| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Framing floor on sloping concrete - subfloor for tile | 11/22/2009 |
Q: When remodeling after a fire, the living area (on a concrete slab) was extended into the back end of ...
A: Some of your description does sound like it was done well...some is questionable. If you have the ...
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| compaction of subsoil | 10/10/2009 |
Q: i recently excavated a pool and did reinforcement.prior the concrete shell im asked to compact but i ...
A: It does not sound like you have a very good base for your pool. It sounds like you need to slurry ...
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| HOUSE FOUNDATION | 9/26/2009 |
Q: MY HOME RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A SLAB LEAK WHERE 150,000 GALLOONS OF WATER WENT THRU MY METER. I AM ...
A: I really dont know that much about caliche, except that is a soft rock. Very hard to break. It ...
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| Invoicing, Site Instructions, & RFI'S | 9/18/2009 |
Q: I work for a Drywall and Plastering company (family run) and we've recently taken a job as General ...
A: If an appology is in order..you have it. I was of course speaking in regards to US law and ...
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| Invoicing, Site Instructions, & RFI'S | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I work for a Drywall and Plastering company (family run) and we've recently taken a job as General ...
A: Lets be a bit more informative. If you do NOT have a General Contractors License in the State you ...
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| Concrete Pad Thickness | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I have a 5th wheel camper and I want to make a concrete pad for the camper to rest on. The fully ...
A: AS long as you keep in mind..the weight is on 5 points. 4 wheels and the tongue. Assume the wheels ...
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| Retaining wall | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I have a sloped front yard that drops 3 1/2 feet in roughly 30 feet of distance. I measured this ...
A: It is very doable, but it will be costly. You need to put in a 16"x16" footing with rebar horizonal ...
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| concrete slab depth adequate. | 8/24/2009 |
Q: I have an existing concrete patio. I do not know the depth or if it's reinforced, nor do I know the ...
A: California codes require permits for any structure that is attached to the main house and sheds ...
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| Having problems with our Contractor/Remodel | 8/22/2009 |
Q: We hired a general contractor for our room addition/two bathroom remodels and a kitchen remodel. ...
A: I wish I had a solid answer for you. I can suggest. You and your General Contractor have a sit ...
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| Concrete vs. Pavers | 8/11/2009 |
Q: You have helped me a lot. Two Questions: 1. Some contractors charge more money to do a stamped ...
A: There is more finish and finese to do a stamp concrete than a broom. More equipment to clean up. ...
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| New Driveway Cracks | 8/1/2009 |
Q: Had a new elevated concrete driveway installed to our hilltop home several months ago. It recently ...
A: The steel within the concrete is the key. As long as the steel was properly placed, the mix of the ...
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| Concrete Entryway | 7/30/2009 |
Q: My home in California sits on a slab of concrete. So the concrete entry way, which is about 6x6 ...
A: Landlocked only requires expansion joint because it is a separate moveable piece. It will expand ...
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| Concrete Entryway | 7/29/2009 |
Q: My home in California sits on a slab of concrete. So the concrete entry way, which is about 6x6 ...
A: This small piece does not need rebar. I would suggest expansion joints on 2 of 3 sides...just in ...
|
| stains on bluestone porch | 7/26/2009 |
Q: I have a covered porch on the front of my house. The porch is made of cement. I recently had 24 x ...
A: To use the term...acid rain...it is basically the minerals in the air mixing with the rain. Some ...
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| ca.construction warranty/ liablity | 7/25/2009 |
Q: 28 months ago I installed a new shower for a customer. last month i got a call that the pan was ...
A: I dont remember what the California Law is regarding the time element. In Nevada...it is a MINIMUM ...
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| Construction risk | 5/17/2009 |
Q: What are the topics that can be addressed on a 2-day Construction Risk Management conference with 16 ...
A: In these hard times....payment schedules. Performance bonds. Product availability....many items ...
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| Patio Cover | 5/6/2009 |
Q: David, I live in the San Fernando Valley. I would like to build a patio cover in the back yard. ...
A: I will try to give you some generic answers that you can hopefully convert to your plan. Rafters. ...
|
| Footed foundation / slab foundation | 5/3/2009 |
Q: Five years ago I had a modular home built which was placed on a knee-wall which sat on a footed ...
A: If you dig the foundation to the frost line, that tie rebar into the current foundation with epoxy, ...
|
| Slab to exsisting house | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I am building a new enclosed chimney chase for a large prebuilt unit. My question is the concrete ...
A: A better idea is to pour the foundation under the floor and lay a concrete block foundation to the ...
