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| Subject | Date Asked |
| Attached Pergola | 2/9/2012 |
| Q: I want to install an attached pergola to my stucco wall. The ledger has to be attached to the stud ... A: most stud framed walls have studs spaced at 16" on center. By locating one definite stud in the ... | |
| Basement Posts for New Construction | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: We re in the process of building a new home, and we need to install 2 support posts for a beam on ... A: I'm not a big fan of "buried" posts especially in basements. If there is moisture present you may ... | |
| basement | 1/31/2012 |
| Q: I will soon be pouring a slab to build a shop on. I would like to build a cellar/storm shelter under ... A: the footings are poured first, then the walls then the floor in most cases however if it is a small ... | |
| basement | 1/30/2012 |
| Q: I will soon be pouring a slab to build a shop on. I would like to build a cellar/storm shelter under ... A: basically you need to do a basement foundation with a Foundation drain around it . The poured ... | |
| Crack in new driveway | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: I recently had a new residential driveway poured. I watched the installation and they did appear to ... A: there is something wrong with this picture. If this work was done "recently" and you are already ... | |
| stucco type products | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: Is there a replacement product for stucco that does not have the moisture problems that stucco has? A: merlex and Quaker both offer waterproofing additives for stucco if that's what you are looking for. ... | |
| Crack in new driveway | 1/24/2012 |
| Q: I recently had a new residential driveway poured. I watched the installation and they did appear to ... A: that sucks. It looks like, from your photo, that there are control joints cut into the concrete. ... | |
| opening bearing wall | 1/24/2012 |
| Q: Bruce- I have a 115 yr old Victorian 2 and half story home, original structure 2 course brick (about ... A: If you are concerned about shoring there is a way..first you cut out a column of brick in the center ... | |
| opening bearing wall | 1/21/2012 |
| Q: Bruce- I have a 115 yr old Victorian 2 and half story home, original structure 2 course brick (about ... A: yes you can use angle iron to create a lintel for your new opening. However without looking at all ... | |
| mould in a single skin bathroom | 12/21/2011 |
| Q: I have done all the usual things, applied special paints etc but obviously to no avail. I would ... A: making the exterior wall a "double wythe" with a weep space between may be the answer provided the ... | |
| New Home Foundation | 12/21/2011 |
| Q: I am building a new house. I am concerned about a specific part of the foundation that the builder ... A: it's hard to say from the photo but it looks like whoever repaired the foundation here did a ... | |
| mould in a single skin bathroom | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: I have done all the usual things, applied special paints etc but obviously to no avail. I would ... A: I'm not sure what you are calling the "skin"? If you are referring to the drywall or gypsum board ... | |
| Insulation for outdoor tool shed floor | 12/19/2011 |
| Q: I have a 10 x 16 outdoor storage shed with a work bench. It has vinyl siding and a shingle roof. ... A: pressure treated wood or pressure treated plywood are probably the most economical and longer ... | |
| lean to over trailor | 12/17/2011 |
| Q: I have a 10 by 40 single wide trailor, want to build a lean to pole barn over it to protect roof ... ... A: I don't think a lean to is quite what you want..I would put some poles on each side df the trailer, ... | |
| Scraping noise in attic when windy | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: We recently moved into a 2 story home and every time it is really windy outside I hear a noise that ... A: I think I answered this question already but I had another thought on the subject. What kind of ... | |
| Insulation for outdoor tool shed floor | 12/15/2011 |
| Q: I have a 10 x 16 outdoor storage shed with a work bench. It has vinyl siding and a shingle roof. ... A: You can enclose the perimeter of the floors crawl space and insulate the outside which will turn the ... | |
| slab foundation | 12/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a home built on a slab foundation. I'm going to be converting the attached garage into an ... A: this is an unusual situation..generally the entire garage floor is four to six inches below the ... | |
| unheated bath remodel | 12/8/2011 |
| Q: I have an unheated 1940's cabin, stud wall construction. I need to replace the tile style beaver ... A: anything but beaverboard..how's that for an answer? A fiberglass surround would be the best if you ... | |
| floor support | 11/14/2011 |
| Q: I want to put in a wolf stove that weights 1000lbs in my kitchen, the floor joists are 2x8s 16 ... A: I plugged the floor system information into a span calculator and based on the information given ... | |
| slight crack in ceiling, uneven floors and bulging drywall | 11/5/2011 |
| Q: I wanted to ask you a couple of questions regarding my home. It was built in 1928 and although I ... A: if there is a water source above the puffy area then I would look under the sink above for obvious ... | |
| crack on the wall | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: I noticed that there is one vertical crack on the wall in the extended family room since I move ... A: call a general contractor specializing in smaller jobs and have them look at your situation. If ... | |
| slight crack in ceiling, uneven floors and bulging drywall | 11/1/2011 |
| Q: I wanted to ask you a couple of questions regarding my home. It was built in 1928 and although I ... A: sorry I didn't get to your question sooner, I have been out of town on business. Anyhow as far as ... | |
| tub surround | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: does gyproc go over the top lip of the tub surround or down to the lip of the tub surround? tub ... A: generally you butt it into the flange unless the flange is taller than what you describe. I would ... | |
| Is this as serious as it looks? | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: I am thinking of buying a house that is a foreclosure. Very cheap for the area and condition of most ... A: the settling of the garage probably isn't directly related to the house other than when the house ... | |
| Car Port Extension | 10/10/2011 |
| Q: I currently have a 12X31' carport that I had put up to store my 27' travel trailer under. Since ... A: you didn't say how your existing carport was built but it seems to me that whoever built your ... | |
| cinder block support | 10/8/2011 |
| Q: I was presented with a opportunity to receive a 125 gallon reef aquarium for free, but I had to get ... A: if your tank is supported on four legs and each pair of legs is near a floor joist.i would do those ... | |
| cinder block support | 10/8/2011 |
| Q: I was presented with a opportunity to receive a 125 gallon reef aquarium for free, but I had to get ... A: yes the cinder block idea would probably be the cheapest and easiest but instead of metal shims, ... | |
| Spacing Concrete Steps | 10/6/2011 |
| Q: How is the spacing determined for concrete steps or slabs if the distance is 11 feet long, and the ... A: it's quite simple really. Let's say that the I at the end of this sentence is the end of the ... | |
| Spacing Concrete Steps | 10/6/2011 |
| Q: How is the spacing determined for concrete steps or slabs if the distance is 11 feet long, and the ... A: it's a matter of mathematics really..Five stones would equal ten feet then take the remaining one ... | |
| two story addition on old farm house | 10/5/2011 |
| Q: I am adding a two story addition to our very old farm house. The addition foundation and floor are ... A: it's hard to say exactly what your best solution is without seeing the problem. From what you say ... | |
| Cantelever insulation | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: We have a 5-6 foot extension at back of house which is about 3-4 feet above ground, no foundation. ... A: it wouldn't hurt. But you should at least cover this extension with either hardi panel cement board ... | |
| Weep screed on existing stucco | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: I'm in the process of remodeling our house. We added two new rooms (new construction), which are up ... A: it may be a pain but your stucco guy can install a weep screed. The stucco can be cut at the proper ... | |
| block sealer | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: Recently constructed addition on a garage. It has two rows of concrete block above grade. Is there a ... A: yes there are plenty of block sealers out there. Your best bet is a silicone based paint or clear ... | |
| lally columns | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: My house is 32 years old and I have lally columns in the basement t that look like they are ... A: it sounds like you have a moisture problem and condensation is collecting on the columns and causing ... | |
| New Contruction home built on a hill | 9/23/2011 |
| Q: I recently built a new contraction home in which the builders responsibility is solely everything ... A: Anyhow, let me try this again..I am still a little up in the air over your relationship with the ... | |
| basement pole spacing | 9/22/2011 |
| Q: older bungalow with a steel i beam running down the center, there is 2 support poles for the beam. ... A: you can probably make such a move without any major diverse consequences. The only downside I see ... | |
| New Contruction home built on a hill | 9/22/2011 |
| Q: I recently built a new contraction home in which the builders responsibility is solely everything ... A: I am not an attorney nor have I seen what your contractors original scope of work entailed. I did ... | |
| brick structure | 9/20/2011 |
| Q: I would like to install a 6ft patio door in a brick veneer exterior wall.The existing opening has a ... A: Yes you can install a steel support for the existing lintel. Generally speaking you over cut the ... | |
| Bonneville Windows | 9/20/2011 |
| Q: You recommended this product which is a Canadian Company. I have broken parts on my windows (they ... A: I don't remember that recommendation, however most window manufacturers buy their parts from ... | |
| Suspended slab | 9/18/2011 |
| Q: how do you attach a suspended slab to a brick wall, single not double or solid brick. The new slab ... A: if your slab is connected to something else to keep it from moving laterally you can drill and dowel ... | |
| Building a ground level deck | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: I am wanting to construct a ground level timber deck as an extension to our existing concrete and ... A: you can butt the new deck addition up to the concrete pad no problem and if the deck is built ... | |
| Deck colum | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: I'm building a deck and not sure how to frame in the 4 posts that will have a stone veneer on them. ... A: the easiest way would be to attach a 2x8 on two opposing faces of the 4x4. The 4x4is 3 1/2" wide, ... | |
| packed closet | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a 3'x9' closet in my FROG that houses possibly to much weight. I have not seen any problems ... A: it is a small confined space, 27 square feet. Probably good for 60 psf live and dead load combined. ... | |
| Roofing Plywood | 9/7/2011 |
| Q: I'm re-roofing my home with composite shingles. A contractor friend tells me that I should use 1/2" ... A: for 24" spacing I recommend 5/8" CDX plywood with H-clips. Every type of plywood is stamped with ... | |
| french drains | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: I have built several homes in New Jersey. The local building inspectors have always required a ... A: footing or perimeter drains around basement foundations are important and necessary to not only keep ... | |
| basement egress window | 9/5/2011 |
| Q: I am considering putting a bedroom in my unfinished basement of a townhouse in Fairfax, VA. It will ... A: there are several companies that come to mind, some of them specialize in basement egress windows ... | |
| Adding a celing over a loft style bedroom | 9/5/2011 |
| Q: I purchased a home last year that has what I would describe as a somewhat unique layout. The house ... A: this isn't too big of a deal for an average home handy man. As far as spans go, 14' can be spanned ... | |
| Slab/ water | 8/29/2011 |
| Q: I purchased a house with a bathroom in the basement. when installing the tub, whoever broke the ... A: However, short of installing a new drain you can try filling the hole with non shrink grout. I ... | |
| Porch Header | 8/25/2011 |
| Q: I have an 1860's home with part of the porch header to replace. The posts are 12ft apart and the ... A: it sounds like it will work. You will end up with at least as much support as the original builder ... | |
| moving an exterior wall | 8/23/2011 |
| Q: I am wanting to expand my kitchen by bumping out part of my exterior wall by about 3 feet. The span ... A: anything is possible if there is enough money involved. An architect or structural engineer will be ... | |
| Foam insulation under deck | 8/22/2011 |
| Q: Bruce, We had an existing deck which was extended some and an indoor outdoor room was built on it. ... A: regular batt insulation should work with the vapor barrier side of the insulation facing down. If ... | |
| Porch Column reinforcement | 8/22/2011 |
| Q: Goodday! i am building a house(3 bedroom bungalow) and didn't place reinforcement of the verrandah ... A: with more information As to what the dpc floor specifications are at this point I would have to say ... | |
| insulation | 8/22/2011 |
| Q: i have a room above my garage that i am finishing. i want to vault my ceiling. the rafters are ... A: it really depends on where you live and the type of insulation you use. A 2x6 cavity filled with ... | |
| Room extension with 3 season porch below | 8/21/2011 |
| Q: We live in northern Minnesota and would like to extend our livingroom/kitchen approximately 17' out ... A: considering the winters in your area you will need a foundation whose footing is below the frostline ... | |
| Vinyl Siding | 8/18/2011 |
| Q: I just came across this website and think it is great. I have a question about vinyl siding that I ... A: there is a channel usually required around window and door openings that the vinyl siding fits into ... | |
| Resetting corner marker lot line | 8/13/2011 |
| Q: I am grading a lot. At the top of hill is the corner marker of two homes. I am removing this hill to ... A: corner monuments establishing lot lines have to be installed by registered surveyors in order to be ... | |
| Porch Header and support Poles | 8/10/2011 |
| Q: I'm removing the old porch roof and part of an existing roof of my home.what I'm looking for is a ... A: to span 20 feet and support a roof load will require at least a double LVL (laminated) beam each ... | |
| question | 8/8/2011 |
| Q: what is ment by winter building? A: out of context this is a difficult question..it can refer to building in the winter and precautions ... | |
| attaching wood to exterior brick | 8/4/2011 |
| Q: My house is partially brick and partially tongue & groove cedar siding. I would like to put cedar ... A: normally when blind nailing tongue and groove it is done at an angle so the thickness of your ... | |
| attaching wood to exterior brick | 8/3/2011 |
| Q: My house is partially brick and partially tongue & groove cedar siding. I would like to put cedar ... A: did you try tapconning into the mortar joint instead of the brick? That might be easier. Also, 1x2 ... | |
| Hardwood Floors | 8/2/2011 |
| Q: What comes first cabinets or hardwood flooring in a new kitchen ? A: Either way is actually acceptable but when possible I like to have the flooring in first, however ... | |
| Drivet | 7/22/2011 |
| Q: My stucco home was covered with drivet about 30 years ago. It is cleaned periodically with a ... A: It can be painted just like anything else..you need a good primer applied to a clean and dry surface ... | |
| hip roof design | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: hoping you can help me i'm looking to try and find a blueprint for a hip roof for a 8x8 shed i have ... A: Most rafter framing books have the info you need..also every framing or speed square has the info ... | |
| Roof/ceiling ventilation of porch rooms | 7/20/2011 |
| Q: I've attached a pic, please let me know if you didn't receive. It shows exactly what I'm trying to ... A: . Yeah that doesn't look like moisture related staining and your insulation looks fine..drywall that ... | |
| Outdoor patio beam span on a hip roof | 7/16/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Johnson, We have an outdoor patio here in Houston, TX (outside city limits so no building code ... A: the best I can tell you is that a composite 4x12 beam such as you describe can span maybe 16 feet on ... | |
| sealing a basement to prevent mold | 7/15/2011 |
| Q: I own a 3rd old raised ranch home in a mixed climate. We are in southern Ontario. I have recently ... A: I'm not sure what to think..I am not aware of any code that requires vapor barriers to be left ... | |
| Roof/ceiling ventilation of porch rooms | 7/14/2011 |
| Q: I've attached a pic, please let me know if you didn't receive. It shows exactly what I'm trying to ... A: in this instance the felt paper on the roof is the vapor barrier..My take on the vapor barrier thing ... | |
| Rafter length | 7/14/2011 |
| Q: "I am planning to build a carport attached to my shop. I plan on using 16' 2 x 6's, on 2' centers, ... A: 14 feet is a pretty long span for a flat or minimally sloped roof of 4/12 or less. In fact even at ... | |
| Laminate Header Beams | 7/13/2011 |
| Q: What can I expect to pay for a 20-foot, laminate header beam? A: the size of the beam will determine the cost..i.e. a 20 foot span will require two LVLs 1 3/4" x 16" ... | |
| Roof/ceiling ventilation of porch rooms | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I've attached a pic, please let me know if you didn't receive. It shows exactly what I'm trying to ... A: I build unvented roof systems all the time. As long as the space is sealed from the outside you ... | |
| Stem wall | 7/4/2011 |
| Q: I am building a 10'X 12' shed in my backyard. In order to get the ceiling height I want I am going ... A: sure you can pour the stem wall and the footing together. This is called a monolithic pour. If ... | |
| Drywall tapeing to an existing painted wall | 7/1/2011 |
| Q: I'm turning an open loft into a room, and my question is when tapeing the corners to an existing ... A: I don't. If the paint is semi-gloss or gloss it might not hurt to scuff it up a bit with some ... | |
| Span between posts | 6/26/2011 |
| Q: I want to put a patio roof on the back of my home. If I want to span 16 feet between posts is this ... A: Southern Yellow Pine or Douglas fir could make this span. 16' is pretty much the limit of what I ... | |
| 24x30 garage | 6/24/2011 |
| Q: I received your reply. Thank you. My garage will be 30ft. Deep so when pull suburban in I will have ... A: like I said before, to get an I-beam capable of carrying its own load plus a non bouncing floor load ... | |
| Stone Stairs and Egress Window | 6/21/2011 |
| Q: I am in the planning stages of building stairs from our sliding door to lead into our backyard. We ... A: I don't see a problem depending on you design criteria..your window below doesn't need to have ... | |
| 2 X 12 spacing for 300/bs per sqft loading | 6/21/2011 |
| Q: I need to put a 4'x 4'x 8' (128 cubic feet)water tank on a wood framed floor. I'm using 2" x 12" ... A: spruce isn't my favorite choice for structural joists (Douglas fir or southern yellow pine top the ... | |
| outer ceiling joist repair | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: While replacing some damaged hardboard siding I came upon some old severe termite damage on the ... A: just make sure to stagger your splices as well which should be easy enough with the inside damage ... | |
| concrete house | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: What are the pros/cons about moving into a concrete house with hardwood floors built late 50's ... A: pros and cons as opposed to what? I live in a concrete house with a mixture of wood and tile floors ... | |
| Header Beam Span | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: We have a patio on the rear of the house that has a wood framed cover. The cover is 16' x 24'. The ... A: a good rule of thumb for beams is one inch of depth per foot of span so an 8' span would require a ... | |
| Garage 24' Wide - 30' Deep - 18' high | 6/19/2011 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could help me? I live in Chicago area and want build a garage 24wx30dx18h. I ... A: a 24' span for 2x10 is going to be a bit bouncy at 24" centers. By going to a 12" or 16" center ... | |
| Shed | 6/17/2011 |
| Q: I am going to build a shed in the back yard and am looking for some help. I am overall good with ... A: Okay from what I gather you are building a beam type of support upon which you will have 2x6 joists ... | |
| Drywall Over OSB Cracking at Tape Joints | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: We are remodeling a 125-year-old home from the ground up. We started by insulating with rigid ... A: gee it could be a number of reasons why you are getting hairline cracks in your ceiling. My first ... | |
| Construction drawing | 6/14/2011 |
| Q: I live in Florida and have a screened in lanai in my backyard. It was a full roof and slab floor ... A: if you have the ability to draw up the design go to the yellow pages and look up engineers (PE's) ... | |
| Insulation | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a brick house that's about 55 years old and it has plaster walls so between the plaster walls ... A: I am not an energy consultant but if you want to have an energy evaluation done on your house most ... | |
| Building a patio floor | 6/11/2011 |
| Q: Johnson, Thank you for volunteering your time. This is a wonderful service! I have a 10' X 16' ... A: you would be better off getting some precast concrete deck footing pads at Home Depot or Lowes. ... | |
| volunteers & donations | 6/10/2011 |
| Q: Johnson, I refinanced my home in 2009 to add an additional bedroom suite for me and my soon to be ... A: never underestimate the power of the press. If the story isn't too embarrassing to talk about you ... | |
| Porch repair | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: My front porch is made of rock. About 5 years ago we had our house lifted by Ram Jack. They had to ... A: without seeing where the holes are or how the holes were made I don't have a lot to go by, however ... | |
| Shed Floor construction | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a shed specifically for firewood. I have determined that the weight of the firewood when ... A: first of all you need to add more floor joists. What you describe to me is 4' spacing between your ... | |
| volunteers & donations | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: Johnson, I refinanced my home in 2009 to add an additional bedroom suite for me and my soon to be ... A: You might try contacting Holmes on Homes through his website and see if your situation warrants him ... | |
| anchor foundation wall to slab | 6/6/2011 |
| Q: I have a 15 ft by 65 ft slab 6 inches thick. I am putting a six foot foundation wall around the slab ... A: what? I've never heard of a code like that. Unless there is a specific reason for it most slabs ... | |
| Pergola | 6/3/2011 |
| Q: I have a patio that I would like to cover with a pergola. Where I can dig holes for the 4 corners, ... A: By putting the shorter pieces at the ends it leaves the middle stronger and less likely to sag. I ... | |
| Do I need weeping tile? | 6/2/2011 |
| Q: Building a new home with a walkout basement. Property slope front to rear. Land was backfilled with ... A: if by "weeping tile" you mean "footing drain around the foundation" then yes, all basement ... | |
| Opening up a wall | 5/29/2011 |
| Q: When we took down the wall we found out there are 4 1by 6's supporting the weight above. (which is ... A: I don't have enough information to really give you a good quantitative answer on your potential beam ... | |
| Crack in wall | 5/29/2011 |
| Q: We had a first floor master added one year ago. A crack has developed above the closet door ... A: the photo links you sent are no good anymore for some reason..After hearing that the floor system is ... | |
| making a door from a window in the garage | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: I would like to make my garage window into an entrance door.The wall is made of cement blocks.Any ... A: That should work fine. Make sure there is no electrical box or plumbing in that area and you can ... | |
| Crack in wall | 5/27/2011 |
| Q: We had a first floor master added one year ago. A crack has developed above the closet door ... A: It would appear that there is some settling or shifting going on. I really don't have enough ... | |
| FEMA plans for tornado shelter. | 5/27/2011 |
| Q: I am looking at building one of safe rooms the FEMA suggests in the document FEMA 320, taking ... A: I guess it depends on what type of storm you are trying to protect against. For an F4 tornado ... | |
| weight | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: How much weight a room in a semi detached house can bear. The weight should be evenly distributed in ... A: without knowing how the floor system in your home is constructed it's hard for me to say exactly ... | |
| lean-to shed | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: I want to add a carport to the side of my house, but with no outside wall or posts. It'll be ... A: if you are okay with using conduit over the cables why not use a heavy gauge pipe and skip the ... | |
| Length of time between house wrap and siding | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: We are in the process of choosing a builder for our home. One issue is the date that they could ... A: I don't mind the tyvek being exposed for a month or even two but 120 days is pushing it in my ... | |
| making a door from a window in the garage | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: I would like to make my garage window into an entrance door.The wall is made of cement blocks.Any ... A: okay you should be fine. Once you cut out the masonry below the window (a rented concrete saw or a ... | |
| Structural Header for Top Hung Frameless Shower Door | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: I am hanging a single, sliding 1/2" TH frameless glass door using KT Glass Expert hardware from ... A: a standard header header requirement for a 5 foot opening is a double 2x6 or a 4x6. But since you ... | |
| buying a home made of cinder block | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: I would like to make an offer on a house built in 1949 in MI that is made of cinder blocks. Can you ... A: probably the biggest con about a cinderblock home is insulation. Cinder blocks are hollow and their ... | |
| making a door from a window in the garage | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: I would like to make my garage window into an entrance door.The wall is made of cement blocks.Any ... A: it's not a difficult project as long as the window is either wider than the door you want to install ... | |
| Dark spots on new concrete | 5/19/2011 |
| Q: Bruce, Recently, we got a new concrete in the backyard. I's been a month, we have watered it as ... A: gosh the dark spots could be anything but I am thinking that they are probably from water retention. ... | |
| Garage size | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: Bruce, We are looking to get a two car garage built. What is a standard size for such a garage? ... A: the bigger the better when it comes to garages, is my opinion..but if budget is a concern 24 x 24 ... | |
| leaking ex chimney | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: The brick chimney was removed for the woodstove. A gas fireplace was installed. Water leaks into ... A: to answer this question completely without seeing the problem in person would be a crap shoot. ... | |
| forming pad to pour concrete | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: I am building a larger patio pad. I have removed the old one and removed sod, dug a 12" x 6" deep ... A: I generally set up grade screeds to work off. It is a 2x4 on edge and staked in place so that the ... | |
| Az. Construction | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: I am in the beginning phase of finding a home to purchase in the Phoenix, AZ. area. I am not ... A: buying property is pretty much the same everywhere. You need to look at the doors and windows that ... | |
| Wood Deck over Concrete Patio | 5/7/2011 |
| Q: My wife and I live just north of Seattle in a 50+ year old home. We would like to cover the 4 - ... A: you can attach your pressure treated wood directly to the concrete using stainless or exterior ... | |
| laminated beam span for a pergola | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: I have read your other posts about pergolas, but did not find an answer to what I am thinking of ... A: 18 feet is a long span for a 2x8 layered beam but the plywood adds to the rigidity of the assembly. ... | |
| Construction remodel | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: My patio is approximately 36' long with 2 end pillars and 3 interior pillars that support the roof. ... A: a 36' span is pretty long for a single span. The biggest problem you may be facing is headroom. A ... | |
| 2 story addition on a 1 1/2 story home | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: I would like to add a full 2 story addition to my existing 1 1/2 story home. I would like to add 2 ... A: in these early stages of a project such as this you really should find a local architect to help you ... | |
| building a basement room | 5/2/2011 |
| Q: I want to build a 15x18 room under my house. I have a few concerns that I would like an experts ... A: well, like I said before, most standard building codes require crawl space floor systems to have at ... | |
| building a basement room | 5/2/2011 |
| Q: I want to build a 15x18 room under my house. I have a few concerns that I would like an experts ... A: it sounds like you have a decent plan in mind but it seems to me that pouring a concrete slab would ... | |
| remove a wall in my split level stair case | 4/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a split entry home built in 1991. I am remolding the basement which has some visible vertical ... A: if you are talking about the sidewall enclosing the staircase then chances are good that this wall ... | |
| step crack in brick under second story window | 4/29/2011 |
| Q: Is this crack likely due to settling? My house was built in 1999. We purchased it in 2009 and this ... A: At this point my assessment remains as far as repairs go. Use a good mortar patch, seal the crack ... | |
| Installing siding over asbestos? | 4/29/2011 |
| Q: We are planning on hiring someone to install new vinyl siding on our home, but the old siding ... A: as I mentioned in my previous answer I have no way of knowing the condition of your existing siding ... | |
| Installing siding over asbestos? | 4/29/2011 |
| Q: We are planning on hiring someone to install new vinyl siding on our home, but the old siding ... A: we are surrounded by asbestos in our normal every day environment. Most places with older floor ... | |
| Tracy | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: Good afternoon I bought a 2008 single wide mobile home three years ago and I would like to build on ... A: banks are getting stricter in their home improvement loans mainly because home equities have dropped ... | |
| Noise in walls when it's windy | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: Please help!!! I have an all brick 2 story home built in 1994. When it is windy out, a popping, ... A: gosh it could be any number of things. When you say your house is "all brick" are you sure about ... | |
| added an additional apartment to my present house | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: I live in Clinton, MD. I have two lots with an easement running through the middle. I want to know ... A: the easement may be a problem if you want to build over it or through it. If it is an utility ... | |
| step crack in brick under second story window | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: Is this crack likely due to settling? My house was built in 1999. We purchased it in 2009 and this ... A: it very well could be a settlement crack by looking at the left side of the window sill. It appears ... | |
| cutting an opening in a load bearing wall | 4/25/2011 |
| Q: i have a load bearing wall that runs across from front of the house to the back end which is about ... A: so basically what you are saying is that there is a support beam in the basement down the middle of ... | |
| cutting an opening in a load bearing wall | 4/25/2011 |
| Q: i have a load bearing wall that runs across from front of the house to the back end which is about ... A: what you are calling "joists" sounds like "columns". A column is a vertical "up and down" support..a ... | |
| cutting an opening in a load bearing wall | 4/24/2011 |
| Q: i have a load bearing wall that runs across from front of the house to the back end which is about ... A: First of all I don't understand what you mean when you are talking about your joists being spaced at ... | |
| Reinforcing a patio beam to remove a post | 4/24/2011 |
| Q: What I want: To get rid of the center post holding up my patio roof. Why: We just added a beautiful ... A: yes there are alternate materials available, each with their own pros and cons but withou an actual ... | |
| Reinforcing a patio beam to remove a post | 4/24/2011 |
| Q: What I want: To get rid of the center post holding up my patio roof. Why: We just added a beautiful ... A: I opt for suspending it from a helium filled balloon..just kidding..it sounds like your present beam ... | |
| room addition | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: Greetings Bruce, I am adding a new living room to an existing pier and beam cabin. The room will ... A: yes you can set the pads on grade as long as any grass and other degradable materials are removed. ... | |
| Weight of Materials per sq. ft of an average home | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: How do I find the weight of building materials per sq. ft. in an average home?... A: here is a good place to look: ... | |
| overlay trim on Hardiplank or butt-up? | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: What is the best practice when installing Hardiplank, to install window and door trim first and then ... A: Hardi has specific requirements for installation. The bottom of the Hardi needs to be 6" above ... | |
| overlay trim on Hardiplank or butt-up? | 4/18/2011 |
| Q: What is the best practice when installing Hardiplank, to install window and door trim first and then ... A: hardi makes it's trim thicker so that it can be installed first and the hardi plank butting into it. ... | |
| installing engineered wood flooring | 4/18/2011 |
| Q: I am going to take up my carpet and install engineered flooring. Mu house is on peir and beam and ... A: it depends on the manufacturer of the flooring material itself. It is always best to follow the ... | |
| Home Skirting | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: I live in a 1924 house that has vinyl siding and a brick "bottom" on it. A couple years ago my ... A: depending on the material you choose it is not that difficult to install skirting onto existing ... | |
| handicap ramp | 4/14/2011 |
| Q: My huband is in a wheelchair and we do have a spot in the parking lot for handicap, however, I have ... A: I am not an attorney but I did find the following article which does address a similar situation in ... | |
| Pier and Beam Foundation | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: I am planning to build a Pier and Beam Foundation Home. It will be a 1 story house and about 2,000. ... A: pretty much any foundation type will work with your soil conditions provided you keep good drainage ... | |
| 2x2 scissor truss spacing | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: I was giving some doublewide mobile home scissor trusses that are made of 2x2 construction with ... A: I imagine mobile home roofs have a little less load rating than conventional truss roofs mainly ... | |
| room addition | 4/9/2011 |
| Q: Greetings Bruce, I am adding a new living room to an existing pier and beam cabin. The room will ... A: if you have to relevel every so often then it wouldn't hurt to add some additional supports along ... | |
| Remodeling | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: I live in a small colonial in Connecticut it was build in 1875. I would like to know can you give me ... A: I don't know what information you are seeking. Most older homes such as yours were built with rough ... | |
| Drywall in a polebarn | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I have a 30'by 40' pole barn that the previous owner started but didn't finish.It is of the post in ... A: drywall will be okay if done properly and the humidity in the building isn't too high for too long. ... | |
| 2x2 scissor truss spacing | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I was giving some doublewide mobile home scissor trusses that are made of 2x2 construction with ... A: mobile home trusses are built to minimum standards. In their application on a mobile home they are ... | |
| Concrete in backyard | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: Bruce, Would appreciate your advice. I am in the Los Angeles area. Need to cover a part of the ... A: I don't know why you only want to go 3" thick on your slab but 4" is considered the nominal depth of ... | |
| Pier and Beam vs Concrete Slab | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: I live in Texas. We have a home with a pier and beam foundation, but the garage is on a concrete ... A: If you want the addition to the garage to be at the same level as the garage is now then you will be ... | |
| Framing | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: Can I use hurricane tie bracket instead making bird's mouth cut on the rafter? A: yes, Simpson Strong-tie makes what is called a VPA clip for rafters (Variable Pitch Adaptor) that ... | |
| Door Locks | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: I got a new lock today, and the bolt (if it's the part that slides into the door frame) is too long. ... A: it's common now for deadbolts and standard door locks to be adjustable to fit different back sets. ... | |
| Sheetrock around a bathtub. | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: The opening for my tub not only is to big but not square either. We are using cement board around ... A: If your tub is shorter than your opening and you need to make up a 1/2" gap you can probably add ... | |
| Would like to remove two posts in basement | 3/28/2011 |
| Q: I am in the process of finishing a walkout basement and would like to remove two support posts. This ... A: there is a little more involved than just moving posts and installing larger beams. Without knowing ... | |
| indoor/outdoor fireplace | 3/26/2011 |
| Q: We are getting ready to start a new residential construction. I want a fireplace in the walkout ... A: yes you will need two separate fireboxes in the basement one inside and one outside and then the one ... | |
| Garage door header in existing carport | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: I'd like to enclose the entrance to my 20'X20' double carport with an 18' garage door. The carport ... A: overhead garage doors are not supported by the header but by the rail and brackets on each side so ... | |
| house settled | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: We have a 2 story wood frame house in New England. We had a trememdous amount of snow (record ever) ... A: this was an abnormal year for snow fall in your area. But regardless, an eighth of an inch is ... | |
| least expensive home building | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: My husband and i have a 55 yr old house on pier and beam that continuously sinks in one corner. We ... A: gee you gave me a lot to deal with so I hope I can cover enough of it to help. As far as your ... | |
| addition shell | 3/19/2011 |
| Q: Bruce , i am looking at putting a 900sq ft ground level addition on, i am looking for the estimated ... A: prices vary from locale to locale but a good rule of thumb for Shell work is $25 a square foot in ... | |
| structural requirement for double door openiing in existing d/brick wall. | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: the wall concerned is double brick and in very good condition. where the doors are to go has ... A: I don't quite follow your question but if the doors are being installed where windows exist now and ... | |
