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Roofing
Cupolas and weathervanes can add a touch of class to a structure's roof. However, the cupola design must be properly sized for your structure. Here are some other tips when building a cupola for structural support and standing up to Mother Nature. read more...
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Foundation
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...
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Drainage
If your yard gets wet after rains, even days later, you might need a simple drainage system. The hardpan layer deep in your soil can be blocking water run off. Use a trench drain or French drain to capture the soil water and route it away from you house and yard. read more...
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Structural
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.
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Outdoor Projects
If you can't afford an enclosure storage box for your firewood, try these simple tips to cover your firewood. This will keep your rack of wood dry and ready for those winter fires. read more...
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Roofing
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...
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Deck Maintenance
If you build a deck with Trex decking, it might not be as maintenance-free as you might think. Large patches of white fungus and different species of mushrooms have been found growing on the underside of the decking.
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Deck Construction
Installing a deck flashing properly is critical to keep water from getting behind the ledger board. The deck flashing needs to overlap the deck ledger board much like shingles overlap. Follow these tips when installing flashing on your deck. read more...
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Drainage
Knowing how to control erosion can save your yard or driveway. If water has too much force, it will create soil erosion. Controlling the water flow is one solution for reducing soil and water erosion. read more...
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Drainage
Rain can produce a lot of water in a short period of time. Your gutter and downspout drainage system must be able to move the rain runoff away from your house. If the water stays next to your foundation, it can leak and result in a wet basement. read more...
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Deck Construction
Concrete piers can support lots of weight when you are building your deck. The type of soil you have can affect the size and depth of the piers. In most areas, frost heave will be a consideration. Proper deck footing will keep your deck solid and safe. read more...
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Trim Lumber
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.
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Brick
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...
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Foundation
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...
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Roofing
Roof dormers can add to the look of your house. But installing dormers might not be a DIY project. Roof dormer construction requires various skills - carpentry and roofing - are just two of them. read more...
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Miscellaneous
Woodpeckers peck holes in search for food. Here are some tips for preventing woodpecker holes in wooden fence posts. read more...
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Outdoor Projects
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...
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Roofing
Metal flashings are an important part of roofing. The roof flashings keep rain from running down behind your siding and causing water damage to your home. These transitional materials must be installed properly to protect your home. read more...
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Stone
Marble floor polishing can remove small scratches. You can polish the flooring either by dry sanding or wet sanding. Use special silicone-carbide sandpaper in range of grits to slowly work out those imperfections. read more...
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Concrete Installation
The mystery holes in the foundation were made by the foundation form panels. If they are leaking, there are concrete repair products for foundation repairs. Be sure the concrete repair is done with an expanding foundation repair product. read more...