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| major addition and remodel | 4/30/2009 |
Q: What steps do I take,start to finish, if I am going to hire my own subs for the job? permits, order ...
A: The hazzards of weather. You cant protect from everything. You can tarp and plastic over areas of ...
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| major addition and remodel | 4/30/2009 |
Q: What steps do I take,start to finish, if I am going to hire my own subs for the job? permits, order ...
A: A set of plans... approved by your local building dept. The concrete contractor for the ...
|
| Repair vrs rebuild 2 story porch | 4/16/2009 |
Q: I have a 2-family home that has a 2-level porch on the back, one for each floor. I've contacted 3 ...
A: There is a large degree of restore value. It exists. Taking enough down...causes the problem have ...
|
| Concrete Patio | 4/7/2009 |
Q: I want to build a 20 x 11 pergola over my existing concrete patio, securing the posts with cement ...
A: You have a bigger concern. The wind lift on that area is greater than the load you plan to have. ...
|
| cocrete slab | 3/28/2009 |
Q: I want to build a 12 x 16 slab to put a allum or tin metal shed on . Do I need a footer ?
A: If you use enough steel in the slab, you wont need a footer. The footing serves two very needed ...
|
| Sump pit | 11/8/2008 |
Q: I recently had a flood in my basement apartment. I had to remove the panel and take a look at what ...
A: Dave here...I hope you sent the question where you wanted it to go...a sump pit area is quite ...
|
| Roofing Shingles Reaeling | 10/27/2008 |
Q: Hurricane IKE blew thru the Galveston-Houston area in Sept 08. Insurance adjusters are telling ...
A: If the seal tab pulled up...and separated from the shingle below...but in the process pulled part of ...
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| Concrete Slab for Room Addition | 9/24/2008 |
Q: We live in Albuquerque NM which has very low humidity. This past weekend we had a monolithic slab ...
A: It was poured too wet. Too much water causes more shrinkage. They are only surface fissures....and ...
|
| Temporary Construction Power | 7/19/2008 |
Q: How do I set up temporary construction power? What is the best manufacturer of temporary service ...
A: OK...now some more tid bit info. In general...tonage for your HVAC...400 to 450 sq ft per ton. 5 ...
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| Temporary Construction Power | 7/18/2008 |
Q: How do I set up temporary construction power? What is the best manufacturer of temporary service ...
A: It is a good idea to place the pole near the trench...for convenience. To my knowledge service ...
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| Temporary Construction Power | 7/18/2008 |
Q: How do I set up temporary construction power? What is the best manufacturer of temporary service ...
A: Are you refering to temp power on poles from a meter on site location, or a generator that you can ...
|
| House settled--floor problem | 7/17/2008 |
Q: We have a multi-level home (similar to a tri-level with a basement) and where the upper level meets ...
A: If this makes sense,,,do not assume. Get a 4' or larger level and research what has moved. Is ...
|
| Water supply pipe. | 7/16/2008 |
Q: What is the best material for water supply pipe in central Florida? The pipe would run from the ...
A: Copper is the best..always has been. If you choose to run plastic from the meter to the ...
|
| Rough plumbing in slab on grade | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I will be building a house in Florida with a slab on grade foundation. I understand how important it ...
A: Rebar is the common approach, but you can use 2x bracing from beyond the slab also. You can back ...
|
| Rough plumbing in slab on grade | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I will be building a house in Florida with a slab on grade foundation. I understand how important it ...
A: This is not a real critical issue. The point is that the fitting shall not be holding the pipe up. ...
|
| Pole building, concrete, and driveway. | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I've decided to build a pole garage vs a stick built on my county property. I went with a pole ...
A: For your floor...you will need to excavate at least 6" of sand/dirt. Infill that with 6" of "type ...
|
| Footing for spiral stairs | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I intend to purchase galvanized steel spiral stairs to reach a treehouse 14' tall. The stairs weigh ...
A: 24" square and 24" deep. I would suggest a 14" square platform on the stair...1/2" bolts...put ...
|
| AAA Tree Trimming update | 6/7/2008 |
Q: He is taking me to small claims court Wednesday June 11 He is suing me for 1356 + interest. I have ...
A: It does sound very bad for you. You make a good case...but that contract may haunt you. You said ...
|
| AAA Tree Trimming update | 6/7/2008 |
Q: He is taking me to small claims court Wednesday June 11 He is suing me for 1356 + interest. I have ...
