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Messages - Tommy13

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1
My experience is very similar to Don's. 


2
My wife and I found ourselves in a very similar situation about 14 years ago. 

I can tell you the most important thing for us was putting our relationship with God first.  We first committed to giving back to God who has given us everything we have.  Once we made that decision and were honest with ourselves and our level of discipline we were able to slowly right the ship.  I have a lengthy testimony about money and would be happy to talk to anyone about, but back to your specific question...

Every situation is different and we don't know all the details in yours.  I would recommend you research some debt consolidation services or even visit a financial/investment planner.  There are numerous programs available to help people in your situation.  IMHO the most important thing is getting out from under that revolving debt.  The HELOC is something to look at closely.  If you have a local bank you deal with it might be worth a serious, all cards on the table, discussion.  You can also contact the company who services your current mortgage for a consultation.  Your credit will recover fairly quickly if you can eliminate the balances from those credit cards or other revolving credit lines.  Also if you can remain disciplined don't close the accounts right away.  The added capacity helps your score, if credit score is something you are interested in.  Credit is a good thing when used properly.  I would agree, the thought of spending a year in a camper with two little ones is not a happy one. 

At a minimum I would recommend that you sit down and prioritize the things in your life.  (if you haven't already)  None of us or anyone else can tell you what is most important to you and your family.  Is it your house?  Is it the truck and camper?  Is it financial freedom and peace of mind?  Sometimes taking a beating on a loan your upside down in is the right answer.   

3
What are you building? / Re: Dave’s house
« on: July 27, 2018, 12:35:26 PM »
Love the height of the garage ceilings, but wouldn't look forward to climbing the stairs everyday.  Did that for 15 years.

4
What are you building? / Re: Adirondack Chair Project
« on: June 25, 2018, 05:05:36 PM »
Looks great Chief!  The only part I think I'll have any issue with is the 30 degree cuts.  Maybe a bandsaw is in order?  :popcorn:

5
What are you building? / Re: Adirondack Chair Project
« on: June 22, 2018, 11:59:31 AM »
Thanks for posting this up Don.  I'm considering tackling this exact project.  We need some chairs for the new casa.

6
What are you building? / Re: Dave’s house
« on: June 18, 2018, 10:05:25 AM »
We used a central closet.  Turns out it was close to the main TV/Home Theater location so that was a plus.  Recommend putting flex conduit in for access to attic and basement to help with future expansion if needed.





The conduit is really only needed or important for running cable after the walls go in.  I spent around $30 on conduit.  It has already come in hand for running additional cable for security cameras and with the ability to go up or down it just adds future flexibility. 


7
What are you building? / Re: Dave’s house
« on: June 04, 2018, 10:22:12 AM »
It will all be worth it in the end.  Stay after it!

8
What are you building? / Re: "12 Square" a 12' X 12' shed project
« on: June 01, 2018, 09:30:46 AM »
Green  :likebutton:

9
What are you building? / Re: Dave’s house
« on: June 01, 2018, 09:27:55 AM »
Moving right along!

10
What are you building? / Re: Upstairs Add On started
« on: May 29, 2018, 08:26:23 AM »
Looks great JR!  Looking forward to watching the next phase take shape.  :likebutton:

11
Don, it looks like the GJ gets a good amount of miles, but what kind of miles?  Does it get up to operating temp and stay that way for a bit?  Does it get started driven 5 mins shut off for 30, repeat, repeat, repeat?  I see there being a drastic difference in how vehicles are operated.  Maybe I'm way off here and I'm sure someone will pile on, but most grocery getters live an extreme duty cycle life.  You might be able to squeeze 200k out of the Jeep if you were driving it daily, but will the current driver pay attention to little changes?  A small drop in MPG?  More oil consumption?  Where is that coolant going?  Is it possible that you are just going to be replacing the wife's vehicle every 6 to 8 years regardless of what you buy?

Mostly thinking out loud here, but I think some of this would carry a lot of weight in the discussion. 

A vehicle I'm driving or riding in daily will last longer than one solely operated by my wife.  I'll put money on that.   :beercheers:

12
I remember the Caprice well.  Once they started running rough it was time to ship them off.  Good luck finding the bad vacuum line.

