Welcome if you're a brand-new subscriber. It's my hope you get lots of tips in upcoming issues. Hello again dear friend if you've been here for a week, month or since 1996 when this newsletter started! You Reply - I Listen! I know this may shock you, but I read every single […]
"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 […]
DEAR TIM: I’ve got a quaint outdoor shed that I’ve neglected. The wood at the bottom is rotting and the shingles must be replaced. I need it more than ever and recently discovered it’s not to code in my county. I want to repair it and improve it but I’m told the shed has to […]
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 […]
If you're new, I do these alerts in certain situations. A severe Arctic blast of frigid air is starting to invade the central and eastern USA. If you live in northern Michigan or Minnesota, it's already at your doorstep. I know WX people tend to overhype the weather, but this could create historic […]
A leaking roof or water line break can cause water damage in your home. Water damaged drywall needs to be repaired before the ceiling drywall falls down or before water damage mold starts growing.
DXV Fitzgerald Sink - A New Sink Perfect for Restoration Work Here's the DXV Fitzgerald sink after it was installed. Look below to see how incredible the transformation was. This magnificent period sink was perfect for the ongoing restoration of an early 1900s Craftsman house in southern California owned by one of my best friends. […]
If you're a new subscriber, I'm glad you're here. If you've been around the block a time or two or three with me, thanks for staying on the list. The New House Saga I announced a month or so ago that this newsletter, over the next six months, was going to focus on the construction […]
Small Greenhouse Foundations Question #1: Hello Tim! My guess is you’re not a gardener, but I do need your help. I’m about to purchase a small greenhouse kit and wonder if there are any special foundation requirements. The manufacturer doesn’t have much to say about this. What’s the best thing to do so I preserve […]
I'm reticent to admit it, but I'm a senior and I have to shovel snow here at my home in central New Hampshire. I've been experimenting with snow shovels now for ten years and have a few favorites that may be of great interest to you. It's important to realize that weight is your enemy […]
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