A: If you have pictures...blow them up and take them. If you have neighbors that witnessed any of the ...
|
| Vinyl Siding | 5/27/2008 |
Q: 9 weeks ago I signed a contract to have house resided with vinyl siding. Last week the company ...
A: The laws do not require a contractor to do a job at a loss. If a mistake was made by the contractor ...
|
| Winterizing a Summer Cabin | 5/18/2008 |
Q: My summer cabin has all of the kitchen and bath plumbing on one wall. Just the otherside of the ...
A: I would go to whatever extreme possible. I would tape the water pipes, then encapsolate the pipes ...
|
| Basement remodel options | 5/15/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a home in Malden, MA, and the house has an unfinished basement with stone walls ...
A: Sounds like a fun project. First, pick a point and dig to the bottom of the existing foundation. ...
|
| concrete post footing on rock | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I'm building a 16'x 24' cabin. The slope is about 4:1. The long side has solid rock about 4" of ...
A: That is way more footing than the structure will need, but the question is your location. In some ...
|
| Replacing flashing at the intersection of a shingle roof and stucco wall | 5/10/2008 |
Q: I have a house in Mesa Arizona that is all stucco with a shingle roof. The stucco is very rough... ...
A: There is an easy way, and a right way. The right way is to remove the stucco, and pull the wire and ...
|
| Gravel ramp | 5/5/2008 |
Q: Would a gravel ramp 100'L X 10'W X 2.5'H, that has been mechanically compacted be considered a ...
A: A structure is an enclosure....designed or accepted as designed for a purpose or use. A gravel ...
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| Patio Water Flooding | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I bought a house that has an Arizona Room (I live in AZ :) and on the few occasions it rains, my ...
A: I am going to assume that the walls are in good shape, it is just the connection to concrete that is ...
|
| Shower pan flexes | 4/18/2008 |
Q: David, On 8/29/2006 you indicated that expansion foam is not sufficient to add support to a flexing ...
A: First I would not recommend drilling a hole in the pan, second the self leveling products will ...
|
| Poorly built wood deck | 4/17/2008 |
Q: David: We had hired a contractor to build a 16 x 36 deck off the back of our house. He came highly ...
A: If a permit was pulled, you have a licensed contractor doing the work, you have plans and ...
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| Tree Removal + Insurance Scam?? | 4/13/2008 |
Q: My wife called AAA Tree Trimming on Thursday March 6, 2008 and spoke with Mark Dennis. After ...
A: You may have more options...and unfortunately they all take time. You can seek information on his ...
|
| Foundation Problems | 4/1/2008 |
Q: I have a house in VA where the soil has a lot of clay content. Cracks started appearing in the ...
A: It sounds like your foundation was insufficiently braced with steel. Movement is not meant to occur ...
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| Leveling Covered Patio for Addition | 3/31/2008 |
Q: Mr. Coil, I have a growing family and recently lost my home office due to a soon to be daughter. I ...
A: Two different issues come to play. Are you going to make this a living space...heating and ...
|
| cinder block wall mortar | 3/27/2008 |
Q: I am building a cinder block courtyard wall and am having a most frustrating time with getting the ...
A: Fire clay is only available at a Masonry yard, I use Allied on Western/Oakey. Fire clay makes the ...
|
| cinder block wall mortar | 3/23/2008 |
Q: I am building a cinder block courtyard wall and am having a most frustrating time with getting the ...
A: We are neighbors. Eastern and 215. There are several types of mortar mixes...most are lousy. Home ...
|
| Covered concrete deck | 3/23/2008 |
Q: I have a two story house with a walk out basement in the rear.There is a french door on the first ...
A: For your covered deck..lay 40mil rubber on the joists...then composite decking on top. Weather ...
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| slab foundations | 2/22/2008 |
Q: My husband and I are in the process of buying a house. It is our first house and we are pretty green ...
A: My neighbor got a bid of $10,000 to replumb a 2 story...hot water only. I helped him do it for ...
|
| attached covered patio | 2/13/2008 |
Q: We have a patio outside our family room that we would like to build a roof over (which will be ...
A: Sorry for the delay...my computer was down. First you will need to find the studs or other support ...
|
| markup | 2/13/2008 |
Q: I david, I am a contractor in Vancouver Canada and have a problem with a customer. He is complaining ...
A: We are going into a world wide recession. It is coming. If you are buying wholesale, you can ...
|
| Front Porch roof | 2/9/2008 |
Q: I am building a new front porch. I am using #1 metal roofing(painted). The roof will be 10' x 7' ...
A: 1/4" per foot is the minimum for water runoff. 2" in 8' is the number to calc. You are there. If ...
