AskTheBuilder.com http://www.askthebuilder.com/ Discover Sweet Home Improvement Skills Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:15:13 PST en-us Home Plumbing http://www.askthebuilder.com/785_Home_Plumbing.shtml Plumbing Design <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/785-thumb.jpg" alt="785-thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Whether you are doing home plumbing repair or home plumbing maintenance, you might need a little home plumbing help. Your home plumbing might have to pass a plumbing code inspection. All the joints and piping will have to meet with the approval of your local plumbing inspector. <br /> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:43:26 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/785_Home_Plumbing.shtml Brick Mortar http://www.askthebuilder.com/784_Brick_Mortar.shtml Brick <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/784.thumb.jpg" alt="784.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Brick mortar is the glue that holds bricks together. Brick mortar repair varies depending on the repair job. Mortar for your brick patio has to be stronger then wall mortar. Using the right mixture will keep your brick and mortar stuck together for years.<br /> Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:54:37 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/784_Brick_Mortar.shtml House Cleaning http://www.askthebuilder.com/783_House_Cleaning.shtml Outdoor Projects <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/783.thumb.jpg" alt="783.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="133"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> You don’t need professional house cleaning to make the exterior of your house to look like new. Cleaning houses can be done with oxygen bleach. The house cleaning supplies required are a sprayer, hose, long-handled brush and oxygen bleach. Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:09:02 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/783_House_Cleaning.shtml Old Windows http://www.askthebuilder.com/782_Old_Windows.shtml Windows <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/782.thumb.jpg" alt="782.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Should old windows be replaced? Does an old window cost me more in heating costs? Older windows may not have the insulation value of new windows. But you have to consider the payback period when deciding to replace old windows. You may not start saving money right away. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:26:21 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/782_Old_Windows.shtml Constitution http://www.askthebuilder.com/Constitution.shtml Miscellaneous <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/constitution_1_thumb_1.jpg" alt="constitution_1_thumb_1.jpg" width="100" height="121"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> <span style="font-weight: bold;">We the People</span> ... the opening words of the Constitution of the United States. The full text of this document, including signers and Amendments, is provided in the article.<br /> Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:42:52 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/Constitution.shtml Composite Deck http://www.askthebuilder.com/781_Composite_Deck.shtml Deck Construction <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/781-thumb.jpg" alt="781-thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> There are many factors to consider when selecting composite decking. Not all composite decks are made the same. Some newer composite deck materials contain recycled materials. Not all composite decking have the same density and strength. <br /> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:11:42 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/781_Composite_Deck.shtml Pocket Hole http://www.askthebuilder.com/780_Pocket_Hole.shtml Tools <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/780-thumb.jpg" alt="780-thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> A pocket hole is a great to join wood for furniture. Using a pocket hole jig, you drill a hole at a precise low angle. Then you screw the two pieces of wood together. A pocket hole tool will allow you to create strong joints that are look great. <br /> Fri, 29 May 2009 09:02:12 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/780_Pocket_Hole.shtml Window Seats http://www.askthebuilder.com/779_Window_Seats.shtml Projects <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/779.thumb.jpg" alt="779.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="67"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> A window seat is a great addition to your home. Window seats provide both extra storage and a place to sit, relax, read a book and look out the window. Building a window seat can be built in a few days. Once completed, just add some window seat cushions and sit, relax and catch up on that book. Fri, 22 May 2009 12:26:07 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/779_Window_Seats.shtml Sanding Block http://www.askthebuilder.com/778_Sanding_Block.shtml Painting - Staining <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/778.thumb.jpg" alt="778.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> A sanding block is a great way to get a smoother finish. Newer flexible sanding blocks have joined the traditional rubber sanding blocks. The flexibility of these hand sanding blocks allow the sand blocks to wrap around or match the contour of baseboard molding or stair case spindles. Mon, 11 May 2009 12:57:56 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/778_Sanding_Block.shtml Limestone Countertops http://www.askthebuilder.com/777_Limestone_Countertops.shtml Countertops <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/777.thumb.jpg" alt="777.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Limestone countertops make an interesting counter top. The various shades of limestone and the embedded fossils look great. Limestone kitchen countertops should be sealed. Sealing limestone countertops will help prevent stains. Fri, 08 May 2009 08:25:15 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/777_Limestone_Countertops.shtml Rock Retaining Wall http://www.askthebuilder.com/776_Rock_Retaining_Wall.shtml Retaining Walls <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/776.thumb.jpg" alt="776.