My old foreman told me to always check the attic for a previous coax run before drilling a new hole, and it saved me from hitting a gas line in a 1920s house last month.

I was about to drill a new drop in a tight spot when I remembered his advice, climbed up, and found a perfect old line I could use instead, avoiding a huge potential disaster. Anyone else have a simple piece of advice that's saved your bacon?

3 comments

3 Comments

avery_ross17d ago

My buddy's dad always said to tap on drywall before cutting. He found a hidden electrical box that way last year, right where he was about to open up a wall. Simple advice can really save you.

the_tyler17d ago

Tapping is a lifesaver. I was about to mount a TV and gave the wall a few knocks, found a totally hollow spot. Turns out there was old plumbing chase right behind it, would have been a nasty surprise. That little bit of sound checking saved me a huge repair bill. Your buddy's dad knew what he was talking about.

mason_fisher17d ago

Ever wonder if there's a master list of these little checks somewhere? Like a cheat sheet for not wrecking old houses.