Q&A / 

"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 […]

READ THE ANSWER »

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 […]

READ THE ANSWER »

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 […]

READ THE ANSWER »

If you're new, I do these alerts in certain situations.   A severe Arctic blast of frigid air is starting to invade the central and eastern USA. If you live in northern Michigan or Minnesota, it's already at your doorstep.   I know WX people tend to overhype the weather, but this could create historic […]

READ THE ANSWER »

A leaking roof or water line break can cause water damage in your home. Water damaged drywall needs to be repaired before the ceiling drywall falls down or before water damage mold starts growing.

READ THE ANSWER »

DXV Fitzgerald Sink - A New Sink Perfect for Restoration Work Here's the DXV Fitzgerald sink after it was installed. Look below to see how incredible the transformation was. This magnificent period sink was perfect for the ongoing restoration of an early 1900s Craftsman house in southern California owned by one of my best friends. […]

READ THE ANSWER »

If you're a new subscriber, I'm glad you're here. If you've been around the block a time or two or three with me, thanks for staying on the list. The New House Saga I announced a month or so ago that this newsletter, over the next six months, was going to focus on the construction […]

READ THE ANSWER »

Small Greenhouse Foundations Question #1: Hello Tim! My guess is you’re not a gardener, but I do need your help. I’m about to purchase a small greenhouse kit and wonder if there are any special foundation requirements. The manufacturer doesn’t have much to say about this. What’s the best thing to do so I preserve […]

READ THE ANSWER »

I'm reticent to admit it, but I'm a senior and I have to shovel snow here at my home in central New Hampshire. I've been experimenting with snow shovels now for ten years and have a few favorites that may be of great interest to you. It's important to realize that weight is your enemy […]

READ THE ANSWER »

Are you a brand-new subscriber? Welcome! Everyone else, you know I appreciate your continued support, trust, and friendship.   It's been a busy week here in central New Hampshire. A week ago today I awoke to my worst nightmare. The entire driveway was covered with 1 or 2 inches of ice.   The day before […]

READ THE ANSWER »

SPONSORS /