Amy, who lives in the quaint city of Martinsburg, WV, is creating lots of angst at her local Home Depot and Lowe's stores. Here's why: "I have not been able to get a clear answer from Lowe's or Home Depot about when a door may need to be re-stained or repainted (and how). I've been […]
Larry Clifford had a humidifier install at his Richmond, KY home. He's now wondering if it was done wrong because it doesn't seem to be working right. Let Larry lay it on you: "I have a heat pump that came with the house. I am the original owner. A few years ago I had a HVAC […]
DEAR TIM: I purchased an older stucco home that's never been painted. It's got some cracks in the stucco. Most range in width from 1/4 to 3/8-inch wide. The cracks are not getting any bigger and a structural engineer said that all is well and the cracking will not continue. What's the best way to […]
Rick Castelli is doing some remodeling in his Falls Church, VA home. Let him give you the background about the masonry opening. "We have a 1947 Cape Cod with masonry walls. The picture shows the old rear exterior wall where a previous owner removed a back door and window in the kitchen to open up into […]
Jim Elliott had some engineered hardwood installed at his home in Encinitas, CA. However, the installers were rookies. Let Jim tell you why: "We just had engineered hardwood flooring installed in our living room and dining room by a contractor. I wasn't available to make an examination of the floor until after they had left our […]
DEAR TIM: My exterior doors have leaded-glass inserts that I don’t feel are insulated well. I’m confused as I can’t feel the leaded glass because it’s sandwiched between two pieces of glass. On cold days when I stand in front of the door I feel air movement. How can I make sure this door is […]
A visitor to AsktheBuilder who'd rather remain anonymous and who lives in sunny, but sometimes cool, Phoenix, AZ, has two dogs he wants to be warm at night. Here's what he sent: "I need to keep my two dogs warm at night without heating the whole house. Help! Even here in Phoenix, it gets cold in […]
Sherina Derobertis is thinking of buying a foreclosure in Alabama. Allow her to fill you in. "Hi Tim and Happy New Year. I'm looking to purchase a foreclosure in Alabama and I wanted to ask if you could tell via a photo if the wall is load-bearing? If I purchase the house I'd definitely have to […]
Barbara rents a house or apartment in Guilford, CT. But she's got a problem with her new furnace. "My landlord just installed a gas furnace. When it is running, cold air is leaking into the bathroom through the ceiling exhaust. When the furnace is at rest, no cold air is coming in. Why? and am […]
Troy McWhirter owns a townhouse in Ashburn VA. He's perplexed about what might be under the steps that lead up to his front door. Here's what he sent me: "I own a 1999 Toll Brothers townhouse with a brick second level walk up to front door. I want to know what is under those stairs? I […]
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