February 8, 2012 AsktheBuilder Newsletter And Tips
What's in This Newsletter?
We've had a string of bluebird days here in New Hampshire. It's absolutely glorious winter weather. I know, I can hear all you warm-weather fans chuckling now. But seriously, it's great. I really enjoyed my 3.3-mile walk around the block yesterday.
The lake's been frozen solid now for about three weeks. It's now starting to talk. That's what I call it. It makes these very low warbling noises that sound like reverb on a guitar amplifier. That's the best way I can describe it. I'm quite certain it's the wind flexing the ice and creating a harmonic with the water. Kathy says it's the aliens under the ice wanting to get out.
Last night I attended the best ham radio meeting of my life. Dale Clement, AF1T, did a talk on antennae that blew my mind. He used simple light bulbs to show that there are invisible radio waves in the air. Yes, that's a dill pickle antenna. I'm not kidding, two dill pickles make a perfect 432 MHz dipole antenna! The green LED is showing you it's picking up the signal from the antenna on the pole.
Stain Solver SHIPPING News
We got hammered with orders in the Stain Solver sale two weeks ago. We are scheduled to manufacture NEXT week. All back orders should ship by February 16th. THANKS for your patience. I'm going to have to start calling you Job.
Looking for a Knitter
I got a comment on my AsktheBuilder Facebook fan page from Rob who saw me wearing my red, white and blue knit hat. He said: "You need to get an ATB hat!"
You can see me wearing it in this video.
He's right! I'm looking for a fan who's looking for some publicity or ??? Here's the issue. My hat size is a 7 and 7/8 inches. Every knit hat, including the one in the video seems small to me and really has to stretch to fit my noggin.
I'd love a hat that doesn't fit too tightly, was colorful and had my new AsktheBuilder logo on it. Are you up for the task? Let's make a deal. Respond to this email changing the Subject Line to: Tim's New Hat. Who knows, it could get popular and we'll mass produce them!
Tip of the Week
I shared this one on Facebook on Super Bowl Sunday:
"Don't take the easy way out of building steps by making those sawtooth notch cuts. Create rabbets in the sides of the stringers so you maximize the strength of the set of steps."
You've seen steps cut the wrong way. Those are the ones that look like a saw blade. Remember, stair stringers are the beams that support your weight, that of the refrigerator, and the other person helping you. When you cut the sawtooth configuration, you turn a 2x12 into a 2x6!
Want to see how to layout, cut and make rabbets in stair stringers the way I do? Do you want to discover the most comfortable riser/tread combination for a new set of steps? You know, the perfect set of steps that are safe and easy to go up and down?
All of that and more are in this Building Deck Stairs eBook of mine.
Free Online Access to the ICC Residential Building Code
Do you often have questions about the Building Code? Do you wonder if your builder or remodeler is doing the right thing? You can check online now! Click here for Code Access.
However, understand that your city or town has the right to modify, add to or delete sections of this model code. Use it as a guide and always check with your local building inspector to ensure what you're looking at online is what's in play in your area.
Video of the Week
What do you do if you need temporary heat? Yes, you can rent those large torpedo heaters, and other devices.
But what if you want to thaw the ground? Yes, it's possible! Watch this video showing a ground heater
Paving Contractors - Help!
Do you install gravel, blacktop, tar and chip, concrete, concrete pavers, poured concrete, stamped concrete driveways? If so I need you to reply to me changing the Subject Line to: Drive Prices. I'd love to know in your market WHAT it costs per square foot to install the average driveway that you do. Tell me the type of paving you do and the cost. Don't forget to tell me where you work - city and state.
If there's a price range, that's fine too. But please reach out. I want to see what it costs in your area.
Road Trip! Let's Meet Up!
On February 20th or the 21st, I'm going to leave New Hampshire on my way to Savannah, GA in my red Ford Super Duty. I'll be making a few stops on the way. I'll also be driving back to New Hampshire.
On my way down, I'll be driving straight through to the Washington, D.C. area. I'll be beat, but dinner that night is possible. Or a brunch could happen the next morning.
I'll be passing through Richmond, VA, Raleigh/Durham, NC, Greenville, SC, and then end up in Hilton Head, SC before getting to Savannah.
Reach out and tell me if you want to meet up. Let's see what's possible. I'll try to accommodate as many meetings as possible. Change the Subject Line to: ROAD TRIP
How to Grout Ceramic Tile Floor Kindle Book
Do you have a Kindle? That's the cool Amazon tablet eBook reader. Amazon's latest is the Kindle Fire which allows you to see in color and is really a full-blown tablet.
Even if you don't own a Kindle, you can read Amazon Kindle books. You can download FREE Kindle readers for your iPad or your computer. This allows you to enjoy all the content at the Amazon Kindle store without using a Kindle.
Well, yesterday I just published my first Kindle eBook! If you want to discover the way I grout ceramic floor tile so it looks great and never crumbles, this is the guide for you. Many more Kindle books from me are about to be published.
This first one contains a tool guide, full instructions, color step-by-step photos and a link to four secret videos that show you from start to finish how to get professional results the first time.
All this for less than $4. Can you believe that?
Q & A of the Week - Repair a Concrete Foundation
DEAR TIM: I'm thinking of buying a home that has significant cracks in the concrete foundation. Family members are urging me to run away from this house. I'm thinking it's a deal and the cracks can be repaired. How would you assess the situation and what are some of my repair options? Are there any unintended consequences that will come up later should I decide to purchase this home? I need some clarity to help me make the right choice. Peggy P., Rochester, NY
DEAR PEGGY: Cracks in a concrete foundation can be signs of serious structural issues. It's paramount that you . . .
Want to read the rest of the column so you know your options? Click HERE.
Don't forget - Do it Right, not Over,
Tim Carter
Founder - AsktheBuilder.com