I wouldn't drywall over the window. Take a look at the options for recycled brick, they may match better than you think.

I'm not sure how easy/cheap professional systems are to install. But it might be easier to look at the IFTTT app which works with "smart things" by samsung and many other samsung products, belkins we-mo, and even fit bit.

Hi everyone! I'm wanting to start renovating our home but before we get started I wanted to get some ideas and figure out what is possible, what is recommended and what is the best design that would suit our lifestyle. I have little to no understanding of who needs to be contacted to give the thumbs up that something CAN be done and HOW it should be done (such as removing load bearing walls, new floor layout- etc). We have a two story house with the bedrooms upstairs (3 bedrooms and one bathroom) and downstairs we have the utility room, a spare toilet and the garage. we're wanting to start renovating downstairs as it's the area that needs the most work but as first time home owners (and really young home owners) we're a bit lost. If you have any advice or even links to information/books that would be amazing. Thanks all and have a great day :D!

Hi everyone. Last October we booked a painter to repaint the exterior of our house. He estimated that he would start late February. Late February came and went, and in early March I sent him an email to see how he was going. No reply. I left a message on his phone. No reply. I finally managed to get him on the cell phone, and he said that he was 2-3 weeks away. No sign of him at the end of March. I sent him another email. No reply. I've texted him, and no reply. Am I expecting too much to think that I should not have to chase the painter like this? I'm getting concerned that as the weather gets worse the job is going to take longer and so will cost me more (we are paying for scaffolding by the week). It's starting to stress me out. Should I just cancel with this guy and try to find someone else to help, possibly for next summer?