July 2, 2008 AsktheBuilder News

Posted on July 3, 2008 by Tim Carter

What's in This Issue

WHITE VINEGAR
ANGIE'S LIST
THUMB INJURY
MY CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY
CERAMIC TILE TIPS
LATEST COLUMNS AND VIDEOS
NEWSLETTER SPONSORSHIP
ADDITIONAL CONGRESSIONAL VIDEOS

White Vinegar

If you have had the opportunity to read many of my past columns, you know by now that I often try to weave into my stories the physics and chemistry of home improvement, remodeling and building. A simple example of this might be the destructive nature of chlorine bleach. In a nutshell, the active chemical in this bleach is the chlorine ion. Think of it as a high-powered laser-guided 1,000 pound bomb that blasts apart fabric and dye pigment molecules. This is why things cleaned with chlorine bleach fall apart and the color goes away. But I digress......

Last night I had to clean a fiberglass utility tub that is adjacent to my laundry room. This sink really gets abused with cleaning all the things you would never place in a kitchen sink. As I was scrubbing it, the dirt would not come off, and the surface felt gritty.

I thought to myself, "No way this could be hard water deposits." But the dirt was not coming off and my instinct told me it had to be hard water. Hard water deposits can be hundreds of layers thick, and each layer can have dirt in it that is then covered with the next layer of calcium carbonate. That is the primary hard-water deposit most of us have. These form each time the water dries on a surface. You see these water spots on the hood of your car, a pot or a glass that air dries.

Each time I used the sink the water dried on the sides leaving a new layer of rock. Rock you say? Limestone is calcium carbonate.

So if you are busy, distracted, lazy and fail to clean a sink (for years) that is used several times a week, you can have hundreds of ultra-thin layers of deposits each one with some dirt bound into it.

I had a one-gallon bottle of white vinegar next to me and decided to install the drain plug and pour some into the sink as the bottom of the sink had the worst build up. I knew that if the deposits were hard water, the vinegar would help soften them.

White vinegar is simply a weak acid. The hard water deposits are alkaline. Acids react with alkaline compounds and dissolve them into solution.

I came back 30 minutes later and the sink bottom looked like new after a quick scrubbing. To clean the vertical sides of the sink, I simply got some paper towels wet with the vinegar and applied them like wallpaper to the sides of the sink. Suffice it to say the sink looks like the day I installed it. White vinegar does a great job of dissolving hard-water deposits. You just have to be patient with it and let the objects soak for hours if possible.

Angie's List

There is a very cool cooperative service called Angie's List. It is where people like you share stories and recommendations about good contractors. Do you use this service, and what can you tell me about your experiences?

Thumb Injury

Two years ago I was holding a 2x4 that I was hand nailing. Somehow the dang hammer didn't hit the head of the nail square and jumped off striking the base of my thumb where it connects to my wrist. I almost passed out from the pain. I didn't break the bone, but I did damage a tendon that connects out to the end of my thumb.

I had a doctor look at it, and followed his advice to make it heal. The trouble is, it seems to have never completely healed. When I start to use my thumb and stress it, the injury flares up again.

Two days ago it got so painful, I went back to the hospital. There I discovered that this specific injury can became very debilitating if ignored.

I share this story with you in an effort to get you to have chronic pain looked at. Don't try to suck it up and be the tough person. That is usually what I do trying to be stoic. Well, had I done that with this injury, I may never again have golfed, kayaked, or done much of anything that requires you to grip something with your hand. Please visit your doctor when pain does not go away.

My Congressional Testimony

In the last newsletter, I shared that I had been invited to testify in front of a Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Small Business Committee. My Congressional representative- Steve Chabot - is the Ranking member of this Committee.

In the invitation I was told that I could submit written testimony that would be entered into the permanent record. The purpose of this is to give the witness an opportunity to share all the points he wants to make. You can't assume you will have the time in the hearing to make all of your points. You can read my written testimony if you desire.

The invitation also was very clear saying that I would be expected to deliver an oral summary of my points that was to be no longer than five minutes. You can see that presentation in video format. But before I share that link, I want to set up the scene.