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Building a rock retaining wall can add a lot of your property. But a rock retaining wall is a major project. Retaining wall rocks are heavy and the rock retaining wall design must be able to withstand a tremendous amount of pressure. Fri, 01 May 2009 07:45:26 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/776_Rock_Retaining_Wall.shtml Cabinet Installation http://www.askthebuilder.com/775_Cabinet_Installation.shtml Cabinets <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/775.thumb.jpg" alt="775.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Cabinet installation requires close attention to detail. If the cabinets are not properly aligned, your countertop will not fit. If the wall cabinet installations are not correct, the cabinets could fall once loaded with your dishes. Install cabinets with care and you can achieve a professional looking job. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:05:24 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/775_Cabinet_Installation.shtml Inspection Report http://www.askthebuilder.com/774_Inspection_Report.shtml Inspections <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/774.thumb.jpg" alt="774.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> An home inspection report from an independent home inspector can save you aggravation and money. Home inspections should be carried out prior to moving into the new home. Obtain a copy of the inspection report and review it with the builder. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:44:35 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/774_Inspection_Report.shtml LED Flashlight http://www.askthebuilder.com/773_-LED_Flashlight.shtml Tools <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="100"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/773.thumb.jpg" alt="773.thumb.jpg" width="100" height="75"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> LED flashlights produce bright light. One LED flashlight has an intensity switch. These bright LED flashlights produce light while using less battery power. <br /> Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:12:38 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/773_-LED_Flashlight.shtml Laying Tile Video http://www.askthebuilder.com/Laying_Tile_Video.shtml Videos <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="140"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/LayingTile.jpg" alt="LayingTile.jpg" width="140" height="104"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Tim Carter demonstrates one method for keeping your grout lines straight when laying tile. In this project, he is extending an existing tile floor and must maintain perfectly straight lines when laying the new floor tiles. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:18:46 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/Laying_Tile_Video.shtml DeWALT Wet Saw Video http://www.askthebuilder.com/DeWalt_Wet_Saw_Video.shtml Videos <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="140"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/DeWaltWetSaw.jpg" alt="DeWaltWetSaw.jpg" width="140" height="104"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Tim Carter demonstrates how to use a DeWALT wet saw and what features to look for when purchasing a diamond tile saw. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:50:36 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/DeWalt_Wet_Saw_Video.shtml Thinset On Concrete Video http://www.askthebuilder.com/Thinset_On_Concrete_Video.shtml Videos <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="140"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/ThinsetOnConcrete.jpg" alt="ThinsetOnConcrete.jpg" width="140" height="104"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Tim Carter shares some tips for installing ceramic tile on concrete using thinset mortar. <br /> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:53:41 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/Thinset_On_Concrete_Video.shtml Thinset For Ceramic Tile Floors Video http://www.askthebuilder.com/Thinset_For_Ceramic_Tile_Floors_Video.shtml Videos <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="140"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/ThinsetCeramicFloors.jpg" alt="ThinsetCeramicFloors.jpg" width="140" height="104"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Tim Carter shares some tips about using thinset for installing a ceramic tile floor.He explains why using thinset mortar is fantastic for&nbsp; ceramic tile and how to mix it correctly.<br /> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:19:36 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/Thinset_For_Ceramic_Tile_Floors_Video.shtml Wet Saw Indoors Video http://www.askthebuilder.com/Wet_Saw_Indoors_Video.shtml Videos <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="140"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/WetSawIndoors.jpg" alt="WetSawIndoors.jpg" width="140" height="104"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Tim Carter shows one solution that allows you to cut tile with a wet saw indoors without ruining the interior of your home. <br /> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:15:36 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/Wet_Saw_Indoors_Video.shtml Removing Drywall Tip Video http://www.askthebuilder.com/Removing_Drywall_Tip_Video.shtml Videos <table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="140"> <tr><td> <img src="http://www.askthebuilder.com/artman212/uploads/1/RemovingDrywallTip.jpg" alt="RemovingDrywallTip.jpg" width="140" height="104"> <div class="image_caption"></div> </td></tr> </table> Tim Carter shares a tip for removing drywall that will prevent unneeded damage to surrounding walls. Before doing any wall demo, make sure you do the necessary preparations to save yourself time and money.<br /> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:47:04 PST http://www.askthebuilder.com/Removing_Drywall_Tip_Video.shtml