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| Floor Installation | 12/27/2007 |
Q: We contract with a major big box retailer to install floors for customers that they contract with. ...
A: TERMS of any contract take precedence. Your willingness to make good on the project will save your ...
|
| builder | 12/18/2007 |
Q: We hired a builder and the contract is a fixed price contract. Contract draw schedule is broken into ...
A: I cant discuss legal issues, as I am not a lawyer, but I can advise from a Contractor standpoint, ...
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| builder | 12/18/2007 |
Q: We hired a builder and the contract is a fixed price contract. Contract draw schedule is broken into ...
A: Ouch. Unless you plan to scrap your project, you need to secure the blue prints from the Architech. ...
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| builder | 12/16/2007 |
Q: We hired a builder and the contract is a fixed price contract. Contract draw schedule is broken into ...
A: You, unfortunately have the "worst case scenario". I wish to appologize on behalf of all the True ...
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| subsurface conditions, rock removal | 12/13/2007 |
Q: We are building a new home in central PA. Construction started around two weeks ago and they were ...
A: Definitly contact your builder and get a full explanation of the additional cost. If he is passing ...
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| Be your own contractor | 11/29/2007 |
Q: Mr. Coil, I need to build an addition in my house. This is going to be a simple four wall room. Any ...
A: There is a trade off. If you< and you can, become your own prime contractor, you can hire any ...
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| Frozen Concrete | 11/25/2007 |
Q: David, I have a cement basement window well that had the "front" section cracked which was allowing ...
A: I did have that happen once..it is not concrete anymore. It is more like a pile of rubble. I ...
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| Adding a patio cover | 11/21/2007 |
Q: I just expanded my back patio slab from a little 10'x10' patio to about 18' deep by 24' span. Anyway ...
A: You are not bugging me,,I am here to help as much as I can....in the abstract. If you can get a ...
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| Adding a patio cover | 11/20/2007 |
Q: I just expanded my back patio slab from a little 10'x10' patio to about 18' deep by 24' span. Anyway ...
A: To do it right....you need to connect on the roof, not under it on the wall. You have the ability ...
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| Contracts | 9/27/2007 |
Q: I am not sure if you will be able to answer this, but here is my story: We just recently bought a ...
A: Whatever paperwork you signed...read it carefully. If there is any indication that a change of ...
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| Asbestos Pipe in my yard | 9/13/2007 |
Q: I just bought a house that was built in 1925 and in cleaning up the back yard I found about a 10-15' ...
A: It may be a cement/asbestos embeded pipe called transite. It was used for ventilations of sewar ...
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| effloresance | 8/31/2007 |
Q: we are going to develop our basement but have been told that we have efflorescence coming up from ...
A: You need a solution of lime and water to treat the efflorecense first. Stop its travel and effects. ...
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| Heating unit needing repair? | 8/22/2007 |
Q: I have a heating unit that was placed about 12" in front of the fuse box so that you have to reach ...
A: You have valid concerns from your description. A fuse/breaker box is required to have 30" of clear ...
|
| Replacing ceiling | 7/23/2007 |
Q: I live in a top floor apartment. Ceiling was in when I moved in 20years ago. It is a spackled, ...
A: If you have a concern about the mold, it would not be difficult to cut a hole in the ceiling, ...
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| House Addition | 6/30/2007 |
Q: I'm adding on to a 100 year old house. The old house is 1 and 1/2 stories and has a full ...
A: What you can tear down and what you need to build new is a little about the engineering of the two ...
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| drain problem under slab foundation | 5/28/2007 |
Q: every six months I have drain back up problem in the kitchen. There is a clean out befind kitchen ...
A: I would try your expansion ball technique from the roof first. Be sure you have someone in the ...
|
| drain problem under slab foundation | 5/26/2007 |
Q: every six months I have drain back up problem in the kitchen. There is a clean out befind kitchen ...
A: It is a rarity, but the vent that proceeds thru the roof from a sink, toilet, tub etc, can get ...
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| drain problem under slab foundation | 5/25/2007 |
Q: every six months I have drain back up problem in the kitchen. There is a clean out befind kitchen ...
A: If you have snaked the entire system....then it could be a vent stack that is stopped up creatting a ...
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| Floor Load Capacity | 5/10/2007 |
Q: Our Truck Shop has a mezzanine above the tool storage room, built with 8x2x12 steel 3/16 channel ...
A: Your plywood is not the weak link. The request is because you are NOT USING standard joist. You ...
|
| outside BBQ grill | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I started building a BBQ in my backyard. I had a plumber run my gas line but I did my concrete slab ...