I am pretty embarrassed to say that I don't dress up much. The last suit I bought is at least 15-years old and is a tad tight. My oldest daughter Meghan took me to Romualdo, which is a custom men's shop in Maderia, a suburb of Cincinnati. She selected a navy blazer and a white shirt with French cuffs. For the occasion, my kid's - for the first time in my life - got me some gorgeous ties for Father's Day. I can't remember the last time I was so dressed up, and I must say I felt really good in the new threads! But let me tell you it is really hard to insert a right-side cuff link with a left bum thumb! I almost had to have the front-desk clerk do it for me.

The hearing lasted two hours, but the event is cut up into 19 videos that are on YouTube.com. I am in several of the videos, but #3 in the series is the one where I give my oral opening statement. The Subcommittee is chaired by Congressman Gonzalez, a Democrat from Texas. The ranking member of the Subcommittee is Congressman Westmoreland, a Republican from Georgia. They were the only two present as the hearing started.

My Congressman, Steve Chabot, wanted to personally introduce me, but was running late. Chairman Gonzalez was starting to introduce another witness when Chabot walked into the room. You can hear part of the exchange between the two Congressmen at the start of the video. It is hilarious, especially when you realize Chabot is a Republican and see how he forgets to give thanks to his ally Westmoreland:

Watch my oral statement in part #3.

If you look to the lower right of the video as it plays on YouTube, you will see a box that is titled "Related Videos". In that box you should see the other 18 videos that make up the hearing. Videos #1 and 2 are the opening statements of Gonzalez and Westmoreland. Videos #4, 5, 6 and 7 are the oral statements of the other witnesses. The question and answer part of the hearing takes place in videos 8 through 18. I am in video #8 and 18, as well as two or three others. Video 19 contains the closing statements of Gonzalez and Westmoreland. You have to watch video 19 to hear what Congressman Westmoreland says. I can see why the people in the 3rd District of Georgia elected this man. He is indeed honest.

I would appreciate it if you would rate my videos when you watch them. It is my understanding you can only rate them if you have a YouTube account. You can get a YouTube account for free and you do not have to upload a video. It takes seconds to create a YouTube account.

The additional videos are shown at the bottom of this newsletter.

Ceramic Tile Tips

I just finished installing new ceramic tile in a shower stall in my laundry room. It came out really swell. It was a very easy job as ceramic-tile installations go.

One of the things that made 95 percent of the tile go in with ease is I did not install the first row on top of the shower base *first*. The first tiles were the second row. I discovered long ago that bathtubs, shower bases, and just about any object that tile rests on is never in the same plane much less level. Tubs frequently are twisted like a helix.

I have a super high-quality level and used it to create a perfectly level line around the three walls. This line was made so that a full tile would fit under the second row and the highest point of the shower base. My base was nearly perfect, and there was only a variance of one-eighth inch.

I nailed strips of very straight lumber to the cement backerboard carefully on this line. The tiles that were installed rested on this lumber. The advantages of doing this ensured the tile would not slide down the wall under gravity, and all of the horizontal grout lines from the bottom to the top were guaranteed to line up perfectly.

Latest Columns and Videos

Here are two of my latest columns and videos loaded to the website:

Columns:

Overhead Garage Storage

How to Drywall

Videos:

Here is a video that has a mixture of fact and fiction. Enjoy!

Origin of the Cobb Salad

How about a video of me driving at a tad over 139.79 mph?????

Tim Driving a Real NASCAR Car - No Kidding

Index of past newsletters.

Newsletter Sponsorships

I am really proud to say that this newsletter has grown in both reputation and size to attract companies that make great products and offer superb services.

In the past I really fell down getting the newsletter out because it was lots of work with no pay. It was easy for me to neglect you as I turned to other tasks that put food on my table.

You will see an ad next week, and if you have a company that wants to advertise, contact me. The rates are very affordable.

Additional Congressional Videos

Below are the additional videos Tim appeared in during his Testimony before the House Subcommittee.