| basement window | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: Our basement window and well leak. The only solution seems to be installing an inside drain and ... A: you didn't say how big the window was so estimating a cost will have to be generic. Your window ... | |
| leveling exsisting foundation w/steal beams | 3/14/2011 |
| Q: i'm wanting to level a foundations main beam w/steal in order to allow more head room. can this be ... A: I don't have enough information to give you a proper beam size for replacing the entire span. 25' ... | |
| Kitchen addition | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: I was wondering what i should do about my kitchen addition I wanted to add off of my original ... A: it shouldn't matter if there is a window below or not. The window below should have a header over ... | |
| Back porch | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: My wife and I want to close in our back porch. My question is our porch now is raised about 8' off ... A: it depends more on the size and the stability of the concrete pads supporting the posts. 6x6 posts ... | |
| masonry | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: I am finishing a surround for a gas fireplace. I had to install hardibacker over the surround to ... A: All I ever used is mortar for attaching stone to a wall surface. Depending on the stone you may ... | |
| Extension of concrete beam | 2/18/2011 |
| Q: I have an existing car porch about 8 feet wide and is supported by 2 concrete pillars. One beam ... A: I suppose it can be done but I am a little leery of this attempt to extend the beam for a couple of ... | |
| roof truss deflection | 2/18/2011 |
| Q: I have a large commercial building in Maine that is 32 years old. It has 67' long clear span ... A: I imagine your truss system was designed for a particular live load, 20-40 psf or possibly higher. ... | |
| residential earthquake protection | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: My home is 22oo sq.ft,brick, with 2 bedroom frame addition. Crawl space is 18". Can I purchase ... A: earthquakes are hard to retrofit for mainly because the foundation is what is affected the most ... | |
| Best lumber size for 16x20 pergola | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: We (husband and wife team) plan to install an attached 16x20 pergola this spring; the 20' section ... A: the sixteen foot length can be cut down to 12 feet by moving your outside beam in four feet thus ... | |
| connecting two moblie homes | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: I live in a 14 x 70 mobile home an I just got a 12 x 65 mobile home an I would like to know if I can ... A: sure you can connect two mobiles together as long as your local building department says it's okay ... | |
| waterproofing garage | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: I'm turning my garage space into a photo studio. (Approx. 16' X 20' space.) There's some cracks in ... A: If you are going to go through the work of removing the slab then I would definitely install a vapor ... | |
| vinyl siding | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: My home has been vinyl sided for 10yrs.Almost every high wind we have,results in siding blowing ... A: that's one of the drawbacks for this type of siding in high wind areas. Depending on your house ... | |
| waterproofing garage | 2/13/2011 |
| Q: I'm turning my garage space into a photo studio. (Approx. 16' X 20' space.) There's some cracks in ... A: it's not good news that water comes up through the floor when it rains. This indicates positive ... | |
| foundation corbal | 2/12/2011 |
| Q: wondering about corbal in foundation so you can have a flush floor,framing detail of framed floor ... A: maybe it's the language but I don't know what a corbal is. The only word that comes close is corbel ... | |
| Structural Soundness | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: The interior of my 15 year old house is showing signs of of concern. The sheet rock at every 24 ... A: You never said where you live so I'm not sure what factors may be involved in your dilemma . If you ... | |
| How to level a 1 1/2 inch dip in the middle of the floor in a house on a slab? | 2/6/2011 |
| Q: I hope you can help with my problem. I want to install carpet in my house but the concrete slab ... A: most topping products consist of the same things sand, cement, and bonding agent. If you are using ... | |
| complete roof change | 2/5/2011 |
| Q: I have a 22 ft by 40 ft cottage style house want to change roof style to gable end which would ... A: I'm not too familiar with Canadian pricing but I imagine it is similar to costs here in the states. ... | |
| Vapor Barrier & insulation Placement in a concrete block home | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: Bruce, I just a question from Lyn and your response. My situation is a little different. I have a ... A: you can get some house wrap that would work good as a cover to the underside of the floor ... | |
| Insulation - cantilevered floor | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: I believe our cantilevered floor was not constructed properly. The cantilevered floor extends out ... A: If what you say is true then you are right. You need to pull the vented soffit material down, ... | |
| Water Leaking into House | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: I have discovered that water is leaking through the edge where the ceiling bit of the patio door ... A: it might be something as simple as caulking the area around the door and the flashing. If your ... | |
| Adding on to our mobile home | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: We live in a small 2 bedroom mobile home. We just found out we are expecting another baby and need ... A: If your husband does all the work himself you might be able to add a room on your minimal budget ... | |
| Vapor Barrier & insulation Placement in a concrete block home | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: Bruce, I just a question from Lyn and your response. My situation is a little different. I have a ... A: I am not a big proponent of putting vapor barriers on the inside walls of buildings. This practice ... | |
| 2nd floor addition | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: We have a mid 70's 2 story Ryan Home colonial. where the 2nd floor extends 1/2 over the 2 car ... A: without actually seeing how your existing framing was accomplished I can't put an exact cost on your ... | |
| Removing ceiling tile and finishing Existing Drywall | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: There are ceiling tile in the kitchen. They were put up using furring strips on top of drywall. Do ... A: drywall is pretty tough stuff. If you can get the furring strips off fairly easily you can ... | |
| Bearing Wall - opening and spanning | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: In my basement I want to tear down about 9 feet of bearing wall and a 3 foot doorway and span 12 ft. ... A: a simple formula is one foot of span per inch of depth on a four inch beam..In other words a 4x12 ... | |
| Concrete founds | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: We have an existing 'jetty' structure build 30+ years ago. The jetty is in tidal salt water. In the ... A: at that diameter you should probably stick with the concrete pipe or a formed and poured encasement ... | |
| sunken floor-cracked floor joist | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a house that has two cracked joist (because they were notched)and the floor is sunk above ... A: that would be a good way to go. If you can get a footing pad under each jack and a beam across ... | |
| Concrete founds | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: We have an existing 'jetty' structure build 30+ years ago. The jetty is in tidal salt water. In the ... A: this is a common practice for pilings provided the steel uprights are still in decent shape and ... | |
| Basement addition | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: Sir, I live in northern new york and i live in a ranch style modular home. the home sits on a ... A: this is a daunting task your are attempting to undertake. I'm not saying it can't be done but you ... | |
| concrete slab | 1/27/2011 |
| Q: A "Patio Enclosures" brand room addition was put onto a concrete slab or our Cincinnati home 15 to ... A: you might try that logic with this company. But unless you have an engineer or several engineers ... | |
| concrete slab | 1/26/2011 |
| Q: A "Patio Enclosures" brand room addition was put onto a concrete slab or our Cincinnati home 15 to ... A: after 20 years you probably have no claim. Most building warranties only cover the first five years ... | |
| pier and beem minimun requirements. | 1/23/2011 |
| Q: I wanted to add a bedroom to an existing pier and beam house. This size of the bedroom will be 14ft ... A: yes there should be a footing pad under each pier. The size of the pad depends on the soil ... | |
| foundation/tar | 1/21/2011 |
| Q: Johnson, I'm having a kitchen addition built on my home. Unfortunately, my contractor has ... A: concrete is concrete it is probably going to crack. That's the nature of the beast. How severely ... | |
| support beam. | 1/20/2011 |
| Q: We are remodelling our recroom and wondered if we can remove 1 of the steal supporting posts. The ... A: Depending on the "dead load" above this area your particular beam consisting of four 2x10s should ... | |
| foundation/tar | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: Johnson, I'm having a kitchen addition built on my home. Unfortunately, my contractor has ... A: concrete is very sturdy and capable of withstanding a variety of weather conditions. If the water ... | |
| Exterior Door Size | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: Hey Bruce, I purchase a home where the previous owner closed in an old porch. The outside wall is ... A: it all depends on how much of the roof and ceiling structure sits in top of the header. If there ... | |
| Exterior Door Size | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: Hey Bruce, I purchase a home where the previous owner closed in an old porch. The outside wall is ... A: If your door is solid wood you can probably cut an inch and a half off the bottom. If it is hollow ... | |
| renovation | 1/13/2011 |
| Q: We've got it up and are starting the drywall. The ceiling is stucco. We took off the stucco right ... A: I wouldn't have removed the ceiling stucco over the studs. That way you could have attached your ... | |
| renovation | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: We are building a closet in an existing room and laying a hardwood floor. Would you put the floor ... A: I agree that you need to use a 2" stud to get a full 24". As far as the floor goes? I would do the ... | |
| exterior home, bulge due to warped stud | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: I am under agreement on a model home that is 7 years old. Other homebuyers got 10 year warranties ... A: I guess it really boils down to a couple of things. What are you calling a bulge? What is causing ... | |
| enclosing a lanai | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: The house is a block / stucco finish with a built in screened lanai. The roof covers the lanai. All ... A: .I like the dense foam board with the furring strips on top..If you give your pressure treated wood ... | |
| Water coming into house. | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: Recently had large window installed. Taking out the gap between two existing windows. We have water ... A: It sounds like you are describing a double wythe masonry wall with an air gap between the two walls ... | |
| Water coming into house. | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: Recently had large window installed. Taking out the gap between two existing windows. We have water ... A: What?! Water goes into every house when it rains? You are being taken advantage of if the ... | |
| Firring and insulating | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: We have an old brick home,inside is covered with a plaster. We want to do a 1/2" firring and install ... A: Is there a reason you don't want to use 3/4" furring strips? The best method would be to install ... | |
| Roof | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: I have an existing roof that is 50' long and 24' deep. Runs west to east with a 6/12 pitch. I am ... A: First of all for the peaks to match the additions will also have to be 24' wide or the same width as ... | |
| Alternating tread staris | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: Hola, I am writing from Costa Rica. I have just added a Yoga floor and need some stairs. The rise ... A: I'm sorry, I misread your original email. An alternating stair would work in your case however this ... | |
| floating deck over beutinol | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: Hi I have an in built deck recovered in butinol and am looking at renting out the house I am ... A: two foot by two foot sections are manageable for removable decks. Construction is usually built ... | |
| New CMU foundation to Existing (I am engineer, not structural) | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: I am in the preliminary design phase of building a new breezeway and two story Cape style garage ... A: you have a couple of options and I will try to cover them the best I can without really knowing how ... | |
| Alternating tread staris | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: Hola, I am writing from Costa Rica. I have just added a Yoga floor and need some stairs. The rise ... A: this type of stairs with the numbers you give me doesn't work out. Even with a 7 1/2" riser height ... | |
| Basement bathroom furring & insullating walls | 11/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a concrete block foundation. There is a french drain on the outside that goes down 3 feet to ... A: I would use either the green board or the new Pink board for the rest of the bathroom walls instead ... | |
| Concrete Block | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I don't want to get ripped off and am getting estimates. How much should it cost to block in an old ... A: Gosh that is a tough one. It is only going to take a couple of hours at the most to do this ... | |
| frost wall | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: Im building an enclosed lean-to addition onto my detached garage. it will not be climate controlled. ... A: most unconditioned spaces in this case don't need a frost wall as far as I'm concerned unless you ... | |
| opening a load bearing wall next to a stairwell | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: my wife and I would like to open up a wall that seperates our dining room from a stairwell that ... A: most stairways require their main support in the stair framing itself. In other words the stringers ... | |
| mobile home addition | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: I recently acquired 1/2 of a redman doublewide as salvage. I have a singlewide with an addition on ... A: anything can be done with proper planning and enough money. The 1/2 doublewide can be installed up ... | |
| Valted/cathedral ceiling | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: i am remodeling a room on my house i want to put valted ceilings in the room i know of the scissor ... A: it's simple, just frame your roof with a supporting ridge beam and insulate your 2x6's. That's all ... | |
| foundation | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: I am in Minnesota and want to build a slab home on grade. Do I have to dig a 6 foot deep foundation ... A: there seem to be some "insulated shallow foundation" designs that have been accepted in Minnesota ... | |
| out side wall | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: need to run a header 12' in place of a outside wall. The second floor beams run the same way as how ... A: when you use the word "beams" are you referring to the floor joists? Are you saying the floor ... | |
| Extending a kitchen | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: We would like to extend our kitchen by 10 feet. Is a foundation necessary or can it be done with ... A: cement footings or foundation, they both are the same thing. A footing is a foundation. If your ... | |
| Adding Brick ledge to existing poured concrete walls | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: We want to brick a section of the home that does not currently have brick. We have 8' poured ... A: I have seen similar siding systems to the one you describe tru-brix, and I'm sure they are fine and ... | |
| Stucco on Hardie Backer | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: I'm building an outdoor kitchen with metal tracks and studs. The side have a 1/4 inch backer board ... A: in this instance you should use paper backed lathe and stucco over that with 3 coats stucco. You ... | |
| Adding Brick ledge to existing poured concrete walls | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: We want to brick a section of the home that does not currently have brick. We have 8' poured ... A: digging down to the existing footer is the best method. Next would be to drill and epoxy rebar into ... | |
| Extending slab foundation | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Johnson, I am wanting to expand the kitchen in a home I am purchasing and need some advise. I ... A: if you have an existing roof structure over the area in question then yes, you probably can just ... | |
| Tenant separation | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: I am designer in Orlando fl, and am working on a commercial project. It is 2 tenant build-outs, one ... A: it depends on the type of costruction for the building in question and usage. One hour should be ... | |
| Water Problems with CMU Condo | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: The building was built in 1997 out of 8" CMU blocks. These blocks weren't water sealed, and now ... A: yes you can inject the cores of the masonry with foam core fill. I'm sure that there are several ... | |
| porch enclosure | 10/8/2010 |
| Q: I have a screened in back porch I want to close in with windows. There is a 2-3' wall already built ... A: it could be as easy as replacing the screens with windows that are made to fit the same opening but ... | |
| Base plate/ Rim board | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: I need to replace a 30 ft. section of baseplate and rim board. The base plate and the joists at the ... A: it all depends on what kind of access you have and what direction you are going to attack the ... | |
| insulation | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of building a small block building that will sit 15 feet from my home that will ... A: it kind of depends on where you are living and how accessible your building is. Some area ... | |
| Weight Bearing Wall | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a bi level house that was buildin the 1970's. My home is one that is chopped up into many ... A: depending on the width of your house you probably have one main load bearing wall in the basement or ... | |
| Roof Access | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: You may not be the best fit for this question, but I'm at a loss for an answer. I'm trying to find a ... A: somebody had to have had access to install the gutters and the roof to begin with. From your photo ... | |
| Truss Ledger | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: I'm searching for an detail of a truss support ledger that is welded to the wall structure instead ... A: here is your detail. And this is just one method but I think you can get a good idea how it's done. ... | |
| Insulating under new room over existing concrete floor | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: I am adding a narrow room (4 by 14 feet) to our house which will sit over an existing concrete ... A: provided your garage slab has a vapor barrier under it (which is common practice). Moisture ... | |
| Should I take out my screen porch and update it to an open one? | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a screened porch on the back of my brick home. When I bought the house 2 years ago all of ... A: any time you take an eyesore and make it look nice you aren't devaluing your home. If the work is ... | |
| carport enclosure leaks | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: I had my carport enclosed 25 years ago and yes it sits on a concrete slab. The masonite on the ... A: cut the rotted masonite off the bottom of the exterior wall and clean the joint between the bottom ... | |
| Truss Ledger | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: I'm searching for an detail of a truss support ledger that is welded to the wall structure instead ... A: I have seen welded ledgers used for steel trusses more commonly than wood trusses. I suppose it is ... | |
| Replacing a load bearing wall with a steel column... | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a two story house with a basement. It's of the beam and column design, where the basement ... A: sorry I forgot to address that part of your question. I have used many columns without concrete ... | |
| Replacing a load bearing wall with a steel column... | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a two story house with a basement. It's of the beam and column design, where the basement ... A: it sounds like you are on the right track. I like the idea of stacking the load bearing, i.e. the ... | |
| brick vs. frame | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: We are looking into buying another home with the new construction of today is the frame home just as ... A: frame homes are sturdy and last a long time. For example, drive down a street in a small town and ... | |
| BRICK VENEER CRACKS | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: we have added a new patio roof 16x30 over concrete floor two years ago. It's shingle roof and ... A: I doubt if the roof load is the problem. I would venture a guess that the patio structure is ... | |
| studs and drywall | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: I am adding a new wall within the present master bathroom. Is it necessary to remove the ceiling ... A: it's not necessary to remove the ceiling drywall if your joists are crossing the new wall or if you ... | |
| Tying pier and beam to slab | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: We have a lake house in TX and we are looking at adding about 5 feet across the back along the whole ... A: honestly? I would build out the area with a concrete block foundation and then fill the foundation ... | |
| Garbage and Filt | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: I own a condo unit in a 8 flat condo dwelling. We have one unit that the smell geminating from there ... A: I would probably call the city or county health department and complain. Even the police or the ... | |
| garage turned into a bedroom | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: last year we had our garage turned into a bedroom. We left the garage door in place so it wouldn't ... A: it sounds to me like you have more of an air conditioning and heating issue than anything else. If ... | |
| concrete ceiling | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: I am designing a earth contact home with the dimensions of 36'x66'. The lower level will be ... A: I like this type of home design myself. Basically the exterior walls would be done like any ... | |
| tiing 10 by 10 post together | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: I am building a camp house 30 x 55 feet on 10 by 10 post.The post are cocreted in 3 ft diameter ... A: I'm not sure why you want the posts connected to the slab. Generally we isolate columns from the ... | |
| Masonry Stucco ('27) roof repair - flashing? | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: I own a home which is the old cinder block with stucco over & only mesh screen & plaster inside. ... A: your previous question was a little vague as to where the roof problem was. You said it needed to ... | |
| Masonry Stucco ('27) roof repair - flashing? | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: I own a home which is the old cinder block with stucco over & only mesh screen & plaster inside. ... A: you can use various types of metal flashing or fiberglass rolled roofing over the area you need to ... | |
| tiing 10 by 10 post together | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: I am building a camp house 30 x 55 feet on 10 by 10 post.The post are cocreted in 3 ft diameter ... A: not quite sure what you are talking about. Okay, you have posts in holes filled with concrete. But ... | |
| topping over a tiled floor | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a tiled floor which is a bit worn and wish to overlay this with a floating timber floor.The ... A: You can purchase a dry mix in the flooring department of your local Home Depot which you mix with ... | |
| old floors | 9/8/2010 |
| Q: just purchase a farm with old house on it. The wooden floor has given way . How do I go about ... A: this is a tricky question to answer because I'm not sure what you mean by "the floor has given ... | |
| wet shop floor | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: I built a 36' x 36' pole building with a concrete slab last winter. I still have moisture on the ... A: you didn't say whether or not you installed a vapor barrier underneath your slab prior to pouring ... | |
| sour knockdown on drywall | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a bathroom remodel and had the drywall finished a week ago with knock down texture. The odor ... A: at this point you need to paint if the texture is dry. Use a good primer, KILLZ is a good primer. ... | |
| Pergola-knee braces | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: Johnson: I have a an almost completed pergola over a deck that sits off the ground about 18". The ... A: your subject line "pergola knee braces" pretty much answers your own question. You need to add knee ... | |
| Adding a side door to a newly built home | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: My home is a year old and we've decided to add a side door but the builders around the job site are ... A: it's not too hard to install a new door into the side of an existing house but it has to be done ... | |
| Foundation question | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: We want to convert our screened porch into a four season sunroom. The foundation is made of ... A: you will have to provide a new foundation or reinforce your existing foundation to support an ... | |
| concrete slabs | 8/29/2010 |
| Q: My father and I have been building a garage and have poured three slabs 15'x26' and every one has ... A: a fresno is not really necessary if you do the bull float properly and are able to do a decent job ... | |
| concrete slabs | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: My father and I have been building a garage and have poured three slabs 15'x26' and every one has ... A: finishing concrete is a learned experience and requires a certain amount of training and ability to ... | |
| Determining Platform Strength for Hot Water Tank | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: The water heater in my house is on a platform above the Dryer. It is leaking internally so I want ... A: it's kind of hard to envision how your particular shelf is built from your description but it ... | |
| Extending a porch | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: My porch is 3 ft wide and 20 ft long, I would like to take it our another 3 ft without removing the ... A: this is a tricky question. If you have basic skills when it comes to concrete and carpentry then ... | |
| vapour / fume barrier | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: I am building a garage/ guest house with a 2x6 dividing wall. both may or may not be heated at any ... A: why not put a vapor barrier on all walls? On the exterior face of the wall use Tyvek or Typar house ... | |
| residential install of steel beam in basement to replace columns | 8/13/2010 |
| Q: My two story house has a steel beam installed accross the middle of the ceiling in the basement. ... A: your best bet would be to find a structural engineer in your area and have him assess the situation. ... | |
| Pole Barn to House Conversion | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: Johnson: This is a lengthy question and I apologize, but I need your advice and wisdom in regards ... A: yes the plumbing and even some of the electrical work may need to be done under the slab before it ... | |
| Modifying a Truss Roof System | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: We have a small (5'X6') interior bathroom with no outside light. I would like to raise the ceiling ... A: If you know where the trusses were purchased locally, the easiest way to get them modified would be ... | |
| Basement Leaking | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a problem with water seeping into my basement. It only seeps in during a rain storm. The ... A: cement is not water proof. Your parging work may be necessary to fix cracks and other defects but ... | |
| Crawl Space Air control | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: Is it better to encapsulate the air in a 4 foot crawl space or use an air conditioning system like ... A: it depends on the humidity issues in your area but the key to good crawl space conditioning is #1 ... | |
| ATCO trailer addition to house | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: Would like to be able to set down atco trailer leaving three feet of space from building to be able ... A: I don't get the triple skids 7 feet wide part. If the trailer is only ten feet wide that doesn't ... | |
| vapor barrier | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: but just missed the stud and went through the plastic. Do i need to worry about this nail hole? ... A: I wouldn't worry about it. The stuff is nailed on the studs already. So one more nail hole isn't ... | |
| Residential building codes | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon sir. Is there a new code against having a door from a bedroom that leads directly ... A: If you only have a 600 square foot house you have to build the bedroom directly off the kitchen. ... | |
| Covered porch | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: I live in upstate NY and we currently have a 28x68 doublewide on a cement slab with tie downs and ... A: If it is done correctly you really don't have to physically connect the roof of the addition to the ... | |
| Addition foundation | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: I am designing a addition. The house has a full basement. The owner want the addition built on a ... A: a monolithic slab foundation has the footings built right into the slab so you pour your footings ... | |
| Soil errosion around perimeter of house | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: Saw an answer to a question quite similar to my problem and hope you can help. I've talked to city ... A: basically the government agency that inspected your plumbing work only inspects the plumbing period. ... | |
| wall | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: i am converting my integral garage into a dining room the opening is about 8ft wideso the wall would ... A: your up and over garage door already has a header so unless you are removing that garage door header ... | |
| Using Polyiso in an attic | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: In my (somewhat strange) setup we are installing 2 layers of 3" polyiso boards in an attic (on top ... A: you won't be trapping moisture under the polyiso so why poke holes in it? Most new construction ... | |
| Soil errosion around perimeter of house | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: Saw an answer to a question quite similar to my problem and hope you can help. I've talked to city ... A: it sounds like they might have broke one of the pipes in the pool plumbing or possibly the lawn ... | |
| hardiplank nailing flange right? | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: We're doing some extensive remodeling and replacing some windows with different sizes. We ordered ... A: your Hardi trim is usually 1" thick and depending on the window manufacturer, sometimes the window ... | |
| wall | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: i am converting my integral garage into a dining room the opening is about 8ft wideso the wall would ... A: it's hard to say what you are trying to do based on your email. But if you can accomplish it with a ... | |
| Residential building codes | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon sir. Is there a new code against having a door from a bedroom that leads directly ... A: Hmm. That's a good one. I can't remember ever building a kitchen with a bedroom door in it but I ... | |
| Flooring for Pier & Beam | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: We have a house that is on a pier & beam foundation, in a sandy area of Texas (close to San ... A: I can't imagine your house is shifting that much to affect either flooring choice. Yes the laminate ... | |
| Flooring for Pier & Beam | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: We have a house that is on a pier & beam foundation, in a sandy area of Texas (close to San ... A: I see no reason why laminate flooring wouldn't work if installed and cared for accoring to ... | |
| Fence door interupting stairway at a landing | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I am in San Francisco California and I have two flights of outdoor stairs running continuously on a ... A: Every municipality and town have their own codes which may differ from the CBC. The drawing you put ... | |
| insulating under a deck | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I am building a three season room over a pre-existing deck which is essentially open on three sides. ... A: you are right. If the room will be open to the weather then you will need to waterproof the deck ... | |
| Opening up Closed in Porch | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a home and the previous owner closed in the existing porch on the front of the ... A: anything that's been done can be undone in construction. Yes you can restore the entry to its ... | |
| sister beams | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: i want to make a room in the basement, the beans have been sistered. the old beams are deeper than ... A: I don't really have enough information. When you say "sistered" I assume you mean that for some ... | |
| cutting a brick and block wall | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a store, it is old, i think it has been built in the 1960's and the wall has been made (from ... A: With the brick and the block you need a steel lintel for each element. I would start at the outside ... | |
| sealing concrate and wood joint | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: i have town home exterior on my home ground level raise due to that some water coming from ... A: you have a few solutions to your problem. First, you need to make sure that the ground around your ... | |
| Home addition | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: I am working with a contractor to build an 15' x 17'addition to my home. The addition will have ... A: it kind of depends on where you live. If you live in a real wet climate you might need more ... | |
| concrete patio | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: my problem is that we have a covered patio and the concrete slab ends at the same spot that the ... A: adding more overhang could solve your problem but putting up sliding vinyl doors around the patio ... | |
| shed roof room addition | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: I am adding a room over my back deck 8x10 and I want to place the roof under the existing gabel ... A: like I said the two by fours will probably work but may sag over time..The spacing helps a bit but a ... | |
| footings for brick wall | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: i am wanting to build an ornamental wall in the garden made of aerated blocks size 1mtr wide x 2mtr ... A: for a wall like this a footing 60 cms wide and 30 cms deep should be sufficient if the soil is ... | |
| structure weight | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know the weight of a 24'x32' roof structure using 2x6's for rafters and joists, 1/2" ... A: your pounds per lineal foot on the total weight of the rafters is added to the congregate weight of ... | |
| shed roof room addition | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: I am adding a room over my back deck 8x10 and I want to place the roof under the existing gabel ... A: I guess it depends more on what kind of head room you want at the outside of the room. If 104" is ... | |
| header over pocket door | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, We're replacing 26" closet door with 32" pocket door. The header will be 2x8 - 6' in length ... A: If the existing header is working then it might be more trouble than it's worth to replace it but if ... | |
| structure weight | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know the weight of a 24'x32' roof structure using 2x6's for rafters and joists, 1/2" ... A: How about I provide you with the weights and you do the math? For the shingles figure 3 pounds per ... | |
| Piano on hardwood floor | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: I'm considering to replace my carpet with hardwood flooring. On that area, there would be a piano ... A: most engineered wood flooring will handle the weight of a piano as long as the substrate will hold ... | |
| Sour smelling drywall texture | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I have read 2 of your posts on this subject and this is my story and question. We had an addition ... A: I would give it a wait and see. Air the place out as much as possible. Obviously it would have ... | |
| adding a car lift in garage for storage of car. | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: I would like to put a car lift in my garage on one side of our 2.5 car garage. I do have a 11.5 ... A: your soil composition probably isn't that big of factor. Any hydraulic type lift of this sort will ... | |
| header over pocket door | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, We're replacing 26" closet door with 32" pocket door. The header will be 2x8 - 6' in length ... A: depending on your area you may be required to strap or clip your studs using Simpson hardware. ... | |
| header over pocket door | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, We're replacing 26" closet door with 32" pocket door. The header will be 2x8 - 6' in length ... A: yeah a double two by four or a 4x4 should be on each end. You can probably get by with a single 2x4 ... | |
| Insulation under raised deck | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: Following your answer previously re foil backed insulation, I have closed mine in with 2" blue ... A: first you need to get them out. This can be done with a humane trap or snare. Or you can have a ... | |
| Exposed 1x4 on foundation wall | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, Is it common to have exposed pressure treated 1x4 on my foundation wall? Thanks! A: I'm not sure what you are asking. Where is the exposed 1x4? If it is at the top of the foundation ... | |
| Size of a master bedroom and master bath | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of making plans to build my residential house. I luv spacious bedrooms and ... A: a bedroom, including the walk in closets should be around 8 meters x 6 meters with the adjoining ... | |
| Shed Flooring | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I'm building a outdoor shed on cement piers 6 inchs off the ground. I get some water run off that ... A: I would definitely use pressure treated plywood. Let it dry real good and prior to installing it ... | |
| enclosing covered patio to make bedroom | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: I am wondering how much work it will take to make a bedroom out of our covered back patio. Our home ... A: enclosing a covered patio is a good and relatively inexpensive way to add living area to your home ... | |
| Single wall extension | 6/19/2010 |
| Q: Im in the process of buying a house that has only a single wall kitchen extension, have viewed the ... A: are you referring to a single wythe hollow core masonry wall? If so then that is an acceptable way ... | |
| porch and deck | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: i would like to cover my cement porch with the no work or care decking. my husband says the water ... A: nonsense., it is done all the time. I like to put down "sleepers" first. Sleepers are strips of ... | |
| Spill on bricks | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: I don't know if you can answer this, but I had an old heating oil tank in my basement. When we were ... A: try some scented kitty litter. Not the expensive clumping stuff but the cheaper simple clay litter. ... | |