13
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: May 09, 2018, 08:44:06 AM »
Wood is great, but I like pressing a button and not dealing with the mess.  I'll get some daytime pics, but I'm not sure I can compete with that.  Looks amazing!

14
My 2003 Chevy 2500 Extended cab 6.0L gas burner has 158k on it. Has never leaked a drop of anything and burns no oil, but is starting to have a few electrical issues. The gauge cluster only works intermittently and needs repair.  I recently replaced the alternator and it needs a new tensioner pulley.  Overall I expect the electronics to be the biggest issue.  The truck doesn't get driven much and I expect my son will be driving it full time in a few months. 

Our 2016 Yukon XL Denali has 42k on it and gets a lot of highway miles.  It has given me zero problems and is the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned.  Hopefully it will carry on family hauling duties for another 6 years.  Thinking of adding an Accord or Civic to the family to eat up commuting miles and shorter trips.  The big GMC is comfortable and while 20mpg isn't terrible, it's not exactly cheap to operate.

I really liked my 2013 Ram 2500 Cummins but didn't have much need for the truck and found it hard to justify the high cost of maintenance.  For the way I use a truck these days the 6.0L gas Chevy is plenty, it costs me hundreds less per year to maintain and in my experience is one of the most reliable platforms out there.  It won't win any drag races but there are other better toys for that. If I look for another truck it will most likely be another GM 6.0.

15
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: May 08, 2018, 09:27:41 PM »
I've been working hard on the lawn and it's starting to pay off.









We've also been enjoying the patio.


16
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: April 26, 2018, 11:19:42 AM »
Right now I'm just using a couple hoses and tripods.  It's working fine and really makes the investment in a system seem silly.  We'll see if my resolve holds when the heat starts. 

17
What are you building? / Re: Dave’s house
« on: April 24, 2018, 09:04:30 AM »
Dave, I'm loving the drains at the doors.  Lots of rain over the past week.  A couple of passes with the squeegee and all the water brought in by the vehicles is gone without having to open the doors to let more blow in.

18
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: April 20, 2018, 09:53:30 AM »
Looking great!  Personally think the paint color is a big improvement. 

I might have missed it somewhere, but are you planning a sprinkler system?  I'm enjoying the new lawn, but it might get old moving sprinklers around.  For now that is the plan but after the savings recovers a bit I might start researching a more permanent irrigation system.

19
Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: Happy Birthday
« on: April 20, 2018, 09:10:03 AM »
Happy Birthday Don!  Thanks for providing this outlet for us all!

20
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: April 12, 2018, 02:53:28 PM »
Thank you all for the compliments.  We are very pleased and certainly blessed.

and Don, AMEN!

21
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: April 10, 2018, 09:12:14 AM »
 :likebutton:

22
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: April 10, 2018, 09:06:49 AM »
Aside from yard work and a lot of cleanup/organization in the garage the house is done, we are moved in and settled.  The grass is greening up nicely and is almost ready for it's first cut.  It's been an adventure, but worth every minute and penny spent.  My wife is making a landscape map for plant locations and I'm working storage and a workbench design in the garage.  Funny how much I've missed having my own space to work in. 



It's also time to start some some work/upgrades to the 03 Silverado.  Getting it ready for my oldest to drive next year. 


23
What are you building? / Re: Dave’s house
« on: April 10, 2018, 08:58:08 AM »
It's and exciting time Dave.  Definitely keep your eye on them.  Since I couldn't be there during the day I had my own independent inspector on site a few times a week.   :popcorn:

24
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: April 05, 2018, 09:54:36 AM »
Looks great Charles!  I'm sure your kids are going to love it.

If you don't mind sharing...

How much are you paying for sod in your area?  I'm thinking of ordering up to another 10,000 sq/ft.  10k delivered is running $2,500 for me right now, if I return the pallets.

25
What are you building? / Re: Dave’s house
« on: March 30, 2018, 08:33:31 AM »
Congrats Dave!  That is going to be a beautiful place.   :likebutton:

26
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: March 28, 2018, 11:04:05 PM »
Thanks all for the compliments. 

