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.

20 basic tools every homeowner needs

Home maintenance on a budget

Jun 22

French drain no match for roof water

Alternatives for diverting runoff

Jun 15

Get second opinion on $7K termite bill

Are two different treatments really necessary?

Jun 7

Common lockset problem for coastal homes

How to fix a 'sticky' exterior door

Jun 1

French drain vs. gutter: pros and cons

Project is simple but labor intensive

May 25

Rid walls of mold, mildew

Is stucco or lack of downspouts the culprit?

May 18

Go green with raised garden bed

Transform old concrete slab into rustic masterpiece

May 11

5 steps to protect porch from leaks

Hybrid caulk to the rescue

May 4

Repurposing tempered-glass shelves

While stronger than standard glass, don't try to cut it

Apr 27

Tips for salvaging old bricks

Remove mortar by soaking in special solution

Apr 19

Track mildew problem to the source

Be prepared for drywall, roof repairs

Apr 13

Cheaper alternatives to walk-in shower

Consult occupational therapist, others for safety advice

Apr 5

Top home improvement safety tips

10 rules for power tools, and more

Mar 30

7 fixes for a smoky fireplace

Double-sided unit notorious for problems

Mar 23

How to fill voids in exterior siding

Prevent water, critter infiltration

Mar 16

Easy way to eradicate popcorn ceilings

Encapsulate, don't remove, 'cottage cheese'

Mar 9

$100 bathroom makeover

Tips for grouting tiles, painting walls

Mar 2

Save redwood deck with a little TLC

Avoid replacement with routine maintenance

Feb 23

Bathroom upgrade accommodates resident

Local laws may impact final decision

Feb 17

Smooth out textured walls

Joint compound is the way to go

Feb 9

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