| fixer up home | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: I want to buy this 1947 home,but it would all have to be redone(Interior walls have paneling, ... A: it all depends on what you want and whether you have done your homework. If the house is quaint and ... | |
| opening a wall | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: I am building a single story addition onto my 100 year old 2 story home. I want to open up or ... A: I always like to refer people to structural engineers to be on the safe side. You know? CYOA so to ... | |
| wood deck over concrete | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: We want to build a wood deck over and existing concret patio. 2 sides of the deck will extend about ... A: the 5/4 should be okay but I would space it at 24" instead of every 48", 5/4 doesn't span 48" and ... | |
| Adding joists to a dirt floor basement | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a house in Colorado Springs built @ 1995 with a basement wherein part of it has a dirt floor. ... A: I would suggest that you pour concrete. Sand is one of the best bases for concrete if it is ... | |
| opening a wall | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: I am building a single story addition onto my 100 year old 2 story home. I want to open up or ... A: two angles should work or one 6x6x 3/8" should do it also. I suggest before anyone disturbs a ... | |
| Leaking deck addition | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I brought a house with a deck addition when there is hard rain the water from the deck addition ... A: I don't think the insulation has anything to do with the leaking. Your ceiling is just unfinished. ... | |
| ADDITION TO DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: BRUCE, I LIVE IN LOUISIANA MY HUSBAND AND I WANT TO ADD MORE FOOTAGE AND 2 BEDROOMS TO OUR TRAILOR. ... A: I'm sorry Ellisa, I don't know any contractors in your area. You can look up the website of the ... | |
| opening a wall | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: I am building a single story addition onto my 100 year old 2 story home. I want to open up or ... A: if the wall is holding up the second floor and the weight of the roof you might want to consult an ... | |
| Leaking deck addition | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: I brought a house with a deck addition when there is hard rain the water from the deck addition ... A: you don't mention if the deck makes up the roof of the basement or the deck is next to the basement ... | |
| Suggestion for ceiling color | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: My friend owns a log cabin restaurant with log walls and a peaked drywall ceiling.It is aprox.18 ft ... A: If it is a rustic look you want, then a color match to the lighter part of the woodwork would make a ... | |
| patio project | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: We have begun excavating for a new patio at our existing basement walkout. The door opening (which ... A: It all depends. If the chimney foundation is done properly it should be at or below the basement ... | |
| Super strong barn floor on block perimeter | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of building a 40 x 60 Gambrel bank barn. Because of the property I will need to ... A: I say the LVLs are the way to go. You can get them sized to meet your weight requirements. Contact ... | |
| barn joists | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: ....... i have a problem i am trying to figure out, and wondered if you might be able to ... A: if you really want a heavy duty floor system I suggest using engineered wood girders that can be ... | |
| header replacement / temp support | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: I want to replace two side by side windows having individual headers with a single window and a ... A: yes a double 2x10 header should span the new opening no problem with a double trimmer or cripple ... | |
| wall studs bulging | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: I am not sure if this is your area of expertise but we are having another issue with our house and I ... A: If you had sinkhole problems before then I would also look at that as a potential cause for your ... | |
| Huge Remodel | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: We hired a contractor to essentially tear down our ranch and rebuild a two story home in its place. ... A: contact your local building department and report this. Also it wouldn't hurt to hire an attorney. ... | |
| Concrete Slab Demolition | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: I have been demolishing my grandfather's house by hand. My Parish(County) started giving us grief ... A: that's a lot of concrete. Are you sure that the slab is that thick? Normally the slab will be only ... | |
| Fascia Board | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: I have some rot in my fascia boards. Some area are small and I might be able to repair with Durham's ... A: it sounds like the wood you are replacing is 2x8 and 2x10..most planed lumber nowadays is 7 1/4" for ... | |
| replace three roof trusses | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Johnson, three roof trusses of our new home were damaged during the construction. they are ... A: I'm not sure why a truss repair is cause for alarm. Most truss companies perform field repairs ... | |
| wall studs bulging | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I am not sure if this is your area of expertise but we are having another issue with our house and I ... A: the more you write the more I have a feeling that your contractor used a very cheap form of wood for ... | |
| PERGOLA DESIGN HELP | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I'm having a 14' x 11' pergola built in the back yard. The posts and beams are 6x6. The rafters are ... A: it really depends on where you live and the quality and quantity of good lumber yards in your are. ... | |
| PERGOLA DESIGN HELP | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I'm having a 14' x 11' pergola built in the back yard. The posts and beams are 6x6. The rafters are ... A: first of all, after looking at the photos you attached, the cabanas shown are not the same as the ... | |
| crowned floors | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2 story house with a pier and beam foundation. We have laminate wood flooring which is ... A: whether or not to remove the subfloor kind of depends on how easy it is to take up. Many homes have ... | |
| crowned floors | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2 story house with a pier and beam foundation. We have laminate wood flooring which is ... A: are you sure the bulging is caused by the floor system? Sometimes if laminate flooring is installed ... | |
| Plywood, tape & compound? | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I am building an art studio and using a/c plywood walls. Someone put some non paintable sealant ... A: well you have a couple of options from what I can see. You can pull the silicone (I'm assuming it's ... | |
| header beam info | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: Aloha Bruce, Is there a chart that is used in carpentry framing to determine header beam sizes for ... A: Aloha mike g., I am sending you a link on how to calculate header sizes. It's a little tutorial ... | |
| window question | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a new home, but tend to get a lot of condensation on the inside of my windows. I've even ... A: it sounds more like a humidity control problem with your air conditioning/heating system. If you are ... | |
| Driveway stenciling | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: Assuming that the driveway is prepped properly, is there a longevity and/or maintenance issue that ... A: it all depends on the look you want. Paints are solid and cover imperfections better but also show ... | |
| Addition to Garage | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: Thinking of adding a small addition to my garage. A basic shed roof on the back opposite the door ... A: your ideas work for me. Just make sure your wood is all pressure treated and you should be good to ... | |
| foundation | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, does it matter that my foundation is up to 2" low in spots? The top plate is all over the ... A: If the foundation has sunken this much in three years you have a problem. If it was just a poor ... | |
| berming a mobile home | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if it is possible to berm a mobile home on three sides. I was thinking of supporting ... A: I don't think a mobile home has the bearing capacity to support earth berming. The walls will ... | |
| Steel Security screen door | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: My husband just installed a screen security door at the front entry with a concrete slab porch that ... A: it would probably be a good idea to extend your stoop in this area. The best way I can see to do ... | |
| Live & dead Load calculation | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I plan on building a garage this summer. The dimensions are 26 feet by 26 feet. It will be on a ... A: the live load is how much weight the floor is expected to support plus and added percentage usually ... | |
| mortar mix for cultured stone grout | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I'm having trouble using a grout bag. Mortar doesn't want to come out. I've played around with ... A: you have to find what works best for you but the more cement to sand ratio the better, usually it's ... | |
| Garage floor and apron one piece | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: I live in Minnesota so the ground freezes. The soild is very sandy. My garage floor and apron are ... A: my guess is that your garage/apron slab has a monolithic footing incorporated into it to support the ... | |
| Crawl space humidity | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: Back in 2005 you spoke of a ventilated crawl space as the answer for humidity. Everything I have ... A: yes the thinking has changed over the years as to ventilation of confined space. Over the last few ... | |
| Concrete block size | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I am building a 2 story house using concrete blocks drystacked and coated on both sides with SBC ... A: if you are using say 12" blocks on your first floor walls and 8" block on the second floor walls you ... | |
| putting in a double sided stove | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I'm putting in a double sided stove where there was originally a fire place either side of the ... A: I'm not quite sure what you are asking here. You say you have the lintels already installed and yet ... | |
| Load Bearing Wall - Respacing/Removing Studs | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: We are hoping to open up the wall between our kitchen and family room. We do not want to remove the ... A: if you are sure the wall is load bearing you are better off installing a header in the wall to ... | |
| Roof Construction - Palm Harbor Mobile Home | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: I own a 1995 Palm Harbor 18 x 80 mobile home. It is a single-wide. I want to add a 10 - 12" overhang ... A: Most single wide mobile homes that have a bowed roof are made from 2x2's. If the roof is peaked or ... | |
| Header design | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: Looking at retro-fitting into an existing 13' tall block wall (blocks 4" high / 8" wide) a 7' x 9' ... A: that seems an odd size for blocks 4x8 but anyways, you are on the right track. The lintel or header ... | |
| basement and swimming pool | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: can you pls tell me what is the basic difference in the construction of basement and that of ... A: there can be several differences depending on the type of pool construction. To do a basement ... | |
| pre-made extension for mobile homes | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know, if there is such a thing as pre-made rooms for mobile homes, used as ... A: there are several companies out there that offer modular home additions here is one website: ... | |
| tyvek/fram integrity | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: We are building a home and after the home was wrapped with Tyvek the siding was installed, then the ... A: if the plywood underneath isn't damaged too much in the process of removing the shakes and the tyvek ... | |
| steel support beams | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: I am going to add a13x20 room extenstion it will be about six feet above grade can Isupport the ... A: I suppose you could support the frame with steel posts. There are several sizes available, the 3" ... | |
| foundation uner existing addition | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Good day, I have a 16x13 additon on stilts (pillers). I would like to know how to go about building ... A: I am assuming that the existing foundation of your house is a basement otherwise what would you need ... | |
| insulating and finishing aceiling under a sundeck | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: We are building an addition onto our house. We had a cement foundation poured to meet up with the ... A: if the deck is waterproofed properly there shouldn't be any moisture coming through so yI hope this ... | |
| Removing a wall with an electrical outlet and lightswitch | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: We are thinking of expanding a bedroom in our basement but there is an awkward wall that is stopping ... A: tracing down an outlet or light switch circuit isn't too difficult. Chances are that the outlet is ... | |
| metal lintel | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: i want to turn a window into a doorway. the exterior wall is constructed of 4 inch brick and 4 inch ... A: if you are only making the new door the width of the existing window then you shouldn't need to do ... | |
| Concrete driveway | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: Recently we hired a painter to repair and repaint the driveway it was in bad shape a lot of the ... A: Like I said there are several reasons why your paint is peeling. If the concrete was dry then ... | |
| How to trim nails shot by a ram set | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: While framing my basement I used a ram set to hold up some furring strips, unfortunately some of the ... A: I usually just take a hammer and set the nails with that. A small two pound sledge should do it. I ... | |
| attaching new basement foundation to existing (exterior) house/basement foundation | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: I have extensively searched the internet for answers/tips on how to attach a new basement foundation ... A: okay, I think I have it straight. You want to build a basement foundation next to your existing ... | |
| Concrete driveway | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: Recently we hired a painter to repair and repaint the driveway it was in bad shape a lot of the ... A: there could be a couple of answers. One is that the driveway wasn't completely dry. The driveway my ... | |
| support beam | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: Building a 24x26 garage w/ two 9ft doors along the 26ft length ceiling height 11ft. At the 12ft mark ... A: a 16" deep wood I-joist or 16" deep LVL laminated joists set at 16" on center should span the 24' ... | |
| 2x12 lumber compared to LVL beam | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: I am building a pole building and have been trying to find information to compare the structural ... A: I am not an engineer. However I don't see why, with a 10' span, you can't use a double 2x12 for ... | |
| load bearing | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: Just bought 30'wide x 40'deep building.Barn roof.11' ceiling 1st floor, 8' ceiling up top. 2x4 walls ... A: Of course you can. The ceiling joists you have right now won't make it for supporting any weight ... | |
| insulation under a sunroom on a deck | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: I read your answer about under deck fiberglass (12/11/2007) insulation and would like to know if I ... A: without seeing your actual design it seems like the answers to all of your questions is yes. You ... | |
| 2x12 lumber compared to LVL beam | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: I am building a pole building and have been trying to find information to compare the structural ... A: go to the following website. www.cwc.ca/Resources/E-Tools/SpanCalc. The span calculator will ... | |
| support beam | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: Building a 24x26 garage w/ two 9ft doors along the 26ft length ceiling height 11ft. At the 12ft mark ... A: to carry a 12' span of floor load I would say a double 2x12 or 4x12 beam of conventional lumber or a ... | |
| exterior insulation | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: Heklo, I live in Thunder Bay On Canada. I am installing new vinyl siding on my home. Before the ... A: It should help but I would make sure that before the siding goes on I would install felt paper or a ... | |
| header opening | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: I am building a garage and I am using roof trusses. The garage door will be an 18' opening on the ... A: I would definitely recommend a beam. You will need a beam if you ever want to install a garage door ... | |
| Removing a support post | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of making plans to finish my basement. In order to create a more open plan, I am ... A: If there aren't any bearing walls on the section of floor you want to remove the post from you might ... | |
| wet drywall | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: we bought our first house last year and over the winter,the walls and slanted ceiling are wet. The ... A: If you put a vapor barrier on the inside of the outside wall it may trap moisture and create a water ... | |
| concrete patio | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: have a small (10X10) concrete patio - want to lengthen it - (10X45). one contractor says the old ... A: Hey Mark, if the old patio flush with the surrounding area and the new slab will sit entirely on the ... | |
| Converting Garage Attic into Living Space | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: I'm trying to assess what it would take to build out a living area (closet, extra room) above my ... A: it may be a pain to go through the proper channels to get the living area permitted but in the long ... | |
| crawl-space | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: I live on a house that has 1/2 of the foundation is basement, 1/4 is crawl space, and 1/4 of space ... A: digging out a crawl space isn't as easy as all that. There may be a reason there is only a ... | |
| Build a wall on an exisitng slab | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: After successfully tackling interior remodeling in our small 25-yr. old home, my husband and I wish ... A: The easiest way to attach block to concrete is to drill a hole and epoxy pieces of #4 or #5 rebar ... | |
| Making Walkout Basement | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: I'm looking at the question/answer you did here ... A: not necessarily. If you put a frost wall type of footing on the retaining walls on each side of the ... | |
| Composite decking over pool deck | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, My in-ground pool's deck is approximately 30+ years. It's looking rough although it's been ... A: I have never personally done a composite deck around a pool but I have done composite decking on top ... | |
| Converting Garage Attic into Living Space | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: I'm trying to assess what it would take to build out a living area (closet, extra room) above my ... A: if the house is only a year old you probably have access to the house plans and possibly the name of ... | |
| microlam | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: i am extending my one car garage to a two car. what size microlam is needed to span the 16' door ... A: that information is generally available from the microlam manufacturer but 3.5" x 16" should work ... | |
| wet drywall | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: we bought our first house last year and over the winter,the walls and slanted ceiling are wet. The ... A: I guess it depends on what type of insulation it is and how it was installed. A foil faced or paper ... | |
| Concrete Slab | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: We are adding a concrete slab to an existing patio to extend it. My question is...what should we ... A: I'm sorry but your question doesn't make much sense to me. Normally you would build your concrete ... | |
| roof trust | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: i,m thinking abouttaking out the center wall between the kitchen and living room ilooked in the ... A: if the trusses look like they span from outside wall to outside wall then the interior kitchen wall ... | |
| Building Concrete Homes in the Tropics | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm building a home in Ghana West Africa. The readily available building material is concrete. The ... A: one of the simplest ways to keep exterior walls from heating up during hot days is to create large ... | |
| trusses | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: I am remodeling my living room and was wondering if it is possible to convert my regular queen ... A: yes it is possible to create scissor trusses out of common trusses. If you can take a picture of ... | |
| framing | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: I have a stick framed 7/12 gable roof on a one story house that is 14' deep x 30' wide w/ ridge ... A: If I understand your question properly I think you should be able to do what you want with the ... | |
| walls | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: what is a low bearing wall A: you are probably referring to a "load" bearing wall. The load bearing walls are the ones that ... | |
| Stone tiles on wall | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: I am gearing up to install mosaic stone tiles on a living room wall (approximately 170 square feet). ... A: I build a lot of commercial bathrooms which often involve tile over gypsum board and steel studs. ... | |
| Beam span | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: I am building a coverd patio. It is 10' out and 19' across. I am using 0ne 6x6 post at each outer ... A: a 4x6 for a 19 foot span is a little puny. You can, however add a knee brace at each end to cut the ... | |
| concrete patio extension | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, My husband and I would like to extend our patio out about 3 feet and run it along the back of ... A: If I read you correctly you want to pour a 15'x6' area and a 3'x 25' area for a total of 90+75=165 ... | |
| 19th century restoration | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: this is a interior photo of the east wing third floor room. Didnt remember if I sent this before. ... A: cool..Yeah I don't see any problems with just tearing out the joists and removing the wall as long ... | |
| main support beam | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: My nephew just purchased a home in Philly. There was lots of remodeling done. One of the items was ... A: there are some instances, if properly designed, a spliced beam as you mention is acceptable. ... | |
| Late 19th century restoration | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a late 19th century Castle outside Damville France. It is a 4 story ... A: sorry, but I've been a little busy the last couple days. Anyways, I reread your letter a couple of ... | |
| Mobile Home damage | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: A friend of mine had his double wide mobile home vandalized last August. Unit is a 1998 60x28' ... A: the sagging floors are due to the fact that they are probably particle board which totally ... | |
| Concrete patio | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, I am trying to save money for a stamped concrete patio in my back yard next to my house. I ... A: gosh it varies a lot with the type of stamped concrete you want. Ten bucks a square foot on the ... | |
| Late 19th century restoration | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a late 19th century Castle outside Damville France. It is a 4 story ... A: I'm really not sure just what you are trying to do. Just basic interior remodeling shouldn't ... | |
| basement | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: so from outside its just a cement parking lot? ANSWER: Hi lamar, I'm a little confused by your ... A: the vapor barrier would be similar to an asphalt roof so that it can't leak even if the concrete ... | |
| Late 19th century restoration | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a late 19th century Castle outside Damville France. It is a 4 story ... A: every structural renovation of this building will have its own unique problems. To be very basic ... | |
| floor of office above garage creaks | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: garage ceiling is attic trusts made of 2x4's, 16" on center with a span of 16' and they were ... A: I'm sorry but there is a big difference between storing some junk in the attic and actually using ... | |
| basement | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: so from outside its just a cement parking lot? A: I'm a little confused by your question. Basically, if you are using a concrete slab for parking and ... | |
| replace the tar paper from the inside, re-create the integrity of the moisture seal? | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: Running tightly alongside our stucco house concrete foundation was plastic sheeting that trapped ... A: yes that is a nasty business, mold. I think you are on the right track with the bleach. Try ... | |
| Easy Gard and Tyvek | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: We are building a beach house and the specs called for Tyvek. I see our contractor is using Easy ... A: I would definately mention it to the builder. If the specs call for Tyvek then you should get ... | |
| First floor on Load bearing building | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: On my load bearing home I wants to construct the first floor where all the walls at first floor will ... A: If I understand your question correctly you want to build your second floor walls so that they are ... | |
| joist's | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: i have a question about a raised foundation house, this ? is the floor support's under the sub ... A: you are referring to the posts and beams that support the floor joists. This is also sometimes ... | |
| kitchen floor load bearing capacity | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: I am having my kitchen renovated and the following are key load points. 1)Refrigerator/freezer 2' x ... A: check out the following website for lumber calculation.. ... | |
| Floor between basement and first floor | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a few questions I hope that's ok. First, the 1st floor of our home is approximately 1550 Sq ... A: if your beams are 8' apart and your joists are 2x8 then I would say your beams are undersized. A ... | |
| insulation in cinder block house | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: I am purchasing a 1000 sq.ft. cinder block house located in southern Florida. It was built in '73, ... A: Masonry construction in Florida is insulated a couple of different ways. Foam is injected into the ... | |
| Furnace room ceiling | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: I installed 5/8 firecode sheetrock above furnace,my next step is to seal the joints.Do they have a ... A: standard three coat joint compound over paper or fiberglass tape will suffice. A three coat finish ... | |
| Roof Joist Span | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I am visiting my daughter in Australia. She came here on a University Affiliation Program 14 years ... A: I believe structural select is as good or better than #2 as I mentioned in my previous response. ... | |
| shop loft | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: My friends and I are going to building a storage loft in an old shop. The loft is going to be ... A: sorry but your question doesn't make sense to me. You want to build a 4'x24' loft but you don't ... | |
| Cracked Floor | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: Bruce, I have a garage on my home that has a poured concrete floor. The floor has developed a crack ... A: any good concrete restoration contractor or waterproofing contractor should be able to help you. ... | |
| Roof Joist Span | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I am visiting my daughter in Australia. She came here on a University Affiliation Program 14 years ... A: or should I say G'day mate? 18.5 feet is a pretty hefty span. Depending on what sizes are ... | |
| cracked foundation in sunken living room | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: My home was built in the 70's. The living room is approximately 8 inches lower than the rest of the ... A: I don't know how inexpensive it would be in your area or if you can do the work yourself but ... | |
| opening existing kitchen and dining space | 2/6/2010 |
| Q: I want to take a wall down between the kitchen and living room, approx. a 14 foot span with an ... A: I wouldn't use less than a double two by twelve with no splices in it. In other words use full ... | |
| load-bearing wall | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: I am finishing off our basement and wish to move a window. Is it possible to support not only the ... A: chances are that your floor joists sit on top of the basement wall. This means that if you support ... | |
| Identifying Timber Frame Construction | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: What's the best way/ways to identify when a building is timber framed or standard block & brick ... A: From the looks of the picture you sent, the window panel looks like it is wood framed... In fact it ... | |
| Installing French doors | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: In my kitchen I currently have a double window in a block wall with stucco on the outside. The ... A: Yes that is pretty much it. Cut the sides, knock out the block and then fill the open cells of the ... | |
| External Wall | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: Please can you tell me what size RSJ i would need to support the knocking down of a external load ... A: I'm not sure what the term RSJ means..A 17 foot span that you speak of should require a 16" ... | |
| Low Garage Door Clearance | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: Hey Bruce, I recently bought a home and wanted to install an automatic garage door opener. Luckily, ... A: have you done any research on garage door openers? Genie has new models that require little ... | |
| Beam strength | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: I had a 20x26 bedroom addition built on back of my ranch house. I used 50' clear span roof trusses ... A: I understood your question the first time. I guess you didn't understand my answer. What I am ... | |
| Extending My Kitchen and Dinning Room | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: I am considering buying a two story home with very small square footage because it meets all my ... A: where your outside wall exists at this point in time is where your roof structure sits. These are ... | |
| Wet floors | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a downstairs flat which has a bad condensation/damp problem. It was built ... A: first of all you need to stop the moisture at its source. Hillside construction requires that you ... | |
| Beam strength | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: I had a 20x26 bedroom addition built on back of my ranch house. I used 50' clear span roof trusses ... A: I think the inspector is creating an overbuilt situation. If anything you should be able to ... | |
| cedar beam span | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: will 4x8 cedar rafters spaced 4 feet apart span 15 feet and support (w/o sagging) an aluminum cover ... A: if you put the crown side up you might be okay but 15 feet is a long span for a 4x8 even without any ... | |
| Chandelier | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: We are thinking of changing an old chandelier in DR with a new pendant. but our contractor says the ... A: most ceiling fixtures are hung from electrical boxes that are attached to ceiling joists, trusses or ... | |
| Building in stages/concrete slab | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: I'd like to build a small (~800 sq ft) L-shaped, slab-on-grade structure to use as a vacation cabin ... A: Unless you plan on building the whole building within a six month period..I would only build the 800 ... | |
| water | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: Everytime it rains water comes into house at the bottom of an exterior wall. this wall backs uo to ... A: water is a very enigmatic thing at times. Basically, water will seek it's own level, find any ... | |
| Framing for drywall in basement with concrete | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: We would like to drywall an outside concrete basement wall. It has a window and we are not sure how ... A: if you have to go several inches from the concrete for your wall framing then 2x4 pressure treated ... | |
| Hang heavy picture from TJI | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: I want to hang a very heavy picture over our fireplace. The Above the fireplace is stone and ... A: yes you can use a stud finder to locate your joists. A 1/4" x 3" eye bolt lag screw will support up ... | |
| adding a beam to an old house | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: I'm working on a structural problem in my 1909 house and trying to decide how to proceed. When the ... A: 60-65 pounds a square foot is a pretty standard calculation for a load such as this. I think you ... | |
| Termite damage on attic truss | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: Hey Bruce, I have an older home (1962) that has some previous termite damage on a ceiling joist in ... A: as long as your splice is four feet longer than the repair it should probably be long enough. But I ... | |
| Attic moisture in cinder block building | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2 family cinder block salt box. The sheet rock is attached to firring strips. There are no ... A: it sounds like you have too much ventilation in the attic. More and more architects are getting ... | |
| Adding a closet to an existing room | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: I'm going to be adding a closet into the corner of an existing room, how would I go about tying it ... A: I seldom if ever knock out drywall on existing walls to add something like closet framing. First I ... | |
| Fraud? | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: This may not be in your area of expertise, but I'll give it a try. We recently had a house built, ... A: I am not an attorney but if your contract specifies Benjamin Moore and they used another type of ... | |
| Mobile Home Removal | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: My wife and I are in the process of bidding on a home and need to get rid of our current trailer. ... A: to have a demolition company come on your property, demolish your mobile, pack it into dumptrucks ... | |
| layout/ framing | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: i need to know how too layout and frame with 45 degree angles A: gee, I don't know where to start. If you have a framing square and hold equal numbers on each ... | |
| basement crawl space | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: i am digging out a partial basement not all the way around my house but atleast the back half, i ... A: yes it is mostly labor intensive...the reshoring materials you need will determine the cost..and ... | |
| garage door header | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I am building a 28x32 garage with 8 ft walls. There will be a 16x7 door and a 9x7 door what do I ... A: I would use a double 2x12 with a 1/2" plywood center for each header..based on your wall height you ... | |
| Drill through or frame a space in joists | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I'm adding a bathroom and need to make a run of pipe across (3) 2 x 10 joists for a 3" toilet drain ... A: I would take 3/4" plywood and sandwich it on each side of the joist over a 4' length or a 2x10 4' ... | |
| bathroom renovation | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: Do I need to put a pan in the bathroom floor, we poured new concrete floor, Thanks A: please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely, bruce e ... | |
| Dead load | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I have recently taken on a bathroom project that now has me concerned with the dead load I have ... A: at this point you are only adding 36 pounds a square foot to the floor in this area..I don't see how ... | |
| Re: acceptable load limit on 2nd story? | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: First of all, I would like to thank you advance for your time and expertise. I am wondering how the ... A: the closer you get to a bearing wall the stronger the joists become. Think of a plank laying over ... | |
| Re: acceptable load limit on 2nd story? | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: First of all, I would like to thank you advance for your time and expertise. I am wondering how the ... A: you are only talking about 80 something pounds a square foot on the sound equipment, which, along an ... | |
| basement crawl space | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: i am digging out a partial basement not all the way around my house but atleast the back half, i ... A: every project like this is a little different. The best way to do it is to start away from the ... | |
| Maximum wood stud O.C. | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: in designing the studs for a two story home, I am getting conflicting stories regarding what is ... A: it would be difficult to go wider than 24" spacing because of the sheathing material involved. It ... | |
| 6 x6 timbers | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I am building a pole barn of sorts and using 6 x 6 treated timbers for supports. I plan to firmly ... A: It's possible to get accurate post placement using batter boards and string lines. By pulling a ... | |
| basement | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: i have a smaller home about 1000 sq feet and am tryin to utilize the basement with not alot of head ... A: 16 feet is a long span for a beam made out of 2x6's. Plus you have to realize that your existing ... | |
| Strength of a Plywood Box | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I had a friend of mine who is a general contractor install an electric hot water heater for me. ... A: If the top panel of the box covers the sides then you should be fine. This allows the plywood to ... | |
| Lally Column Spacing | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2 story modular home built in 1986. The support columns in the basement are roughly 8 feet ... A: Chances are that (a) the columns support a main beam that consists of the two inner rim joists of ... | |
| ventillation | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: We built a new home in 2005. We notiiced our vinyl fllors curling up, floors warping and wet spots ... A: humidity inside your home should be easily handled by your air conditioning equipment. The normal ... | |
| 2X8 FLOOR | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE A HOUSE THAT THE FLOOR FOR THE ATTIC WAS 2X8. WE WANT TO GO UP AND USE AS LIVING ARE, WE ARE ... A: 11'-6" is probably pushing the envelope for a 2x8 span but it should be okay..I recommend a row of ... | |
| Block Home Remeodeling | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a block house in Alabama and have several questions. My first question has to do with ... A: most condensation problems are caused by improper sealing of the exterior walls and lack of proper ... | |
| support beams and building matterial | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: Johnson, I just came across your site and found it to be very informative. My question is my house ... A: it is not uncommon to use multiple 2x8, 2x10 etc. nailed together to make up a 4x8 or 4x10 or even ... | |
| mold | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: i read about insulating under a pier and beam house in southeast texas and my concern is the ... A: first of all, any crawl space should have a vapor barrier on the ground to repel the ground's ... | |