We'd love to have a get together JR!  God has blessed us to be able to build this home and we intend to use it for his glory.   Many Bible studies, youth group events and get togethers will be had.  No reason a real man event couldn't be scheduled.

Don, The designer calls it a craftsman ranch.  Alan Mascord Design Associates, Portland Oregon.

27
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: March 28, 2018, 12:09:03 PM »
Neighbor took this pic of the sod delivery.


28
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: March 28, 2018, 11:51:10 AM »
Everything is done except paint touch ups and similar details. 

10,000 sq/ft of sod was delivered and placed on fresh top soil.  24 pallets in total 3 days to get it all down.  Due to threat of rain we waited until ready to lay the sod before prepping the soil.  After a few days of rain it is looking really good.  I'll add some pics of the finished product when the rain stops.









Dimmer added to soffit lighting as TRN suggested.  A nice improvement I think...



Windows in the door need the plastic removed and a final cleaning after one more coat of poly.  Trim caps have been painted and replaced since the pic was taken.



Porch ceilings turned out very nice.









And...the Juliet.  Queen of all tubs.





29
What are you building? / Re: The Oracle...Jared's Corner
« on: March 22, 2018, 02:25:37 PM »
Jared, my builder and his drywall guy say the same things you have.  In fact the drywall sub we used flat refused to use the stuff Lowes carries.  Everything in our new home came from Meeks.  He claimed the light weight sheetrock doesn't hold up and he said after using it a time or two he doesn't feel comfortable guaranteeing his work when using the stuff.  Hanger joints and other trouble spots only become more troublesome.   

30
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: March 18, 2018, 03:16:02 PM »
I was thinking that I would be worried about stopping with the pipe rollers as well Bob. 

Looking good TRN those shakes get pricey fast.  The trim pack for our house cost more than the siding.  It all adds to the look as well as the bill.

31
What are you building? / Re: Upstairs Add On started
« on: March 18, 2018, 03:11:29 PM »
The split unit we had installed would need at least 2in conduit for the copper and wire.  Drain is piped out to the roof.

32
Message from the Owner / Re: Site Cost...Possible changes
« on: March 18, 2018, 11:11:56 AM »
Don, I'd say God is paying for it. Through those who have benefited from your ministry here.  I for one appreciate everyone here.

33
Exciting times! Congrats Dave!

34
D.O.T. / Re: Does the new GM truck look like a Toyota?
« on: March 14, 2018, 05:03:40 PM »
I think the new Ram looks a lot like the Yota as well.  Crash standards and pedestrian impact rules combined with efficiency/drag coefficient make them all look the same.  Design follows function/regulatory requirements. 

35
What are you building? / Re: Upstairs Add On started
« on: March 13, 2018, 03:13:36 PM »
Liking the round corners JR.  :likebutton:

36
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: March 13, 2018, 11:24:24 AM »
Looking great Tommy. Love hardwood treads.  No matter how good the carpet is it always looks bad on stairs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My kids could tear up a crowbar in a sand pile so hopefully those oak treads will wear a little better than carpet on the stairs as well.  I do worry about socked feet running up and down the hardwood though... :facepalm:

37
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: March 13, 2018, 11:20:55 AM »
Very,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Nice. Is that a bonus in the closet sleeping on the floor?

So hardwood throughout and carpet in bedrooms?

Yes Sir!

38
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: March 13, 2018, 10:03:18 AM »
Time for a pic dump.  A lot has happened in the almost two weeks that have passed since my last update.  Here are some images of various states of completeness. 

Laundry Room drying racks.  More will go on the wall above these cabinets.  Sink will be installed when the rest of the countertops go in.  Hopefully today.







The boy's bedroom and his nearly completed closet.





Daughter's room and closet.





Fireplace is coming together.







The powder room should be finished up as soon as the tops come in and the plumber can do his thing.



Master bath is close as well.  The tub to rule all tubs should be delivered Thursday. 



The kitchen still needs a few finishing touches, but it will come together when the counters are finished as well. 



Bonus room above the garage.  A space the kids can escape to. 





The back porch.  A place I can escape to.