A: I am not in this for the money. You need to consider a metal/steel frame for your countertop. 1x1" ...
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| carport | 4/13/2007 |
Q: I want to build a carport attached to my garage. It will be roughly 10 x 32. What pitch should I ...
A: The minimum pitch is 3/ on 12. More is better. If you can manage a metal roof, for the snow load, ...
|
| Create Storage Room under Garage? | 4/1/2007 |
Q: I have an unfinished basement and was starting to plan out how I am going to finish it. I want to ...
A: I would not attempt such an event without a signed document from the builder and an engineer. Any ...
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| Jacking up beam on concrete floor | 3/8/2007 |
Q: I'm jacking up the center beam in the ceiling of our living room. It is 14 feet long, is made of ...
A: Most concrete has a minimum of 2600 PSI. Age may be a factor, and the mix may be a factor. ...
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| What is a profitable construction business? | 2/2/2007 |
Q: I mean, what is the sound percentage for labor/construction employee payroll cost, percentage for ...
A: The business law books categorize a 15% overhead add on. 15% profit above that, a mark up between ...
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| Building a home | 1/20/2007 |
Q: I have talked to the apprisier, and the home will not appraise for more than 450K. The orginal cost ...
A: It is a generic statement that 10% is the normal maximum overage that can be expected without ...
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| Building a home | 1/20/2007 |
Q: I am building a home in Arkansas. We began the project in April, 2006. The scheduled completion ...
A: Cost overruns are not uncommon. It is quite normal. Cement went up in the west by double in June ...
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| patio cover attached to house | 12/23/2006 |
Q: I saw your previous answer to Laura regarding weight estimating. I am planning a larger cover with ...
A: The weight attachment to the house is not the issue. AS long as you double the bolts per stud. The ...
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| Attic Room | 12/8/2006 |
Q: Our house was originally built about 1920. Sometime in the past an upstairs room about 12x14, was ...
A: Yes you can. The most important part is to brace as much as possible where the current support is. ...
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| Concrete pumping system.. | 12/7/2006 |
Q: Robert, I've already considered the yellow pages, but was looking for some expert advice on what is ...
A: If you plan to buy the equipment, you are looking at $12000. I dont think that type of equipment ...
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| 4ft Crawl space to New Room | 11/28/2006 |
Q: we bought our home in Malden, MA (just north of Boston) about 25 years ago. 20 years ago, we added a ...
A: The structural adding of the space is only an inconvenience for location. It will be difficult to ...
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| Trust and Stupidity is a bad combination | 11/28/2006 |
Q: As a contractor maybe you can answer this question. About 3 months ago we had replacement window ...
A: You are proving that you were suspicious from the beginning, as well you should be. Everything ...
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| Curved metal stud walls | 11/12/2006 |
Q: I will be doing a basement reno, this will involve many curves. I have vast experience in many types ...
A: The flex tract is a huge time saver, it does however increse the thickness of the wall considerably. ...
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| contractor markup | 10/18/2006 |
Q: We hired someone to put a new ridge beam and roof on a 500 sq ft cabin and found out he was marking ...
A: Mark up is a liberal concept. 15% to 100% depending on the items. The issue I would have is the ...
|
| concrete steps attached to house | 10/3/2006 |
Q: I want to pour some curvelinear concrete steps and cover them with stone or pavers. No problem. But ...
A: The flashing needs to be visible by 1" anywhere you pour concrete. For the tar paper, just a staple ...
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| concrete steps attached to house | 10/3/2006 |
Q: I want to pour some curvelinear concrete steps and cover them with stone or pavers. No problem. But ...
A: Aluminum flashing is the easiest and best, but is must exceed the concrete by 1" for protection. As ...
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| travertine over stamped concrete | 9/30/2006 |
Q: How do you suggest I best install travertine over unlevel stamped concrete? Can I paint on sealer ...
A: You may have a real problem. If the stamped concrete is sealed and painted with an acrylic like ...
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| Water in my crawlspace. | 9/26/2006 |
Q: We have a backyard that stretches about 100 feet behind our house. It creates a very steep hill ...
A: The best resolve will be a trench that is 2' below the crawl space, such as a French drain and that ...
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| Second story addition? | 8/29/2006 |
Q: We are considering buying a home that has a slab foundation. It is a single story home that if we ...
A: This is one of those little known conditions. The "foundation" is designed to carry a floor and ...
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| Basement Refinishing | 8/29/2006 |
Q: that information was very, very helpful. How about on a 3rd floor and not in a basement. Is that a ...