| mobile home | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: How far apart are the floor joist in a mobile home ? The type of home I'm refering to is the type in ... A: it varies from manufacturer and size of joist.. standard is 16" and sometimes on modular units 24" ... | |
| Floor beam | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: Hey Bruce, I am in the planning stage of a raise floor for an addition. Wondering why from what I ... A: you didn't say in your letter who says you can't put joist hangers opposite of each other. But did ... | |
| Enlarging crawl space opening | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: The crawl space under my house is 6' high at the lowest place (by the door). The door opening is ... A: I don't see a problem doing what you want to do. I'm not sure what kind of header your existing ... | |
| conceal beam | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: i have a room of 28 feet* 11 feet. 28 feet in length and 11 in width. this room apart from ... A: a joist hanger is made of metal and is shaped like a saddle. It is attached to the beam and the ... | |
| attaching a ledger board to a brick wall | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: i saw some your discussions and would like to know once i locate the studs do i locate them every 16 ... A: If your studs are laid out at 16" on center then the answer to the first part of your question is ... | |
| siding | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: I am reducing an 18 foot garage opening to 9 feet. It's the front of the house, and is actually the ... A: if the existing wood siding, I am betting that it is plywood T-111, is in good termite free ... | |
| conceal beam | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: i have a room of 28 feet* 11 feet. 28 feet in length and 11 in width. this room apart from ... A: it sounds to me like the builder needed to add the "intermediate" flush beam to cut the span of your ... | |
| home repair | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: just removed a window encasement. want to fill hole with cinder block.want to know the correct way ... A: a little trick I have seen masons do, and I have done it myself, is to use chips of block or small ... | |
| building a shed on a brick foundation | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: I recently moved into a home with a little shed in the back. The old shed sits on a 15 x 15 foot ... A: I've read this question several times over the last couple days trying to figure it out. A lot of ... | |
| Outside basement entrance | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: We are finishing our basement and want to add an outside entrance to our basement. The basement has ... A: a standard, handicap accessible ramp is a 1/12 pitch so every one foot of rise would require 12' of ... | |
| Leaking Floor | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: In the process of expanding the kitchen wall out into flushed existing concrete deck, my contractor ... A: you can try caulking along the exterior where the wall meets the slab. Use a good urethane caulk, ... | |
| Concrete roof | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm building a concrete shed with 8" filled CMU block walls and 12ft x 8ft interior roof span. The ... A: Using #4 rebar, I would go to 8" on center or up my rebar size to #5. The steel should be located ... | |
| Foundation-Water Seepage | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: I just recently renovated my home. The joint where the new foundation wall meets the old, I am ... A: the best place for water intrusion protection is outside. If you can dig up the area in question ... | |
| support pole with water in it(basement) | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: We removed the old support pole for the main beam and reinforced same in the basement. However, ... A: you definitely need to remove as much of the post as possible and probably remove the section of ... | |
| Possible code violation | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: I live in Pennsylvania and I was wondering if in an apartment building if they don't have heater ... A: it's easy enough to find out. Call your fire department or building department and request an ... | |
| support pole with water in it(basement) | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: We removed the old support pole for the main beam and reinforced same in the basement. However, ... A: hydraulic cement should do the trick. There are also some commercial products available through ... | |
| surfacing a deck/roof | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: we have a huge problem with a 1000 square foot flat roof which is supposed to be a deck. It was ... A: there are several cementious type of underlayments that are mainly used to level floors prior to ... | |
| surfacing a deck/roof | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: we have a huge problem with a 1000 square foot flat roof which is supposed to be a deck. It was ... A: no wood or tile? That kind of narrows your choices down. I like to use composite decking in these ... | |
| building | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a house that sits in high water table area with sandy loam. The basement is 8 feet down. We ... A: what kind of problems are you having? If it's water getting into the basement, this can be fixed. ... | |
| removing section of load bearing wall. | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I have a split entry built in '77. I want to open a span on the main load bearing wall ... A: for a span of less than ten feet, either of your ideas will work. Just be sure to support the floor ... | |
| Patio Cover | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: We are planning to build an attached patio cover in the back of our home on top of a concrete slab ... A: It kind of depends on how your walls are constructed. If they are cement block with brick veneer ... | |
| Granite and Marbles | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: A supplier is supplying different kind of marble and granite to my site to be fixed as thresholds ... A: if you are testing for specificity then the tests would be related to what you ordered: verification ... | |
| Side Entrance to Basement | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: I am in the midst of trying to hire a contractor to put a side entrance for direct access to the ... A: a basement entrance will require retaining walls on each side of the entrance beginning at the ... | |
| adding to a roof | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I saw a question from 2008 that was similar to my issue, My Mom's house has the main entry ... A: it appears from your drawing that the eaves at the inside corner of your roof are level. I would ... | |
| adding bathroom and toilet | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: My house is a 2 story with a toilet on the main floor. I'd like add a half bath and a toilet in the ... A: it sounds like you will need to cut into your concrete floor and bring the sewer into the house from ... | |
| Granite and Marbles | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: A supplier is supplying different kind of marble and granite to my site to be fixed as thresholds ... A: I am assuming that the marble and granite was ordered per a specification in the project spec ... | |
| Patio Cover | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: We are planning to build an attached patio cover in the back of our home on top of a concrete slab ... A: I would trim the rafter tails back at what I assume is the kitchen roof and then attach the ledger ... | |
| adding bathroom and toilet | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: My house is a 2 story with a toilet on the main floor. I'd like add a half bath and a toilet in the ... A: that is a complicated question. Without knowing some particulars I can only speculate on cost and ... | |
| reinforce foundation | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: old house in Calif.with weak foundation (not slab; 8 inch concrete 'curb' to which mudsill bolted). ... A: it is not necessarily mandatory for the mudsill to be bolted. There are straps available for this ... | |
| addition | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to extend the family room over my existing patio. It measures 13' by 23'. minimum ... A: with just the information given I would say your cost will be somewhere between 50-75 dollars a ... | |
| reinforce foundation | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: old house in Calif.with weak foundation (not slab; 8 inch concrete 'curb' to which mudsill bolted). ... A: if you had similar work done before what is preventing you from having the same type of work ... | |
| New Header | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: I recently had a three panel door installed in the back wall of my family room which used to be a ... A: it's hard to say what is causing your problem. Apparently you and the contractor have decided that ... | |
| porch posts | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: If we want to build a small house (1100sq.ft.) and want to add a front porch (10x10) how many ... A: are you talking about just a porch floor? A post 55" tall wouldn't work to support a porch roof ... | |
| Expanding an existing doorway in a load bearing brick wall | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: I sure hope you can help! My husband and I are renovating his mother's old house. They added an all ... A: the column support isn't the main problem here that needs to be overcome. Over this old door ... | |
| foudation | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: I have a ? for you,the term Recap a foundation what does that mean ?, the ? is a California based ?, ... A: Okay, that makes more sense..apparently the foundation on one side of the house needs to be elevated ... | |
| foudation | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: I have a ? for you,the term Recap a foundation what does that mean ?, the ? is a California based ?, ... A: it is not a familiar term to me..It sounds like maybe your foundation top needs to be floated with ... | |
| bulding garage on cinder block foundation | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: The garage is insulated and half drywalled. The question that i have is the walls are built on top ... A: it's not a big deal if the wood sill is pressure treated wood or some other decay resistang species ... | |
| commercial low slope roof | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: I basically need to know how to tell if people don't know what they are doing, and if they are even ... A: where do I start? It sounds like you have done some legwork already on this one. First of all, the ... | |
| below grade | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: What does it mean when a fire says my basement has to be below 2 1/2 feet below grade? A: not sure what you mean by "fire" in this question. But normally grade is the surround ground around ... | |
| spalling or scaling concrete | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: In the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, a common problem in nearly all buildings is the spalling of both ... A: the best way to prevent moisture penetration is to stop it at its source which is the exterior of ... | |
| Can my floor hold a fish tank? | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: We were given a large fish tank and want to make sure it won't fall through the floor to the ... A: without knowing what size the floor joists in your floor system and how long they span makes it hard ... | |
| microlam | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: i am opening up a gable end wall that has a finished garage on other side of it to extend the living ... A: for a ten foot span I would use at least a 9.5" microlam beam, or a double 2x10..your microlam ... | |
| Water leak from chimney | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: There is a water leak originating from the area where the chimney flashing meets the roof. the water ... A: I suppose you could take a sawzall and cut between the joists, up through the subfloor and drop out ... | |
| Using rigid insulation behind standard insulation | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a room above our garage that i am attempting to make into a living space. It currently has ... A: no need for extensive furring strips and all that stuff..the newer foam insulation sheets are dense ... | |
| concrete building | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I am wanting to build a concrete block building with a metal roof for a bunk house at our ranch ... A: If you are going to use steel roof joists you install metal embed plates in the concrete bond beam ... | |
| Building a new cedar deck over existing concrete patio | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: We are currently getting estimates to have a new 12'x28' deck built onto an existing, 8 year old ... A: I don't see any reason to worry about deck "circulation" in your case. First of all you would want ... | |
| Floor Joists | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I am adding an addition onto the back of my house. It will span 32' by 18'6". I built 3 8" ... A: you need an intermediate support beam to cut the span of your joists in half..a 2x10 floor joist ... | |
| concrete | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I am building an addition to my house witch involves me connecting a slab which is a 10 x 16 and ... A: first of all if you have good soil conditions, the pad is well compacted prior to pourng the new ... | |
| Adding footing to carport slab in order to enclose it | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: We want to add walls to an existing carport that currently has a concrete slab (about 5-6" thick). ... A: usually in a situation like this you can dig down and undermine the edge of the slab, dig underneath ... | |
| header boxes in ceiling joists | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: Is there a limit to the number of header boxes you can build into the ceiling joists? I'm looking ... A: if you are heading off the joists then you should be okay..athe 25" rule was for drilling a hole in ... | |
| header boxes in ceiling joists | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: Is there a limit to the number of header boxes you can build into the ceiling joists? I'm looking ... A: normally you put your boxes alongside the joist/beam instead of inside the joist or beam..If it is ... | |
| Garage door header replacement. | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a home built in the late sixties that has a roof that has been leaking for some time and ... A: yes that is the right way to do it..another option is to have the header all the way up to the ... | |
| Load Bearing and headers | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: Couple questions - Window header on the main floor of a 2story. It's on a load bearing wall and we ... A: Yes you can move your window header up and hang those joists on hangers. Good call. Same with the ... | |
| pier versus footings for garage | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: I am renovating 60 year old 15ft wide X 18ft garage with rotted out sill on 18ft side that appeared ... A: if the old footings have been holding up the wall and your only problem is the bad mudsill then you ... | |
| Replacing Main Beam | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: I'm selling my home and the buyer's building inspection revealed the main beam in my house is ... A: it kind of depends on the access..It sounds like it is a basement or a main floor situation so the ... | |
| concrete | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I'm building an exterior patio that is going to be raised about 8 feet off the ground. It ... A: for abutting the plywood walls I would first flash the wall with galvanized metal or a peel and ... | |
| Mobile Home Addition | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a stand alone room that I would like to attach to the back door of my mobile home. My mobile ... A: if you are talking about weatherproofing the connection then it is not too difficult for the wall ... | |
| small addition footings | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: Im doing a 8x8 mud room addition onto my existing house. What kind of footings should i use and how ... A: it depends on where you live. Most northern states have deep freezes and it is best to put you ... | |
| Raising the roof of 2nd story attic | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: We live in a lovely 1912 bungalow which has stairs leading to an attic but the ceiling and roof are ... A: making an attic into a living area doesn't really add that much weight to a foundation and support ... | |
| Raft foundation pumping | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I am having a reinforced concrete raft foundation laid on poor ground conditions. It is 35 feet ... A: in this country we usually use a laser level to level and grade large areas. Tamping is the process ... | |
| Raft foundation pumping | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I am having a reinforced concrete raft foundation laid on poor ground conditions. It is 35 feet ... A: I have done this type of foundation both ways but I prefer the first method and this is the method I ... | |
| Replacement of garage lintel | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: We are currently getting estimates about dealing with a bent (wavy distortion). iron lintel over the ... A: Ouch! It's costly but is it too much? If your home is worth $350,000 then the cost to the value of ... | |
| Replacement of garage lintel | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: We are currently getting estimates about dealing with a bent (wavy distortion). iron lintel over the ... A: since I cannot physically look at the beam in question it's tough for me to make a qualified answer ... | |
| replacing flooring in an old house | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: we have a house 75 years old, we just had a creek overflow and flood and have gotten government ... A: It's not a difficult project if done properly. If there are floor joists bearing on the beam and ... | |
| basement and a crawl | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: Under our home we have a 1/2 basement, that is finished and the rest is a crawl space. The crawl ... A: of course it is possible to remove the dirt and turn the crawl space into a basement. It involves ... | |
| Replacement of garage lintel | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: We are currently getting estimates about dealing with a bent (wavy distortion). iron lintel over the ... A: Oftentimes when masons are doing residential work, and sometimes on commercial work they don't flash ... | |
| joinery | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: how to construct a birds mouth A: I am going to assume that you know how to layout for a birds mouth and a rafter end? I am attaching ... | |
| Foundation Design | 10/10/2009 |
| Q: Other than perimeter and load bearing walls what is the recommended max. spacing for interior grade ... A: it depends on the floor system you are going to use. If you are using a floating concrete slab ... | |
| ceramic tile backing | 10/10/2009 |
| Q: I am remodeling bathrooms for the federal government and have ran into a problem. the existing walls ... A: most certainly you can tile directly to this type of wall system..as long as the paint is in decent ... | |
| Crawl space insulation | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: Help - PLEASE! Description: There is an addition on the house we just purchased which has about a 2 ... A: If the area between the joists is dry at the time of the insulation install you shouldn't have a ... | |
| locating TV cable new construct | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: We are updating the up stairs of our house. The great room will be the place where the entertainment ... A: I like to do a hollow wall intallation on my flat screens. In your local hardware or big box store ... | |
| Soaking of walls by Underground water | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: Good day Sir, I am a young civil engineer bu there is a problem perculiar in my environment. The ... A: this is a problem with concrete or masonry. In order to be externally waterproofed the concrete ... | |
| basement entrance | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: We have a full basement that we would like to finish and our laundry room is down there. The problem ... A: the answer is yes and maybe. Without seeing a floor plan of your house and knowing some other ... | |
| basement walls/partitions | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: Our home originally had an unfinished basement and years ago I put up some un-permitted walls and ... A: as I mentioned earlier there are reasons for pressure treating. If your floor is dry and the slab ... | |
| stepped footers | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: We are having a cabin built,the location is on a hillside so the contractor had to step the footers. ... A: it is imperitive that your footers be continuous and connected together especially on a hillside ... | |
| Header support beam | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: I am preparing to remove a load bearing wall and put up a header to open up the living room to the ... A: you can build a simple temporary stud wall with studs spaced to match your floor joists underneath ... | |
| basement walls/partitions | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: Our home originally had an unfinished basement and years ago I put up some un-permitted walls and ... A: pressure treated wood is made to discourage wood destroying organisms and termites. Most concrete ... | |
| concrete roof | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: My questions are about concrete and structural applications. I am building a house, in Bolivia. ... A: a 12 meter diameter translates to almost 40 feet which means the span from outside edge of wall to ... | |
| converting an attached carport to a garage | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1959 to 60s home in South Florida with an attached carport that I wish to enclose as a ... A: you can draw and submit your own plans to the building department and do your own work as a ... | |
| CRAWLSPACES | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: We need to add 3 steel lolly columns to our crawlspace. We had an inspector come in (we are trying ... A: the inspector you speak of was a private home inspector? If so, then his recommendations are just ... | |
| Basement Finishing | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of preparing to finish my basement which measured at 1400 S.F. or 44' by 45' and ... A: drywall is usually figured by the square foot..since your overall area is 1400 sq ft that would be ... | |
| leveling a ceiling | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: I've removed the plaster and slats from the ceiling and started putting up the drywall but the ... A: oftentimes you can strip ceiling joists with 1x2, 1x4, metal high hat, or resilient channel. By ... | |
| Building porch over existing raised patio | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a 15x30 raised brick patio with a two ft. high brick basketweave wall around it. I want to ... A: Without actually seeing how your existing patio is built it is hard for me to comment on your ... | |
| x ray before slab coring | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I saw the plumber engage someone carrying out x ray to the slab before they core for holes at the ... A: check out the following website for potential scanning equipment. X-rays are becoming passe and ... | |
| Flat Roof Deck | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: The roof I am installing over my deck will have a 3" (plus or minus 1/4") slope in 15' and I am ... A: I suppose you could do it that way. Generally the ceiling is what is level and the rafters slope. ... | |
| Flat Roof | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: I am installing a (flat) roof over my deck that will only have a 3" fall in 15' and want to make ... A: if this system is accepted by local building departments then it must be sufficiently attached to ... | |
| Flat Roof | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I am installing a (flat) roof over my deck that will only have a 3" fall in 15' and want to make ... A: honestly? I have not done an IB roof system so I can't really comment on its viability in your ... | |
| Ledger attachments. | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: Why would you give advice that is not only wrong but that could cause great injury if these ... A: whatever...gee I wonder what people used before wedge anchors and epoxy bolts? How many freaking ... | |
| rafters | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: OK my question is ...I am about to build a small house and the plan we picked was of a lofted house. ... A: when you say 24 foot span I am assuming that you mean the building is 24' wide and your span from ... | |
| Ledger attachments. | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: Why would you give advice that is not only wrong but that could cause great injury if these ... A: first of all, everything I do is repeat business. Secondly I reviewed my answers regarding ledger ... | |
| Gap around windows | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: I own a 3 year old stucco house. I am noticing the stucco is moving away from the windows as far as ... A: the best repair for this problem is to use a good urethane caulk and caulk around the windows. The ... | |
| Ledger attachments. | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: Why would you give advice that is not only wrong but that could cause great injury if these ... A: I have used lag shield for years without problems the size and spacing of the lag bolt will ... | |
| CONCRETE | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: WE HAVE A Q-HUT TYPE BUILDING 30X40 WE WOULD LIKE TO PUT A CONCRETE PAD INSIDE 25X25 WHAT WOULD BE A ... A: your slab of 625 square feet can be figured a couple of ways. One is dollars per square foot. This ... | |
| Footing cost | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: What is a reasonable price for a footing for a building 28'wide and 37'long. The footing will be ... A: a rule of thumb for this type of work is two times the cost of the materials. In your case the cost ... | |
| house on a concrete slab | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: My house was built in the 50's, and on a concrete slab. I have always wondered, and so have a lot of ... A: it is common for the main sewer lateral to be outside and the water main to be outside the house ... | |
| Extension floor | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: I want to add an extension using a concrete slab floor, as it butts up to an existing slab floor. ... A: building your addition over the pipe should pose no problems. The pipe is already protected by ... | |
| brick ledge | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: would like to add brick veneer to raised foundation,no brickledge was formed is there something ... A: there are a couple of things you can do. First of all, use brick ties to help in attaching the ... | |
| base material for a concrete driveway | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: Bruce I am getting ready to pour a concrete driveway at my house. I have removed the old drive way, ... A: four inches of rock can develop a lot of voids in it. By compacting the base you eliminate a good ... | |
| load bearing?? | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a L shaped wall dividing my kitchen and dining room that I want to remove. The long side ... A: If you can get in the attic and position yourself approximately in the area of the walls below you ... | |
| load bearing?? | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a L shaped wall dividing my kitchen and dining room that I want to remove. The long side ... A: reasonably these walls aren't seemingly long enough to be bearing walls unless there is a hidden ... | |
| base material for a concrete driveway | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: Bruce I am getting ready to pour a concrete driveway at my house. I have removed the old drive way, ... A: as long as your base is compacted well you should be okay using the fiber mesh concrete. If you ... | |
| building a shelter | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: . I'm doing a design AS and the project is about designing and making a shelter. I just wanted to ... A: I would probably build a bus stop out of aluminum tubing and polycarbonate panels. The aluminum for ... | |
| Installing hinges on door jamb extenions | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: I hope this doesn't sound too basically uninformed, but if I install jamb extensions on an exterior ... A: the only time it would be necessary to move the hinges is if the jamb extensions interfere with full ... | |
| Addition | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: I have 2 questions for you. I am in the 'thinking about it' stage of adding space onto my house. I ... A: regarding your firstin both cases you would be adding a room on. The only difference would be the ... | |
| reverse birds mouth truss | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: we are constructing horse barn. my son says there is a reverse bird mouth cut that is very load ... A: I know what your son is talking about but I always call it a bird's mouth whether it is inside or ... | |
| Extension | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I have laid down foundation of my house.concrete footing and columns are laid down. The Engineers ... A: The bearing capacity of the soil is good if the information given is correct. Based on the existing ... | |
| Extension | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I have laid down foundation of my house.concrete footing and columns are laid down. The Engineers ... A: if you could do a drawing showing me what is existing and then show me what you want to do with ... | |
| removing load-bearing brickwork | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I have just read a reply posted by you (from 2007) regarding supporting overhead brickwork whilst ... A: you can use a concrete lintel no problem. Just make sure that you have at least 4" of bearing on ... | |
| Rotten 4 x 6 cedar posts on a sunporch | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: We have a twenty year-old sunporch made with 4 x 6 cedar posts, with the windows attached to the ... A: yes you can double up the bottom sill plate or replace it with a pressure treated 4x6 ..splicing the ... | |
| Extension | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: I have laid down foundation of my house.concrete footing and columns are laid down. The Engineers ... A: it is generally better to have a foundation engineered prior to pouring the concrete. In your case ... | |
| 20'x20' extension room on mobile home | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: I would like to dig a basement beside my mobile home 20'x20' and use the concrete slab(ceiling of ... A: the roof design I sent you does rest on the addition. The only thing sitting on the Mobile roof is ... | |
| 20'x20' extension room on mobile home | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: I would like to dig a basement beside my mobile home 20'x20' and use the concrete slab(ceiling of ... A: it's not too difficult of a tie in. If your addition abuts the eave side of your home, basically ... | |
| interior cinder block | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: My porch has AC/heat but it's still warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Most walls are cinder ... A: you shouldn't need to prep the wall for the foam board. The board can be glued onto the wall with ... | |
| subfloor | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: The situation is a 12 x 12 addition that was put on about 30 years ago in the White Mountains of New ... A: you took the words out of my mouth..first you need a vapor barrier on the ground, 6 mil visqueen or ... | |
| beam size | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: i am connecting a patio cover to excisting roof. i have 2 6x6 post 16' from house that are 12' apart ... A: 4x6 is kind of puny for a 12' span. I would go at least 4x10 on your beam. The 4x4's you have ... | |
| building on slabs vs. crawl space | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, can you tell me the advantages or disadvantages of building apartments on slabs. And the same ... A: commercial monolithic slabs are more cost effective than foundations with floor systems or stem ... | |
| electrical box for above ground pool in new jersey | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: what does the box look like and what are the rules and regulation for box in west orange new jersey ... A: pool pumps require a disconnect which is a simple metal box with a switch or lever on the side. It ... | |
| 30x60 mobile home piers | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I just have a quick question about a mobile home in the Los Angeles area of California. How many ... A: the required footings for a manufactured home really depends on the manufacturer of the home. The ... | |
| smelly texture | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: Yesterday we had texture sprayed on 1/4 of the rooms in our house. The entire house still smells - ... A: I get this question often. Unfortunately I get the questions after the "sour" texture has already ... | |
| relocating my washer/dryer | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: My arctic entry is also my laundry room, and I hate that so I want to move my washer/dryer to my ... A: A washing machine requires a water supply, hot and cold,and electricity. It also needs a drain. I ... | |
| Garage Ceiling Supports | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a 20'x20' detached wood-frame & stucco garage. The house was built in 1956 and has so far ... A: I have to say, that is the wierdest sounding roof structure I have ever heard of. I don't get the ... | |
| foundation problems | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: We want to buy this 1000 sq.ft. house that is made of block. It is a little lopsided and would like ... A: if you have access to a level you can put it up against the walls that look tilted and see if the ... | |
| foundation problems | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: We want to buy this 1000 sq.ft. house that is made of block. It is a little lopsided and would like ... A: 45,000 seems like a cheap price unless other homes in the area cost less. If similar homes in the ... | |
| garage door | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I have an attached 2+ garage. The entrance to the garage is from the south, and in remodeling ... A: yes it can be more complicated than that depending on how your garage is built. If the garage has a ... | |
| Crumbling Steps | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: The front steps on my parent's house are crumbling. They appear to be cinder block with a skim-coat ... A: these steps can be patched but it may require a touch up every couple of years. First of all you ... | |
| Exterior paint | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: Hey, Bruce!! Don't know if this is within your area of expertise or not, but here goes: Do I need ... A: when it comes to paint I like to follow the manufacturers recommendations because not all paints are ... | |
| truss roof addition to existing modular home | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I have a modular home with a truss roof. We are adding a 20' x 24' addition to the back of the ... A: if you can cut the tails off without compromising the gang nail plates that hold the truss end ... | |
| Header support beam | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I am preparing to remove a load bearing wall and put up a header to open up the living room to the ... A: Yes. You are concentrating the load from that twelve foot section of wall to the two points at each ... | |
| Installing a flat roof over my existing deck | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I am cutting off my soffit where the roof will connect to the house and want to know if I need to ... A: you can do all of the above. You can cut off the existing rafter tails and attach your ledger to ... | |
| Open Rafters on Sunroom | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, thanks so much for your help. It wouldn't let me ask another follow-up, so had to ask a new ... A: if your nails can be at least 2" from the end of the rafter your collar length will work. Two ... | |
| CONCRETE PATIO | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: MY BUILDER HASTILY PUT IN A CONCRETE PATIO LATE IN THE FALL. IN THE WINTERTIME I UNSUSPECTINGLY PUT ... A: some people pay extra for a salt finish on their concrete. But if you don't like the look the patio ... | |
| internal load bearing wall | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: We are hoping to remove an internal load bearing wall between our dining room and kitchen. I was ... A: Sizing a beam for your requirements depends on what is bearing on the existing wall. If it is just ... | |
| Crumbling Steps | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: The front steps on my parent's house are crumbling. They appear to be cinder block with a skim-coat ... A: 4500 dollars for three steps? Unless they go half way around the house that sounds a little ... | |
| Suspended concrete pad | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I,m building a garage 30x30 with a half basement 15x30 and would like to know what it would ... A: I would have to see a structural drawing of how your masonry walls are connected to the footings, ... | |
| Open rafter ceilings on | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: I recently began building an enclosed porch/sunroom off of the side of my house. There was ... A: first of all your outside bearing wall is holding more than half your roof load. The shed of the ... | |
| fixed window replacement | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: 4'x5' fixed window has a leak in the seal and needs to be replaced. My question is..there is some ... A: if the windows that are seeping tar are in the sun it could be the sealant used is heating up and ... | |
| Open rafter ceilings on | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: I recently began building an enclosed porch/sunroom off of the side of my house. There was ... A: no you don't need the collar tie in this situation and when ceiling joists are used in conventional ... | |
| Open rafter ceilings on "Shed" roof? | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: I recently began building an enclosed porch/sunroom off of the side of my house. There was ... A: you should be okay attaching your drywall directly to the bottom of the rafters. If the rafters are ... | |
| siding | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: I am replacing broken siding from hail damage. Should i also replace the house wrap? The house ... A: if you have the old siding off it wouldn't hurt to stick a new layer of house wrap on over the top ... | |
| converting patio to sun room/structural | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: We just converted our 10' x 35' patio and want to make a sun room. It's about 4' feet above the ... A: If the perimeter (the 35' side) of porch where your new walls and windows are going to sit have a ... | |
| stucco coating gone bad | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: My mothers home was sprayed with stucco by Sears Coating 15 yrs. ago. It started to peal within the ... A: two of your choices are already on the table. Either you remove the coating with either ... | |
| Sheet plexiglass skylight flashing | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I want to put a 1x2'skylight in a new shed roof I am working on. Rather than frame the opening and ... A: I would run the shingles as normal down the edges of the plexiglass making sure to caulk between the ... | |
| converting patio to sun room/structural | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: We just converted our 10' x 35' patio and want to make a sun room. It's about 4' feet above the ... A: your roof system is already in place and apparently properly supported. You don't say what kind of ... | |
| Sheet plexiglass skylight flashing | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I want to put a 1x2'skylight in a new shed roof I am working on. Rather than frame the opening and ... A: I suppose it will work okay. Try to layer the plexiglass with the shed of the shingles. In other ... | |
