Stone Foundation Repair DEAR TIM: I’m thinking of buying a dilapidated old frame house out in the country. It’s got a stone foundation that seems to me to be too close to the ground. Are stone foundations adequate and strong? Is it possible to add more stone or concrete to get the foundation higher? How […]
Insulated Concrete Foundation Forms QUESTION #1: Hello, Tim. I was doing research about house foundations and came across interlocking foam forms that stack on top of one another. They assemble much like children’s plastic blocks. Does a concrete foundation poured this way work as well as a traditional poured or cast concrete foundation? What, if […]
"A footing is just like the foot on your leg. It spreads out the weight of the building onto the soil. Bigger is better!" Tim Carter - Founder | AsktheBuilder.com Footing Width and Depth - Do Both Right to Avoid #FAILURE Footing width and depth are very important. A footing spreads out the weight of […]
"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 […]
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 […]
Capturing Radon Secrets DEAR TIM: I’m building a new home and someone at a Christmas party asked me what my builder was going to do about radon. I’ve never heard of radon and thought it was a joke. Is radon an issue and what can be done about it in new construction? The foundation is […]
Building Blues My oldest daughter and son-in-law are building a new home in Downeast Maine. It’s their first home and you can imagine they’re excited. It’s a good thing they’re young and full of energy because the building process can be stressful and full of surprises. The project was delayed for any number of reasons, […]
Concrete Block QUESTION #1: I’ve been researching foundation types for both new homes and room additions. I’ve narrowed it down to either poured concrete or concrete block. Many websites thump their chests saying poured concrete is better than concrete block. What’s your opinion, Tim? Have you worked with both materials? Carol Ann S., Richmond, VA […]
Concrete Foundation Forms Checklist Modular design allows forms to be set in hours Produce perfectly straight and square foundations Allow for the easy installation of reinforcing steel Simple design requires few skills to set up Related Links Foundation Footer - Must Be Level and Square - SECRET TIPS HERE - Do NOT Share Poured Concrete […]
Ask the Builder Podcast 18 Highlights: Settlement Cracks in Walls Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Photos, Links and Great Stuff: Settlement Cracks in Walls Related Links: Settlement Cracks and More Pro Tips Subscribe to the AsktheBuilder Podcast
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