Archive By Author - Robert Lamoureux
Robert Lamoureux: Is filling in a pool the best plan?
Dear Robert, Thank you so much for your column. I am a retired homeowner with a swimming pool that is rarely used (less than once a year). It costs more than $100 per month to maintain the pool. Is there any way to eliminate the swimming pool - or must I just sell my home of more than 40 years? I cannot afford this much for maintenance. My son suggested I fill it with sand ...
Robert Lamoureux
Editor's note: The Signal would like to congratulate Robert Lamoureux on his 150th Your Home Improvements column.
Robert Lamoureux: How to find the belly of the beast
Hi Robert, We have a problem with a sewer line in our condo complex. We called the plumbers, and they tell us the line has a belly in it. The belly is causing a constant backup. Is that possible? Also, unless they dig and look, how do they know there is a belly? Thanks, Kenneth C. Hi Kenneth, If the line has enough of a belly in it, then yes, this is possible. Sediment can ...
Robert Lamoureux: Don't just grind away on trip hazards
Hi General Lamoureux, I love to read your column and it is obvious that you really know all areas of construction and especially those that apply to our area and building regulations. As you know, Santa Clarita is partly in the high desert with high temperatures during the day and usually a big drop in temperature at night. In the summer time it costs a lot to cool the house by air-conditioning. I ...
Robert Lamoureux: Guests show up, toilet backs up
Hi Robert, Periodically, I'll have guests in the house when the toilet backs up. I hear there is a snake you can use in a toilet? I used a plunger, but sometimes it takes forever to unclog the toilet. Beth E. Hi Beth, Don't use an electric snake because it will damage the porcelain bowl. There are times we do need to use a snake. For example, when there are roots in the line, but ...
Robert Lamoureux: Keep hands off sidewalks and curbs
Hi Robert, My home is located at a T intersection street. The approaching street leads straight into my driveway. What I would like to do is to make a turn-around in my front yard so I can pull in and then continue back onto the street. The city said I can't demo part of the existing curb to pour the new driveway or use part of the existing sidewalk. Who should I contact to get ...
Robert Lamoureux: A shade structure needs permits
Robert L. I want to build a shade structure over my back patio. I know you're an advocate for permits, but do I need a permit for a shade cover? Is a permit still required if the structure is under a specific amount of square feet? Steven G. Hi Steven, Yes, you need a permit because it is structural. You have to make sure the footings are correct and it is installed correctly. Anything that ...
Robert Lamoureux: A quick fix for slippery concrete
Hi Robert, This is the first time we have written in with a question. We have a large porch with stairs that lead down to a sidewalk. We have adjusted the sprinkler heads, but the mist still carries and makes things very slick and dangerous. Is there any product or procedure you can recommend to prevent the concrete from being so slippery? Thank you, Ellen L. Hi Ellen, Mix up equal parts of muriatic ...
Robert Lamoureux: Will permit process be affordable?
Hi Robert, I am interested in a rural property in Leona Valley, and I would really like to get your thoughts. There is a house, but it is there illegally. I want to keep the house and have it permitted, but according to the homeowner, we need to install a fire hydrant. The homeowner has already spent $20,000 for the well and $3,000 for a 5,000 gallon tank, and if I want the hydrant that's ...
Robert Lamoureux: Porch needs a pressure wash
We have designed a custom, full-color The Signal/Your Home Improvements T-shirt we will send to you, if we answer your question in our column. Thank you, Robert Lamoureux Hello Robert,
Robert Lamoureux: Don’t put holes in your roof, ever
We have designed a custom, full color The Signal/Your Home Improvements T-shirt that we will send to you, with our compliments, if we answer your question in our column. Thank you, Robert Lamoureux Hello Robert,
Robert Lamoureux: The ins and outs of air duct cleaning
We have designed a custom, full color Signal/Your Home Improvements T-shirt that we will send to you, with our compliments, if we answer your question in our column. Robert,
Robert Lamoureux: Getting water stains off granite
We have designed a custom, full color Signal / Your Home Improvements T-shirt that we will send to you, with our compliments, if we answer your question in our column. - Robert Lamoreux
Robert Lamoureux: Why do you need building permits?
We have designed a custom, full color The Signal/Your Home Improvements T-shirt that we will send to you, with our compliments, if we answer your question in our column.
Robert Lamoureux: Make sure you call Dig Alert before you move earth
We have designed a custom, full color Signal/Your Home Improvements T-shirt that we will send to you, with our compliments, if we answer your question in our column. Mr. Lamoureux,
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