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.

Wobbly toilet a sign of wetter things to come

How to fix problem before unit springs a leak

Dec 6

Weak water pressure mystery solved

Tips for replacing rubber washer, shower valve

Nov 29

Repainting not recommended for wood shingles

Cleaning, refinishing: the less expensive alternative

Nov 22

Bubbly paint reveals a host of problems

Homeowners with flat roofs beware

Nov 15

The long process of do-it-yourself blueprints

Homeowner aims to save money on room additions

Nov 8

Herbicides: No weed too tough to kill

Spray-on solution helps rid patio of infestation

Nov 1

How to prevent wood floors from 'cupping'

Excess moisture eats away at homeowner finances

Oct 25

Best way to hang pictures on plaster

Biggest concern: Will I crack my wall?

Oct 18

Fence project has neighbor riding the line of liability

Risks of unlicensed contractor far outweigh benefits

Oct 11

Argument against vertical dryer vent

Lint, leaks remain top detractors

Oct 4

Remedy sought for soggy, smelly crawl space

Pest inspector downplays effectiveness of plastic tarp

Sep 27

Removing paint specks gets back to basics

Job done with scouring pad, liquid agents

Sep 20

Plaster of Paris for a rock-free toilet

Master craftsmen, do-it-yourselfers put product to the test

Sep 13

Landscaping near chimney poses moisture threat

Owner believes ash pit is to blame for indoor mold, rot

Sep 6

Pooled water under home raises red flag

Homeowner considers best ways to reroute runoff

Aug 30

Caulking gives plywood watertight seal

Annual maintenance key to effectiveness

Aug 23

Do-it-yourself doggie stairs

Canines seek easy access to Victorian bed

Aug 16

Basement water heater raises flood concern

Homeowner fears catastrophe if unit breaks down

Aug 9

Soundproofing shower puts marriage in jeopardy

Homeowner's fix goes against wife's wishes

Aug 2

Must-have tools for refinishing floors

Sanders, sandpaper, kneepads help job go smoothly

Jul 26

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