A: Again, electricity and water lines go where they can. Sewar goes where it must. You need to ...
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| Basement Refinishing | 8/28/2006 |
Q: I am in the process of looking for a home with my father. Of course nothing in our price range has ...
A: If the sewar line is within reach physically, you are looking at $10,000.00 or so. If you need to ...
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| Slab foundation - Plumbing | 8/23/2006 |
Q: I live in Coastal British Columbia, and own a 23 year old half slab foundation home. Half slab ...
A: I would take advantage of the access...bring any plumbing pipes out from under a concrete slab and ...
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| generators | 8/21/2006 |
Q: What is the answer to my question?I work on a construction site. I have argued with my boss that all ...
A: What would you ground it to? It is on rubber wheels. Suspended in air as it were. The well is ...
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| Attic insulation | 8/19/2006 |
Q: with an average of R-7 per inch of foam why would you say it is lousy for insualtion? And yes it ...
A: Spray foam is expensive, has very little coverage area, per can, is uncontolable as it expands, ...
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| Attic insulation | 8/18/2006 |
Q: I have an older home that i plan to convert the attic into finished living space. I have 2 x 6 ...
A: Keep in mind the wires that are running everywhere. It may be helpfull to lay 2x2's on the rafter ...
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| Contractor/Subcontractor Pay Issue | 8/7/2006 |
Q: In regards to the $500 limit you mentioned, is the issue that he's collecting the money or that he's ...
A: The $500 rule is material and labor supplied and installed by an individual. That is someone YOU ...
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| Contractor/Subcontractor Pay Issue | 8/7/2006 |
Q: I hired a general contractor to remodel my kitchen with a time and materials contract. The agreement ...
A: The law says clearly, any employee.....must have workers compensation insurance, taxes withheld and ...
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| Insulating Finished Attic | 7/24/2006 |
Q: We are in the process of insulating our finished attic. My question is concerning how to insulate ...
A: The air shoots you refer to, are they necessary to vent an area above/beyond this space. If you ...
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| Building a home foundation | 7/23/2006 |
Q: ------------------------- Thank you for the lightening speed response! Never expected it so ...
A: Your option is to do whatever it takes to meet the criteria of a "footing" to meet structural ...
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| Building a home foundation | 7/23/2006 |
Q: Coil: I recently started developing a mountain property in Arizona. I've got an ...
A: You do need to get some of the generic information. There are several good reasons for the ...
|
| bathroom contractor | 7/20/2006 |
Q: How can I find a reliable bathroom contractor for a bathroom renovation?
A: If I could answer this with confidence....I would have to charge per letter, to get what the answer ...
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| concrete demolition | 7/18/2006 |
Q: how can i determine the cost of breaking up 2k square feet of concrete 3" thick with a jack hammer?
A: I doubt seriously that the slab is only 3" thick. 3.5 to 4" is the minimum. I would start with 5 ...
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| Remodeling Plumbing issue | 7/15/2006 |
Q: Am remodeling kitchen replacing cabinets and all appliances and fixtures Contractor had all plans ...
A: In order....the plumbing contractor, then the general contractor, or you. Whoever hired and paid ...
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| stucco/wood roof | 7/11/2006 |
Q: This will be a shed roof, 2x6 rafters attached to the stucco exterior wall, not sure yet what type ...
A: If you are getting a building permit, you will need to cut a groove in the stucco the flash into. ...
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| Patio Extension | 5/3/2006 |
Q: ------------------------- Followup To Thanks for your help, one last question... Could I use a ...
A: Fastening to the concrete depends on the footing/footer. If the slab is merely a slab...then you ...
|
| Patio Extension | 5/3/2006 |
Q: I have a Concrete Patio that measures 28'x10'. 16' of that is covered. I would like to extend the ...
A: Those styrofoam columns are just facade over a 4x4 or 4x6 support column. Easy enough to copy. For ...
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| Building An Attached Covered Patio | 4/28/2006 |
Q: I want to build a covering over my existing concrete patio. The exterior of my house is brick and ...
A: I have a couple of thoughts. Is the brick a veneer over wood framing, or brick over brick/block ...
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| Applying concrete to cinder block wall. | 4/19/2006 |
Q: My basement is above ground. I just replaced windows in the basement and now need to re-apply to ...
A: Typically the cement is "plastic cement"which has additives that make it sticky. It takes at least ...
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| Driveway | 4/10/2006 |
Q: A friend has to replace her driveway. She's recently widowed, and her elder son suggested asphalt. I ...
