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 Read More »
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 Read More »
"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 Read More »
"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 More »
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 More »
Floor Trusses - No Interior Bearing Walls QUESTION #1: Tim, is it possible to build a multi-story home with no, or few, interior bearing walls or beams? I’ve looked at lumber span tables and regular lumber doesn’t seem to be able to do what I want to be done. What are my options and have Read More »
"You can make an opening higher in a load-bearing wall much easier than creating a wider opening." Enlarge Opening in Load Bearing Wall Checklist Build temporary walls to support the load Bearing points of columns must be stacked and extend down through the house to a footing Hire a structural engineer to size the beam Be sure Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 18 Highlights: Settlement Cracks in Walls Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: Settlement Cracks in Walls Related Links: Settlement Cracks and More Pro Tips Subscribe to the AsktheBuilder Podcast .
Ask the Builder Podcast 16 Highlights: Replace Wood Basement Support Beam Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: Replace Basement Wood Beam Related Links: Wood Beam Tips and Tricks Subscribe to the AsktheBuilder Podcast .
Ask the Builder Podcast 4 Highlights: Robert has a cracked floor joist under his bathroom. He needs to fix it fast and easy. I've got the answer. (Featured March 25, 2018 Newsletter) Bob lives in rural upstate New York. He wonders about using chemicals on his lawn above his well. Lots of laughter! Sue Read More »
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