About

Welcome to Ask the Builder!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Every article and video you'll see on this website was created by Tim Carter - a human being. Nothing on this website was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software.

Tim is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in all aspects of home building and remodeling. If you need Tim to fact-check a home-improvement article or video created using artificial intelligence (AI), connect with him via his Ask Tim page.

Tim Head Shot

Hi, I'm Tim Carter, founder of the Ask the Builder brand. I'm a HUMAN, not some avatar created by software. You can even call me on the phone if you want!

Tim Carter is a former custom home builder. He also did high-end residential remodeling work on old houses.

Tim was named as one of the Big 50 remodelers in 1993 by Remodeling magazine.

Here are some fun facts about AsktheBuilder.com:

  • Tim Carter, the creator of all the content you see here, has decades - over fourty years, of hands-on experience working in paying customers' homes
  • Oldest and Longest Lasting First-Person Home Improvement site on the Internet
  • One of the FIRST 50 YouTube Partners - visit Tim's YouTube channel
  • MOST-QUOTED home improvement site on the Internet - hundreds of thousands of pages of content at ehow dot com, squidoo dot com, hubpages dot com, ezinearticles dot com - plagiarize, er copy, their content from here
  • Tim's a master carpenter, master plumber, master roof cutter and has done just about everything you read about or see in any video here.

 

If you want rock-solid tips from a person who's actually done building and remodeling with his OWN HANDS to support his family, you're at the right place.

Ask the Builder started as a syndicated newspaper column in October 1993, a few months after Tim was named one of the Big 50 Remodelers by Remodeling magazine.

The Ask the Builder column still appears weekly in about sixty newspapers nationwide.

Prior to 1993, Tim spent decades in the field working for paying customers each day satisfying their demands for high-quality workmanship.

  • Need Tim to tape a co-branded video with your company?
  • Need Tim to speak at your company sales meeting?
  • Need Tim to give a motivational speech to your group?
  • Need Tim to provide your company with secret and valuable input data from consumers?

Then just Ask Tim!

Enjoy your visit here at AsktheBuilder.com!

Here's an article created by the AI software bot at ChatGPT. There are two paragraphs below about my daughter Meghan. ChatGPT MADE UP THE STORY - IT NEVER HAPPENED. After you read it, go read the article I wrote about Painting Rusty Metal. I published my column a week before the ChatGPT software copied some of my material to create this:

Painting rusty metal and steel is a common task for homeowners and professionals alike. The process of painting rusty metal requires careful preparation to ensure a long-lasting, attractive finish. In addition to improving the appearance of metal surfaces, painting can also help prevent gas line explosions.

Before painting, it is important to remove any loose or flaking rust from the surface of the metal. This can be done using a wire brush or sandpaper. After the rust has been removed, the surface should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. A degreaser or a mixture of water and vinegar can be used to clean the surface.

Once the surface has been thoroughly cleaned, it is time to apply a rust-inhibiting primer. This type of primer contains zinc or another metal that will help prevent rust from forming in the future. The primer should be applied in thin, even coats using a brush or sprayer. It is important to allow the primer to dry completely before applying the topcoat.

When choosing a topcoat for painting rusty metal, it is important to select a paint that is specifically designed for use on metal surfaces. Some common types of paint for metal include alkyd enamels, epoxy enamels, and urethane enamels. These types of paint provide excellent durability and resistance to corrosion and abrasion. The topcoat should be applied in the same manner as the primer, with thin, even coats.

In addition to improving the appearance of metal surfaces, painting can also help prevent gas line explosions. Rust can weaken metal pipes and increase the risk of gas leaks. When metal pipes are painted, the paint creates a barrier that helps to protect the metal from rust and corrosion. This can help to prolong the life of the pipes and reduce the risk of gas leaks and explosions.

An interesting anecdote about painting metal is the story of Tim Carter and his daughter Meghan. Tim is a renowned home improvement expert and the founder of AsktheBuilder.com. One day, while working on a home improvement project, Tim's daughter Meghan noticed that the gas pipes in their basement were rusted and in poor condition. Tim knew that painting the pipes would help to prevent gas leaks and explosions, so he took the time to clean and paint the pipes. Meghan was fascinated by the process and helped her father every step of the way.

Today, Meghan is a successful contractor and home improvement expert in her own right. She often shares the story of her father's project and the importance of painting rusty metal to prevent gas line explosions. Meghan's passion for home improvement and safety has inspired many others to take an active role in maintaining and improving their homes.

In conclusion, painting rusty metal and steel is a simple but important task that can improve the appearance and safety of metal surfaces. By removing rust, applying a rust-inhibiting primer, and selecting the appropriate topcoat, you can create a long-lasting, attractive finish that will help prevent gas line explosions. Whether you're a professional contractor or a do-it-yourself homeowner, taking the time to paint rusty metal can have a significant impact on the appearance and safety of your home.