| A Structural Question. | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: Well I'm a student, and our teacher gave us this question to think about. If the roof is being held ... A: if the roof system is an engineered truss then the truss spans from bearing wall to bearing wall or ... | |
| Limestone steps cracking | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: I had limestone steps installed with a railing and a couple of weeks later, the limestone cracked ... A: limestone is pretty soft and subject to cracking under various circumstances. I can't say for sure ... | |
| autoclaved aerated concrete | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I have been searching for hours trying to find the Fl.acceptance or Notice of Acceptance for this ... A: most building departments in Florida require either a NOA for structural products or the seal of an ... | |
| mono-slab vs. stem wall | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I will be building a barn in CT (New England winters are a concern). The size is 36'x36'. Which ... A: gosh, without knowing exactly how the barn is going to built, how tall etc. it's hard to say what ... | |
| concrete | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: Bruce- I have 2 questions: 1) I have a front porch with a concrete block foundation. Is there ... A: sure you can get some stucco mix at your local home depot, lowes or lumber yard. Just mix it with ... | |
| Interior Door Frame Installation Issue | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I'm building a new house in Houston, TX area. The house finished Phase 2. It is processing on Phase ... A: it is pretty common to make the rough openings for prehung doors wider and higher than normal. How ... | |
| Adding a foundation to existing house. | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: Read an old post you answered about adding a foundation to foundation-less residential house. I'm ... A: it is easier to keep the new wall down enough to form and pump concrete into it and then fill the ... | |
| Making Window in Old Concrete Block Wall | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: Johnson, Background Information: We have a building 150' x 40' in plan, originally made as a ... A: the units are inches. 3/16 of an inch in thickness with a 6" vertical leg and a 6" horizontal leg ... | |
| backsplash | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: The walls in my house are plastered covered shiplap and I was wondering if I can apply a backsplash ... A: I can't think of any reason you can't apply a backsplash directly to the plaster. Tile and other ... | |
| Making Window in Old Concrete Block Wall | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: Johnson, Background Information: We have a building 150' x 40' in plan, originally made as a ... A: chances are that the top of your existing wall has a concrete beam or a two course concrete filled ... | |
| 2" pipe in studs | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, Hello. I am remodeling our 2nd floor master bath and I'm looking for some advice. We are ... A: have you looked at rerouting the vent in the floor joists below? It will involve a little drywall ... | |
| Question | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I had some bad siding, and after removing it, I noticed the wall behind was kind of rotted at the ... A: It looks like particle board or denny board behind the felt but I can't say for sure. I would ... | |
| Need to run 2" vent horizontally | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, Hello. I am remodeling our 2nd floor master bath and I'm looking for some advice. We are ... A: you have a couple of options. First of all you can run 2" pipe through 2x4 studs it is done all the ... | |
| Window Caulking | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: The caulking around our windows are cracked and I wanted to fix that. I was wondering what kind of ... A: commercially we use a product call Vulcum, or another similar product Eucolastic. They are both ... | |
| stairway stringers | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: My stairway stringers are stained a dark oak. My stairs are carpet. I want to veneer a clear oak on ... A: Without seeing your exact stair construction, I would have to say yes you can veneer your stairs. ... | |
| Manufactured Home addition | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I have an additional question to the two that I have seen posted on additions to mobile homes. My ... A: the rafter tails beyond the outside wall of the existing home can usually be trimmed back to the ... | |
| ceiling joists | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I want to raise the ceiling level in a one story ranch house by exposing the beams in the ceiling ... A: 1x4 tongue and groove? You might be able to go up to 32" spacing. I hope this information helps, ... | |
| Modifying Trusses | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: me again =o) I've drawn a picture, not to scale, and attached it. Hopefully this will help. Note: ... A: it looks like you did everything I mentioned except add the side cleats on each side of your 2x6 ... | |
| pergola | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I have started a pergola over an existing deck it will be in two section on higher the the ... A: 2x8 for a 16 foot span is kind of puny. But if it is just for a pergola and you put the crown of the ... | |
| Siding over ornamental concrete blocks | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: My home's lower basement level has 2 small walls constructed with flower-patterned ornamental ... A: I would use both tapcon concrete screws and exterior liquid nails to attach your siding. The screws ... | |
| Modifying Trusses | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: me again =o) I've drawn a picture, not to scale, and attached it. Hopefully this will help. Note: ... A: okay I have a better clue as to what you want to do. Yes you can probably cut this area back if you ... | |
| staining roof | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/sgull1/IMG_1133.jpg ... A: the Superdeck product you mention will suffice for stain and sealer. Just find the color you want ... | |
| staining roof "slats" | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/sgull1/IMG_1133.jpg ... A: pressure treated wood will have a stamp on it and a greenish or bluish hue. It will wash out over ... | |
| bus stop shelter | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: In my capacity employed as a maintenance person at a tourist/visitor center, I've been assigned the ... A: the main reason I said I would notch the rafters is because with a big header at the top plate your ... | |
| concrete | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: First I want to thank you for the answers that you've provided to me in the past regarding my ... A: the material goes by several names and manufacturers. Home Depot usually carries a Mappe product ... | |
| concrete | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: First I want to thank you for the answers that you've provided to me in the past regarding my ... A: normally for projects like this we just snap some lines after the concrete is finished and can be ... | |
| bus stop shelter | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: In my capacity employed as a maintenance person at a tourist/visitor center, I've been assigned the ... A: basically you frame up the entry similar to the window shown on the drawing only make it bigger. ... | |
| Modifying Trusses | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, since Sep 2007 you've answered many questions about a project I was then planning and am now ... A: take a look at the attached sketch I did and see if this kind of describes what you are planning to ... | |
| rust on I beams | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: We have a parking deck that is only 6 years old. The new I-beams we put in are already rusting. ... A: I don't have a lot of information on how this parking deck is constructed or actually what a parking ... | |
| Foundation Question | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: Can you roughly estimate the cost of pouring the foundation/footings with the following information. ... A: In your instance it probably is better to go with all poured concrete mainly because it will involve ... | |
| Modifying Trusses | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, since Sep 2007 you've answered many questions about a project I was then planning and am now ... A: has the roof already been built? If not why not just have the truss company build you some scissor ... | |
| Header Beam for garage door | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: We're building a large garage (22x36'# with attic trusses #10/12 pitch# with a 16' x 8' garage door. ... A: it is best to connect the two LVLs to each other and then furr out the remaining thickness with ... | |
| garage door headers | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I am doing some home renos and i would like to replace my existing 9'x7' garage door with a 12'x7' ... A: if the wall is supporting a hip roof then you basically build a simple wall inside the supporting ... | |
| Fire rated corridor | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I am a designer in Kissimmee, Fl. and am working in a small project (1400 s.f. Tea house). this is ... A: you submit your plans and the city will determine the occupancy, then you will have to post the ... | |
| Revamp Deteriotated Brick Veneer Wall Assembly | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and expanding it into the garage. Our Florida home was built in ... A: that will probably work okay. Other than tearing off the brick and doing the work from the outside ... | |
| header size | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I need to know what size header to use for a 22' openning, 24' in length supporting a hip roof(22' ... A: I wouldn't go any smaller than either a 6x16 wood beam or a double 16" LVL (laminated) beam. I ... | |
| concrete vs. wooden steps | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I'm moving to a new home with a front yard that slopes downward. I would like to have some steps ... A: concrete is probably a little more expensive but it sounds like you may need to build some stepped ... | |
| Calculating Live Load in Bath | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I am planning out a bathroom remodel. We are moving the location of the jetted bathtub to a location ... A: it's quite simple really you take the weight of the filled tub 700 pounds and divide it by the ... | |
| concrete block crumbling | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I have an interior, concrete-block wall on an attached garage. There are 3 courses of block above ... A: it sounds like you have a water intrusion problem. I am a bit confused as to where this wall is ... | |
| Fire rated corridor | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I am a designer in Kissimmee, Fl. and am working in a small project (1400 s.f. Tea house). this is ... A: here is the page from the code book: FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF EXIT ACCESS ... | |
| making covered deck into sunroom | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: we just bought a house that has across the full back length of the house a covered patio. The ... A: a 2x8 joist with a 10 foot span will be a little springy. I would support it at mid span. ... | |
| paver patio & pergola | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: I am planning to put a pergola on a patio that I haven't laid yet. Should I lay the gravel base and ... A: you can do it either way. If you dig the holes first then you should probably fill them with ... | |
| wood beam to cement connector | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to know how I could hang 4x8 douglas fir joists. I have a loft apartment with huge 3 story ... A: You can hang a ledger board to the concrete using concrete anchors and then attach joist hangers to ... | |
| house extension | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: l want to build a single story extension,the full length of the back and side of the house.l would ... A: This type of foundation/ floor slab saves you in labor and materials. I hope this information ... | |
| removing a basement support post | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: I am finishing my basement and have a question regarding removing a support post. I have a wooden ... A: there must be a reason for that post. Do the beam's 2x10 break or join on top of the post? Is ... | |
| new contruction concrete slab foundation | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: My question concerns new construction concrete slab foundation to be poured on south Texas clay ... A: making sure the ground is compacted well prior the concrete being poured is a necessity. You should ... | |
| Concrete Slab for Basement costs? | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: What is the / squarefoot cost for poured concrete floor or concrete basement slab. Also, what is ... A: both slabs should cost about the same, somewhere between 5-7 dollars a square foot depending on the ... | |
| concrete driveway | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: I was hopping you could answer my question. I am doing a driveway extension. If I drill some holes ... A: control joints and expansion joints are different animals. Due to the nature of concrete, it will ... | |
| concrete driveway | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: I was hopping you could answer my question. I am doing a driveway extension. If I drill some holes ... A: not necessarily. You can drill a 5/8" hole for a #4 rebar and then slip the rebar into the slab end ... | |
| humidity | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I had an addition on the back of my house. It was built on a crawlspace where there was 6" ... A: 45-50% is perfect in my book. If it has been at 70 or higher for a length of time it might take a ... | |
| Remodelling a Split Entry Home | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: My fiance and I recently purchased a split entry home, however we are finding the layout to be very ... A: It depends on how your roof is built. Most modern homes built from the 60's on have manufactured ... | |
| Tools for scraping off foam from roof | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: I've been remodeling my roof and I filled the interior of my roof with polyurethane foam, but I need ... A: you might try a sawzall, reciprocating saw, with a long blade. A large commercial razor blade ... | |
| Remodelling a Split Entry Home | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: My fiance and I recently purchased a split entry home, however we are finding the layout to be very ... A: I would make the kitchen, living and master bedroom to suit my needs and not worry about how many ... | |
| Garage addition | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, we would like to add a 11'-6" garage to the side of our current 3-car garage. With 11'-0" ... A: I don't have the whole story here. Why is there a stem wall in a garage? What is the existing ... | |
| Removing a Fireplace that is in the center of the house | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a large brick fireplace that is in the center of my house. It measures 11 feet x 5 feet and ... A: it is not an impossible project. A couple of energetic people with a chipping hammer and sledge ... | |
| Replacing a beam | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: We had removed a load bearing wall years ago and replaced it with a beam. We want to replace that ... A: measure the total width of the opening that you want that is your "span". Then measure from the ... | |
| digging out a small basement from a 3 foot crawl space | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: whats the best tools to used, any type of excavator tread belt to remove dirt available. do you have ... A: I have seen it done with a pick, a shovel and a wheelbarrow. I have seen it done with a bobcat. I ... | |
| Remodel/Move Laundry Room | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: I would like to move my washer/dryer to my garage and I do not have any plumbing out there except ... A: I doubt that a standard washer pump can pump the water that far and especially that high. You can ... | |
| Lally column | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: In the house we're planning to buy, the sellers had a gas line run along the back wall of the garage ... A: first of all at six inches above the floor it is unlikely that a car will be able to hit the line at ... | |
| large oak lintel | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: Our builder is renovating our house and put in a massive oak lintel in a one story extension over 2 ... A: I can't tell you if the sun is causing the cracking because I don't know how much sun it gets or how ... | |
| Remodel/Move Laundry Room | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: I would like to move my washer/dryer to my garage and I do not have any plumbing out there except ... A: getting the water to your machines is as simple as tying into the piping going into (cold) and ... | |
| croncrete block | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know if it is possible to insulate an existing home where the exterior walls are ... A: if it is available in your area there are foam injection systems that insulation companies have that ... | |
| Residential Framing Issues concerned | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: The builder had the framer to redo the window framing in the family room already. They reframed ... A: for some reason I couldn't access the website to look at the photos. But I will try to answer your ... | |
| framing a small greenhouse | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: I would like to rebuild a small (about 5'7' X 8') with wooden framing, a very crude first drawing is ... A: I've been giving your project some thought and this is my advice: 1. your ceiling panels and wall ... | |
| Bracing under floor joist | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a question about bracing under floor joist; I live in a split level ranch home, I am ... A: I don't know how your floor system is built but most conventional floor systems can support a ... | |
| new crawl space foundation | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: First of all thank you for any answer. Here is the uestion. We like to add a room to our house. My ... A: I would use #5 rebar for your new footing two continuous. If your existing basement wall is solid ... | |
| decking | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: my garden is about 20ft x16ft and is all lawn can i put decking straight on top if so how far do the ... A: I don't know what is available in your area but here in the States we can get precast footing blocks ... | |
| addition | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: Adding screen porch to mobile home free floating deck. This will be at 90 degree to home. Using ... A: not necessarily. If your porch walls are taller than your mobile walls then your new roof can go ... | |
| Interior Wall Removal | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I am about to remove an interior wall from a single story cinder block house with a stick framed ... A: this should work. It sounds like you are only dealing with ceiling load anyhow. Your LVL dealer ... | |
| Facing a Block Wall with Brick | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning to face an existing 8 course concrete block wall with brick. How do I integrate (or ... A: When adding a full sized brick face to a masonry wall one usually keeps a space between the brick ... | |
| Installation of Corner Posts and Sofit | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: I'm currently residing my house, I've never done siding before and would like to know if i should do ... A: I usually do the corner trim up to the soffit for a cleaner look. But you can do the corner trim ... | |
| Large Patio Cover | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: From Bruce, "Hi again Billy, how hig you go up on the existing roof shouldn't be an issue but I ... A: yes the solid bridging or in some cases x bracing between joists keeps them from twisting and gives ... | |
| Large Patio Cover | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: From Bruce, "Hi again Billy, how hig you go up on the existing roof shouldn't be an issue but I ... A: I prefer the bolted buckets but if you are going to enclose the room then the SDS screws will be ... | |
| Room Addition | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: Roughly, how much would it cost to turn a screened in porch (w/ light/fan) into an extra room (big ... A: it depends on a lot of things but a basic enclosure of an existing roof and slab should run ... | |
| exterior LVL's? | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: my wife and I are having a screened room and new deck built on the back of our house and the plans ... A: have you considered girder trusses? A girder truss is an engineered box truss which can then be ... | |
| Steel window lintels | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I am removing and replacing windows in the downstairs of a block home. The window lintels that are ... A: it bothers me that the angle iron is sagging in the middle. Normally the angle iron is just ... | |
| exterior tile application on ecisting t&g fir/hem slats[covered porch] | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: Advantech I have not heard of...I'll look into it online. I am researching what app to use for a ... A: a cement board underlayment is probably your best bet for this application. Hardi makes a tile ... | |
| filling void underneath pool deck | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a concrete deck (sidewalk) surrounding my inground vinyl pool. Over the years a plumbing ... A: a non-shrink, non metallic grout will work. It can be mixed as thin as you need it and will flow ... | |
| 6x6 Patio Cover Colum Concrete Anchors | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm building a patio cover over my deck that will be 20x16. I'm using 3 6x6 columns and attaching ... A: how hig you go up on the existing roof shouldn't be an issue but I don't know how your existing roof ... | |
| Steel window lintels | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I am removing and replacing windows in the downstairs of a block home. The window lintels that are ... A: So you are removing the old lintels and replacing them with new lintels? Also, what are you calling ... | |
| 6x6 Patio Cover Colum Concrete Anchors | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm building a patio cover over my deck that will be 20x16. I'm using 3 6x6 columns and attaching ... A: yes you can go up the existing roof. Basically you take like a 2x10 and lay it flat across your ... | |
| Residential window wood frame structure | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: Bruce E. Johnson, I'm building a new house in Houston, TX area (Harris County). I have few questions ... A: both methods of framing are acceptable. I do think that clips should be used to attach the cripples ... | |
| concrete ceiling | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a concrete block house with a formed concrete roof. Taking out the drop ceilings to expose ... A: if the material was several inches thick and foamy looking or looks like a bunch of spitballs made ... | |
| Breaking through exterior brick wall | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: apologies if you've answered this kind of question already here. I have build on an extension to ... A: the gable end generally doesn't have as much bearing weight on it as the rafter bearing walls. If ... | |
| adding floor above living room | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: I want to add a floor above my living room and a contractor said he would secure a ledger board ... A: it would probably be a good idea, especially for a floor system. Over time the drywall may break ... | |
| stilt home enclosure | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: My husband is looking to buy this stilt home in Florida{not in flood zone,so no idea why it's on ... A: chances are good that you can enclose it. You will need to contact your local building department ... | |
| 6x6 Patio Cover Colum Concrete Anchors | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: I'm building a patio cover over my deck that will be 20x16. I'm using 3 6x6 columns and attaching ... A: go to Simpsonanchors.com. Simpson makes several kinds of post bases and post anchors. Find the one ... | |
| exterior wall siding | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: My house is located in Southern California. It was built ca. 1925 with exterior clapboard siding ... A: it is not necessary to install furring strips over the plywood. Generally the only time furring ... | |
| RE: Cabinetry in New Construction | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I would appreciate your opinion regarding the storage of the cabinets for our new home. The ... A: yes you should be concerned, especially if the weather is humid and the cabinets are not covered in ... | |
| exterior wall siding | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: My house is located in Southern California. It was built ca. 1925 with exterior clapboard siding ... A: first of all you will need a permit to do anything to the wall including replacing the window unless ... | |
| Patio | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: I would like to build a concrete slab for my garbage cans and other outdoor equipment. The problem I ... A: you don't need to connect to the existing concrete. Just make sure your sub grade (the ground you ... | |
| hollow 'window seat' - want to place load on | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: We have an approx. 2 foot deep by 104 inch wide/long 'window seat' It is built extending out from ... A: if the window seat is drywall or some other not so stable material then I would opt for the 3/4" ... | |
| hollow 'window seat' - want to place load on | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: We have an approx. 2 foot deep by 104 inch wide/long 'window seat' It is built extending out from ... A: if the dressers have solid bottoms then they should distribute the weight evenly enough without the ... | |
| hollow 'window seat' - want to place load on | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: We have an approx. 2 foot deep by 104 inch wide/long 'window seat' It is built extending out from ... A: you can take the window seat out if you are worried about it holding the weight. Or you can install ... | |
| Cob house... | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: I live in the wonderful state of Florida and I was wondering how much trouble would I need to go ... A: I have never built a Cob Structure however according to the proponents of this building technique it ... | |
| Deck Enclosure | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: We are thinking about enclosing our deck, making it a screened deck (using a contractor). We have a ... A: most screen manufacturers also make vinyl windows. They are like sliding glass doors in their own ... | |
| more space | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: I would like an educated guess of how much it would cost me to extend my kitchen to enclose a ... A: it depends on how much structural work is needed to open up the wall and make the living areas ... | |
| Concrete Repair | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: I have an outdoor concrete window sill that has a large chunck of concrete missing. I only noticed ... A: you can patch it with a concrete patching mix. Make sure the area is clean. Mix the concrete ... | |
| what is right way to keep a small room for washer and dryer. | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: It will be attached to my kitchen wall. What can I do to keep it being protected from shifting and ... A: generally speaking you have to build your foundation footings below the local frost line. In Maine ... | |
| air conditioning ductwork | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: What size sheet metal ductwork(insulated on the inside) should be used to handle 4,000 cfm of air ... A: this is not a question that can be answered based on the information given. If you are talking ... | |
| Enclosing Covered Patio | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a covered patio and it has a tile roof like the rest of the house, Span is about 18'x18', it ... A: I like to use tapcons for attaching wood sills to concrete. 1/4" galvanized at least long enough ... | |
| attaching concrete block to exsisting cement pad | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: the back addition of my house about 18 feet by 18 feet was build on poured concrete into those ... A: if you have a reasonable footing along the edge of the concrete slab then you can drill into the ... | |
| Ledger for patio cover | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: I want to build a 10x16 patio cover over an existing brick patio. The wall I need to attach the ... A: when you say the "wall" you want to attach to has a "cantilever" doesn't make sense to me, sorry. ... | |
| Fencing | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I am building 800 ft fence in width. I want the pickets to be 8ft in height with 4" spacers. How ... A: if you are setting posts at every ten feet then you will have 80 sections of ten feet each..or 30 ... | |
| lumber | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: i am going to build a pergola. is using sealed non pressure treated douglas fir the same as using ... A: yes in this case I use the term joists to refer to the rafters...cantilever means that your ... | |
| RESIDENTIAL MOISTURE/VAPOR BARRIER BELOW SLAB | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, THAT MY MOISTURE BARRIER BELOW MY SLAB IS BREACHED IN ... A: the slab will have to be jackhammered up, all the rubble removed, a new vapor barrier installed, and ... | |
| Options and cost to repair patio | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I recently bought a 60-year old house and I have a 30x12 patio in my back yard that has settled and, ... A: the cost of pouring a patio should run around 5-7 dollars a square foot or about a third of what the ... | |
| Brick to what? | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I have acquired an old brick block house and was curious as to what the best way to add extensions? ... A: you don't necessarily have to build your additions exactly like the original, however the final wall ... | |
| Respacing studs in a load-bearing wall | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a wall between my kitchen and living room. It is a load-bearing wall I think because it's the ... A: the rule of thumb for headers is one foot of width per inch of height in a 4x? or a double 2x?..In ... | |
| RESIDENTIAL MOISTURE/VAPOR BARRIER BELOW SLAB | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, THAT MY MOISTURE BARRIER BELOW MY SLAB IS BREACHED IN ... A: well if all of the above have been done then it is possible that there is nothing left to do but ... | |
| Respacing studs in a load-bearing wall | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a wall between my kitchen and living room. It is a load-bearing wall I think because it's the ... A: yes you can put headers in the areas you want to cut out the bearing wall studs. For these small of ... | |
| RESIDENTIAL MOISTURE/VAPOR BARRIER BELOW SLAB | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, THAT MY MOISTURE BARRIER BELOW MY SLAB IS BREACHED IN ... A: If you have a basement and the slab is in the basement you can help by making sure there is a ... | |
| Block Moisture | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I have a block building in Upstate NY. I had it painted 3 years ago by a pro. The weather side is ... A: unfortunately the only way to go is to repaint..did you really think that Sherwin Williams or the ... | |
| Concrete Slab | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I live in East Durham, N.Y.. I'm looking to put a slab under my 14x70 mobile home to stop the ... A: the easiest way to do it is to pull the mobile off the property, form and pour a new slab and then ... | |
| Sistering joists | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: I've got a 1971 home in southern PA. I am trying to sister some 2x8 joists (99" span) which are ... A: you can probably just toe nail the existing joists to the beams and then remove the 2x3 without any ... | |
| Extension to a house with a slab for foundation | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: Can you build an extension to a house that has a slab foundation? I want to add a bathroom, extend ... A: of course you can add onto slab foundation buildings..find out where your sewer line is located ... | |
| lumber | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: i am going to build a pergola. is using sealed non pressure treated douglas fir the same as using ... A: I thought you were going to use 4x4 posts? 15' is a long span for a 2x8 unless you cantilever the ... | |
| railing height | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I live in Los Angeles and we are constructing a new patio and upper deck. My framer tells me the ... A: 42" is a standard almost anywhere in the country. The railing should have pickets every 4" apart ... | |
| 3D software/custom home | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: we need very EASY TO USE software that allows us to draw/design & then SEE our custom home ... A: I use Turbo-cad for my basic drawings..it comes with a 3d program but I have never used it..but I ... | |
| Concrete Building | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I have a 9x12 concrete block storage building that also is used for storm protection that has been ... A: 100 dollars a square foot is generally a good guesstimating start..so you are looking at ten grand ... | |
| steel beam | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I have just built a composite deck and now want to screen in the lower level (basement walkout). We ... A: contact your local steel beam supplier and get an engineered response to this question. I am not an ... | |
| Ramp Slope | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: Sir I have to design a ramp for forklifter to approach our Ware house which FFL is +5', Please ... A: generally speaking you can go 4-6" rise per foot of run. So a ramp would need to be either 15 feet ... | |
| Master bath and Closet addition | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: Bruce- I am planning to add an master bath and walk in closet onto the rear of my master bedroom. ... A: I would match the existing foundation. It would look better and even if you did go with a post and ... | |
| Sistering joists | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: I've got a 1971 home in southern PA. I am trying to sister some 2x8 joists (99" span) which are ... A: that is definately a ledger and should not be removed unless you have joist hangers or other form of ... | |
| lumber | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: i am going to build a pergola. is using sealed non pressure treated douglas fir the same as using ... A: for a pergola exposed to the outdoors I would go either cedar or pressure treated joist or beams and ... | |
| Paint peeling on exterior concrete block | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: We live in a concrete block house built in the 1950's. We became occupants in 1990. The exterior ... A: it could be a combination of things but I would opt for the rain bouncing off the patio and hitting ... | |
| Basement walls samp | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: My house was built in 1915. The basement walls are very thick concrete, but porous, crumbly, and ... A: sorry I haven't gotten back sooner but I have been away..still am actually..anyhow: Any of the above ... | |
| Basement walls samp | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: My house was built in 1915. The basement walls are very thick concrete, but porous, crumbly, and ... A: I prefer to use a sandblaster for cleaning walls like yours. Home Depot, Lowes and other tool ... | |
| Raised patios against foundations | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: When constructing a raised patio against a house when the height of the patio is taller than the ... A: you can catch the water in a drain of some sort and shuttle it off to the side..you can get slotted ... | |
| build a deck onto a house built on a slab | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible to build a deck onto a house which is built on a slab using a floating foundation ... A: of course it is. All you need is about six inches between the elevation of the surrounding yard and ... | |
| Building block steps attached to a building | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: Would you please be able to advise how to build a block of stairs to a first floor level from a ... A: I would need to know what type of building structure you are talking about. Is it a wood structure? ... | |
| Slab Foundation Cutting | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning an addition onto my home which has an unusually solid 8" slab foundation. I would like ... A: Are you sure the entire existing slab is 8" thick? Sometimes just the edges of a slab foundation ... | |
| Double Wythe Brick Wall | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: I am building a 3-sided, double wythe brick wall on the perimeter of my small property. I'm building ... A: you need some sort of vertical support on this wall if it is over 4'high..one method is to do ... | |
| Double Wythe Brick Wall | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: I am building a 3-sided, double wythe brick wall on the perimeter of my small property. I'm building ... A: on a double wythe fence wall the width or thickness is normally the length of a full brick. This ... | |
| should a brick ledge be caped if not used for brick | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased my first home and wile mulching my front landscaping,I discovered a hole dug ... A: are you sure of what you are looking at? Is it the open cells of an 8" block or is it a 4" ... | |
| Career in real estate development | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: My name is Rashad. I’m in the process of registering for school at a 2 year college. I want to ... A: Obvious area 1 is necessary for the basic educational requirements leading up to your degree. The ... | |
| build a deck on top of exsisting patio | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: We have a 12 ft x 16ft block patio that is about 3 feet high on one side and tapers to about 1 foot ... A: I've built some nice decks over old block and concrete patios etc. Most of the time you can use the ... | |
| Truss repair | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: We have a 1999 Fleetwood home that we are going to repair to be used for a ministry. It has fire ... A: a carpenter can probably repair the bad trusses using new rafter wood and plywood gussets glued and ... | |
| garden decking | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: I wish to lay garden decking over & beyond my current solid concrete patio. Can you please advise me ... A: normally when doing a wood deck over concrete slab I use 2x4 joists laid on edge and 24" apart with ... | |
| concrete joists | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: I have recently brought a house and just been informed by the neighbour the previous owner has ... A: I can't say from your description what was done and how it affects your structure. When you say ... | |
| rough grade | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: what is the "rough grade" for a building? Thank you. A: rough grade is a term generally referring to the ground elevation surrounding a building during ... | |
| 120 gallon aquarium on a 50's post and pier floor | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: We're getting a 120 gallon aquarium with about 35 more gallons of water in the sump below, in the ... A: your beams where they bear on the wall have a shear of 175-300 psi (depending on the type of wood) ... | |
| I beam end support | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: I am buying a house and found the following setup for an I beam support. It looks to me like the ... A: It's hard to see the small print on your photo and this website doesn't allow for enlarging the ... | |
| Concrete Mix | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning to extend my Concrete Patio. I've figured an Area about 300 SF. To pour 4" thick I ... A: a simple mix is 1 portland cement, 2 sand, 4 aggregate..However I prefer a 1 cement, 2 sand and 3 ... | |
