The gravel or sand base beneath concrete, flagstone, blacktop, or any other finish material must often be very accurate. If you have too much base material in place, the finish material can be too thin. If you have too little base material in, you can waste expensive concrete or worse yet, come up short! You can learn quickly how to install and level sand or gravel by reading this column.
Rehab of an older home can be a daunting task. You need to make a list of some of the challenges you face. Your fixer upper may take some financing. It will definitely take tools, lumber and fixtures of many types. Talk with others who have rehabbed houses to get their input.
Building stairs was a difficult task. I have a method for you to build perfect, simple steps. Your interior staircase will be a favorite project.
Interior framing with steel wall studs when your house first goes up will help the finish carpenters as they move to framing the interior walls. Steel will not change shape and cause wavy walls. Have your rough carpenter install scrap lumber blocking to the steel, and hanging cabinets and wall fixtures will be a snap!
Square your project in order for it to be a success. Angles must be perfect. To check for square you can use a calculator or follow the instructions below.
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