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.

Best bathroom floor: tile, vinyl or wood?

Minimizing the 'slip-and-fall' factor

Feb 2

Overhaul bungalow to beat the heat

3 ingredients for comfortable indoor temps

Jan 26

Boost resale value: tub vs. shower

Function, safety among top concerns for elderly

Jan 20

Cleaning up after contractor's mortar mess

5 precautions to follow when using muriatic acid

Jan 14

Tips on prefab shower installation

How to prevent a loose pan, cracked tiles

Jan 7

Two handrails are better than one

Install second railing for easier stair-climbing

Jan 5

Tips for a quicker toilet retrofit

How to install an ADA-compliant commode

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Improving home safety for seniors

DIY tips to save hundreds off contractor's price

Dec 17

Gift guide for wannabe do-it-yourselfers

We wish you a merry tool set

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6 steps to staining a concrete driveway

A permanent fix for mismatched sections

Dec 8

Hire a qualified chimney sweep

Use checklist to gauge qualifications

Dec 1

Critics weigh in on concrete patio advice

Cons of do-it-yourself vs. leaving it to the pros

Nov 24

Paint your 'popcorn' ceilings

Don't discount asbestos risk

Nov 18

Birth of a concrete garden

Tap your creativity to transform sloped backyard

Nov 10

Alternatives to chimney rebuild

New liner, bolted supports may do the trick

Nov 4

Consider hybrid fencing option

Wood, metal or composite: What works best?

Oct 28

Radiant heating springs a leak

Don't replace tiles without HVAC inspection

Oct 20

High-tech faucet forgives forgetfulness

Automatic shut-off feature can prevent mishaps

Oct 14

3 ways to remove brick stains

Where there's moisture, there's efflorescence

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Pinpointing roof leak no easy task

Homeowner should check 3 key areas

Sep 29

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