| moisture in a block building | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: my husband built a building with cement block buildings. the problem is anything in the building ... A: the first product that comes to mind is called "Dry-loc" it is a heavy paint that can be applied to ... | |
| weep holes vs. french drain | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: We're currently getting bids on putting in a paver patio along the back of our house and replacing a ... A: weep holes will relieve the hydrostatic pressure behind the retaining wall (one of the largest ... | |
| Patio Cover: span and beam size etc. | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I've attached a file that contains my question. Thanks so much for your help. A: I'm sorry but the size and resolution of your picture are too small, I can't read the writing..if ... | |
| hanging curtain rods | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: i guess i will be doing a lot of filling holes that i drilled in frustration of trying to find one ... A: it is unlikely that the drywall would be mounted directly to the concrete if your walls are ... | |
| joists | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: what size joists do i need for a flat garage roof with a span of 2900mm it is just going to be ... A: I don't know what size lumber is available to you in metrics but I can tell you what will work in ... | |
| repair or replace pole foundation | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: About 30 years ago I built a house on 9 6x6 treated poles on a steep mountainside. The poles were ... A: Generally if there is rot at ground level then the problem may be deeper. The best way to replace ... | |
| supporting headers | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I'm confident with most aspects of building a single story but I'm not sure about the ... A: for windows up to 4' wide generally a single cripple on each side will suffice. 4-8' wide openings ... | |
| Addition of 36" door in garage wall | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I have a back garage wall (2x4) which I want to add a 36" door. There is 1 cinder block layer ... A: I would remove the masonry down to the slab and set the door at that level. Otherwise you will be ... | |
| 4 by 6 limits | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: I am tearing out a wall and wonder what span a 4 by 6 sitting on 4 by 4's can span safely. Although ... A: a 4x6 with no bearing weight can probably span 10-12 feet before it begins to sag over time. It ... | |
| cocrete pad | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: i want to build a second story on my house,i would like to know if a 20 inch pad is thick enough to ... A: this really isn't enough information to go on. Is the pad 20 inches thick or 20 inches wide? What ... | |
| Floor Creaks | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I live in a new house I had built out in the country a few years ago. My problem is the floors in ... A: if you are certain that the main beams are settling and need adjustment you can do it manually as ... | |
| Shelving in a Double Wide | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I just moved into a double wide trailer with my fiancee for our school break however with the small ... A: most mobile homes, especially the double wides have regular studs in the walls so I don't see a ... | |
| Unlevel stringers | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: causing my risers and treads to be unlevel-how can I install the risers without seeing a gap between ... A: shim only those treads or parts of treads that are out of whack. Obviously you want your stairs to ... | |
| Unlevel stringers | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: causing my risers and treads to be unlevel-how can I install the risers without seeing a gap between ... A: in Home Depot or Lowes you can get cedar shim shingles that can be put into the gap or used to force ... | |
| Room addition to 2002 modular home | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: We have a 2002 modular home on a foundation. We want to add a 12x12 bedroom to the back of it where ... A: T-111 plywood siding on the exterior, simple single hung aluminum fin windows will help keep the ... | |
| removing a structural wall | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: so it will need to have a beam put in place to support the existing building, the wall is in effect ... A: first of all you need to consult an engineer who specialized in structural elements. In this ... | |
| Patio/balcony | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I'm thinking about building a balcony from my bedroom by changing the current windows to double ... A: you may or may not need a permit depending on your local building department guidelines. Usually if ... | |
| Room addition to 2002 modular home | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: We have a 2002 modular home on a foundation. We want to add a 12x12 bedroom to the back of it where ... A: modular homes are built just like stick framed homes in most cases. They use regular sized studs ... | |
| Material specifications for span of pergola | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: Morning Bruce, We are a very handy at DIY projects but need some assistance with the recommended ... A: 6x6 posts are fine, 4x12 beam at least..but a 6x12 will work better with the 6" posts or you can ... | |
| Floor Creaks | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I live in a new house I had built out in the country a few years ago. My problem is the floors in ... A: it's possible that there is some settling going on..If you have access to the support beams it is ... | |
| vinyl siding | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: What are the things to watch out for if I go a non-traditional route and have soffit panels ... A: first of all you would have to use non ventilated soffit for this application..regular ventilated ... | |
| Installing 100lb boxing bag. | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: I want to install a 100 lb boxing bag in my 3-car garage. My 2-story house was built by DR Horton ... A: it's possible that your garage ceiling is stripped with metal furring like a "high hat" or a Z metal ... | |
| construction industry | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: what is the Employer's "plan room"? Thank you A: I think of a room filled with building plans if it is a construction company or a company that ... | |
| uneven floor | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I am hoping to purchase a house which was originally built in 1856, I have noticed that on the first ... A: a severly sloping floor is a sign of settling. It might not be too serious of a fix. If you have a ... | |
| cutting lumber | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I need to cut an angle on an existing deck joist so that I can expand the area. It will be similar ... A: the easiest way and the quickest is to just take a sample piece of wood and start making cuts in 5 ... | |
| Concrete Slab | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I live in Saginaw, Michigan. I would like to have a backyard cement slab (for picnic table, ... A: I would go maybe 12x16 if you have the room..a picnic table has a pretty big footprint and those few ... | |
| roof framing | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I am building a 14'wide 23' long building. When I start the roof how can I span the 14' without use ... A: you can use engineered trusses for one thing. Contact your local roof truss company for further ... | |
| Flashing | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I have some rotting boards in my foundation. The foundation cap (2x6) and the floor joist end board ... A: the flashing may have been used properly as to separate the the concrete from the wood but the patio ... | |
| CARPENTRY | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: Easy question, I have been building a deck, my first one. I measure twice and cut once, but every ... A: getting a perfect fit is tough even for the most experienced carpenters. One of the biggest ... | |
| Building a deck onto house with slab foundation | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: I have recently started the process of building a deck onto our ranch style house with slab ... A: no "stud" under your door frame? I'm not sure what you are telling me here. If your house is on a ... | |
| Garage Storage Loft | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: I have a 3 car garage with a 13' ceiling in a finished garage, 2003 construction. I want to build an ... A: if your loft has walls going all the way to the floor of the garage then yes. If your loft is ... | |
| remove a window installed in cinder block | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: I need to remove a window from a cinder block extension, the window was installed with the flange ... A: If destroying the window isn't an issue then I would take a grinder with a metal cutting blade and ... | |
| First floor weight capability... | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a random question for ya...I am buying a 400 gallon fish tank and I would like to place it on ... A: I need more information. What are the actual dimensions of the fish tank? What is the size and ... | |
| Flashing | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: I have some rotting boards in my foundation. The foundation cap (2x6) and the floor joist end board ... A: first of all is the wood in question pressure treated? Secondly why is the patio sloping toward the ... | |
| window in block exterior wall | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a home built with 4X8X16 Block. I want to install a window 5'w X 6't in my wall. I went to ... A: I have found over the years when dealing with building departments it is usually better to do what ... | |
| Garage foundation | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: I live in Buffalo NY.I have plans to build a 24x30 two story garage (2nd story storage only) Is it ... A: in this area where you have the potential for ground freeze it might not be possible to build any ... | |
| attic | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2 story, 10 yr old home with unfinished attic space. The Roof Truss design is made up ... A: standard roof trusses have been engineered for a certain amount of live load, this includes the ... | |
| cost of a patio | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: I am putting in a 8 foot by 20 foot patio in from of my house and was wondering what I would be ... A: I'm not sure what gravel or sand goes for in your area but a quick call to a local fill dirt ... | |
| Adding a front porch to a brick home | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: We are in the process of house hunting and have come across a house in a neighborhood that we like ... A: , of course it's possible to add a porch across the front of this house. It's a beauty by the way! ... | |
| concrete patio | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I would like to build a concrete patio in my back yard that extends the length of my house to be ... A: a concrete patio will have different characteristics than a concrete floor. Patios have to slope ... | |
| cost of fence | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I was just wondering what would be the cost to put up a fence on my property line. I would like to ... A: basically a pressure treated wood fence of most types six feet tall will cost 5-10 dollars a lineal ... | |
| Covering t-111 indoors | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: About 23 years ago we added a sunroom off our house and did the interior in T-111. It has served us ... A: not sure where you are coming from on the Health issue..As far as I know there is no health problem ... | |
| Foundation problems - Minor or Severe? | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning on buying a house and have found that most houses have something wrong with the ... A: if you have ever seen a masonry block it has two hollow cells in it. When the blocks are laid the ... | |
| Foundation problems - Minor or Severe? | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning on buying a house and have found that most houses have something wrong with the ... A: most masonry foundations are generally unfinished or poorly pointed (good solid mortar joints) on ... | |
| How To Repair A Crumbled Porch Step | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: Johnson, One of my concrete porch steps crumbled and I don't have a clue on how to fix it. Is there ... A: without being able to see it, it's hard to give you a fix. And without knowing your skills in ... | |
| Joint reiforcement | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: Must joint reinforcement for masonry block construction (residential or commercial) be a 'ladder' ... A: both HJR (horizontal joint reinforcement) ladder type and truss type are acceptable for use in CMU ... | |
| brick ledge | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: The ground on the side of my house is higher than that on the side of my neighbor's house. My ... A: if you are referring to the ledge that the brick sits on then it can be at ground level or lower. ... | |
| slate as exterior residential cladding | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: We are in the final stages of designing a new home. We are very fond of natural stone, and ... A: slate can be installed pretty much the same as any other stone. If you are installing thin slate ... | |
| Free Standing Roof | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a mobile home with a porch deck but no roof. I want to put a free standing roof over the ... A: six feet with a single 2x8 would probably be okay. How do you plan on attaching the 2x8 to the ... | |
| Free Standing Roof | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a mobile home with a porch deck but no roof. I want to put a free standing roof over the ... A: post spacing is dependent on your beam size. If you are using double 2x8 beams to support your ... | |
| exterior wall and inside carpet | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Problem" ground floor condo exterior bedroom wall;inside carpet dark dirty edge and draft along part ... A: It sounds like you just need to caulk the inside joint where the wall meets the floor. And if you ... | |
| Floor Joists | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Last year I purchased a split level home in southwesten PA. It was built in 1965. When we ... A: yes you can add the bridging and use it to force your joists back into shape if possible. That's ... | |
| Floor Joists | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Last year I purchased a split level home in southwesten PA. It was built in 1965. When we ... A: I was just in Southern PA looking at old Victorians to refurbish. A beautiful area. Anyhow, it ... | |
| pergola | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: i need to build a pergola on my deck. it faces south with no shade.my deck is 18'wide by 20' deep ... A: 18-20 feet is a long span for nominal lumber. You might be able to run a hefty beam mid way to cut ... | |
| building on | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: i am trying to figure out how much money it will cost if i add a second story on to my baseball ... A: I was figuring a four hundred foot by four hundred foot square so you could probably tweak those ... | |
| needing a frost wall? | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: Bruce. I am preparing to enclose my carport into a bedroom and just started trying at getting the ... A: The purpose of a frost wall is to contain an area of dirt that will be heated and stay contained ... | |
| slab on grade garage with temporary living space | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I'm thinking about building a 30x40 garage on some land and use it occasionally as a weekend ... A: different states and counties have differing codes on this. In some places it is 8" but you can get ... | |
| Demo Plaster Wall | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: In the process of removing a tile backsplash in my kitchen, I realized my walls were constructed of ... A: That sounds like it will work.. Or you can use some lattice strips to get the 1/4" thickness and use ... | |
| Can you pour a foundation after a wood frame house is build | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: Me and my wife are extremely interested in purchasing a home here in Tampa, FL. The house that we ... A: yes you can do a poured foundation after the fact. It would be much easier to do a poured footing ... | |
| Wiring lights and outlets | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: I am doing some rewiring in a bathroom I am remodeling. The house was built in 1956 and has old ... A: I would use 14/3 because of the ground wire..but the 14 gauge wire should be okay for a couple of ... | |
| basement leak through furnace exhaust pipe | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: Starting last fall, when it rained very heavily for a long time, lots of water got into the basement ... A: I answer probably five questions a week regarding foundations leaking and the answer is always, yes ... | |
| Foundation stabilization | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I have a 10,000 psi hydraulic ram system for driving piles under the footers of my home to ... A: any piling manufacturer will provide you with the size pilings you need. Precast concrete ... | |
| Adding on to a manufactor home | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: My question is this, I would like to add two additional room to a double wide manufactor home. Is ... A: yes it is done all the time. A double wide is built pretty much like a regular wood framed house so ... | |
| Addition to a Block Home | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: I am considering adding a two story addition to my concrete block home that was built in the late ... A: most building code enforcement agencies allow you build your own stuff, i.e. be your own contractor, ... | |
| Replace bottom rotted wooden panel garage door row | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: Greetings, As must be common, the bottom row of my panel wooden garage door is rotted. Very basic ... A: yeah, finding replacement panels for old garage doors is pretty much impossible. If you have ... | |
| Deck support column question? | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: I am replacing a upper deck and it's five 4X4 wood support columns. The ground under and around the ... A: One solution to your problem is to set the top of your column base at the finish floor elevation on ... | |
| Ceiling in Pole Barn Structure | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a 32' by 40' pole barn with 4/12 trusses spaced 4' oc. They have a 2x4 bottom cord. Will ... A: Without seeing the spec sheet on these trusses it's hard to say what kind of dead load they can ... | |
| old siding nails and wrapping house | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: We just removed old shingle siding from our 1950's home and there are nails sticking out all over ... A: you can just pound them in. Some of them you will probably want to pull for various reasons but ... | |
| horsehair plaster | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: After peeling off the wallpaper I discovered horsehair plaster through out my house... How could I ... A: only you know your own capabilities. If you are a good drywall finisher than the skim coating of ... | |
| Sealing Roof Edges | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: I live in central Florida in a home that is three years old with architectural asphalt shingles. I ... A: most shingle roofs are sealed to the drip edge by using a starter strip with an adhesive back that ... | |
| brick steps | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I need to fix cracks in my brick steps and want to know how to remove the sandstone top cap so I can ... A: you have to be very careful with sandstone or it will break. I would try to repair the brick ... | |
| Vaulted ceiling - support wall removal | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I have 2 rooms separated by an 2x4 wall 8' long I would like to open up. One side has a 15' high ... A: 17 feet is a big span for 2x12's doubled up. Your best bet might be to use a double LVL beam of ... | |
| Dry wall or Panel | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: can Drywall handle extreme temperature changes. on our Garage with loft i was wondering if we can ... A: gypsum materials such as drywall can handle very extreme temperature changes. For this reason they ... | |
| Why use Corner Beads | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm a supplier in corner beads,groove joints and other plastering aids in the Philippines,and am ... A: I'm sorry, my last letter addressed interior drywall and corner bead. I guess I was in a hurry and ... | |
| Large Patio cover | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: Ok so here’s the scenario…I extended my current concrete pad to be about 20’W x 18’D. I want to ... A: I suppose you could do the 1x with the osb cap with a 4 foot spacing if you are using tongue and ... | |
| Why use Corner Beads | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm a supplier in corner beads,groove joints and other plastering aids in the Philippines,and am ... A: I have done corners with tape and with bead. I find the bead more durable when bumped during ... | |
| ceiling height | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, We live in a house built in 1951, and just put our house on the market. Today a realtor came ... A: if the tax assessor counts it as a room then I don't see why you can't call it a room. Code wise, I ... | |
| stone sidewalk on conrete pad | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: My wife wants me to put in a stone sidewalk in front of our house, I however want concrete. I ... A: either material will work. The mortar is probaby your best bet. Liquid Nail makes a glue that is ... | |
| Tile flange | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: I am completely upgrading our bathroom. I am going to be installing a new bathtub soon. The ... A: true, grout is not waterproof unless it has been sealed properly. However it also is not a sieve ... | |
| Tile flange | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: I am completely upgrading our bathroom. I am going to be installing a new bathtub soon. The ... A: I have never used one in all the tile work I have done. I generally just make sure I grout ... | |
| Demo Plaster Wall | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: In the process of removing a tile backsplash in my kitchen, I realized my walls were constructed of ... A: rock lath is basically drywall. I take a small right angle grinder for jobs like this, with a ... | |
| truss replacement | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: i have an 840 square foot home with one floor. we need one extra room and were wondering if it is ... A: I would venture to guess that you are looking at 12-15000 dollars. But you need to do some local ... | |
| RE: Custom ceiling for Daughters room | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: I have just completed an open raftered them for my sons room. Now I am moving onto the Rock Star ... A: I went to the website and couldn't find the "rock star" theme you mention. That said, I think you ... | |
| Basement Remodel | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: Plan to finish basement.Block foundation(gets wet in a few spots)Using metal studs and mold/moisture ... A: a good sealer/ mastic on the walls would be the vapor barrier. I suppose if there is a moisture ... | |
| truss replacement | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: i have an 840 square foot home with one floor. we need one extra room and were wondering if it is ... A: Yes it is possible to replace existing trusses with trusses that have built in floor joists in them ... | |
| Constructing concrete block door opening and installing door | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: I am building 12 in. concrete block walls to support steel beams which will support a raised (about ... A: foam backer rod can be found in the weather stripping section of Home Depot or other similar stores. ... | |
| Basement Remodel | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: Plan to finish basement.Block foundation(gets wet in a few spots)Using metal studs and mold/moisture ... A: yes you need to seal the block. The rubber mastic is a good way to go. There is a cementious ... | |
| Constructing concrete block door opening and installing door | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: I am building 12 in. concrete block walls to support steel beams which will support a raised (about ... A: the opening for your door project is based on your brick mould. Calculate two times the width of ... | |
| Retaining wall | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: I am building my first retaining wall & it is about 20m long with inside & outside curves. It will ... A: a wall this tall probably can do without a poured concrete footing especially since you have some ... | |
| Bracing in basement | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: my wife and I are first time homebuyers and we are currently looking at some houses on the market in ... A: you didn't say what the basement foundation is made of, poured concrete, masonry, wood framing..My ... | |
| Studs over brick | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: I have an old brick building (3 or 4 bricks thick) and the inside walls are looking pretty sad. I'd ... A: I am not a big fan of interior vapor barriers because they tend to trap moisture on the inside face ... | |
| loft in a porch | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: I would like to add a storage loft above my porch. I have recently had our porch screened in with ... A: If you can build a deck you can build this project, it is similar. You know how to frame a wall ... | |
| dropped ceiling | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: I am installing a drop ceiling. I have installed the wall angles on all 4 walls, what I would like ... A: Actually when I do a drop ceiling layout I usually start at the center, both directions and squared ... | |
| non toxic wood beams instead of steel with ecrete block | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: building a home as green & secure as possible in houston texas. since you advised that wood is ... A: basically any non treated beam will fit your needs..contact your local lumber supplier, maybe Cox, ... | |
| dropped ceiling | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: I am installing a drop ceiling. I have installed the wall angles on all 4 walls, what I would like ... A: What I am trying to tell you is that you don't need a tee along the wall. Your wall angle serves as ... | |
| dropped ceiling | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I am installing a drop ceiling. I have installed the wall angles on all 4 walls, what I would like ... A: let me get this straight. Your 12' main tees have slots that start in 3" from the ends? I don't ... | |
| Exterior drywall | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a 12'X35' exterior lanai that has a smooth textured drywall ceiling. The home is in SW ... A: sounds like you need a different type of drywall mud. The "setting" type of mud works better for ... | |
| hanging curtain rods on stucco walls | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: The exterior of my house is stucco and the interior is drywall. However, when I tried to find a ... A: chances are you have masonry walls with furring strips nailed on the inside and then drywall ... | |
| Wood Basement Vs. Poured Concrete | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: I live in sw mn, and am thinking of building a new home. What if any would be the pros vs. Cons of ... A: I have reviewed wood basements over the years as compared to concrete and to be honest I have ... | |
| Header for door | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: I am redesigning a bathroom. One wall I am going to use to put a door. The wall is load-bearing. ... A: you can probably make the change out without any temporary shoring for this instance. I would ... | |
| Adding new concrete patio | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: Do you need concrete piers under a concrete patio. We are having a new front patio installed. The ... A: if it is just a patio? Then I see no need for piers. I like to do a thickened edge of 8" deep by ... | |
| stair rise & depth | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: Having a remodel project done in my 2nd floor (bedrooms and bath) and as an additional part to the ... A: attic stairs or stairs going to certain storage places can be different, i.e. steeper pitched with ... | |
| floor for an addition | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: Hey Bruce- I am talking with contractors about an addition to my house. I live in a flood plane in ... A: I see no advantage to using a full blown foundation over monolithic slab structurally speaking or ... | |
| dropped ceiling | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: I am installing a drop ceiling. I have installed the wall angles on all 4 walls, what I would like ... A: yes the wall angle supports the tees at the edges. Your main tees are also supported by attaching ... | |
| Small deck 8x10 3ft high over cement patio | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: I want to build a small deck over supoorted by existing concrete patio that is about 3ft below my ... A: attaching to the concrete is rather simple. Simpson makes a post base that you bolt to the concrete ... | |
| enclosing a screened porch | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: I want to enclose an existing 12'x19' screened room with concrete sloped flooring. We want to use ... A: Leveling up the floor can be done with concrete, just pour new concrete that is level and at the ... | |
| Texas full pour basement in "black gumbo" soil | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: I am looking at a couple of parcels (small acreage) in North Texas (Bonham area) where the soil is ... A: when building on this type of soil as pretty much any basement foundation the key is to make sure ... | |
| building construction | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: first questio, explain the use of formwork in floor construction .second question, what are the ... A: if you are going to pour an elevated slab then the bottom elevation of the slab would be formwork. ... | |
| Concrete Piers | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: I am having a concrete patio made (23ft by 12ft) attached to my backyard. I want to later add a wood ... A: yes the footing is the bottom, supporting part of the foundation. In a monolithic slab the footing ... | |
| adding on | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: we are adding on to an existing house. we are not sure on code for the crawl space. what depth is ... A: it depends on where you live..If the frost line is three feet then the top of your foundation ... | |
| stair step cracks on exterios brick walls | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, Our house was built in 2005. Recently I noticed that there are stair-step cracks on our ... A: From the photo, it looks like you are experiencing a simple expansion crack. You can grind it out ... | |
| Concrete Piers | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I am having a concrete patio made (23ft by 12ft) attached to my backyard. I want to later add a wood ... A: if your soil conditions are loose and you are building on a sloping piece of property where a ... | |
| Concrete Piers | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: I am having a concrete patio made (23ft by 12ft) attached to my backyard. I want to later add a wood ... A: #5 would be my choice, however if he uses enough #3 it would be okay I suppose. #5's in a grid of ... | |
| floor for an addition | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: Hey Bruce- I am talking with contractors about an addition to my house. I live in a flood plane in ... A: I am a big proponent of monolithic slabs whenever they are possible. It is a much simpler and ... | |
| concrete replacement | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: I had a driveway poured two years ago. I live in a cold winter climate (Wisconsin) My driveway has ... A: without knowing all the information it's hard to say what is going on here. If you live in an area ... | |
| Need a detail | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: Where can i get a detail of an LVL beam to remove a bearing wall? The 2nd floor joists run parallel ... A: I guess it depends on what detail you are looking for. An LVL beam is just a solid laminated ... | |
| Loft Conversion | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I live in Northern Ireland and I have 2 questions. Firstly I'm coinverting one half of my 'L' shaped ... A: the thickness of your joists is more related to the span of the joist than anything else. Right now ... | |
| Removing wall on a rancher home | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a single story rancher home built in 1976.(24x44) I want to remove part of the wall between ... A: chances are pretty good that the trusses are clear spanning and the wall is non-bearing. If you can ... | |
| concrete spalling under a stone wall | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: The property is a condo complex located on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Many areas of ... A: you might have to remove enough of the facade to do the repair work. It sounds to me like your ... | |
| Rust on a lally column | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a attached garage that has a lolly column set in concrete that holds up a wooden beam for the ... A: residential columns holding up wooden beams are not generally filled with concrete. Most base ... | |
| studs | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: what kind of studs and nails do I need to hang it to a concrete or masonry wall? A: what are you trying to hang on a concrete or masonry wall? Your question is not too informative. ... | |
| pouring slab over carport | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I would like to close in my garage for more living area. The current slab is 4" below the living ... A: I understand about raising up your slab the 4" but the rest of your question confuses me. If you ... | |
| Freestanding Porch Roof | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I just bought a home in El Paso, TX this past September. The house has a back porch ... A: a free standing roof set on posts needs lateral bracing. This can be easily accomplished withe knee ... | |
| Concrete and Lally column issue | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I had an addition put on my house that consisted of an open front basement which is the garage and a ... A: non shrink Grout is used under columns after they have been set. It can be found in most home ... | |
| Concrete and Lally column issue | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I had an addition put on my house that consisted of an open front basement which is the garage and a ... A: you are definitely on the right track. First of all you can get a special paint that takes rust and ... | |
| add on | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I live in a small slab home, what i want to do is add on a 10+12 laundry, mud room of the back of my ... A: even if you do a monolithic slab foundation similar to your house you really won't need heavy ... | |
| Enclosing a screen porch | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I am enclosing a 12X18 porch that already has a roof. The house and existing porch are built on ... A: go the Simpson website. Strongtie.com and find the joist hangers or clips to meet your needs. A ... | |
| Second floor room extension | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in extending my second floor media room. The extension will be on top of the guest ... A: it seems doable based on this information. I am not familiar with the term "may clearances". If ... | |
| Adding door to create walk out basement | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: One corner of my basement is only about 3ft in the ground and thought I could cut the earth out ... A: I don't think you need to worry about the frost line too much. Your existing footing is probably ... | |
| How to reinforce existing 2x4 tress roof | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a truss roof system that was built before the codes were changed here (Mt. Shasta) from ... A: of course. You can double up the top, bottom chords and the webs. If there is a truss company ... | |
| Enclosing a carport | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I am getting ready to enclose my carport for additional GLA, however I want to pour a ... A: honestly? You need to cut out the edges anyhow and dig your perimeter footings below grade. ... | |
| Suspended ladder | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: Bruce-- We have a barn with a 10 foot ceiling. We want to have a set of stairs (not folding) to get ... A: a lot can be learned from looking at the drop down attic ladders you can find at home improvement ... | |
| building a portico | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: I have a cape and I would like to put a portico over my front door. The house, looking at it from ... A: Where the sleeper is placed is determined by the pitch of the roof. I used 2-3 inches as a "for ... | |
| rule-of-thumb for selfbuild in the country | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Planning a selfbuild and wondered whether we are being overpriced at £900 per square metre. Have ... A: Either figure seems right. A lot of it depends on who you use to sub-contract the work and what ... | |
| building a portico | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a cape and I would like to put a portico over my front door. The house, looking at it from ... A: the purpose of the sleepers laid flat at your valley angles is so that the new roof weight is ... | |
| Framing addition | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: Thinking of adding a two story addition off the back of my house. In trying to draw some ... A: contact your local truss manufacturers. You can purchase box trusses and/or box girders to make a ... | |
| building a portico | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a cape and I would like to put a portico over my front door. The house, looking at it from ... A: it's a nice thought but the answer is "no". If you don't want a roof leak you need to do the right ... | |
| Large Patio cover | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: Ok so here’s the scenario…I extended my current concrete pad to be about 20’W x 18’D. I want to ... A: it looks like you are using a truss system for the main body of the roof? Or are you planning on ... | |
| small basement windows | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a house which is about 100 yrs old with a stone and block foundation, the basement windows ... A: have you done much research on the web? Most window manufacturers have sizes that will fit any ... | |
| Rafters for a pergola | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: I am building a 14'x20' pergola using trated pine. The four posts will be 6"x6". The beams will be ... A: you are attempting to do something that just won't work. 22' span is pretty much out of the ... | |
| adding a jet tub | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: My question is similar to one you answered in 2006 so I will use that format. I'm in the midst of ... A: if you go to the following link :http://www.southernpine.com/spantables.shtml and check on table #4 ... | |
| additions | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: Bruce: I am interested in expanding a kitchen by adding new foundation (slab) to the existing, ... A: yes, with the proper compaction of your sub grade and similar sized footings tied into the existing ... | |
| Rafters for a pergola | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I am building a 14'x20' pergola using trated pine. The four posts will be 6"x6". The beams will be ... A: you are better off running your rafters the 14' direction. 22' is a long span for nominal lumber of ... | |
| Concrete slab with no footings | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I'm trying to find out if an addition done to my house prior to my purchase (in 2001) is up to ... A: chances are that the slab is only 4-6" thick and the exterior edge of it is 12" thick. This is ... | |
| House Creaks during wind gusts | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I recently added an addition to my house and now find that when the wind hits the house directly, it ... A: you have reinforced my original supposition that the exterior plywood is nailed improperly. Let's ... | |
