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 More »
Yesterday, I was perusing a national news website whose headlines more and more are reminding me of the traditional sensational tabloids that might have a story about a lawn being stolen. Being a syndicated newspaper columnist, I find this transition most interesting. One particular headline caught my eye as it talked about the five things Read More »
Caulking Doesn’t Have to Be Hard QUESTION #1: Tim, my husband caulked a few things in the bathroom and made an enormous mess. The caulk is smeared and there are gaps. Can it be repaired? He had the best of intentions but didn’t seem to be concerned about the final appearance. How does one get Read More »
"The size of the septic tank is determined by the number of bedrooms in almost all cases." Septic Tank Design Checklist You need a professional design drawn by a pro Each house is different because of load, soil, and topography A leach field can be under a road Use gravity - avoid pumping septic tank Read More »
25th AsktheBuilder Anniversary October 2, 2018 is the 25th anniversary of my Ask the Builder syndicated newspaper column. I’m very proud of surviving this long as a writer and publisher and thought I’d share some of the good and the bad I’ve seen since that morning I waited outside in the dark for the newspaper Read More »
Gutter Guard Madness Question #1: Tim, the annual gutter cleaning campaign is about to happen. What’s your feeling about gutter guards? Have you tested any? There are so many different designs, how do you even begin to make a decision? Are they really worth it in the long run? Is there a cheaper alternative? Molly Read More »
Solar Attic Fan Tough Love Question #1: Tim, can you cut through the fog of confusion about solar attic fans? I just want the tough-love truth. Do they really work or are they mostly hype? What does it take to really cool an attic space? My husband really thinks it’s a great idea to buy Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 13 Highlights: Garage built too low Bathroom light fixture problem New tin roof in Washington DC Tim shares a story about controlling cracks in concrete Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: CALL 1 Garage Too Low to Read More »
New Concrete on Old Question #1: Tim, I desperately need your help. The concrete sidewalk and driveway at my house are falling apart. The top surface is crumbling yet just below the surface the concrete is as solid as rock. It’s only a few years old. What’s causing this? Contractors have told me I need Read More »