A-Frame House Problems - They Can be Aplenty QUESTION #1: I’d like your honest opinion, Tim. A-frame houses have always appealed to me and I think I want to build one. I’ve done scads of research on these unusual homes and I’m convinced it’s the right decision. I want you to be the devil’s advocate […]
Label Electrical Wires - Have Some Fun Be Reasonable Read more of this story in Tim's May 5, 2019 Newsletter. It's a good idea to label electrical wires. Here are a few reasons why you should do it: labels help remind you how to name circuit breakers labels help you know what wire is which […]
Flushable Wipes Clog Drain Lines and Sewers This subject was still getting attraction months after Tim published this column. Check out the May 19, 2019 and the August 4, 2019 Newsletter! DEAR TIM: I’m really upset. I’m retired and have limited resources. I just had to spend $3,300 on a new sewage pump that was […]
3 and 4 Way Switch Wiring for Dummies - You're Not One! QUESTION #1: Tim, I need you to mediate a dispute between my husband and me. We’re building a new home and there are quite a few places where two, or more, switches can be used to control lights. I like the convenience but […]
Installing Radiant Heat Tubing Tim Carter shows the complex method of looping Uponor hePEX tubing in between framing that's 24 inches on center. Three heat transfer plates are in each truss bay, not two.
Sticky House Wrap QUESTION #1: Tim, I’m building a new home and the builder wants to apply an exterior house wrap that reminds me of adhesive shelf paper. All the other house wraps I’ve seen come in large rolls and are nailed to the house. I’m afraid the adhesive house wrap might not stand the […]
Handy Hand Tools QUESTION 1#: Tim, I’m sure you get to see new tools all the time. I’m curious if certain ones become your favorite or if you see vast improvements over older models. I want to create a set of simple hand tools for both my daughter and son who now live in their […]
Floor Truss Framing Tim Carter demonstrates in a run-and-gun on-a-whim video how floor trusses save time and MONEY when installing pipes in a new home. More pictures and the story behind this video appeared in his March 31, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.
Warm Floors DEAR TIM: It’s time to build our retirement home. The house will be in a four-season climate and I insist on it being as comfortable as possible when it’s cold outdoors. I’ve heard about radiant floor heat but always have had forced-air heat. What can you tell me about radiant floor heat? Is […]
"A drill-powered pump is an excellent tool to use to AVOID sucking on a hose to start a gravity-powered siphon setup. Why get all that algae-filled water in your mouth?" Drill Powered Pump - It Will Save You Time and Your Back You may not have been aware of a drill powered pump. They are […]
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