When it comes to building and remodeling, both homeowners and remodelers/builders have a wealth of information from which to choose. There are countless magazines, books, periodicals, technical journals and trade association literature to stay informed. All it takes is a little initiative on the part of an individual who wants to learn.
Texture and color matching of your mortar to use in a brick or masonry repair job takes a bit of legwork. You will have to determine the size of the sand used in your mortar. Your mortar will also need cement and lime. Bricklayers from your area may be able to direct you to the source of sand used in older homes.
"When you pay a contractor money in advance, you hope the contractor is going to show up, do the work right, and not make off with your money." Paying Contractor Up Front Checklist Moderate or excessive deposits put you at a huge disadvantage Deposits are only required if job has special-order or custom non-returnable materials […]
Paying a Contractor in Advance Yesterday I received an email from Marie who lives in Massachusetts. She asked the following question: "I have been getting quotes to clean and stain my decks. In the quotes, they have all been saying that they want money up front (1/3 or 1/2). I don't like this idea. Is […]
Brick Wall Leakage Repair TIPS Water can't pool against brick walls Create positive drainage using a thin concrete overlay Use cement paint for permanent repair - WATCH VIDEOS below Silane-siloxane sealers can prevent water from entering brick CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: There's an area in our garage that's […]
Drilling steel or metal is a quick way to dull your drill bits if you do it the wrong way. This AsktheBuilder.com video shows you how to drill holes using the correct drill bits and oil to drill through steel and sheet metal. A variable speed drill is the best drill to use.
When you are looking for the best windows or the best replacement windows, be sure to look for two industry certifications. These labels assist you in judging the best window quality and the energy efficiency rating.
Old vs New Construction TIPS Complex question - not easy to answer in limited space Many old materials superior to modern substitutes Workers today not as dedicated to quality Regulations, laws, wage packages put downward pressure on quality CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! Less than two hours ago, I was having […]
Follow the National Electric Code when dealing with outdoor lighting or residential wiring. Provide surge protection for your home with a lightning arrestor and protect yourself from electrocution with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) devices.
Hydraulic cement expands as it dries to fill cracks in concrete foundations. This expanding cement helps waterproof a cracked foundation. The following manufacturers make hydraulic cement.
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