And like everything else the stairs are nearly complete, minus some touch ups and hand rails.






Obviously there is still a lot of work to do and some finishes and details will take another couple of weeks to wrap up, but this project is nearly in the bag.  We couldn't be happier or more excited.



39
What are you building? / Re: Upstairs Add On started
« on: March 05, 2018, 08:34:40 AM »
It's really coming together.  Nice work JR.

40
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: March 02, 2018, 04:54:00 PM »
Local supply house and plumber pointed us toward Bosch.  Hot showers are something I'm looking forward to again!

41
Hide Site / Re: Hide site, retirement site.
« on: March 02, 2018, 09:17:02 AM »
Looking good! 

Not to DOT this thread up, but what tankless water heater do you have in your home?  We're making that final decision in the next few days and any insight would be appreciated.  You can respond over on my house thread if you don't want to muddy this one up.

42
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: March 02, 2018, 09:10:13 AM »
Thanks all, for the compliments.  We truly are blessed! 

Living in the in-law's basement for the past year has made me appreciate how good it is to have some space of your own.  Sharing one bathroom with my wife and two teenage kids has been an adventure.  I won't know what to do with myself when I don't have to ask who is in the room before I exit the shower each morning.

43
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: February 28, 2018, 09:39:34 PM »
The lights on the dormer aren't in yet but....



The boss wanted white and she gets what she wants.  No need to pretend it's any other way.

First impressions are that those cabinets will wear very well.  The slick lacquer finish is better than most cars and hard as a rock.  Easy cleaning with a damp cloth.  These aren't finished like what you see stocked at Lowe's or Home Depot.  Time will tell...

44
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: February 28, 2018, 03:21:11 PM »
No issues personally.  The drainage around the new place did it's job nicely.  You can see a little erosion in the pics, but more top soil, grading, gutters and sod will remedy that. 

I had to drive to Lebanon Saturday for a funeral in a torrent of rain luckily it had stopped by the end of the service. 

Did you make it home safely?

45
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: February 28, 2018, 12:11:28 PM »
Things are moving quickly now.  Electricians are nearing completion, appliances will go in today.  Cabinet work is on going and the counter top templates have been made and they should be cut and delivered late this week or early next.  The fireplace mantle and stair finishes are being delivered today and the stone mason will be in next week to finish the fireplace.  Final HVAC install should be happening today as well.  Plumbing finishes will start next week.  Hoping to have a completed house in the next 2 to 3 weeks.  There are still lots of loose ends to tie up and we have dealt with plenty of delays, but the dream is taking shape quickly now.

The exterior is almost wrapped up.  Gutters will go on next week as well as some small finish details.




Soffit lights ended up being a nice touch and the Christmas light outlets are a must.  They are all wired on a separate switched circuit.


Trim work is very nearly complete.  Blinds were installed yesterday. (not pictured)


Cabinets and lighting make it look more like a home.



46
Faith Discussion / Re: Duanes home burned down today!
« on: February 16, 2018, 09:37:44 AM »
Prayers for all the family Duane.  May God grant you peace, strength and wisdom in this trying time.

47
Glad the insurance claim worked out for you.  In my experience watercraft insurance pays much more freely than auto and many times better than homeowners.  Had a similar issue with a failed outboard water pump.  We found some evidence of wood that might have attributed to the failure and seizing the #1 cylinder making the powerhead junk.  Insurance stroked  a check for a new Mercury Racing powerhead and labor to install.  I didn't expect the insurance to pay since if it was wood I had clearly hit it, but a buddy convinced me to file the claim and they were almost eager to pay.  :beercheers:

48
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: February 04, 2018, 09:18:45 AM »
Yes, price with materials is about $12

49
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: February 03, 2018, 09:08:25 PM »
Thank you... if my math is correct these guys are getting about 50/hr. .... not bad considering they don't speak the local language

Ken, this job is comes out to just under $5/sq ft.  Price varies by stone type, but doesn't sound too far off.

50
What are you building? / Re: Our House
« on: February 02, 2018, 10:15:12 AM »
I'll do my best not to weld in that shower.  Wouldn't make the boss happy anyway.

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