Bill and Kevin Burnett

Contributor

Bill Burnett, 52, lives in Oakland, California and works at the San Francisco Chronicle where he is assistant real estate editor. Along with other duties, he writes about renovation and remodeling. In 2002 his column, "Sweat Equity," was judged best in the nation by the National Association of Real Estate Editors. Bill bought his first house for $12,000 in 1974 in Spokane, Washington. Since then he has bought, renovated and eventually sold a half-dozen others. He is currently working on plans to build an 800-square-foot in-law addition to a home he owns in Boise, Idaho. Kevin Burnett, 53, lives in Eagle, Idaho and works as a paralegal for the state Department of Corrections. After receiving a master's degree in kinesiology from California State University at Hayward, Kevin's career path changed course. He started a painting company in Alameda, California, where he repainted many of the city's grand Victorian homes. Seeking a change, Kevin worked for a master builder where he learned the intricacies of trades involved in home construction and renovation. During this time, when not working with the builder, he performed small remodeling jobs for his own customers. He also bought, renovated and sold several houses - including a 100-year-old Italianate Victorian - in Alameda before moving to Idaho in 1993. He settled in Eagle, a small town west of Boise, where he built a 2,600-square-foot Federal style home in which he lives with his wife, 10-year-old daughter and three small dogs.

Removing pet odors from subfloor

Ammonia is not the answer

Oct 5

How to fix floating floors that are warping

Rookie installer's mistake is to blame

Jan 3

5 rules of ladder safety

How to choose the right one for the job

Dec 26

2 different approaches to refinishing oak floors

What to do when dirt and roughness won't clean up

Dec 19

Is a French drain right for your house?

Put your property to the percolation test

Dec 12

Pros' guide to patching driveway cracks

5 items you'll need for a proper fix

Dec 5

Tips for installing a floating floor

Homeowner seeks smooth transition between bedroom, hallway

Nov 28

6 things a fireplace inspection will help you avoid

Don't buy a home without it

Nov 21

4 must-haves when installing a dishwasher

Codes usually require a separate circuit

Nov 14

Fix for a sinking fireplace hearth

Why this job requires more than house jacks

Nov 7

9 pre-winter maintenance tasks you can't afford to skip

Do you even know where your soffit vents are located?

Oct 31

Better paint for stucco: elastomeric or latex?

Homeowners in moist climate receive conflicting advice

Oct 24

Noise not an issue with floating wood floors

Restrictions imposed by condo associations are obsolete

Oct 17

7 musts for maintaining a redwood deck

The more sun exposure, the more frequent upkeep required

Oct 10

Don't skimp on sewer line replacement

Short-term fix could undermine future resale value

Oct 3

6 tips for working safely around lead paint

Precautions advised when renovating pre-1978 home

Sep 26

Don't call fir floors 'hardwood'

Reader calls attention to material's vulnerability

Sep 19

When hiring contractor, be a 'tough customer'

Bathroom remodel teaches lesson about how to avoid surprise setbacks, costs

Sep 12

6 tips for upgrading home's electrical system

With today's greater energy demands, size of main panel is key

Sep 5

Ceiling to blame for cottage's musty odor

3 steps to banish the smell

Aug 29

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