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.

Closet doors slide into real estate fashion

Paint helps minimize 'tacky' appearance

Mar 31

Universal vent cap solves kitchen leak

$10 fix keeps rainwater from infiltrating range hood

Mar 24

Asphalt sealer stops cracks in their tracks

Paint roller, old broom will successfully spread emulsifier into nooks, crannies

Mar 17

How do I decide between retrofit, new-construction windows?

Brand-new windows seal airtight, but require trim, siding remodel

Mar 10

Sheetrock makeover cures cracked plaster

Burlap fabric not advised for aging walls

Mar 3

Bathroom remodel goes down the drain

Consider resale value when eliminating second bedroom

Feb 25

Staining techniques bring out redwood shine

Wood preservation starts with elbow grease, surface brightener

Feb 18

Furry wall needs a trimming

Stripping grass cloth covering may require wallpaper steamer

Feb 11

Rid roof of standing water

Fill in low spots with additional roofing, not gravel

Feb 4

Kitchen cabinets from scratch

Prevent warping with kiln-dried lumber

Jan 28

Don't leave your towel rack hanging

Plywood backing will keep screws firmly in place

Jan 21

Kitchen island fit for a butcher

Sink installation key to preserving wood countertop

Jan 14

Rippled carpet needs a good stretching

Too much cleaning, foot traffic prematurely ages floor covering

Jan 7

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