Simon and Sheryl

I contracted with a roofing company (whom I've used a couple of times before, and been happy with them) to install a Solar Tube. For those who don't know, it's kind of like a skylight, but cheaper and simpler to install. I wanted the largest size. The company brought that (a 22" one), but found that they couldn't install it simply, because the rafters were too close. They said they had to come back, and first cut away one joist and reinforce the adjacent ones. I called Jay to find out the implications. He walked me through the process and sent me links to some videos so I could see for myself. With that information it became clear to me that I didn't want them doing that disruptive work. After all, I wanted the solar tube precisely because it should be simple and quick to install. Jay also told me that there was a 14" tube which would fit between the joists, where the company had told me that my only choices were 11" or 22". With that helpful information, I got back to the company and told them to scrap the plan for the 22" tube and to order and install a 14" one. It's wonderful to have access to Jay's knowledgeable and reliable advice! Thanks, Jay.

Minor flooding in our basement after heavy rain caused enough damage that the insurance company ripped out flooring and removed a few feet of drywall. I've consulted Jay a couple of times for fairly minor problems in the past, and had excellent troubleshooting advice, so I called Jay immediately for advice. Jay did what he's done before: looked around carefully, asked a bunch of questions, came up with a bunch of possible causes and solutions, analyzed the problem, and advised on a clear sequence of actions. He recommended three different contractors for three different activities, all of whom have been outstanding. We now have interior weeping tile and a sump pump, with very high confidence that we'll have no more water problems in the basement. We also took advantage of the partially demolished basement to remove a no-longer-needed bathroom, move the laundry area and create an artist studio. Jay's help on all of this was invaluable. All the work was done at a very modest cost and totally painlessly. Thanks, Jay!

I've consulted Jay at House Calls twice. Once was for a deteriorating garage door lintel, and I wasn't sure if it indicated a bigger hidden problem. Jay's advice was that it likely wasn't a big problem; that I should drill some extra drainage holes in the stucco caulking, and watch it over the next season. He identified that the lintel problem was likely just paint over unprimed wood, and that I could just sand, prime and repaint it. The second consult was over a leaking skylight. He identified where the most likely source of the leak was - a deteriorated seal, and suggested that I try caulking around the glass pane with silicone sealant - something well within my very limited DIY skills. I did this and the leak has stopped. I really appreciate that Jay did not suggest expensive repairs in either case, but common sense advice to try easy solutions first. Based on the questions he asks about the problem areas, he clearly knows what he's talking about, and gathers information carefully before giving an opinion. I recommend him highly.