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.

Contractors dish dirt on referrals, job costs

Why some avoid clients seeking multiple bids, cheap prices

Jan 30

Can my house sustain an attic remodel?

Plaster walls, first-story framing raise fear of collapse

Jan 23

More tips on where to find best contractors

Common advice: Don't rely on real estate agent referrals

Jan 16

Tips for tiling bathroom wall

Special glue, grout recommended

Jan 9

Water heater red flags: loud bubbling, rotten egg smell

How can homeowner fix these problems?

Jan 2

Get rid of powdery film on bathroom tile

When grout fails, replacement's the only cure

Dec 26

Goodbye shingles, hello stucco

But are home buyers ready for the massive work, expense?

Dec 19

How to find good home-improvement contractors

Referrals from family, friends, agents, Angie's List recommended

Dec 12

Best fix for loose floor tiles

Tips on removing, reapplying adhesive

Dec 5

Wait for spring to replace wooden steps

Douglas fir treads should be carefully selected, dried before installation

Nov 28

Restoring redwood deck raises safety issues

Will sanding down wood release toxic dust?

Nov 21

Wainscoting improves home's Colonial look

Do-it-yourself tips to enhance walls, windows, doors

Nov 14

Best insulation for home's crawl space

Why fiberglass product is recommended over foam

Nov 7

Restore brick fireplace the safe, easy way

Homeowner seeks to rid structure of ugly latex paint

Oct 31

Damaged gutters: replace or remove?

Area rainfall, home's surroundings dictate plan of action

Oct 24

How to 'whitewash' pine paneling

Old walls, ceilings in need of rejuvenation

Oct 17

Neighbor's water runoff threatens downslope home

Digging French drain a better alternative to 6-inch trench

Oct 10

Seismic retrofit saves home from disaster

Is your house prepared for next big earthquake?

Oct 3

Pro's guide to painting home's exterior

Three-coat approach recommended

Sep 26

Reuse brick for a variety of projects

Home remodel calls for careful removal and cleaning

Sep 19

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