Q&A / 

 Ask the Builder Podcast 8 Highlights: Karen's wondering if she needs a new paver or blacktop drive. Tim has a better idea. Brian needs some tips about painting the inside of a concrete block building Lauren wonders about attic framing lumber, a slanted floor and some cracks in her home Tim shares a funny […]

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I had some fun the other day. My son helped me tape a video based on a dream I had about two months ago. Yes, I had a dream about taping a second 3-way switch video. Years ago, I taped a video showing how the wires are connected to a 3-way switch in new construction […]

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This video was shot after Tim had a dream about wiring 3-way switches. Really! Read about this dream in the April 19, 2018 Newsletter. 3 Way Switch Troubleshooting is Simple - Play Musical Chairs Watch the above video to see how to troubleshoot a 3-way switch that you goofed up. Yes, I know you did. […]

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Rock Retaining Walls Question #1: Tim, I read a column on your website about rock retaining walls. I’m having a hard time believing you can build a lasting wall and not use mortar between the stones. I’d love to just build a wall and not have to use mortar. What’s the real secret? Karen - […]

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We're halfway through April. Yesterday I got a text from a friend who's an amateur radio operator like I am. Emily and her husband live in south central Pennsylvania and went for a hike. She told me it was 89 F. This impish young woman has a long legacy of pulling my leg. After all, […]

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  IRWIN SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove spade bits feature a 40-percent thicker cutting edge to keep the bit cool and sharp. The shank is 25% larger for extreme durability. Get a set now for your toolbox. IRWIN SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove Spade Bits Will Power Your Profit I've used lots of spade bits in my career drilling thousands of […]

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 Leak Alert Wifi by Zircon Offers You Its Protection This column was SO GOOD that I shared with the 31,000 subscribers who read my April 15, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter. How To Be Alerted To Leaks Early The Leak Alert Wifi is a dandy little alarm. Powered by a lithium battery, the device sits and waits […]

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Building a rock retaining wall can add a lot of your property. But a rock retaining wall is a major project. Retaining wall rocks are heavy and the rock retaining wall design must be able to withstand a tremendous amount of pressure.

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Granite Retaining Walls Built Right Last for 1,000 Years or More Granite retaining walls come in all shapes, sizes, and heights. They can be built with or without mortar. Granite is best because it's: strong resists erosion easy to shape looks good Granite may not be available where you live, but it's very common here […]

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Yesterday was an interesting day. I had an early lunch with Alain Stanislas who's the New England architectural rep for Cosella Dorken. Here we are after satisfying our palates at the Route 104 Diner in New Hampton, NH. Cosella Dorken happens to manufacture some of the best foundation waterproofing products, amazing under-slab vapor barriers, and […]

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