A: I think the jury is still out on which is better. Each has its reputation for durability. Concrete ...
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| Addition | 3/31/2006 |
Q: David, We currently live in a 1-story brick facade home. The home sits on a poured concrete ...
A: I appologize for misunderstanding...and maybe reading into what wasnt there. I understand the ...
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| Addition | 3/31/2006 |
Q: David, We currently live in a 1-story brick facade home. The home sits on a poured concrete ...
A: For the structural integrity, it far exceeds typical 2x4 framing, the footing is rated for one floor ...
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| Boulders | 3/26/2006 |
Q: We just moved into a new house and we have a few large rocks in the back yard. They are embedded in ...
A: I would first consider trying to get them on skids. Maybe 3/4" plywood. Dig a hole or path next to ...
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| Slab foundations | 2/22/2006 |
Q: I am considering buying a home, but the main concern is that it is on a slab foundation. I have ...
A: I dont mean to make this sound funny, but I bought a new house on a slab foundation,....in las ...
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| remodel and additions | 1/23/2006 |
Q: We are remodeling and adding a second story addition. I need to hire a general contractor and ...
A: Get a list of references...contact them first. Sign nothing on your first visit. Contact the ...
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| construction ? | 1/21/2006 |
Q: I'm 45, i've been in the construction field for 24 years building water/waste plants, mainly the ...
A: This is really interesting. I would assume you will need all the basics. Millright...can you set ...
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| Composite | 11/13/2005 |
Q: -------------------------My husband and I will be installing ourself. Should I take the composite ...
A: Go to the store that sold the Trex deck and tell them you want to lodge a complaint to the ...
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| Composite | 11/13/2005 |
Q: At the end of July I bought composite, a natural wood grain in color. I wanted to replace my decking ...
A: One of the normal features of the composite decking IS the color fastness. It is strange that yours ...
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| Who is responsible to pay for wet basement remedy? | 10/19/2005 |
Q: I'm having a disagreement with my family that I hope you can help settle. We are in the last stages ...
A: My first thought is to take the Archetects plans to the building official....a sit down conference ...
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| Sealing new concrete slab | 10/8/2005 |
Q: On Thursday 10/06/05 the concrete slab was poured for our new basement. My contractor used a 4000 ...
A: Normally, under all the best conditions....28 days is the optimal curing time for a fresh pour. If ...
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| Framing Help | 9/30/2005 |
Q: have a question. I have an open porch, that I torn down ,and rebuild just the outside frame which is ...
A: I will assume the double 2x8's are what should be 4x8's. The 2x6's start at the house ledger and ...
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| Effectiveness of insulation? | 9/30/2005 |
Q: I have a small sauna in the garage and want to insulate it and have the opportunity to buy this ...
A: As you should know, the purpose of insulation is to create dead air space. DEAD air does not ...
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| cutting stucco | 9/11/2005 |
Q: I guess I'm not done with the questions (sorry)... If I use a sheathing underneath the stucco can ...
A: Well let me see.....OSB is rated for structural values, plywood is a better but more expensive ...
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| cutting stucco | 9/11/2005 |
Q: David, One other question - is it necessary (or even recommended) to put plywood sheathing under ...
A: You are pretty close to reality. The plywood is mostly for wind and seismic activity, but it does ...
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| get rid of hump on concrete slab | 9/4/2005 |
Q: We have a hump 1' by 2' in our concrete kitchen floor. We are trying to lay tile and need to flatten ...
A: Because it appears to be a small area, you may want to rent a wet concrete saw. Instead of using it ...
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| Loud Generator | 8/25/2005 |
Q: I have a Briggs & Stratton 5750 watt generator. It works well, but is VERY loud. I would like to ...
A: I have nearly the same Generator, nearly the same probem. I took the muffler off....(big mistake) ...
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| mortar mix | 8/6/2005 |
Q: The concrete blocks have just been laid for the basement of our new home, and I have some serious ...
A: I dont wish to alarm you...but you are right. It was done wrong. Type II and Type V are for ...
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| old buildings | 8/6/2005 |
Q: My question is regarding older buildings rich in history and old architecture in small cities. Most ...
A: Fortunately, you enjoy a bit of history. The older buildings are pieces of art, in the eyes of ...
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| Verbal Contract | 8/3/2005 |
Q: We hired a licensed contractor who is also someone I know from work. He does construction on the ...
A: The laws "MAY" differ in different states, however, a verbal contract is valid up to $5000. Which ...
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| basement waterproofing | 7/15/2005 |
Q: I am in the process of building a new home that will have an underground basement. I have a great ...