Part #8

Part #10

Part #12

Part #14

Part #18

Part #19

Ceramic Tile Cutter

Posted on June 30, 2008 by Tim Carter

This ceramic tile cutter can make precision cuts on many types of small and large tile. CLICK THE PHOTO to see a wide variety of ceramic tile cutters at affordable prices. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Ceramic Tile Cutter Checklist

Simple cutters score and snap tile
Porcelain tile is too hard to snap - it needs to be cut with a wet or dry diamond saw
1/2-inch pieces are about as small as you can snap
Clean up snapped edge with a honing stone

Can a Ceramic Tile Cutter Make Straight Cuts?

DEAR STEVE: You bet it is possible to make highly acceptable cuts with a ceramic-tile cutter. I've done it for many years, and there are tens of thousands of professional tile setters that use this tool each day.

Depending upon the tile being cut, you can make precision cuts with a regular tile cutter that rival cuts made on a wet diamond tile saw.

How Does a Tile Cutter Work?

A tile cutter is equipped with a sharp carbide or tungsten-steel wheel. A lever handle allows you to drag the wheel across the glazed finished surface of the tile.

The wheel scratches and cuts into the glazed finish creating a plane of weakness. When you press down on the handle of the tool, pressure is applied equally to the tile on each side of the cut line. This pressure snaps the tile along the scored line.

How Do You Make Tile?

Many common ceramic tiles are made from clay which is much softer than the ultra-thin glazed surface which has the hardness of glass. While ceramic tile is very strong when you compress or squeeze it, it has less than ten percent of this strength when you apply tension to it.

Bending or pulling is a tension force, and this is exactly what happens when you press down on the handle of the cutter. The tile begins to bend and cracks readily on the scored line. This is why you are often able to tear a piece of paper in a straight line after putting a hard crease in the paper. The crease creates a plane of weakness.

What Ceramic Tile Cutters Make the Best Cuts?

The tile cutters that cost a little more money tend to make better cuts. The extra money you spend will often allow you to get a tool that has better mechanical advantage, cuts perfectly square and is easier to use.

Can You Make Angled Cuts?

Look for ceramic-tile cutters that have rotating guides that allow you to make angle cuts from 0 to 45 degrees. Some tile cutters have attachments that allow you to make circle scribe cuts for faucet valve holes.

Do Tile Cutters Require Lubrication?

Be sure the tool is well lubricated as the cutting wheel needs to rotate freely and the sliding arm needs to move with ease.

Should I Practice Cutting Tile?

You should experiment by making cuts on some inexpensive ceramic tile. It's not hard to cut tile, but a few practice cuts will help you gain confidence.

Can You Snap Porcelain Tile With a Cutter?

Porcelain tile and thicker tile are considerably harder to cut. Porcelain tile has a high quartz content and it snaps unevenly as if you were trying to snap glass. Yes, thin glass will often snap along a clean line, but porcelain tile is a different beast and it's thicker than single or double-strength glass.

What Happens as Tile Gets Thicker?

As tile gets thicker, the thin scored line in the glazing is not enough to guarantee a perfectly straight snapped line in the tile. Porcelain tile often contains a higher amount of crystallized silica and as such it wants to break in an unpredictable conchoidal fracture. You can cut porcelain tile with this tool, but be prepared for more waste.

Can You Make Narrow Cuts with a Tile Cutter?

It is difficult to make narrow cuts on most ceramic tile with ceramic-tile cutters. My guess is you will learn that any successful cuts that are one-half inch or less in width are pure luck. It is best to use a wet diamond tile saw to make narrow cuts.

Does a Tile Cutter Cut Faster than a Wet Saw?

It is far faster to cut tile with a simple ceramic-tile cutter than a wet diamond saw. With practice, you can probably cut three or four tiles with a simple cutter in the same amount of time it takes to cut one tile using an expensive diamond wet saw.

Believe me, I have both tools, but the ceramic-tile diamond wet saw is used to cut thicker tiles, granite, marble, and other things you simply can't cut with a ceramic-tile cutter.

Can You Make L-Shaped Cuts on Tile?

Yes, you can make L-shaped or U-shaped cuts as you work with ceramic tile. On a L-shaped cut you can make the second cut with the ceramic-tile cutter, but the first cut will need to be made with a rod saw or a diamond wet saw. You can also use a nipping tool to help make these cuts. A nipping tool is similar to a pliers, but has carbide edges that bite away at the tile. They are handy tools.

