This column appeared in the February 29, 2020 edition of Tim's newsletter. DEAR TIM: I want to build a retaining wall that’s going to look great for years. At my last house, I had a short retaining wall around a patio that started to lean out towards the lawn. The little wall was but 10 […]
Prevent Cut Electric & Cable Lines QUESTION #1: Tim, what are your thoughts on burying electric and cable-TV lines? I can buy approved cable and wire that’s rated for direct burial saving the cost of installing it in conduit. What’s been your experience with underground utilities like this? What would you do and why? Glenn […]
DEAR TIM: My house is now twenty-five years old. It’s covered with vinyl siding. Every summer I have mold and mildew that develop on the north side of my house. Every few years I remove it. Is there some coating I can apply to the siding to stop the mold and mildew from reappearing? It’s […]
Ask The Builder · 62: Seal Asphalt Driveway DEAR TIM: I had a new asphalt driveway installed back in the fall. It’s gorgeous and I want to keep it looking that way. I was told not to seal it until the spring. Is that correct? Is it possible to put on too much sealer? I […]
DEAR TIM: I’m about to build a new home with both an attached garage and a separate free-standing three-bay garage. The house I grew up in had floor drains in the garage and they were wonderful. My builder has never heard of garage floor drains and insists on sloping the concrete floor so all liquids […]
Squaring Up A Deck With Two Tape Measures DEAR TIM: I’m going to build a deck. Don’t try to stop me. I’ve got many questions for you. First, what’s the smallest size a deck can be and still have a table on it for eating? How does one figure out where to put the support […]
DEAR TIM: I’m about to have a new concrete driveway installed as well as some sidewalks. I asked the bidding contractors how long I might expect the concrete to last. The range given was from twenty to thirty years. That seems like a long time but I thought it could last much longer. How long […]
Attic Trusses Design This video shows you just about all you need to know about attic trusses. In case you do have questions, PLEASE click the two links just below and read my past columns about attic trusses. That saves me from typing the answer twice. Attic Trusses Column #1 Attic Trusses Column #2 The […]
Deck Foundation DEAR TIM: I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely buried to protect against freezing and cracking in the winter months? What do you feel are the best concrete […]
Outdoor Sink Restoration QUESTION #1: I’m in the process of restoring a grand natural stone outdoor sink. It’s made from some type of natural stone. Locals tell me it’s soapstone. Once restored, it’s going to be used as a beverage serving station for outdoor parties. Someone painted it years ago and after stripping the paint, […]
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