Why wouldn't the grass verge hold back the sediment? Just trying to understand. Most grass locks in the soil.

I agree with you. A half pipe or some other open trench to carry away the water and sediment. It should go directly to your catch basin, which you will have to clean out whenever it get filled with sediment. The open trench should be set below the edge of the walkways. The Georgia clay and silt soil will clog any filter cloth around a buried drain pipe. The trench should be open to allow for easy cleanout.

I agree. Where is the sediment coming from???

If I read correctly, you didn't say the porch was not level, you just wanted to bring it up by 1 1/4". If that's the case, I would use Durock over thin set on your base layer, then finish with a wood figured tile on thinset on top of the Durock. Follow Durock installation instructions with regards to gapping, tapping, etc. Work out the thickness' of all materials. Done this way, you will have two layers of thinset you can manipulate to achieve the exact height you want. Or, if you want a floating floor, then increase the initial layer of thinset.

A dropped ceiling would not be my choice. I hate them except in commercial offices. None the less, as a limited DIYer, you did a respectable job, and it looks much better than your old ceiling. But you missed a great and important opportunity to insulate to r36 before you hung the ceiling, but the beauty is you can still do it. I don't know what climate zone you're in, but if it gets cold in winter, insulate. Insulation gives you the fastest return for your $ on lower heating and cooling bills.

Yes, I agree. Get a seasoned deck builder, architect, structural engineer, or a local building inspector to evaluate your entire deck while everything is exposed.

All codes today require a temperature balanced valve to avoid scalding. Don't waste time and money trying to fix what you have. Take this situation as an opportunity to install a new valve system with diverter. I would also suggest new backerboard and new tiles for your entire tub surround. If not the whole surround, then just the wall with new hardware.

**Most deck failures are due to rotting of the rim joist attached to the house or improper nailing or rusting of the joist hangers and nails. While the deck's structure is open after removal of the decking, please inspect all structual elements for good condition. All decks should be inspected every 10 years at a mlnimun. If the deck is attached to the house, make sure the attached rim joist is not just nailed to the house, but thru bolted to the house's rim joist and flashed properly. If you have the deck rim joist attached to a brick wall, again, make sure the rim joist is thru bolted to the house rim joist.

The joists themselves look fine. And yes, I would clean them off and use deck tape or a butyl rubber sealant tape on top of them.