This is a tile nippers. You use it by nibbling away at the tile. Don't take big bites. CLICK THE IMAGE to have this tool in your hands in days.

As ceramic tile gets thicker, the resulting cut edge is rougher. You can use a sharpening stone to dress the cut edge so it is much smoother. This is as very important step if the cut edge will be visible. Some cut-tile edges are never visible. The first tile that butts into an inside corner and is then covered slightly by the second tile that makes the finished corner is an example.

Be sure to test new ceramic-tile cutters to ensure they do cut a square line. Most cutters will produce an acceptable line, but the larger a tile is, the more important it is the cut line is square.

If you plan to keep your ceramic-tile cutter for a long time, be sure to clean it after each use. Store it indoors if possible so that it does not rust.

Column 733

RRH Test Page

Posted on June 26, 2008 by Tim Carter

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New House Specifications
DVDs
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Ask the Builder
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New Home:
New Home Checklists
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Indoor Projects:
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Ceramic Tile Install
Drywall / Plaster
Hardwood Flooring
Insulation Install
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Masonry Repair
Retaining Walls
Roofing Replacement
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Window Replacement

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Room Additions

Mechanical Systems:
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Electric Service
Furnace & Boilers
Hot Water Heaters
Plumbing System

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How To Drywall

Posted on June 23, 2008 by Tim Carter

"The first thing to realize is that working with drywall is hard, dusty work."

How To Drywall Checklist

Best info is in the USG Gypsum Construction Handbook
Use screws not nails
Leave some mud under the tape
Second coat has a slight center ridge
Skim entire wall when done

DEAR TIM: I need to learn how to drywall in a hurry. A good friend needs me to show her how to hang drywall and how to finish drywall.

The trouble is I have just seen it done on some home-improvement TV shows. Is it really that hard to install drywall?

What are some of the secret tips you can share so that I will look like a pro in front of my friend? Brad F., Atlanta, GA

Are There Different Drywall Hanging Techniques?

There are many techniques that will get you to the same end result when it comes to hanging and finishing drywall. You could interview ten different drywall professionals and come away with ten different methods.

Some of the advice you would get is excellent, but there is also the possibility you might get some bogus information that is not based on fact.

drywall tools

If you want the best advice as to the technical aspects of working with drywall, I feel the best place to start is a fantastic book called the Gypsum Construction Handbook published by the USG Corporation.

This is the Bible of hanging and finishing drywall. I recommend you buy this and read the section on drywall. CLICK THE IMAGE to have a copy delivered to your home.

This manual contains numerous specifications that tell you the accepted way to fasten drywall to metal or wood studs, the proper way to install accessory pieces of trim like corner bead and the do's and don'ts about finishing drywall.

Is Drywall Hanging & Finishing Hard Work?

The first thing to realize is that working with drywall is hard, dusty work. You'll be shocked at what just two sheets of one-half-inch drywall weigh.

Wait until you have to carry two sheets that are 4-feet wide by 12-feet long up a flight of steps. I'll share with you some of the most important things I've discovered after hanging and finishing drywall for over 35 years.

Should You Eliminate Seams If Possible?

Eliminating seams is the first tip. Some home centers only carry drywall in 8-foot lengths. If you visit a business that just sells drywall, you'll discover that you can get drywall in various thicknesses, various lengths, and sometimes even widths greater than 4 feet! If you can use 12-foot-long sheets to eliminate butt joints, do so whenever possible.

Should Drywall Run Perpendicular to the Studs?

Hang drywall so that the long edge is perpendicular to the run of the studs. In a room that has typical 8-foot ceilings, this means you'll have a seam on the walls all around the room 4 feet off the floor. Do the same for ceiling joists and roof trusses.

Should You Hang Ceilings First or Last?

Always hang ceilings first, and then butt the first pieces of wall drywall up tight to the ceiling.

How Do You Cut Drywall?

When cutting drywall, do not use a circular saw. Use a sharp razor knife and score the paper face.

Apply pressure on the backside of the cut line and the drywall should snap crisply. There will be a slightly ragged edge, so always cut the drywall one-quarter inch less than the actual length you need.

How Do You Prevent Blisters in the Tape?

