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Footing Detail - Concrete + Steel + Great Soil A footing is quite possibly the most important detail in construction. A footing is what contacts the earth or soil and it distributes the total load, or weight of the building, so it doesn't sink into the ground. What are the Details of a Footing? A […]

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Floor Trusses - No Interior Bearing Walls QUESTION #1: Tim, is it possible to build a multi-story home with no, or few, interior bearing walls or beams? I’ve looked at lumber span tables and regular lumber doesn’t seem to be able to do what I want to be done. What are my options and have […]

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"You can make an opening higher in a load-bearing wall much easier than creating a wider opening." Enlarge Opening in Load Bearing Wall Checklist Build temporary walls to support the load Bearing points of columns must be stacked and extend down through the house to a footing Hire a structural engineer to size the beam Be sure […]

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 Ask the Builder Podcast 18 Highlights: Settlement Cracks in Walls Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: Settlement Cracks in Walls Related Links: Settlement Cracks and More Pro Tips   Subscribe to the AsktheBuilder Podcast

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 Ask the Builder Podcast 16 Highlights: Replace Wood Basement Support Beam Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: Replace Basement Wood Beam Related Links: Wood Beam Tips and Tricks   Subscribe to the AsktheBuilder Podcast

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 Ask the Builder Podcast 4 Highlights: Robert has a cracked floor joist under his bathroom. He needs to fix it fast and easy. I've got the answer. (Featured March 25, 2018 Newsletter) Bob lives in rural upstate New York. He wonders about using chemicals on his lawn above his well. Lots of laughter! Sue […]

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Published: January 12, 2018 © Tim Carter Just two days ago, January 10, 2018, I was at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida. I visited the AZEK booth and was talking with an AZEK employee about bolts that should be used when installing the AZEK aluminum deck posts. (Full background story on the Builders Show […]

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New Home Construction Hiccup DEAR TIM: My builder really goofed up my new home. A room at the corner of the house next to the front door had its roof installed too low. The mistake is being corrected but I’m quite upset as I don’t feel the job is being done right. They’re leaving the […]

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Advice For Architects-To-Be And You Too! Not only do I answer questions each day at my own AsktheBuilder.com website, but I also do the same at another major question site. Two days before Christmas, I answered a most unusual question. The gentleman wanted to know the best books I’d recommend about building and construction for […]

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I completed a somewhat complex Trex Transcend railing installation the summer of 2016. This railing system is well engineered and a pleasure to work with. This column was SO GOOD that I shared with the 31,000 subscribers who read my June 21, 2020 newsletter. Trex Transcend Railing Installation - #WOOT! It's important to note the […]

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