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.

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Focus on walls, not foundation

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Reader tips for sticky deck problem

Some 'green' ways to remove excess sealer

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3 steps to fixing a warped floor

Floating floor system is recommended

Oct 26

How to fix a deck sealing gone wrong

Lacquer thinner can help remove sticky mess

Oct 19

6 steps to install vinyl floor in bathroom

Homeowner seeks inexpensive alternative to 1980s linoleum

Oct 12

Retrofit bathroom doors for more universal design

Switching out a 30-inch door for a 36-inch

Oct 5

Best way to insulate windows

Quick fix for foam mishap

Sep 29

Simple steps to fix a leaky toilet

Uneven floor, wax ring are red flags

Sep 21

6 tips for refinishing a redwood deck

Be careful to use right type of stain

Sep 14

Best floor choices if you have pets

Avoid solid wood at all costs

Sep 7

Old low-flow toilet doesn't save water

Check water level in tank before purchasing a newer model

Aug 31

Restore your redwood ceiling

Removing linen covering is the tough part

Aug 24

Deck maintenance in 4 easy steps

Tips for tackling mildew, UV exposure

Aug 17

Hardwood floor installation musts

Don't rely on felt for a level subfloor

Aug 10

Use tiles to cover popcorn ceilings?

Grid system is key to avoiding disaster

Aug 3

8 steps to fixing a leaky faucet

Do it yourself in 1 hour or less

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Red flags in termite report

Know which items must be repaired before selling

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Easy solution to overflow problem

Do-it-yourself plumbing fix

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An economical kitchen, bath remodel

Updating a 1980s rancher

Jul 6

Makeover musts: walls, floors, trim

Updating a 1980s rancher

Jun 29

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