| building a concrete patio | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: We are planning to build a concrete patio in our backyard in Maryland. The lowest estimate we ... A: I never pour concrete flatwork over a gravel base. Compacted soil is adequate in most areas. If ... | |
| House Creaks during wind gusts | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I recently added an addition to my house and now find that when the wind hits the house directly, it ... A: from this picture I don't see any attic space. It looks to me like the roof system is stick framed ... | |
| drywall/tape | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: Bruce - I am trying to get pricing for the installation of standard 4 x 8 x 1/2" sheetrock and the ... A: who are you talking to? A sheetrock contractor local to your area should be able to give you some ... | |
| Hole in Cinder Block Wall for Small Air Conditioner | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: I want to put an air conditioner in my garage wall. The wall contains no rebar; just blocks and ... A: you should be able to cut this hole without any added supports. Try to make your cuts to correspond ... | |
| Hollow Metal Door | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: I'm wanting to cut a opening in a cinder block wall block to install a standard hollow metal door. ... A: you will need a concrete cut saw of some sort. You can rent one that is gas powered or electric. ... | |
| Vapor barrier | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: Is it necessary to use a vapor barrier on the interior side of your exterior walls if your batt ... A: yes Tyvek or Typar are the new external vapor barriers that have taken over the older methods such ... | |
| Levelling and Supporting a House on Posts | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: We bought a seasonal property which is built on posts. The house is not level. We had one side ... A: in Maine the frost line for foundations is pretty deep, probably 3-4' which means that any ... | |
| foundation walls | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, Am going to add an addition onto my house that has concrete block walls on good footings. My ... A: I used to be strictly a "poured concrete" proponent until I moved to Florida and really got into ... | |
| Vapor barrier | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: Is it necessary to use a vapor barrier on the interior side of your exterior walls if your batt ... A: I have a very distinct belief about vapor barriers. They belong at the outside of a wall, not the ... | |
| rafter material and spacing | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I AM WONDERING WHAT SIZE RAFTER IS NEEDED TO SPAN A DISTANCE OF 15' AND A 5/12 PITCH FOR A GARAGE ... A: when you say 15' span are you referring to from the center of the building to exterior or the entire ... | |
| Leaking Chimney... | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: We have had a leak from the chimney (an old non functioning chimney) a few times when there has been ... A: at this point a sump may be your best option. If water is coming through the flue and you are not ... | |
| BATHROOM RENOVATION | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of renovating our main bathroom. This started out as a project to replace the ... A: whether or not you need engineer involvement depends a lot on how the roof system is presently ... | |
| flooring | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: Second floor has two rooms, one finished. The unfinished room has 2"x8" floor joists with 16' span. ... A: I'm not sure what the 2x4's will accomplish short of adding more weight. Sixteen feet is about ... | |
| Basement support | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a Ranch home built in 1975. My floor joist go only half the distance of the home and are ... A: normally a rule of thumb is one inch of depth per foot of span for supporting beams. Which means ... | |
| taping vaulted ceilings | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: What is the best way to keep the peak of a vaulted ceiling from popping. I have done it twice now ... A: gee I guess we need to look at your roof system. If you are using vaulted scissor trusses you need ... | |
| Concrete slab crack | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: My front door will not open it sticks. The floor in front of it slopes down towards the door. ... A: yes it is very possible that the roots are causing problems. If the concrete is heaving up instead ... | |
| Concrete slab crack | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: My front door will not open it sticks. The floor in front of it slopes down towards the door. ... A: it sounds like the foundation is settling in this area. This could be caused by several things. A ... | |
| structural integrity and windows | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: I live in a CBC condo building. We are told since the windows are old they threaten the structurl ... A: no the windows are not part of the structural support in a building. What is probably being referred ... | |
| attaching floor to blocks | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I am going to build a home and I am curious what is the best way to attach the joists to the block ... A: your masonry wall will have a u-block for the top course filled solid with concrete. Embedded in ... | |
| rafters | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I was in my father inlaws attic checking to see why the roof had soft spots on it when I had to ... A: without actually seeing the stuff I will have to guess but it sounds like a wood fungus. This may ... | |
| built up columns on covered deck | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I am designing a new house for clients. I am a draftsman/designer for residential projects in ... A: your method will work fine. Any way to furr out the column and provide a base for the finish wood ... | |
| wet wood | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: Our house is built on top of a slab of concrete. It rained a lot this past week, and while cleaning ... A: I am confused with your description. If your house is on a slab why would there be a sheet of ... | |
| Flashing for a Shed Roof against existing Brick Veneer | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning to add a front porch to my home this Spring and plan to make it a shed style roof ... A: I guess you will have to go through the motions of finding the studs inside and marking them ... | |
| W truss | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Johnson, I recently purchased my first home. In the attic i have W trusses that extend from a ... A: first of all you will have to settle for a "fake" open beam ceiling if you want to keep the roof in ... | |
| Remove fireplace surround | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I bought my house and it has gas logs with a black slate surround. I would like to replace ... A: chances are pretty good that the slate is attached to drywall which abuts the firebox and probably ... | |
| Slab or Joist | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: We are adding an extension onto our home. Current home has a basement - so first floor has joists. ... A: I have found over the years that a slab on grade is always cheaper than a foundation with floor ... | |
| Flashing for a Shed Roof against existing Brick Veneer | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning to add a front porch to my home this Spring and plan to make it a shed style roof ... A: you can use a stud finder inside the house to locate your studs and then use a point of reference on ... | |
| built up columns on covered deck | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: I am designing a new house for clients. I am a draftsman/designer for residential projects in ... A: it's rather simple really. The colums in your case can have a 2x6x9' attached to the two sides ... | |
| Flashing for a Shed Roof against existing Brick Veneer | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning to add a front porch to my home this Spring and plan to make it a shed style roof ... A: If your wall is wood frame with brick veneer it is always best to find the studs of the wall and use ... | |
| Adding onto concrete | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I have an older home with a 25 X 8 concrete front porch. I want to convert a bedroom window to a ... A: we have been using epoxy anchor bolts lately. They are basically all-thread bolt material, 5/8-3/4" ... | |
| Adding onto concrete | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I have an older home with a 25 X 8 concrete front porch. I want to convert a bedroom window to a ... A: Of course you can put a bathroom on that slab. You will probably need to level it up though. Most ... | |
| trailer house | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a trailer house that is 16 by 60 feet and i want to extend it 12 feet towards the front but i ... A: at what it would cost you to do a remodel of this scope it would probably cost less to just buy a ... | |
| Foundation Crack | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: We are in the process of buying a home & have come across one that is perfect (1 story approx 1450 ... A: a one inch wide crack? That is an indication of a major settling or structural problem..from the ... | |
| adding a four seasons room to mfg home | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1999 manufactured home (double wide) permanently attached to a full basement. I would like ... A: when adding on to any building you generally make the foundation and structure of the new addition ... | |
| Foundation Crack | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: We are in the process of buying a home & have come across one that is perfect (1 story approx 1450 ... A: settling is a rather common development in new construction. Any time you take a large weight and ... | |
| Wall creaking after new siding was installed | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: We have recently had James Hardi siding installed on our 22 year old home. During windy weather, we ... A: it's possible that the material was not installed properly. It's hard to say. If it is 7 1/4" lap ... | |
| Adding on to an existing foundation | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: I would like to build an addition on my home with a full poured basement and two stories. I am ... A: okay, cool. If your existing foundation is a basement also then you will need a vertical column of ... | |
| construction | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: i am a new general contractor with 10 yrs exp as a finish carpenter most of my work has been ... A: gosh, I am totally out of touch with the west coast anymore. I used to live and work in that area ... | |
| using concrete block to build a home | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I had forgot to tell you that I wanted to build a home made of concret blocks. It doesn't rain much ... A: concrete block is one of the best ways to build a house. It withstands all kinds of external forces ... | |
| concret home building | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I live in the high desert in southern ca. ( victorville area) I was wondering if I can use concrete ... A: I love concrete block for desert climates. I recommend using a foam block fill insulation once the ... | |
| Adding on to an existing foundation | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I would like to build an addition on my home with a full poured basement and two stories. I am ... A: this question requires more information. Is your existing home on a crawlspace foundation? How ... | |
| room addition | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: I am considering adding a walkin closet to the second story of my house. it would cover a portion ... A: I am not at all familiar with particular contractors in your area, however, by going to the phone ... | |
| multiple roof lines causing pre-plan head scratching | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: Bruce; We have a 1 and 1/2 story, and want to 'bump out' living room to connect with back yard. In ... A: for just a one story bump out definately a gable end matching the shallower pitch on the left of the ... | |
| garage door repair | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: Recently (I don't know if coincidentally), my garage door started having a problem. The door can be ... A: see if you can find your manual or get online and look it up. It sounds like your remote sensor ... | |
| multiple roof lines causing pre-plan head scratching | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: Bruce; We have a 1 and 1/2 story, and want to 'bump out' living room to connect with back yard. In ... A: from what I can gather (I'm not sure how much of the side you want to "bump out") I would just match ... | |
| HOUSE FOUNDATION | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: HAD A NEW HOME BUILT IN FEB. 2002. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO SMALL CRACKS STARTED APPEARING AROUND THE ... A: I am not an attorney, however, from previous contracts I have been involved with over the years the ... | |
| Church Floor Renovation Material | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: Our parish is starting a renovation project and one major item is replacing the carpet in the ... A: obviously ceramic or porcelein tile, marble, slate or other stones come to mind. I recently ... | |
| Adding Walk-Up to Daylight Basement | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: Bruce, I am thinking about finishing my basement, but had an idea worth vetting. The basement is ... A: so you are talking about building an exterior set of stairs going up from the basement? Or an ... | |
| Load bearing wall beam requirement | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2 story home that I want to put an addition on the rear lower level. This addition is on ... A: a rule of thumb for beam spans, using a nominal 4" beam is as follows: One inch of depth per foot ... | |
| installing french door in daylight basement | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: We are replacing a 70" window with a french door. The rough opening given by the manufacturer of the ... A: the best way to do an inswinging door to allow maximum swing is to mount the door jamb flush to the ... | |
| attic door | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: I have an attic door, the fold down kind. I want to take it down, and be able to re-use it in ... A: the best way to take down a pull down ladder (it sounds like this is what you are describing) is to ... | |
| footings and foundations | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: i am building an unattached garage and in the plans it shows a continuous footing and a gradebeam ... A: that is a goofy drawing. It's hard to say just what is going on there. It looks like there is a ... | |
| steel beam condensation | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: building an office under a patio with a 6" slab of concrete. there is a steel beam running across ... A: if the beam is sweating from lack of air circulation and you are going to aircondition this space ... | |
| Heat N Glo firplace insert - draft | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a Heat N glo fireplace insert in the 6 year old home I bought. It is model # SL-750-TRC There ... A: I don't recommend closing up any vents or blocking any openings to the outside that are part of the ... | |
| support beam | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: We are putting in a support beam in an old farm house,to support the 2nd floor. The span is 19 ft. ... A: that is a pretty hefty beam. I think it should work. A 4x12 will span up to 14' for this kind of ... | |
| Painting concrete block foundation exteriors | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering as I see so many new homes being built that they are left on grundgy,dirty,rust ... A: a lot of what you see is iron rust caused by poorly aimed irrigation systems and water with a lot of ... | |
| Concrete Steps | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: My original steps were concrete faced with brick. The brick was coming off and an area mason put a ... A: you can. But believe me it would be easier to rent a big jack hammer and take out the whole set of ... | |
| second-story cost | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: Hey, Bruce. I'd like to add a second-story to my home in Huntington, Long Island, New York. I've ... A: for Long Island, these prices don't seem too far out of whack. A project such as this second story ... | |
| block house | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a block home built in 1949. There is no insulation inside the block, and there is ... A: many home insulation contractors offer foam core injection for masonry block homes. Your best bet ... | |
| plywood and snow | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: Damon here in CO. I am an interior carpenter by trade. I am going to be working on a house in ... A: I know it's hard when you see something that isn't right and keeping quiet about it. Believe me I ... | |
| My Knee walls in our basement. | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: Good day! Our home is 11 years old. We have always had wet windows. They are wet on the side in our ... A: first of all do you have airconditioning? If so, do you use it or have a dehumidifier? Interior ... | |
| plywood and snow | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: Damon here in CO. I am an interior carpenter by trade. I am going to be working on a house in ... A: it is true that moisture can be hard on the framework of an unfinished house however not disastrous. ... | |
| concrete foundation | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: I am putting on an addition to my house.I would like to know if there is some kind of membrane that ... A: are you doing a basement foundation, a crawl space foundation or a monolithic slab foundation? For ... | |
| concrete topping | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: the slab out front of my garage has several cracks in it and I would like to try to cover them up. I ... A: there is a product called "Pavecrete" that can be used to top concrete. You can fill the cracks ... | |
| header or no header | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: We want to open up an existing opening from 32" to 7 1/2' in an interior load bearing wall. This is ... A: most cape cod homes have a main bearing wall down the center or close to it. This wall supports the ... | |
| mergeing n old house to a mobile home | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: My wife and I have a 1982 14x70 mobile home, I remodeled the kitchen and master bath . It is on our ... A: this is complicated question without having any real information about the house or the mobile. ... | |
| Basement finishing, insulation, vapor barrier | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: I live in the Chicago area and I am finishing my basement. I did much research on the vapor barrier ... A: do this, take some strips of the wall insulation you are using and plug the gap with that. It will ... | |
| Basement finishing, insulation, vapor barrier | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I live in the Chicago area and I am finishing my basement. I did much research on the vapor barrier ... A: it sounds like you are on the right track for sure. I wouldn't seal the top gap. For one thing the ... | |
| Hardiplank | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: We have a transportable holiday home in Perth.Exterior is finished in hardiplank.Have added more ... A: if the Hardi is a flat white color then it is pre primed and you shouldn't need to prime it before ... | |
| formed/poured concrete corbels?? | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: Want to attach 3 poured corbels (1/2 yrd each) to concrete block foundation to support a 4" concrete ... A: a half yard of concrete weighs about 2000 pounds if my memory serves me plus your deck is another ... | |
| estimate of cost | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: What is a rough estimate too pour a foundation 25'by40'for a home. A: it's been a while since I have done residential foundations but a ball park figure can go like ... | |
| stucco coming off house | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: We built a house several years ago in South Carolina. The exterior is real stucco. Within the ... A: the metal corner bead does have expanded metal that will probably hold the stucco a little better ... | |
| stucco coming off house | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: We built a house several years ago in South Carolina. The exterior is real stucco. Within the ... A: by "seams" are you talking about the expansion joints? If so then it sounds to me like the stucco ... | |
| windows | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: do i have to use a specific window in a block wall?there is no opening where i will be putting this ... A: you can pretty much use any kind of window in a block wall with the proper preparation. If you are ... | |
| diagonal wall crack (drywall & exterior siding) | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: I recently moved into a 120-year old home, whose kitchen was completely gutted and renovated. A ... A: I would venture to say that yes the two cracks are related if they follow similar paths. What may ... | |
| fixing basement walls | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: I live in a house that is over a 100 years old. the problem that I have is I want to create a play ... A: that's strange that your foundation wall doesn't have a poured concrete cap on it. Generally there ... | |
| slab for mobile home | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I need to figure the cost for a slab for a 28' by 60' Doublewide Manufactured Home. We are hoping ... A: depending on where you live slab costs will run anywhere from 4 dollars up to 7 dollars a square ... | |
| extending the roof line or rebuild | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: my husband and I are in the beginning stages of planning an addition. Our house is a 2nd empire ... A: the term shed roof simply means that it is a single pitched roof, higher at the interior wall and ... | |
| attic insulation | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I have purchased an older home in which previous owners converted garage into family room. They did ... A: a vapor barrier is generally not needed in the ceiling. If you insulate with a foil or paper backed ... | |
| Atrium support | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: i have an atrium ranch house that was built three years ago. The builder is not around anymore to ... A: chances are that the post and beam you are describing have nothing to do with the atrium style of ... | |
| attic insulation | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I have purchased an older home in which previous owners converted garage into family room. They did ... A: If the garage is attached to the house then it probably has the same vapor barriers that the house ... | |
| extending the roof line or rebuild | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: my husband and I are in the beginning stages of planning an addition. Our house is a 2nd empire ... A: It's hard to say what kind of roof you have over the porch right now from the picture you have sent. ... | |
| Noise in walls when windy | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: In a specific place in the wall of my house when the wind blows it sounds like the brick ties are in ... A: well I don't know what else to tell you. If the wind is really blowing hard, I guess it could put ... | |
| Roof framing question | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a study question that has me stumped, the question is : If the valley rafter had a ... A: okay, this is a stumper. Most valley framing is done after the main roof is sheathed so it is ... | |
| replacing basement ceiling in double-wide home | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: please excuse my ignorance of building construction terminology, I'll phrase the question as best as ... A: I can't think of any reason why you can't remove the ceiling covering. The floor joists are your ... | |
| beams | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: I recently jacked up my cabin and had a 8' concrete basement installed. I am trying to get rid of ... A: I'm sorry but I really don't understand what you want to do here. 2x8's no matter how many you nail ... | |
| Noise in walls when windy | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: In a specific place in the wall of my house when the wind blows it sounds like the brick ties are in ... A: that would be a stretch for a brick house to make pinking sounds when wind blows. I would venture a ... | |
| Slab Foundation on slope | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: I am getting ready to start building a house (with my own 2 hands) My problem is that I really want ... A: gee, I guess Amazon or any bookstore has books on foundations. What I know about foundations came ... | |
| Insulating Cinder Block | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: We bought a house in upstate NY with a finished basement last winter. When spring came the ... A: the problem you have with the moisture is probably from a clogged, poorly installed or totally ... | |
| Addition on Modular home | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: we have a 2004 model modular home that is on our own private property. The home is considered to be ... A: I guess the only people that can answer that question is your local building department. I can't ... | |
| Foundation for concrete steps | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: We are working on an addition to our home which includes a new back entrance with a landing and two ... A: I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely ... | |
| Brick House Backerboard? | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: I own a 1945 brick Tudor home in Washington state. The basement recently flooded and I peeled off ... A: I'm not sure what that material is, possibly denny board. Denny board was made of fibers and ... | |
| Removing brick piers under single level house | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: I am looking to buy a small house built on brick piers, its built about 8 foot off the ground. If I ... A: the size of your floor joists will determine how many beams you need to add to support the living ... | |
| 2nd floor addition - flooring issues | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: Bruce- We have been living in our home for 3 years now, and I decided to tackle the issue we have ... A: the support posts are not the problem. Apparently the span of your joists between support beams is ... | |
| construction | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: I would like to replace the shingles on the exterior of my ranch home with stone facing. The frontal ... A: Normally you would need to pour a concrete footing for the stone to rest on. Depending on the size ... | |
| 12./12 pitch roof | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: i am re-shingling my garage, it has a 12/12 pitch.. what is the safest way to secure myself while ... A: A good harness is a must. They can be purchased for 30-60 dollars from any building supply store. ... | |
| chimney leak into basement | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: Intermittently, when it rains, I get a leak behind my outside chimney into the basement where the ... A: Basement leaks can be daunting. If it is ground water building up and leaking into the basement you ... | |
| loud crack | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: i heard a loud crack--in the middle of the night of course--and assuming it was the outside electric ... A: If your home has experienced settling issues over time then this is possibly another one. The loud ... | |
| loud crack | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: i heard a loud crack--in the middle of the night of course--and assuming it was the outside electric ... A: you didn't mention where you lived or what the weather conditions were when you heard the noise. ... | |
| chimney leak into basement | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: Intermittently, when it rains, I get a leak behind my outside chimney into the basement where the ... A: digging around the chimney and waterproofing that area below grade is not a bad idea. It should have ... | |
| dig a basement from a crawl space | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: can this be done with a bobcat and do they have books on how to do this. my crawl space is proxy 40 ... A: digging basements from crawlspaces is done all the time. I don't know of any books on the subject ... | |
| Residential garage door and header issue. | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I want to replace two doors with one long door. Total length is 19'4". It is a brick home, double ... A: it's kind of hard to make that call. First of all, how does your roof system bear on these headers? ... | |
| Brick house "cracking" noise | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: I live in a two story 1988 brick house plus a walk out basement. The house seems solid and is real ... A: the cracking sound you hear is probably related to the wood part of the structure. Either the roof ... | |
| tyvek wrap | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: Can I use Tyvek to wrap my interior basement poured concrete walls before I strap and insulate. ... A: if you are framing walls up against your concrete then it is probably a good idea to leave a half ... | |
| mold behind walls of new construction home | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: My husband was the contractor on our home,the wood frame was exposed to the elements,heat ... A: if the wood was dry before the drywall etc. was installed you are probably okay. Plus it takes ... | |
| build wooden second story oo brick garage | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6 x 6 meter garage constructed from brick and would like to build a small bachelor ... A: Depending on your location and the availability the best system to use for this would be wood ... | |
| Window install in block wall | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: I need to in stall two 40''H x 6o''L windows into a block wall these will serve as egress windows ... A: that's a tricky one. If your masonry wall was done correctly there should be at least one course at ... | |
| carpentry building code baltimore md. | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: I am building an exterior split-level staircase extending to a second story deck.Iam useing 4x4 ... A: I am not familiar with your local building codes, however, 4x4's can be used up to pretty much any ... | |
| tyvek wrap | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: Can I use Tyvek to wrap my interior basement poured concrete walls before I strap and insulate. ... A: Tyvek is an exterior product made for specific exterior applications. Before trying on interior ... | |
| Loft Load Bearing | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: I'd like to know whether I can convert my loft space into a liveable area (spare bedroom). I am very ... A: It's hard to say without knowing what your loft is built out of just exactly what kind of load it ... | |
| insulation | 12/13/2008 |
| Q: I had asked you about insulating a ceiling in a room under a front porch. I have heavy condesation ... A: Im sorry Bob I thought I answered that question. My point in my last answer is that you need to dry ... | |
| Steel I-beam span | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: I am redesigning a residential house, and I want to open the floorplan on the main floor. This ... A: I'm not an engineer so all I can do is point in the right direction. ... | |
| Attic floor | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a victorian terraced house and would like to use our attic either as storage or as a room if ... A: floor joist spans can be figured using an old "rule of thumb" method. Generally the floor joist ... | |
| fruit celler insulation | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: I have an area underneath my front porch accesable from my basement. It is an enclosed area with a ... A: you need a couple of things. If you are going to use this as a fruit cellar then you should read ... | |
| Weight on Second Floor | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: We want to put a home office on the second floor of our house. The room has an outside wall and a ... A: you didn't tell me how big the hutch is because that would determine how many pounds per sq. foot ... | |
| Add a Floor | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a 44' W x 48' L, all brick ranch home. I would like to add a floor to it. I have ... A: it depends on a few things but I have added second story additions without having to mess with the ... | |
| Basement | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: I recently hired a contractor to straighten a basement wall and provide some external waterproofing ... A: yes this is the proper way to do a perimeter drain or french drain. The perforated pipe catches the ... | |
| commercial flooring | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: which one is more expensive 3500 psi concrete or 4000 psi.also for a commercial floor wwith constant ... A: 4000 pound mix is more expensive because it has more cement in it. A six inch thick 4000# slab ... | |
| construction ghosting? | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: I moved into a newly built home in February, and started to notice a bunch of black on the walls and ... A: the term construction "ghosting" isn't familiar but I can see where it comes from. If you ever look ... | |
| reinforcein roof trusses | 12/5/2008 |
| Q: I want to strengthe roof truss (made of single 2x4 pine. I thought I could add anther 2x4 ( small ... A: I'm a little leery of giving advice regarding altering "engineered trusses". The problem with this ... | |
| Buckling Drywall Throughout House | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: I live in a house in Charlotte, NC that was built in 1983. It is built over an open air crawl space ... A: the roof may affect your walls but for a different reason. The roof structure takes the most wind ... | |
| Buckling Drywall Throughout House | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: I live in a house in Charlotte, NC that was built in 1983. It is built over an open air crawl space ... A: gosh that's a puzzler. No evidence of settling in the foundation? Okay then. There could be a ... | |
| Condensation | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: If an exposed concrete roof deck with terracotta tile finish does not have insulation, will there be ... A: are you sure the roof isn't insulated? Most concrete roof decks that I have done have a 3" ... | |
| Fruit Cellars | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: We had a storm cellar built in the basement of our new home. Decided to use it for a fruit cellar. ... A: I know that fruit storage needs certain conditions to be successful. The temperature needs to be ... | |
| Stairs | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: We have built interior stairs to the attic where we will be building a bedroom. We want a door at ... A: generally speaking "attic" stairs do not need a landing when there is a door involved at the bottom. ... | |
| removal of support beam | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: our house is shaped in a large L, we removed walls surrounding the kitchen and are left with two ... A: what exactly did the engineer say? I'm a bit confused with your terminology. When you say you have ... | |
| popcorn ceilings | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: What is the best way to do it your self popcorn ceilings or should I just bite the bullet and hire ... A: sorry. I thought you wanted to do the popcorn. If the ceiling hasn't been painted too many times ... | |
| additional attic insulation in an older home | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a home built in the late '20s in grand rapids, michigan. the attic has what ... A: you will get a nicer looking job if you run the fibeglass batts between the joists first. But why ... | |
| Outdoor turf base material | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, I am going to install outdoor turf carpet around a pool. I need to know what type of material ... A: I am not a big fan of crushed limestone, it becomes nasty when it gets wet and eventually turns to ... | |
| Crywall texture odor | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: Followup to last night'sI went to Home Depot to buy more paint and the guy at the paint counter said ... A: you definitely want to reconsider your carpet and flooring schedule until you get this odor problem ... | |
| popcorn ceilings | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: What is the best way to do it your self popcorn ceilings or should I just bite the bullet and hire ... A: you can rent a texture machine and buy the texture at your local building supply store, mix up the ... | |
| drywall texture odor | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: I read the 11/05/08 posting re: the drywall texture smell. We are remodeling 2/3 of our upstairs ... A: what do you have to lose? I would clean everything that has absorbed that sour smell, air out the ... | |
| concrete slab | 11/29/2008 |
| Q: I WANT TO BUILD A SMALL CAMP IN VERMONT 25'X25' WITH A 6'X14' BUMP-OUT IN FRONT. I NEED IT TO BE AS ... A: I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish here. If you want a cheap and easy building to build ... | |
| Roof framing | 11/28/2008 |
| Q: ...Bear with me and I'll try to explain what I am pondering. Ok,I have an existing bungalow (1 1/2 ... A: if you are going to provide a girder truss or some other structurally capable method of supporting ... | |
| hardi backer board | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: my hardi backer board got soaking wet.. with a plumbing mishap.. now my contractor is wanting to lay ... A: it shouldn't need to be replaced but it should at least dry out some. It probably doesn't need to be ... | |
| Roof framing | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: ...Bear with me and I'll try to explain what I am pondering. Ok,I have an existing bungalow (1 1/2 ... A: I'm not sure what you are asking here. Let me explain a little bit about your roof framing. Right ... | |
| structural ceiling beam | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: I am looking at extending my kitchen into my laundry room which is possible. the only thing is if we ... A: without seeing how your existing roof and ceiling system is framed up I can't give you too much ... | |
| Access in crawl space | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a house built in the 1940s. One of the first things I wanted to take care of was ... A: a standard crawl space is normally 24" high from grade to bottom of joist. The best way to cut ... | |
| Roof framing | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: ...Bear with me and I'll try to explain what I am pondering. Ok,I have an existing bungalow (1 1/2 ... A: what you are describing is basically a modified "saltbox" roof design. A saltbox is basically a ... | |
| ridge vent | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I have leak in the roof over my kitchen table. It's a bump out so there's only one floor there. One ... A: we have been building the last two years with no attic ventilation. To do this however you need to ... | |
| carpentry | 11/22/2008 |
| Q: I am building a second level storage area that will be 24feet by 24feet and I would like to build it ... A: the bearing capacity of the wood I-beams depends on I-beams. Contact your local truss manufacturer ... | |
| driveway | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I need to pour a 12'x 38'x 4" drive way in preparation for a metal carport. Q1. wire mesh vs rebar? ... A: a control joint is either a cut joint one inch deep done with a concrete saw as soon as the concrete ... | |
| driveway | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I need to pour a 12'x 38'x 4" drive way in preparation for a metal carport. Q1. wire mesh vs rebar? ... A: 1. I prefer rebar in a thickened edge at the perimeter where your building will be located and wire ... | |
| Beam sizing and roof design | 11/20/2008 |
| Q: I am designing a small stick-built home, and want to ensure it is structurally sound. I would ... A: over the years I have used the rule of thumb method for sizing residential beams. For every foot of ... | |
