Pouring concrete in cold weather can be successful if precautions are taken with the weather and the temperature of the ground. Don't pour concrete on frozen soil. Take care with your finishing techniques-- don't let water sit on top of the slab. Use plastic and insulated blankets after the final finish.
Slate flooring is an excellent choice. Slate is an extremely durable natural stone product, and comes in many colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Slate is also stain-resistant. Installing slate floors is like ceramic tile, but the slate floor tiles should be cut with a hacksaw.
You can develop your own blueprints and 3D design with the help of software. Builders, architects and designers make blueprints from 3D software that allows them to not only draw the plans, but simulate the final product.
Water can and will enter your home through brick and mortar. Make sure you back your new brick veneer and masonry with correctly installed water repellent brick flashing. You must keep your home safe from mold and rot behind the brick.
Are you going to remember exactly where pipes and wires are in your walls 15 years after your house is built? What happens if you think faulty work is being performed and you know it is going to be covered up? There is no substitute for photos in my opinion. Photos simply tell the truth and harbor no bias.
Water vapor is constantly trying to leave your crawl space. It is very hard to vent and remove this condensation. A crawl space vapor barrier may be the best way to stop the water.
Smoke free masonry fireplaces can be achieved. Firebox width, height and depth is now easy enough to calculate. Your builder can determine the needs of your room versus the output of your fireplace.
Installing interior doors can be a great job for the DIY'r. Interior door changes from hollow core to solid is simpler now. Interior door manufacturers have door styles that will allow you to match any home. Follow my tips for a flawless project.
Splash blocks directly below down spouts do little to pipe water away from your foundation. For heavy downfall regions, a sump pump discharge pipe may not be piping the water far enough way. Invest in plumbing drainage pipe for this job.
Choosing a crawlspace over a full basement is a way to save money when building a new home. However, in the long run the usable space is a good investment.
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