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.

Tackling mildew best done from the outside

Exterior walls, roof likely sources of leaks

Aug 18

Plumbing fix stops squealing pipes

Bleed water lines to remove gunk

Aug 11

Wood preservation 101

Tips for keeping outdoor decking long-lasting, mildew-free

Aug 4

Damp ground may be root of infant's allergy

How do I rectify foundation moisture problems?

Jul 28

Tips for eradicating mildew

Landlord, tenant trade-offs lower cleanup costs

Jul 21

Sound dampening improves livability

Cellulose insulation recommended between floors

Jul 14

Closing the stove, countertop divide

Floor, wall fixes create seamless fit

Jul 7

Best way to hang punching bag

Proper installation should span two ceiling joists

Jun 30

Window replacement 'a good do-it-yourself project'

Don't let old sashes, stops get you down

Jun 23

Picture-hanging without a hitch

Pilot hole should be slightly smaller than nail

Jun 16

Bad drainage threatens home's foundation

French drain may be best solution

Jun 9

'Mystery of the disappearing water pressure'

Trapped grit may be obstructing flow

Jun 2

Staining cabinets a three-step process

Results provide durable, waterproof finish

May 26

How do I add slope to my roof?

Homeowner concerned about standing water

May 19

Leaky doors get a rainy-day fix

Rubber weather stripping likely needs replacement

May 12

Bathtub refinishers chip away at yesteryear elegance

Rusty clawfoot tub morphs into Victorian gem

May 5

Vegetables, lead paint don't mix

Peeling garage wall should be re-sided to avoid soil contamination

Apr 28

Drifting doors create homeowner havoc

Problem may be more than loose hinges

Apr 21

Chimney fumes present real estate danger

Elimination of creosote buildup necessary for fire prevention

Apr 14

Redwood deck unleashes black soot attack

Tannin, mildew likely culprits in staining of skin, clothes

Apr 7

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