How To Winder Stairs - They Save Space "Winder stairs were very common in houses built in the early 1900s. It's a shame they're not used in more homes today." Tim Carter - Founder www.AsktheBuilder.com Winder stairs allow you to turn a corner and change the direction of a staircase. The most common turn is 90 […]
Hand Tool Storage QUESTION #1: Tim, I lost it this past weekend. After I cooled down, I realized I had no one to blame but myself. I spent two hours looking for a hand tool I know that was somewhere in my garage, basement or shed. I finally found it in my truck. Anyway, I’ve […]
Attics are Easy in New Homes/Remodels QUESTION #1: Tim, I grew up in an older home with an attic. I love storing things up there. When I watch new homes being built, all I see are trusses with all sorts of cross supports that make it impossible to have an attic. Can you have an […]
Welcome if you're a new subscriber. I hope to exceed your expectations. All others, you know what's in store. Let's get started. This past week I was energized. I created lots of new pages at both AsktheBuilder.com and StainSolver.com. I'll be sharing a few with you down below. BIG FUN in Two Weeks Two weeks […]
Roof Cracking Sounds Winter | Snow Loads, Ice Weight & Wind "Roof cracking sounds in the winter are common. Some sounds are caused by heavy snow and ice, some are caused by high winds, and the sun might cause cracking sounds on bluebird days." Tim Carter - Founder | AsktheBuilder.com Roof cracking sounds are somewhat […]
Why Doesn't My Shower Work? | Frozen Riser Pipe Probably! "A shower can stop working if the water pipes in the wall freeze solid. A polar vortex causes bitter cold air to drop down into the wall." Tim Carter - Founder, askthebuilder.com Did your shower work yesterday? Are you experiencing a polar vortex shot of […]
"A footing is just like the foot on your leg. It spreads out the weight of the building onto the soil. Bigger is better!" Tim Carter - Founder | AsktheBuilder.com Footing Width and Depth - Do Both Right to Avoid #FAILURE Footing width and depth are very important. A footing spreads out the weight of […]
Welcome if you're a brand-new subscriber. It's my hope you get lots of tips in upcoming issues. Hello again dear friend if you've been here for a week, month or since 1996 when this newsletter started! You Reply - I Listen! I know this may shock you, but I read every single […]
"The footing depth below grade is determined by two things: when you encounter strong soil and making sure you're below the local frost depth in your area." Tim Carter - Founder | AsktheBuilder.com Footing Depth Below Grade - Two Factors Control the Depth The footing depth of your garage, house, or building depends on where […]
DEAR TIM: I’ve got a quaint outdoor shed that I’ve neglected. The wood at the bottom is rotting and the shingles must be replaced. I need it more than ever and recently discovered it’s not to code in my county. I want to repair it and improve it but I’m told the shed has to […]