normal, except that it hadn’t rained in a month. I mentioned this to her, and she said, "I don't know where the water’s coming from, but my dining room ceiling just caved in."

I headed over to her house right away. Sure enough, there was a pile of sheetrock and plaster on her front lawn. Inside, the ceiling had completely collapsed, leaving a soggy mess all over her dining room.

I asked to see the bathroom on the second floor, but there wasn’t one. So, I climbed into the attic and was hit by a blast of intense heat. I also saw two air conditioning units running full blast in the dining room windows. The homeowner said she kept them on constantly because the top floor was so hot.

It didn’t take long to figure out why her ceiling fell in. The attic had no insulation or ventilation, turning it into an oven. The homeowner tried to cool things down by cranking the A/C, which created major condensation in the walls and ceiling.

When hot and cold air meet, they create moisture that seeps into plaster, sheetrock, and wood. That moisture leads to mold that literally eats away at the ceiling and walls. Her 1950s Cape Cod home, like many in our area of Connecticut, had poor insulation and ventilation, making it prone to rot. Ceiling cracks were the first sign of trouble. Instead of calling me then, her husband tried to cover them up with those 12x12 ceiling panels you see in doctor's offices. Nice try, but all it did was add another layer for moisture to soak into.

Here’s the bottom line: if your home has temperature issues, don’t ignore them. Deal with the humidity and moisture before it turns into major structural damage or worse. If that’s not enough to convince you, mold and mildew are big culprits behind asthma and breathing problems, especially for kids and the elderly. Is it worth risking your family’s health?

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company since 1975. Got a question for Bob? Email him at info@odonnellbros.com with "Ask the Pro" in the subject line. Your question might be featured in a future post. Need remodeling help? Call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Remember, advice is just for guidance.

Ten Summer DIY Projects for the Home

Summer is the perfect time to embark on some DIY projects that can transform your home and make it more inviting. Here are ten simple projects that will give your house a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

1. Repaint Your Front Door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Choose a bold color that complements your home’s exterior. Clean the door, sand it down, apply a primer, and then paint. It's a quick weekend project that makes a big impact.

2. Add Outdoor Lighting

Enhance your outdoor space with new lighting. Solar-powered lights are easy to install and don’t require any wiring. Place them along pathways, around the garden, or on the patio to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in the evenings.

3. Create a Garden Path

A well-defined garden path can add structure and beauty to your yard. Use stepping stones, gravel, or pavers to create a simple path. Lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds, then arrange your chosen materials. This project is both functional and decorative.

4. Build a Simple Outdoor Bench

An outdoor bench provides a perfect spot to relax. Using wooden boards, screws, and wood glue, you can build a sturdy bench. Sand it smooth and apply a weather-resistant stain or paint. Place it in your garden or on your porch for added charm.

5. Install Window Boxes

Window boxes filled with colorful flowers can brighten up the exterior of your home. Purchase or build wooden boxes, attach them securely under your windows, and fill them with your favorite summer blooms. It’s a simple way to add a touch of nature to your house.

6. Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture

Give your outdoor furniture a makeover with a fresh coat of paint or new cushions. Clean and sand the furniture, then apply a suitable outdoor paint. For a quick refresh, buy new cushions or recover existing ones with weather-resistant fabric.

7. Update Kitchen Hardware

Swapping out old cabinet handles and drawer pulls for new ones can modernize your kitchen. Choose a style that matches your decor, unscrew the old hardware, and install the new pieces. It’s an inexpensive update that makes a big difference.

8. Create a Vertical Garden

If you’re short on space, a vertical garden is a great solution. Use a wooden pallet, wall-mounted planters, or hanging pots to grow herbs, flowers, or succulents. Attach the structure to a sunny wall and enjoy your new green space.

9. Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall can add a pop of color to any room. Choose a wall that acts as a focal point, select a vibrant paint color, and get to work. This project can be completed in a day and will give your room a fresh, new look.

10. Install New Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures can significantly enhance your home’s interior. Replace outdated fixtures with modern designs that match your decor. Make sure to turn off the electricity before starting, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

These ten DIY projects are perfect for giving your house a facelift this summer. They are simple enough to be completed over a weekend and will make your home more beautiful and enjoyable. So grab your tools, get creative, and transform your living space with these easy updates.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

How to Find a Reputable Contractor

Every week I get calls from homeowners who have been left unsatisfied after a contractor failed to show up, left a job undone, or didn’t properly communicate costs. The process of finding a good remodeler and getting the result you want can be daunting, especially with so many options. So where do you start? Here are my top tips for finding the best professional for your renovation plans.

Ask for referrals.

When it comes to hiring an expert for remodeling or home repair work, you should look at it the same way you would for a doctor or an accountant. Start by asking friends, family, or co-workers for a referral, or you can also try your local building inspector or the owner of the lumberyard in your area. Additionally, every tradesperson has a network of other home professionals they deal with regularly; so if you have a plumber but need an electrician, don’t be afraid to reach out. Local Facebook groups are also a fantastic way to search for recommendations. 

Trust your gut.

When meeting with professionals, your gut feeling is as important as anything else. Home improvement is a personal process so go at it in the same way you would a first date. Do you like the solutions and options the expert provides? Does he communicate with you in a way that’s clear and concise?  Do you feel comfortable that she will do the job the way you want it done? Don’t get caught up in special deals or flashy talk, trust your instincts and go with a professional that feels more like a partner than a salesperson. A true expert will show his or her knowledge and educate you along the way.  

Don’t ask for a rough estimate. 

There is no use in asking for a “ballpark figure”. Chances are that an estimate will change once the contractor has a chance to understand what is specifically required. Certain things such as the condition of the property, the materials used for the job, and the personalization that you require will make up the price. Save yourself some time and confusion by making a list of what you really want before the contractors show up for the first appointment. Most professionals will give you an estimate for free so make the most of that opportunity by getting specific. Getting a good deal is important, but not if it means scrimping on quality workmanship. 

Do ask for a plan.

Understanding your costs is key, but it’s also a good idea to ask for a plan of action to ensure you are fully aware of both the process and the timeline for the job. A simple step-by-step explanation will give you the clarity you need to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same page and it will also help you plan around activities you might have going on. As a professional, I like to make sure the steps involved in a job are clearly articulated for two reasons; it gives my customers confidence in the project and helps them understand all of the work being undertaken, especially the parts that might not be as obvious.  In my opinion, an educated customer is the best kind of customer.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.