Flushable Wipes Clog Drain Lines and Sewers This subject was still getting attraction months after Tim published this column. Check out the May 19, 2019 and the August 4, 2019 Newsletter! DEAR TIM: I’m really upset. I’m retired and have limited resources. I just had to spend $3,300 on a new sewage pump that was Read More »
3 and 4 Way Switch Wiring for Dummies - You're Not One! QUESTION #1: Tim, I need you to mediate a dispute between my husband and me. We’re building a new home and there are quite a few places where two, or more, switches can be used to control lights. I like the convenience but Read More »
Installing Radiant Heat Tubing Tim Carter shows the complex method of looping Uponor hePEX tubing in between framing that's 24 inches on center. Three heat transfer plates are in each truss bay, not two.
Sticky House Wrap QUESTION #1: Tim, I’m building a new home and the builder wants to apply an exterior house wrap that reminds me of adhesive shelf paper. All the other house wraps I’ve seen come in large rolls and are nailed to the house. I’m afraid the adhesive house wrap might not stand the Read More »
Handy Hand Tools QUESTION 1#: Tim, I’m sure you get to see new tools all the time. I’m curious if certain ones become your favorite or if you see vast improvements over older models. I want to create a set of simple hand tools for both my daughter and son who now live in their Read More »
Tim Carter demonstrates in a run-and-gun on-a-whim video how floor trusses save time and MONEY when installing pipes in a new home. More pictures and the story behind this video appeared in his March 31, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.
Warm Floors DEAR TIM: It’s time to build our retirement home. The house will be in a four-season climate and I insist on it being as comfortable as possible when it’s cold outdoors. I’ve heard about radiant floor heat but always have had forced-air heat. What can you tell me about radiant floor heat? Is Read More »
"A drill-powered pump is an excellent tool to use to AVOID sucking on a hose to start a gravity-powered siphon setup. Why get all that algae-filled water in your mouth?" Drill Powered Pump - It Will Save You Time and Your Back You may not have been aware of a drill powered pump. They are Read More »
Find a Vocation Not a Job DEAR TIM: I’ve read your column for years. I’d like you to share your thoughts on encouraging a young person to learn a trade or skill rather than go to college. Can you share what you did when you were young and more importantly if you could have a Read More »
Factory-Built Walls QUESTION #1: Hello, Tim. A new house being constructed near me was built using wood walls made in a factory. I was astonished that the house was under roof in just two days. What’s better, walls built on the job site by carpenters or those built in a factory? Can you get walls Read More »
Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Complete the form below and each week you'll get:
Unsubscribe at any time. We respect your email privacy.