Rookies will end up with blisters in the taped seams if they remove too much mud from under the tape. The drywall joint compound contains a water-based glue that bonds the tape to the drywall paper.

Can You Apply Too Much Joint Compound?

Yes, you can put so much joint compound on a seam it will look like a Hawaiian lava flow. The tapered seams along the edges of drywall only will accept a total of 1/8-inch of taping compound and finishing compound. Your job is to apply thin layers.

What Type of Joint Compound is Used to Tape Drywall?

When applying the tape on seams, be sure to use the compound that says it is for taping. It will state this clearly on the label. Don't use topping compound for taping.

What is Topping Compound?

Topping compound is made for the second and final coats only. If you want to minimize dust from sanding, look for the newer finishing compounds that are formulated to create less dust. I have used them, and the claims made by the manufacturer are true.

What is Skim Coating?

Skim coating is a final step where the entire surface area of all the drywall is coated with a very thin layer of topping compound. The compound is thinned down so it can be applied with a paint roller and a giant blade removes just about all that was applied. The compound fills tiny imperfections and it gives a gypsum texture to the paper.

Why is Skim Coating a Good Idea?

You may discover it takes less sanding if you skim coat the entire surface of all the sheets of drywall with a very thin coat of finishing compound. This coat can be applied with a paint roller and skimmed off with a large flat blade.

This skim coat also produces a uniform texture by filling in the paper face of the drywall sheets. If you skip this step, you will need to do a superb job of feathering all of the compound and sanding.

What Can I Do If My Finishing is Bad?

If you make a mess of finishing the drywall, you can always try to texture the ceilings and walls. There are an infinite amount of textures you can create using brushes, trowels, brooms, and pole sanders. If you decide to texture, then practice on a scrap piece of drywall until you achieve the desired look.

Should I Apply a Special Primer/Sealer?

When it comes time to paint, you should really use a special primer/sealer paint.

This is a special drywall primer that will make your new drywall look perfect. Don't skip this step. CLICK THE IMAGE to have this paint delivered to your home.

These inexpensive paints will even out both the texture and porosity of the drywall sheets. You will get really professional results by making this decision.

Column 732

Crown Molding eBook

Posted on June 23, 2008 by Tim Carter

Crown Molding eBook:

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Take this quick quiz to see how you score on the

Crown Molding Installation Quiz

The only resource you need for cutting and installing perfect Crown Molding.

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Become a Crown Molding expert in less than 30 minutes

Over 25 large color photos showing every key aspect of your project

Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions from beginning to end

Recommendations for tools needed and safety tips

Invaluable master carpenter tips are highlighted in color

NO instructions for using a coping saw nor a compound miter saw are included. WHY? Because you don't need either tool! Master carpenters for hundreds of years never had those tools. You don't need them either.

100% no-hassle money-back guarantee

Download your copy immediately - only $17.00

I just wanted to thank you for a excellent eBook on Crown Molding. I just recently made this purchase from your website. What a wonderful on line tool and very easy to follow the directions. I want you to know that I am a rookie at this type of wood working, but your eBook made the job much easier and far less frustrating to complete the job that I was working on. Best part about all of this is that I am completely blind or visually impaired as some might say, but had fun working on this task. While I am very capable of working with selected power tools, the guide made the job that seems to be a serious challenge for many, very possible for me. Thank you for the help...

- Kevin O'C., Indianapolis, IN

I was fretting about doing the crown molding job I had, as I could not figure out how to use the compond miter saw to cut crown molding. I went to the compound miter saw sites and found their tables of settings jiberish (especially the day before the job). I found your site and coughed up the 20 bucks and I followed your suggestions about making the test strips and voila! Within a couple of hours, I literally couldn't believe I was making almost perfect crown moldings! Not only that, for each crown molding I layed, I tested the corners to be molded first, as you suggested, then took the correct test strip from each corner e.g, outer corner, left side, 45 degrees (plus the other side of the molding) inner corner, 43 degrees, right side with me to the saw. Then I replicated the strips (only using the correct length). Thank you. Best 20 bucks I have spent!

