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.

New countertops don't require gut job

How to prep Corian for granite overlay

Dec 16

A place to hang your hammock

Tips for anchoring into plaster and lath on brick

Dec 11

Mystery of the thumping pipes

Strange noise observed after plumbing fix

Dec 2

Saddled with a foundation problem

Homeowner seeks best fix for 1872 farmhouse

Nov 25

Fireplace demo done right

Homebuyers seek to swap chimney for French doors

Nov 18

Insulation advice varies by climate

Homeowners shocked when forced to redo project

Nov 11

Taking a stand on floor insulation

Best plan: Match to climate zone

Nov 4

Secret to painting galvanized steel

White vinegar to the rescue

Oct 28

Foam roof a 2-for-1 deal?

Option provides insulation bonus, long life

Oct 21

DIY fix for stained stucco

Refinish in 4 easy steps

Oct 14

Gas pipe removal risky

How to make sure lines are dead

Oct 7

Patch those plaster cracks

Tips for lath-and-plaster repairs

Oct 1

Inspectors clash over vapor barrier

Termites, mold at heart of debate

Sep 23

Flushing away water hammer

Answer's in the toilet

Sep 16

Leaving the gaslight era behind

Beautify room with pipe-and-patch project

Sep 9

Restore popcorn ceilings to 1960s luster

Primer, airless paint sprayer among must-haves

Sep 2

Warped door put to salvage test

Don't replace until trying DIY fix

Aug 26

Squeaky linoleum gets permanent fix

It's all about the subfloor

Aug 19

Mystery of the buckling wall

Homeowner: How to fix this mess?

Aug 12

Flue foils kitchen remodel

Should structure be sealed or removed?

Aug 5

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