Two days ago, I spent over five hours on the Conway Scenic Train. It was a spectacular bluebird day here in New Hampshire, albeit a little cold in the morning as I rode in the open car with friends and co-workers from the train I work on. This long train ride, probably 30 or more Read More »
Here are a few photos and videos of my fun day on September 15, 2014 with my co-workers from the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. The Conway Scenic Railroad has a very large operation with many pieces of equipment and a very long stretch of rail line up the Crawford Notch U-shaped valley created by the massive Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Question a contractor about what he did/did not do Have great plans and specifications Keyways and steel rods in foundation Jonathan Smith is building a new home in Akron, OH. He went to look at the new footers and, well, allow him to tell you: "I'm building a new house, my contractor Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Chimney repair for the ages Protect your chimney with a crown Chimney liners Prevent cracks with wire mesh DEAR TIM: My chimney is constructed with concrete block and has a thin stucco coating. I know the top of the chimney is not right and some of the blocks are falling apart. There Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Is furnace smell dangerous Carbon monoxide is odorless/dangerous Dust accumulation causes smell Clean furnace and ductwork Jane, who lives with an old octopus gravity-feed (probably) furnace in Roseville, MI, has an odor issue. Let her describe it: "We moved into a home that has an old octopus furnace - it is labeled Read More »
I'm perched at the top of the grand staircase at the Kennett House B & B as I type this. There's a space perfect for a 4-foot round oak table and chairs. Gilja Kusano is the owner / proprietor and it's a stunning property. The house is made from solid granite and the interior chestnut Read More »
Quick Column Summary: What are flashings Install flashings properly Flashings protect your home from water How to make your flashings waterproof From the September 9, 2014 Newsletter DEAR TIM: I'm looking at bids right now for a re-roof project and a new deck job at my home. The bid documents mention flashings. I have no Read More »
Quick Column Summary: How to paint over stain Painting Kitchen Cabinets ebook Video link Olivia Stewart wants to paint her stained-wood cabinets. She lives in Oakland, CA. "What kind of paint do you use to paint over stained cabinets? I do not want to use a stain paint. My cabinets are wood and over 30 Read More »
Quick Column Summary: How to clean teak Use an oxygen bleach Leslie Ann, who lives in the land of the Buckeyes in Columbus, OH, needs to clean a teak table that's had lots of stuff on it. She wants the BEST product, but doesn't want to shop online. Hmmmmmmm "What is the best way to Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Parquet flooring on tile delaminating Organic mastic can't form bond Adhesive chain Joe McGarvey lives in a house in Glenview, IL where the oak parquet flooring is unruly. "My 30-yr, oak parquet floor, adhesively bonded to porcelain tile, has begun to delaminate. What is the best way to stop this delamination?" Joe, 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.