A: The product Xypex is not familiar to me. I would however suggest a coat of elastomeric paint. It ...
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| How to bid painting jobs | 6/30/2005 |
Q: I would like to know if there are any models, charts, or online (possibly) guides for biding on ...
A: There is no solid answer for this. Paints vary in price, labor varies in price, transportation ...
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| brick mailbox post/pilaster. | 6/27/2005 |
Q: im building a brick mail box post, i need too know how high the box is to be set above street ...
A: The typical drive up mail box is 36" from the ground to the bottom of the box. It can vary, and in ...
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| house foundation | 6/1/2005 |
Q: I have several questions. First, can the building department of my town tell me the ...
A: Most building department personnel are extremely friendly and helpfull. I see nothing in your ...
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| How to drywall over a door or window | 5/31/2005 |
Q: Mr. Coil, I have a bet with someone over how to hang Sheetrock over a working door or window. ...
A: In many cases the sheetrock is cut to fit any area needed. The mud and tape aspect allow it to be ...
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| How to drywall over a door or window | 5/30/2005 |
Q: Mr. Coil, I have a bet with someone over how to hang Sheetrock over a working door or window. ...
A: I feel you are trying to throw me a curve. Why would you sheetrock over a working door or active ...
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| Attaching patio cover to stucco exterior | 5/28/2005 |
Q: I am interested in building a wooden patio cover and attaching it to the side of our stucco ...
A: Dont try to minimize the load. The wind load can be far greater than the live load or the weight of ...
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| clink | 5/6/2005 |
Q: In the cement industry, can you tell me what "Clinker" is? What is used for? Answer - I can honest ...
A: It could be a color additive or a hardening agent. Considering the atmosphere over ...
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| rework in a fan foundation | 4/23/2005 |
Q: We are going to install a new fan with a higher capacity on a old fdn. of a lower capacity fan. we ...
A: First to appologize...I am not that good with metrics. Second, I dont know what a fan foundation ...
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| Asbestos Removal | 3/15/2005 |
Q: Hey There - I just bought my first fixer upper and am beginning remodel work on it this week. I got ...
A: I have to give it to you from the Professional standpoint. I had to take an "asbestos abatement" ...
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| Drywall | 3/12/2005 |
Q: How do I repair damaged drywall? What products do I use and how do I do this? There are holes, ...
A: Part of the problem is ....so many ways to patch different holes. Small holes...fill them with ...
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| house settling problem--fixes | 2/24/2005 |
Q: How do I level my house? I have places whre the sheetrock is cracked or others where the crown ...
A: This may be a complicated issue. If the floor is sagging, it can be jacked up and shimmed into ...
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| homes | 2/15/2005 |
Q: couple easy questions..what determines if a home is 1 1/2 stories or 2 and what is full basement or ...
A: A single story home is just that, one floor. A two story home is two complete floors and two ...
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| Handicap ramp | 2/9/2005 |
Q: I will be building a handicap ramp from the garage into my home. It is about four steps high. Any ...
A: Depending on the surface you want, or have available.....a sanded paint will give a non slip surface ...
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| Thank you for spending time... | 1/8/2005 |
Q: I have told that contractor I cannot be his sales, he understands. The construction industry is ...
A: Since you briefly mentioned an "accent".. may I ask your nationality.? You are so right about ...
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| it is about this contractor,... | 1/2/2005 |
Q: it is about this contractor, he is a nice guy, but we don't have deep conversation, I feel empty ...
A: It sounds like two different problems. You are a bit shy (too shy maybe) for his type of business ...
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| Choosing a trade | 12/23/2004 |
Q: I'm thinking about starting a career in HVAC, Electrical, or some other construction trade, but I ...
A: To become licensed, you need to prove a minimum of 4 yrs journeyman's experience in your trade. The ...
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| tin ceiling in bathroom | 12/4/2004 |
Q: Our designer has suggested a pressed tin ceiling for our bathroom remodel. She thinks rust can be ...
A: I have decided not to give a simple answer. In a bathroom, you have limited traffic, limited use, ...
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| Load Bearing Walls | 9/17/2004 |
Q: I have done most everything with home remodel, except for moving walls. I am curious how to find ...
A: If after you look into the attic, you see 2x4's with metal plates nailed to them at angles...you are ...
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| Post settings | 8/30/2004 |
Q: Is it OK to use pea gravel instead of concrete to set posts?(fence) Thanks, Joe
A: It is a very old method for setting posts. The only concern is the moisture that is allow to get to ...
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