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.

A lesson in redwood gutter preservation

Primer with linseed oil offers best mildew protection

Jan 12

Linoleum floor removal trickier than it looks

Prepare for sore muscles, possible HAZMAT intervention

Jan 5

Kitchen floor overhaul inspires unique alternatives

Uneven concrete slab at heart of problem

Dec 29

Keeping water out of the basement

Installing French drain well worth the effort

Dec 22

Leather restoration for an antique stool

Re-upholstering poses problems

Dec 15

Unique fix for whistling water pipes

Look no further than the toilet

Dec 8

Outdoor decking plagued by oozing white substance

Orbital power sander comes to the rescue

Dec 1

The perfect match for redwood siding

Paint job requires 5-step process

Nov 24

How can I remove a brick fireplace?

Salvaging, replacing bricks require most attention

Nov 17

Dishwasher installation requires precision

Connections subject to local plumbing code

Nov 10

Redwood finish won't hold paint

Delaminating lumber may require replacement

Oct 27

Ensuring a watertight house

How do I install concrete sealer?

Oct 20

Restoring cabin siding to a gem-like state

Wood preservation requires gentle touch, right products

Oct 13

Roof replacement keeps varmints at bay

How do I install a metal roof?

Oct 6

Hanging drywall made easy with lift

$40 rental aims to ensure accuracy, worksite safety

Sep 29

Climate dictates home-siding options

What type best withstands wind, rain?

Sep 22

Garage-door fixes keep rain at bay

Rubber gaskets, new paint job endure winter's wrath

Sep 15

How can I rid marble of surface stains?

Web site offers proven tips

Sep 8

Reader tips rescue window retrofit

Money may be better spent on attic insulation

Sep 1

Bi-fold door lets gas appliances breathe

How to provide space, ventilation in laundry room

Aug 25

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