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.

Window sash replacement done right

When architectural integrity is more important than convenience

Mar 18

TIC owners squabble over improvements

Must whole building pay for top unit's insulation upgrade?

Mar 4

Wood shingles harbor host of problems

Tips on tackling leaks, cupping, insects

Feb 25

Does my house have the wrong roof?

Several clues point to conclusion

Feb 18

Window replacement done right

Do-it-yourself tips from the pros

Feb 11

Tankless water heater a wise investment

Energy savings, long life trump unit's higher cost

Feb 4

Solution for frigid condo

Floor insulation to the rescue

Jan 28

Who'll stop the rain?

Homeowner fixes fail to keep leaks plugged

Jan 21

Condensation at root of mold, floor damage

Will new doors correct problems?

Jan 15

Kid-proofing your home

How to secure furniture using wall anchors

Jan 8

The roof that lasted 10 years

Homeowner learns sad truth about warranties

Jan 7

Telltale signs water heater, furnace will soon die

Some units defy estimated life span

Dec 24

Weatherstripping offers best bang for buck

Insulation tips for homes in temperate climates

Dec 17

Don't rush to rehab shake roof

Salesperson's claims defy reason

Dec 10

Get the squeal out of bathroom faucet

Problem may be in shut-off valves, pipes

Dec 3

Better roof longevity: composition or concrete?

Couple wants material to last 35 years

Nov 26

Fixes for a noisy water heater

Regular flushing, de-liming recommended

Nov 19

Easier ways to kill water hammer?

Readers react to plumbing repair advice

Nov 12

Residents endure water hammer wrath

Why fixing pipe clang may be best left to professional

Nov 5

Chimney works best with flue liner

Three types to choose from

Oct 29

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