Asphalt driveways can remain in great shape for decades. The right base and proper asphalt sealing are the keys.
Q&A /
Remove the sink stopper from your sink to get at tough clogs. If you remove the P trap under the sink and water is still sitting in the bowl, what do you do?
Electrical outlet placement depends on the needs you have in your home. National electric code dictates where they can be or not. Consider having your builder install extra electrical outlets outdoors, in bathrooms or in a study where there is a lot of electronic equipment. Plan for your electric circuit breaker panel to have six or even 10 empty spots for future circuit breakers.
Saving on home building costs by cutting out special features when building your new home may not be worth the cut. Home construction costs aren't often shaved much by reducing the size of features such as higher ceilings. How to save money, then, you wonder? Reducing the overall size of your home is likely the only way to achieve significant money savings.
Wood trim in your home need not be ho-hum. Custom wood trim makes your home stand out without busting your budget. Custom wood doors and hardware are a great touch.
Homebuilders are not all alike. Some have higher standards than others and treat the Building Code as a set of minimum standards. If you want a professional to build your home, go to where they buy their materials.
Lots need to be carefully examined before you buy. Residential lots harbor a number of property and landscape features to study before you select one. If buying from lots for sale in a subdivision, check pertinent rules as well as all other considerations you would with any other lots. The sun, wind, elevation and drainage of the land are all critically important and are tantamount to the best stage for your home and your future happiness.
Drain lines in your home don't have to be plastic or noisy. Plumbers can now use new easy to work with cast iron piping.
Settlement cracks can occur in a concrete foundation wall or concrete slab shortly after being poured. But most concrete cracks are caused by shrinkage. Soil quality, footer design and steel reinforcements can all help prevent cracks.
Solid masonry built homes fare well in the south due to climate and termites. Elsewhere, masonry homes are more costly to build than their wood frame counterparts. Masonry construction is durable but insulates poorly, requires additional costs in framing for the interior and takes more time.
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