This column was shared with my 31,000 subscribers who read my March 27, 2020 AsktheBuilder Newsletter. QUESTION #1: Tim, it’s time for you to reach into your magic tool bag. I need to replace a cracked-off section of my concrete driveway. My primary concern is I want the color and texture of the new patch Read More »
DEAR TIM: I’m about to build a new home with both an attached garage and a separate free-standing three-bay garage. The house I grew up in had floor drains in the garage and they were wonderful. My builder has never heard of garage floor drains and insists on sloping the concrete floor so all liquids Read More »
DEAR TIM: I’m about to have a new concrete driveway installed as well as some sidewalks. I asked the bidding contractors how long I might expect the concrete to last. The range given was from twenty to thirty years. That seems like a long time but I thought it could last much longer. How long Read More »
Outdoor Sink Restoration QUESTION #1: I’m in the process of restoring a grand natural stone outdoor sink. It’s made from some type of natural stone. Locals tell me it’s soapstone. Once restored, it’s going to be used as a beverage serving station for outdoor parties. Someone painted it years ago and after stripping the paint, Read More »
Don't Underestimate Concrete Installation QUESTION #1: I plan to install a concrete patio during my vacation. It’s going to measure 14 feet by 30 feet. I’ve watched lots of online videos and paid attention to cable-TV shows and now feel emboldened. What can go wrong and how much help do you think I’ll need. I’ve Read More »
Smoking Fireplaces QUESTION #1: Oh Tim, I need your help. I’ve got a masonry fireplace that puffs smoke into the room when a fire is burning. It gets worse as the fire dies down. I’ve spoken with three different bricklayers who build fireplaces and have received three different answers. Confusion reigns at my home and Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 23 Replace Concrete Stoop: Replace Concrete Stoop - Tim Carter, the founder of AsktheBuilder.com, talks to David in Kentucky about replacing the concrete stoop that is on the side wall of his garage. It's dangerous and slippery in the winter. Tim offers David a simple solution that's DIY friendly and Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 17 Highlights: Repair Concrete Porch Sinking Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: Repair Concrete Porch Column Related Links: Concrete Epoxy Repair Products and VIDEO Subscribe to the AsktheBuilder Podcast .
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 »
Concrete in a Bag Question #1: Hello Tim. This summer I’ve got a few outdoor projects that involve pouring small amounts of concrete. I looked into having a ready-mix truck do it, but the cost is so expensive. I’ve seen the bags of concrete in stores. Is it any good? Have you used it? Can Read More »
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