Tim talks about using newer durable, seamless laminate countertops to achieve the same effect as stone or marble. These tops are available in Cincinnati at Keidel. He answers callers' questions on leveling a kitchen subfloor, plaster cracks in an old home, insulating new walls in a basement, a failed septic system sand filter, matching the color of stucco and painting exterior stucco and a builder's framing mistake.
Tim talks about a lead paint regulation on remodeling homes older than 1978. He answers' callers' questions on broken sliding door parts, concrete seawall for a lake property, water leak in a main line, heat pump efficiency, broken toilet flange and water in a crawl space.
Framing basement walls is a challenge when working on slabs poured over expansive clay bentonite soil. The walls need to float so they are not squeezed if the soil expands and pushes the wall upwards. There is a very simple trick that solves the problem and allows you to build strong walls that can move upwards, but not tilt over.
A straight staircase is great for moving furniture, but it can be very long. The length of a wood or Victorian staircase is easy to calculate. A circular staircase takes up the least amount of space in the house floorplan.
Two Home Depot employees really did a great job, and Jerry Willis thought he had taken a ride in a time machine. One was a cashier, and the other employee worked in the lumber department.
Black and gray lines on the inside walls of a house confound people. These lines form at regular vertical intervals on the wall surfaces on outside walls, especially those that face north in the northern hemisphere. People who burn candles are especially prone to this problem.
Home Depot service has Larry Andrews very upset. He remembers when it was excellent, but lately it leaves much to be desired. Larry maintains that phone calls do not get returned and clerks have no clue when products will arrive in the store.
Tipping a builder is not a bad idea, especially if he does superb work and you might use him again for different projects. But what to tip and how much can be a perplexing problem. You might be surprised at what could be the perfect tip.
Advanced Content and G o o g l e AdSense Training by: Tim Carter Yes, I will make myself available to help you. But before I agree to do so, you need to qualify. I am only looking for those who really want to learn and have a good feel of all of the principles I have […]
Tim announces new features to AskTheBuilder.com including a search with Google, a new server and automated e-mail updates on his columns. He answers callers' questions on a mystery odor in a bedroom, heating a koi pond, reliable builders and Cultured Stone® installation. He also interviews Mike Einstein from Z-Wave Alliance about home automation technology.
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