- Allan H., Centreville, VA

"I had a trim job that included crown molding coming up real soon. So, having never dealt with crown before, I prepared myself by reading whatever articles I could on the subject. I found your eBook the night before I was scheduled to do the crown portion of the job. I read it front to back several times and then printed out a "cheat sheet" which I kept right there next to the saw. I made no mistakes, wasted no material and the crown looks great! Thanks for the informative book!"

- John Kennedy

"I just reviewed the eBook – great idea setting up inside and outside corners of varying angles! This step alone will save me the cost of your eBook (in trashed molding material).

Thanks again!"

- Patrick Giacobbe

Discover The Secrets to Cutting and Installing Perfect Crown Molding:

Just seconds from now you can discover my secret tips for cutting and installing crown molding and the final steps of finely-crafted finishing details. In minutes, you will be making professional-looking miter cuts. This one-of-a-kind eBook will teach you everything you need to know for perfect crown molding installation! The cost for this invaluable tool is only $17.00.

This eBook contains many gorgeous step-by-step color photos and covers the following topics:

Here is a sample page to give you an idea of
how colorful, crisp and helpful this eBook is:
Sample eBook Page

This eBook is loaded with step-by-step color photos!

Required Tools and Safety
Positioning and Cutting Crown Molding
Inside Corners
Outside Corners
Ending Crown Molding on a Wall
Nailing Tips
Crown Molding On Top of Cabinets
Crown in 45 and 60 Degree Bay Windows
Crown Molding in Stairwells
Cathedral and Vaulted Ceilings
No Tedious Coping Required! Why? To create the cut line you follow with the coping saw, you have to cut the molding in the miter saw the way I show you in the eBook. Why waste time coping when you already have a perfect fit? No other publication I know of shows this trick to perfect fits in corners using just a miter saw!
Six Crown Molding videos covering: Miter cuts, installation tips, cabinet crown, fancy crown molding corner cuts, inside and outside corners, and more!

"I have downloaded numerous free articles on installing crown molding. I also bought two books on finish carpentry. Your Crown Molding eBook is by far the best I have ever read. Simple, easy to understand and insights no one else mentions." - Don Yoshikawa

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"Your Crown Molding eBook was very helpful. I spent a day trying to cope the inside corners using Home Depot's $20 1-2-3 series with no success, but switched after reading your material. Thanks again!" - Scott Peterson

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"I ordered your Crown Molding eBook a month ago. The BEST money I've ever spent. The molding in my spare bedroom looks incredible." - Scott Weedman

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"I tried your on-line manual on crown molding installation for upper wall mount cabinets. Awesome! It worked just like you said it would. I ended up with a beautiful finishing touch to some rather drab looking upper cabinets. Thanks, again!" - Ian Cameron / Zamboni Construction / Sedona, AZ

Satisfaction Guaranteed

This eBook is an instant download the moment your credit is approved. It comes to you in PDF format, that can be viewed with free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Final Note:

"Having the right knowledge is as important as having the right tools for any project. My Crown Molding eBook is an opportunity to discover the invaluable tips that determine the success of your Crown project. We are so confident that you will enjoy and benefit from this eBook that we guarantee your satisfaction, with our no-hassle, no questions asked return policy. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain."

Enjoy,

Tim Carter
President, Founder
AsktheBuilder.com

Building Simple Stairs eBook

Posted on June 20, 2008 by Tim Carter

Building Simple Stairs eBook:
Satisfaction Guaranteed! Save time, material and cost in minutes!

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The only resource you need for building perfect simple stairs.

Over 25 large color photos showing every key aspect of your project

Simple table for determining risers, treads, and floor to floor height

Recommendations for building code compliance

Valuable carpentry tips highlighted in color

Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions from beginning to end

100% no-hassle money-back guarantee

Download your copy immediately: only $17.00

Tim, I purchased two of your eBooks ...... Your directions to download them were easy to follow! ..... the eBooks were EXCELLENT references on HOW to do it right! This was the best money I've ever spent!!! Your eBooks are fabulous, full of details, with great pictures to visualize every step. You took all the MYSTERY out of my projects!

- Patrick M., Baltimore, MD

5 reasons this is the only eBook you will ever need for Building Simple Stairs:
Almost every home has a simple set of wood stairs. It may be from the first floor to the basement or from the ground or to another level of the deck. Stairs can be tough to build and you can end up wasting time and materials unless you know the trade secrets to building sturdy, reliable stairs.