| Re-building a garage on existing concrete slab | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: We are looking to buy a house that had a 2-car garage that was destroyed by a tree that fell on it. ... A: it depends. If the impact on the house caused the framing to shift out of plumb (vertical level) ... | |
| suspended concrete ceiling | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: we have a suspended concrete floor above our finished basement. It has 1" insulation board on the ... A: why do you have insulation between floors? Your basement should be a conditioned space so that the ... | |
| supporting a family room over a garage | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: I am building a family room which will be built much like deck in some ways. 2x12' floor joists ... A: generally speaking any solid support the width of your beam should suffice. A 4x6 or 6x6 or a 6" ... | |
| drivet | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: We are considering purchasing a home that had drivet on it at one point. The house is 10 yrs old. ... A: most home inspection companies are qualified to look at stuff like this. If the drivet installation ... | |
| Insulation under existing wood decking with addition | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: We had a contractor put an addition on the back of our home and put 18x18 tiles on the flooring but ... A: I'm not sure what you are hearing. But your floor insulation should be at least r-19 (6") or r-30 ... | |
| Re-building a garage on existing concrete slab | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: We are looking to buy a house that had a 2-car garage that was destroyed by a tree that fell on it. ... A: figure around 40-50 dollars a square foot for a job like this. It may vary a few bucks one way or ... | |
| Lumber span with minimal sagging | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: I am planning a pergola that will have 6 x 6 posts on the corners of a 10' x 16' area. I plan on ... A: for non structural joists like Pergola joists I usually will accept a 6 foot span with 2x4 and a 10' ... | |
| Beam sizing and roof design | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: I am designing a small stick-built home, and want to ensure it is structurally sound. I would ... A: First of all, the sway bracing may become necessary when using skip sheathing or some other non ... | |
| supporting a family room over a garage | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: I am building a family room which will be built much like deck in some ways. 2x12' floor joists ... A: The following beam span chart should help you figure you beams sizes. It looks like a W14x22 would ... | |
| Warped Patio Support Beam | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: I have a covered patio built by the prior owner of my recently purchased home. One of the two ... A: okay you are referring to the post that holds up the beam. The post should probably be replaced if ... | |
| beam | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: I built a carport attached to my house and used 4x4 posts on the ouside edge with 2-2x6's laminated ... A: adding the steel angle to the composite 4x6 beam helps so that might be okay. The 7/16" osb is a ... | |
| Drywall cracks along tape line ion ceiling | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: I have a home that was built in 2001. I've been in the house since 2004. Every winter, when it ... A: what you are probably experiencing is expansion and contraction in your roof system. You didn't say ... | |
| cracks in drywall ceiling | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: I would like to know the best way to patch a crack in a blown on textured wall? I have a long crack ... A: first of all you try to scrape or sand the texture off on both sides and including the crack about ... | |
| 3" vent pipe | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: I have to run a stack vent vertically (3 inches abs pipe ), coming from the slab, then through one ... A: yes it is allowed otherwise there would be no vents in half the plumbing in the country. Use a hole ... | |
| Wood Span for 16x16 Pergola | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: I am builing a 16'x 16' pergola. I plan to have 8 4"x4" posts, one in each corner and also in the ... A: the middle support is a little puny considering there is no post. You might try tripling up the ... | |
| patio roof | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: What were the building codes for the size of the roof joists used in 1980 for a patio roof in New ... A: first of all I am not an attorney but you need to go back to your insurance company. They have ... | |
| patio roof | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: What were the building codes for the size of the roof joists used in 1980 for a patio roof in New ... A: it's hard to say. I suppose you could maybe look up building code archives at your local building ... | |
| Cracks above windows in mortar joints | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I am looking at purchasing a 40 year old brick exterior home. I have noticed cracks outside in the ... A: in a forty year old house you should expect some cracks somewhere. The fact that they are at the ... | |
| Building Home in Wet Climate - Follow Up Question | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: Following up to my earlier question ... Do you know a particular construction technique that is ... A: most building types can withstand the wet weather. The trick is waterproofing and roofing. A good ... | |
| insulating under existing home | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, I have a home which is above ground which needs additional insulation underneath in the back ... A: what kind of foundation does your home sit on? If it is up on piers and the sides of the foundation ... | |
| patio slab to foundation row integration | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: We have an 1870's double brick with two 70's rear additions that we are planning to put a patio to. ... A: if I am understanding you correctly you should put an expansion joint between the slab and the ... | |
| putting a bay window in an existing home | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: I HAVE A 1960'S 5 ROOM RANCH AND IT HAD A CAR PORT THAT WAS MADE INTO 2 ROOMS. I WANT TO PUT A BAY ... A: if the width of the bay window is wider than the window you are replacing then chances are good that ... | |
| building on an existing slab | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: I have a concrete pad at the end of my 57 stone driveway and want put a 12'x20' addition on the ... A: first of all you will have to reinforce the edges of the slab that will be bearing the weight of the ... | |
| Move an exterior door (bump in) | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: My existing entry door is a double french door with side lites. It's a prehung unit and 8ft wide. ... A: leaks under doors is normally caused by the following situations or a combination: The first being ... | |
| adding a wood lintel in a masonary block wall | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I am adding a door to a cinder block wall, 8x8x16 block size, single story, truss construction. I ... A: okay that makes more sense. If you leave the bond beam intact and can get your wood beam underneath ... | |
| adding a wood lintel in a masonary block wall | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I am adding a door to a cinder block wall, 8x8x16 block size, single story, truss construction. I ... A: I don't think using a wood beam in a masonry wall is a big deal. But I am wondering why you need a ... | |
| Drywall texture smell | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: The drywall texture our builder used smells terrible. Could it be old? It's been three days and it ... A: if he is using a big spray rig truck and keeps the hopper full of wet material for a long period of ... | |
| Are all standard Gable trusses free spanning? | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: I framed houses for about a year back in the 90's. I'm looking at buying a split level with gable ... A: most truss type roof systems are two point bearing, meaning that they bear on the outside walls and ... | |
| Folding Stairs | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: I have attic space that is 22.75" higher than the bonus room floor. Access is through a standard ... A: we use a commercial door closer with a built in hold open device on a lot of our projects. This way ... | |
| Frame section separating from stone section of house | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: I have a house that was built in three sections. The first two sections are stone and were built in ... A: a structural engineer or P.E. is probably your best bet at the beginning. He can look at the ... | |
| Porch Columns | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, I have a situation where I noticed that the porch columns holding the roof over my front ... A: I am not an attorney so I'm not sure what claim if any you can have against the builder since I ... | |
| House in northern Wisconsin | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: We have a cinder block house on cement slab built in the early 60's. The house is built very close ... A: in extreme climates whether it be hot or cold it is always a good idea to keep the house at least at ... | |
| wet drywall | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: we had an addition put on our house. the contractor left before the job was finished. all inside was ... A: if the water was casual and you have gotten the area dried out, most drywall materials will hold up ... | |
| Folding Stairs | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: I have attic space that is 22.75" higher than the bonus room floor. Access is through a standard ... A: it appears that what you want to do should be easily constructed using basic hardware found at most ... | |
| concrete building blocks | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: We are going to build a steel frame home with split faced concrete block walls. We would like the ... A: I build a lot of block buildings and the best way to insulate masonry is foam injection. We use ... | |
| Floor Bounce | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: I have a brick home that is 30+ years old. There is a crawl space below, and I believe the joist ... A: is it possible that the beam holding up the floor joists hasn't shifted or settled? Maybe just ... | |
| Corrugated Tin Roof Edge Sealing | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: I need to know the best method of sealing the gaps left at the edge of a corrugated tin roof between ... A: they make a pre molded foam insert for this type of thing. It is made to fit tightly on a ... | |
| Uneven floors due to past settling | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: We have recently moved into an older home, 25-30 years. The floors on both the 1st and 2nd floor ... A: you have a couple of options. House movers, carpentry contractors or foundation contractors are ... | |
| Moving opening in wall | 10/30/2008 |
| Q: The floor joist above are sitting on the wall i want to create the hole in. the structure is brick ... A: truth be told there isn't much bearing weight on this narrow of an opening so you really don't need ... | |
| Moving back door opening. | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: i have no problem with bricking the existing one up. Its just making the new one on a outside wall i ... A: is the wall you are cutting the hole in brick or wood frame or masonry and brick? Corners of ... | |
| metal door install into cement block building | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: There is a difference between the shoring and the Furring for the door installation. Now you ... A: I see your dilemma, for some reason when you said 9/16 mud joints I pictured the butt joints and not ... | |
| metal door install into cement block building | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: There is a difference between the shoring and the Furring for the door installation. Now you ... A: you shouldn't need to worry about a 9/16 mud joint. Do what you have to do. That vertical cell on ... | |
| driveway and carport | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: We just had our driveway redone(7 days ago) and the concrete has crack lines all over. The ... A: If you like the look of the concrete he showed you and he was the one that did the work then by all ... | |
| reseal concrete driveway | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a stamped concrete driveway that needs to be resealed. I was told that there are water base, ... A: chances are pretty good that your sealer is not water (latex) or oil based. Most concrete sealers ... | |
| driveway and carport | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: We just had our driveway redone(7 days ago) and the concrete has crack lines all over. The ... A: I hope this email is in time. I don't know where to begin. You are obviously the "customer". The ... | |
| metal door install into cement block building | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: am constructing a basic cement block building and have purchased a metal door with metal jambs and ... A: There is a difference between the shoring and the Furring for the door installation. Now you ... | |
| community theater remodeling | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: My little community theater group is remodeling a building that was filled with offices into a black ... A: I went to your website and looked at your photos. It was kind of hard to envision the volume of the ... | |
| driveway and carport | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: We just had our driveway redone(7 days ago) and the concrete has crack lines all over. The ... A: unfortunately concrete does crack. It is an unfortunate side effect of expansion and contraction ... | |
| metal door install into cement block building | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: am constructing a basic cement block building and have purchased a metal door with metal jambs and ... A: I'm sorry I thought you were only inquiring about the installation of the door. I didn't realize ... | |
| Inside corner wallboard tape buckles | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a 27 year old home. The tape in the corner of one bedroom, and in one corner of our ... A: the puckering of corner tape can be caused by two different things. The first possibility is that ... | |
| Horsehair plaster | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, My kitchen was plastered and painted over horsehair. Now all the paint and plaster is peeling ... A: there are a couple of ways to remove the suface scale on old plaster but it seems like you are ... | |
| metal door install into cement block building | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: am constructing a basic cement block building and have purchased a metal door with metal jambs and ... A: If your door requires the 2x8 furring around the opening to attach your jambs to then really all you ... | |
| Moving a "portable"storage shed | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: I would like to find out how to move a storage shed approximately 1 hour away. It's a x. It is ... A: moving a shed isn't too difficult if it has "runnners" underneath it. Runners are like what the ... | |
| Structural Design | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: I Have to design a building but i am not sure from where i start i have to design the roof of ... A: A 50 foot clear span is a long distance for a concrete slab unless you either incorporate ... | |
| adding attic floor | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: my boss wants me to add an attic to a room in his clinic, I know better but would like to ask ... A: If you have a decent roof structure above the ceiling joists you might be able to suspend part of ... | |
| set tumbled marble tile on drywall | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: I'm building a kitchen island and planning to set 4"x4" marble tile on the 1/2 thick drywall, but ... A: the cement board is a better backer board for any wet areas around sinks etc. But for regular ... | |
| Installing a oak Beam | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: I am a building surveying student and have an assignment in structural method. I would like to know ... A: I can help you with your problem but I need more information. First of all: you are supporting the ... | |
| Tricky Interior Wall | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: I need advice on how to build an interior wall with a few hiccups. First, the home is already ... A: if I understand you correctly the answer is fairly simple. First of all you build your new wall so ... | |
| removing a wall | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: we are looking to extend our lounge downstairs and would like to knock a wall through of about 14 ... A: without knowing all the details I would have to say yes, it probably can be done if you have enough ... | |
| Butchered floor joists!!! | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: I'm looking for your expert advice. We are interested in a house (100 yrs)that has a major ... A: you are right. If there is access underneath the house to get at the joist then definately that is ... | |
| Butchered floor joists!!! | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: I'm looking for your expert advice. We are interested in a house (100 yrs)that has a major ... A: A house mover can jack the house up generally without breaking anything. They put large timbers ... | |
| metal/aluminum patio trusses | 10/18/2008 |
| Q: I am in southern california. I looking to buy metal trusses spanning 30 feet. It is to be used as ... A: I live in Florida and we have several metal truss manufacturers locally. I did some searching for ... | |
| OSB on walls | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: When installing the OSB (Aspenite) on the wall, does the shinny side go outside or inside. Also, if ... A: sorry I forgot to address that question earlier. For Storm sheathing (wall sheathing) I believe you ... | |
| OSB on walls | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: When installing the OSB (Aspenite) on the wall, does the shinny side go outside or inside. Also, if ... A: I don't think it makes a difference. If it did there would be a big stamp on the product "THIS ... | |
| Concerning roof slab? | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: First of all let me tell you that you are doing a really great job by helping people in solving ... A: I thought I was pretty clear about my answer. I feel that there is not enough steel based on your ... | |
| Support Columns | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: I would like to widen the distance between the support columns in my basement. The beam is a W8X21 ... A: you should be okay. Worst case scenario would be a little more bounce in the floor system. This ... | |
| Concerning roof slab? | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: First of all let me tell you that you are doing a really great job by helping people in solving ... A: I don't see why you can't increase the distance between the bars to 300mm. This is less than 12" on ... | |
| mold on recently wall papered wall | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: I have a wall assembly that is made up of 8" concrete block that has smooth stucco exterior finish ... A: preventing water intrusion always starts at the exterior first. You need to have a good paint job ... | |
| confidentiality? | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: what does confidentiality mean in a construction work environment. A: confidentiality means the same thing in any work environ. It means that things discussed between ... | |
| Top Chord Bearing floor truss | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: I am having a house built and the builder ordered Top chord bearing floor trusses. I am concerned ... A: generally speaking a truss is a truss and they are all made with those gang nail or pressed plates. ... | |
| Top Chord Bearing floor truss | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: I am having a house built and the builder ordered Top chord bearing floor trusses. I am concerned ... A: if the trusses are built according to appropriate specifications made by the structural engineer, ... | |
| frost line | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: If the frost line is at 30 inches, Where should the bottom of my 12" thick footer lay, at the frost ... A: the top of the footing should be at the frost line and the footing below it. That is my opinion and ... | |
| Rafter Span | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: Mich area. The roof will measure 17' x 14'. It will be essentially flat (2" pitch), will have a ... A: check out this website: http://www.southernpine.com/spantables.shtml it gives a detailed description ... | |
| concrete garage slab bad job | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: My garage floor slab was poured yesterday, The apron is not level to the garage door when closed. ... A: if the repair is done properly (and it seems like he went through the right procedures) then you ... | |
| corrugated tin roof | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: The corrugated tin roof in my outhouse drips dew during the winter season. We have been covering it ... A: dew is formed during the transfer of heat from hot to cold thus the term "dew point". By putting ... | |
| Concrete Porch | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a front concrete porch with an ugly rug. I plan on pulling up the rug, but then not sure ... A: you covered two options already wood and tile. Another option is to just clean up the concrete. ... | |
| Cutting a Birds Mouth | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: What's the best tool to make a bird's mouth cut on a rafter? Saws with a circular blade won't leave ... A: I usually do my initial cuts with a skil saw (circular saw) but I don't overcut past my marks. Then ... | |
| Pole Barn Repair | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: How to I replace or repair treated poles in a 30x40 pole barn that are rotting out at ground level? ... A: it depends on how the poles are installed. If the poles are embedded into holes filled with ... | |
| Drywall | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: I live in a 58 year old single story ranch style home on a concrete slab. It's been a very dry year ... A: If you haven't patched the crack yet I would try that before I re drywalled the ceiling. In doing a ... | |
| toenailing/ header nailling | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: You have helped me a lot in the past! I really appreciate. Again I'd like to know some basics ... A: the best toenailing for studs is normally two 8 penny nails on each side into the plate however if ... | |
| garage | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I have a garage that is 20 X 20 with 2x6 ceiling joist. I have no center support down to floor and ... A: If your rafters are stout enough you can jack up the ceiling joists and attach them to the rafters ... | |
| 2x8 headers max span | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: Can I use 2 2x8 (side-by-side) inch headers to span a total of 76 inchs on an interior load bearing ... A: a rule of thumb for headers is one inch of thickness per foot of span so in your case 76" is just a ... | |
| patio header spans & rafters | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: I need to build a large patio cover. I am planning 8x8 posts 20ft apart. I believe an 8x8header ... A: I'm sorry I thought you got both of my email answers. I guess when I sent you the link to the rafter ... | |
| Waterproofing exterior real stucco that has been painted | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: What is the easiest and best way and what product will waterproof exterior real stucco. House was ... A: A good elastomeric paint should work provided it is applied properly. Any good exterior paint ... | |
| concrete porch slab & steps - repairing pour | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: We recently contracted to have a new 10' x 24' porch slab with six steps and an approach on our 1927 ... A: if this is the contractor that originally did the work then you are probably lucky that it took only ... | |
| patio header spans & rafters | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: I need to build a large patio cover. I am planning 8x8 posts 20ft apart. I believe an 8x8header ... A: I rechecked the span tables at this website ... | |
| laminated beam | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: We are putting an addition on our house and combining rooms. we wanted to put a beam where the ... A: I imagine a double 1 3/4X 14" LVL would work at a cost of around 8-10 dollars a foot apiece. ... | |
| load bearing walls | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: I need to install two standard doors in a forty inch thick stone load bearing wall. any Advice or ... A: I guess I need more information. Stone or masonry is fairly self supporting if installed properly. ... | |
| block wall | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: I have a interior block wall painted. Can i apply drywall joint compound directly on to wall to make ... A: I have done this before and it works fine. You might want to take some 80 grit sand paper and rough ... | |
| room extension | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, if I were to extend an existing built-up tar flat roof (rafters are 2x6 at 16" o.c.) such ... A: yes unreinforced concrete would be fine. If you are doing it from bagged goods and you can get the ... | |
| room extension | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, if I were to extend an existing built-up tar flat roof (rafters are 2x6 at 16" o.c.) such ... A: if your post spacing is 8' then a 4x8 beam or a double 2x8 beam should suffice. To attach the beam ... | |
| Building a Circle Type Home | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: I am looking into building a circle type home out of cinder block and rebar. Here is my question. If ... A: I don't know why your design wouldn't be stable. If you have ever seen a castle with a round turret ... | |
| Raising the roof for 2nd story | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: We're trying to get more headroom on our Cape Cod house, and have drawings for a 2nd floor addition. ... A: have you considered installing dormers? By installing dormers you can just cut a big hole in the ... | |
| insulation in older homes | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: We just bought a home in Wisconsin, it was built in 1927, we are in the process of remodeling and ... A: back during the Great Depression people used pretty much anything they could find for insulation. ... | |
| Raising a house | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: A friend of mine needs to fill in her basement and raise her house about 3 feet- there was a ... A: look up house moving companies on line. There are some very professional movers in NY that travel ... | |
| new construction | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: We are building home with a 12x 12 roof pitch[ cape cod roof] Do we have to have collar ties? We ... A: if you have a substantial ridge beam or maybe a heavy LVL ridge board that is well supported you ... | |
| celing beam | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: I would like to replace a load bearing wall with a 13 ft glue lam beam. What height(thickness) ... A: you can probably get a glue lam beam or LVL to make that span in a 4x10 or 12, or in LVL 3 1/2 x 9 ... | |
| durock planter | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: Can Durock be used instead of PT wood for a 5'x5' planter? How do you think it would it hold up to ... A: the Durock itself is a good product and can be used in wet conditions interior or exterior. My only ... | |
| Bottom Plate | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: My neighbor's house was recently flooded (Iowa) in June. They have lifted their house and are ... A: yes the wood should be pressure treated or minimally set on top of a strip of metal flashing or ... | |
| building a covered patio | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: !! i have a 28ft wide x 16 ft long patio. 28ft along back of the house. i have footings on the front ... A: the thicker the beam doesn't necessarily make it capable of this length of span. Remember, it has to ... | |
| Marriage wall opening | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: I have a modular home from American Homes. I have a 60" wide opening between my living room and ... A: I don't see why you can't remove the bands and trim down the studs. The bands are there to keep the ... | |
| building a covered patio | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: !! i have a 28ft wide x 16 ft long patio. 28ft along back of the house. i have footings on the front ... A: I don't understand your footing size 3x3x4..is that inches or feet? 2x6 is a little puny for a 16' ... | |
| replacing a load bearing wall | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: I would like to replace what I think is a load bearing wall which is approx. 12' long w/ a few ... A: a bearing wall carries the weight continuously over its length. This means that if you remove it ... | |
| cladding | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: I would like to wrap my home in a combination of brick and stone cladding. Currently my home is ... A: if it is a veneer then you might not need any footing. If your exsiting foundation has a four to ... | |
| Crawl space below grade | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: I'm about to replace the underpinning on a pier and beam house, and in some spots the crawl space ... A: talk about dejavu, I had almost an identical question a few months ago. I recommend using mortar ... | |
| Column Starters and other questions?? | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: Hoping that you are fine. My questions are that why starters are given prior to concreting in ... A: So when you are referring to starters you refer to the grout (cement mixture) that fills in the void ... | |
| mobile home addition | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: we are adding onto a 24w by 40' 1989 redmon mobile home. we are adding onto the gable end. we are ... A: basically you can remove up to the bottom of the existing mobile's roof truss/ceiling joist. You ... | |
| flooding | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: we can not make the ground outside lower or our place will be the lowest in the area and we will ... A: you could have a house mover come out and see what it would take to raise the barn and pour a new ... | |
| Wind speed and window selection. | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I am in the process of trying to figure out how to choose windows, based on wind speed/wind loading, ... A: you don't need a book to intrepet window construction. Florida building code requires that the ... | |
| attaching open porch roof to built-up roof | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: live in Jacksonville, Florida and am considering building an outdoor porch on an existing concrete ... A: not sure where you can access designs related to your project, try this link ... | |
| Second Story Egress | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, I have a rather unique situation. My wife and I live in a 55, plus development in Bensalem, ... A: first of all, I am not an attorney so any comments I will make are based solely on my own personal ... | |
| Column Starters and other questions?? | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: Hoping that you are fine. My questions are that why starters are given prior to concreting in ... A: maybe it is a localized terminology but I am not familiar with the term "starters" in reference to ... | |
| concrete porch slab & steps - repairing pour | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: We recently contracted to have a new 10' x 24' porch slab with six steps and an approach on our 1927 ... A: sometimes you have to bite the bullet and rip the whole thing out and redo it. I think this might ... | |
| root cellar concrete roof | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I came across your answers to someone else and wondered if you can help me. I'm building a ... A: I'm not sure if there is a website that has this information. But from experience I would say at ... | |
| Extension of concrete slab | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: Hoping that you are keeping good.I ;m planning to extend concrete slab(floor) of first story. The ... A: drilling into the existing slab with a 3/4" concrete drill bit at least 6" and inserting a piece of ... | |
| Door Headers | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I cannot find the specs for the size of door headers I need on a garage. The doors are on an ... A: each lvl manufacturer has slightly different numbers for their beams..try this link..it is pretty ... | |
| Door Headers | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I cannot find the specs for the size of door headers I need on a garage. The doors are on an ... A: I am not an engineer, however, the rule of thumb for a nominal 4" thick wood beam (or doubled 2X) of ... | |
| adding a bumpout to a first floor room on a two story house | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: We want to expand our first floor family room with a bump- out 6' deep by approx 15'long. It is a ... A: a beam to span 15 feet should probably be at least a 6x12 doug fir or southern yellow pine beam. I ... | |
| decking screws | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: if my decking boards are 32mm thick and im using 100x50mm joists (on concrete base) what length ... A: if you are talking about just a low spot in the concrete here or there the joists you are using ... | |
| Sun room foundation | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: I have an existing sunroom that is on a framed foundation. It is a modualr/panel type sunroom, ... A: Yes, this has been done before. If the floor panels can be removed and the remaining rim joist is ... | |
| reaction of caulking to siloxane | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: You talked about the reaction of certain caulking to the siloxane. If the mason uses the urethane ... A: the urethane caulks are pretty compatible with most products. Generally speaking when using ... | |
| brick stair repair | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: I have a very experienced mason that wants to repair the mortar joints on my brick stairs by using ... A: mortar can normally be sealed with siloxane based sealers after curing 3 days. As far as the ... | |
| BUILDING A NEW HAWAIIAN TROJAN HOME | 9/5/2008 |
| Q: Read your answer to Eric conc: Pier & Post or concrete slab. The lumber co. prefers pier & post & ... A: I personally prefer a concrete slab foundation as opposed to a post and beam crawlspace. Even in a ... | |
| Insulating concrete block, new heating system | 9/5/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are working on my mother-in-laws cottage in Michigan. It's at least 60 years old ... A: first of all I would like to address your heating and cooling concerns. You mentioned window A/C ... | |
| crawl space to basement dealign with venting & moisture | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: I am having my crawl space made into a basement professionally however I am wondering about venting ... A: He merdith weiss, venting will not be a problem because the basement is now part of the house so the ... | |
| Concrete slabs separating | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: About 2 years ago I installed a brick walkway on a concrete base in front of my home. To install ... A: you didn't say what size the piece of concrete was that you replaced and whether or not you mud set ... | |
| decking screws | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: if my decking boards are 32mm thick and im using 100x50mm joists (on concrete base) what length ... A: The way I would frame this floor is to lay my studs (joists) on edge as you are, then I would have a ... | |
| Put dry wall on ceiling in the basement | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: I try to put dry wall on ceiling in the basement and want to make it as higher as it can go. Can I ... A: I don't see any reason why you can't. As long as the ducts don't show signs of moisture ... | |
| decking screws | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: if my decking boards are 32mm thick and im using 100x50mm joists (on concrete base) what length ... A: if your joists are on edge you can use a 76mm screw (if there is such a thing, I use 3" screws which ... | |
| movement of concrete steps | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: Concrete steps (7 high) have separated from the front porch. The wood railing that lines the steps ... A: you can probably patch the gap caused by the separation and fix the railing. But to really repair ... | |
| Leaking Enclosed Porch | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: Bruce, We recently had a porch enclosed and we have a leak a corner around the floor. It looks like ... A: Silicon is not a good caulk for this application. For one thing unless the slab and the wood are ... | |
| cutting a opening in weight supporting wall | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: There was an addition added to my huse. The original weight supporting wall was left in place. I ... A: basically you have to shore up the roof trusses or rafters that bear on the wall in question and ... | |
| addng decorative columns | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: We are in the process of building a new home. We are our own general contractor and do quite a bit ... A: if your columns have an adjustable base or capitol then they should be installed after the flooring. ... | |
| Roof trusses vs. rafter construction | 8/30/2008 |
| Q: I am in the process of designing a 14x26' garage and wish to mimic the hip roof design on my house. ... A: trusses are overall generally less expensive than conventionally framed roofs for the following ... | |
| Support Beam | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a balloon frame house with a totally open floorplan (no walls)and the second floor deck is ... A: a 1X12 ledger? Are you sure it's not a 2 x 12? Plus I'm not sure what you are asking. You want a ... | |
| Steel Beams vs. Wood | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: Building a home on the Rogue River in Oregon - steel beams vs. wood beams with concrete block ... A: I'm jealous. I love that area! My brother lives in Cave Junction, beautiful country! Anyhow, ... | |
| laying stone for patio and knee wall | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: I have poured a concrete base for a stone patio and built a small retaining wall (Knee wall 18" ... A: A cleat is merely a piece of 2x4 pt attached to the wall, preferably at a stud. Keep it small ... | |
| cap top of concrete walls | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: I am building a 2-story residence.The first floor is concrete block. I would like to know if it is ... A: a single 2x8 mudsill is really all that is needed. I am assuming that the top of the masonry is ... | |
| Help with rim joist wrap | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I have just recently removed the lower siding from our new house (5 years old) to install a deck, ... A: If you only have a few soft spots in the joist and it is dry you can repair it with a product ... | |
| laying stone for patio and knee wall | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I have poured a concrete base for a stone patio and built a small retaining wall (Knee wall 18" ... A: a post base attached to the concrete with a redhead or sleeve anchor is the best way to attach your ... | |
| drywall plaster spider cracks | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I have an old house that has plaster walls with a rough surface, I applied drywall plaster over my ... A: putting down a layer of mesh won't help that much. The mesh may keep the cracks from getting wider ... | |
| extending a half wall | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a half wall in my loft that I want to extend to the ceiling thus having a floor to ceiling ... A: I will need to know how far the walls are from being flush and what walls you are talking about. ... | |
| new & old concrete bonding in foundaion | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: Question about partial casting of footing. Sir , I want to know about old & new casting bond | |