New Construction
Latest New Construction Articles
-
Foundation
Repair Concrete Foundation
A crack in a concrete foundation can be a sign of serious structural issues, problems with the soil, or just a minor concrete crack. Hiring an structural engineer could actually save you money in the long run.
read more... -
Foundation
Building a House in Bad Weather
You can build a home in the middle of winter or during the rainy season. Some special procedures for cold weather construction must be followed. Keeping the ground from freezing and getting the shell completed as quickly as possible is paramount. read more... -
Foundation
Frost Heaves
Frost heave can cause cracks in your foundation or even raise your floors several inches. Foundation footers need to be poured below the frost line in your area. The shape of your piers is also important in reducing frost heaves. read more... -
Insulation
Air Leaks in Home
Air leaks in your home can come from a variety of locations. Around doors and windows are common air leak spots. You can add insulation if it missing to keep Old Man Winter outside and save energy. read more... -
Interior Walls
Interior Wall Framing
When framing an interior wall, the wall has to be plumb and in the same plane. Building a wall can be done on the floor, then lifted it into place, or built in place. These tips will assist you with house framing. read more... -
Miscellaneous
Wet-Dry Vac Tips
The tips in this Wet-Dry Shop Vacuum guide were supplied by hundreds of subscribers to my FREE AsktheBuilder.com newsletter. I'm grateful to them for their
willingness to share what they've discovered. read more... -
Doors
Framing A Door
When framing a door, there are several factors to consider. The door framing could be different for interior and exterior doors, and if the door is being framed in a load-bearing wall. read more... -
Insulation
How To Do Insulation For Basement
When it comes how to do insulation for a basement, there are several insulating options. Rigid foam insulation provides a good floor to ceiling insulation. Using fiberglass batts in conjunction with the spray foam and with a water vapor barrier, you will have a nice, dry, warm basement. read more... -
Home Repair
Water Damage Tips
What is the biggest danger to a house? Wind, poor soil, bad foundation? No, it's water. Water damage can weaken a house structure to the point of collapse. read more... -
Structural
Diagonal Brace Tips
Diagonal braces are used to keep your building project square and structurally solid. Without bracing, walls or decks can collapse since there isn't any lateral stability. Be sure to check your building codes for diagonal brace requirements.
read more... -
Roofing
Cutting a Roof Rafter
A framing square will help you when cutting a roof rafter. The framing square has the math done for you. Just follow these tips when framing your roof. read more... -
Energy Savings
What is Green Building?
There is confusion knowing how to go green. There are many green products available, but are they all environmentally friendly? The impact on the environment and the return of investment are all factors to consider. read more... -
Trim Lumber
Wood Rot Prevention and Repair
What is wood rot and how can you repair rotten wood? The type of lumber being used today can accelerate wood rotting. There are some tips to help prevent wood rot in your home.
read more... -
Brick
Brick Paver Repair Tips
The trick when repairing brick pavers is to get the replacement brick paver level and to match colors. Brick pavers will weather outside over the years. If your replacement paver is brand new, it might not match. read more... -
New Construction
Do It Yourself Building Challenges
Building your own home as a do it yourself project is a major undertaking. Before you calculate all the man-hours required to build your house. It is not something that can be done part time. Be sure you have the time to do it properly. read more... -
Foundation
Site Excavation Suggestions
Excavating a new home lot must be carefully planned. Foundation holes have to be the proper depth and not too big. Your site excavation plans needs to consider sidewalks, driveways and the trees you want to save. read more... -
Insulation
P2000 Insulation Customer Story
There are many pros and cons about the foam-board insulation product P2000. Is this insulation better then fiberglass or other conventional insulation. Read the story of one P2000 user.
read more... -
Heating Design
Air Duct Cleaning and Sealing
Galvanized ducting buried under concrete slabs can collect water, debris or worse. There is an air duct cleaning system that not only cleans your ducts, but coats them with a waterproofing compound. This system uses your existing ductwork, so no need to install new ducts. read more... -
Miscellaneous
Alternative to Stud Finders
In cases where stud finders don't work, or if you don't have a stud detector, you can locate framing studs the old fashion way. Wall studs can be found using a nail, a hammer and a little observation. read more... -
Outdoor Projects
Window Box Installation Tips
A window box has to be properly anchored to your house. Flower boxes with soil, flowers and water can weigh hundreds of pounds. Consider a French cleat to support your window boxes. French cleats work great and are hidden. read more...