This eBook was written by master builder and syndicated columnist, Tim Carter. It is straightforward, easy to read, and loaded with simple tips and secrets that only an experienced professional would know.
Nothing is taken for granted. Many times a "how-to" writer will mistakenly assume the reader already knows certain key facts, and will not bother to mention those. You are left trying to connect the dots. In contrast, we connect every dot for you in a clear concise yet informative way.
A picture says a thousand words, and our eBooks are loaded with color pictures, diagrams and tables. We start at the beginning, take you through every step of the project, and back up each step with pictures.
Our eBooks make even the toughest project EASY. If you have ever watched a master carpenter, they make everything look like a piece of cake. That’s because they know the tips and secrets for every step of the job. They have probably learned the hard way. We give you the easy way.

"Hi, Tim,

Your eBook "Building Simple Stairs" was an excellent guide in building a proper staircase. It was written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style, the pictures were very useful, and your advice was invaluable. The guide contained tips that saved time, aggravation, and money. There were many suggestions that I don't have in other help books that cover the same topic. I particularly appreciate your advice on building stairs with mortises, adding the 1.5" edge, and using the X-acto knife to mark the mortises. Very clever.

Thanks to your guidebook, we were able to build a set of stairs - with a landing and U-turn nonetheless - and turn an unused attic at an outbuilding at my cottage into a usable loft. We now have an extra place for guests to sleep in two weeks for (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend!"

- Rob Hyams, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Discover The Secrets to Building Sturdy, Durable, Stairs:

For only $17.00, the Building Simple Stairs eBook reveals all of the trade secrets you need to know for project success, regardless of your level of carpentry experience. This eBook shows you how to build simple open-riser stairs by providing you with clear, concise tables and diagrams, photos with crisp line graphics that are one-of-a-kind, material lists, and step-by-step instructions. The project is outlined for you in the following chapters:

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Planning and Stair Basics

Chapter 2: Stringer Layout

Chapter 3: First Riser and Bottom Seat Cut

Chapter 4: Layout of all Treads and Risers

Chapter 5: Top Vertical Stringer Cut

Chapter 6: Second Stringer and Tread Width

Chapter 7: Creating Tread Mortises and Final Assembly

Here is a sample page to give you an idea of how
colorful, crisp and helpful this eBook is:
Sample eBook Page

This eBook is loaded with step-by-step color photos!

"This is what I call CUSTOMER SERVICE !!!!!!!! In today's business the customer is not often treated with respect, so I was surprised by your quick response. Thank you."

- Bill L., Stoney Creek, Ontario

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Jeff Stikes, Santa Rosa, CA

Satisfaction Guaranteed

This eBook is an instant download the moment your credit is approved. It comes to you in PDF format, that can be viewed with free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Final Note:

"Having the right knowledge is as important as having the right tools for any project. Building Simple Stairs is an opportunity to discover the invaluable tips that determine the success of your Building Simple Stairs project. We are so confident that you will enjoy and benefit from this eBook that we guarantee your satisfaction, with our no-hassle, no questions asked return policy."

Enjoy,

Tim Carter
President, Founder
AsktheBuilder

June 17, 2008 AsktheBuilder News

Posted on June 18, 2008 by Tim Carter

What's in This Issue

HORRIBLE FLOODING
TESTIFYING IN FRONT OF A CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
HONEST-AND-TRUE STAIN SOLVER STORY
NEWEST COLUMNS AND VIDEOS

Horrible Flooding

If you watch the national news, you surely are aware of the horrible historic flooding that is happening now in the heart of the Midwest. There are all sorts of heartbreaking stories about this, and you yourself may be a victim. If that is the case, I am truly sorry for your misfortune.

But here are some things you can take away from this event. If you have homeowner's insurance as I do, be aware that you have a better chance of flying to Mars flapping your ears than you will have of getting a check from your insurance company for flooding losses. Virtually every insurance company does NOT cover flood damage. If you want insurance for flood damage, get a policy from the Federal Government. Go here for more information:

Federal Flood Insurance Information

On a much smaller scale, if you have minor flooding on your own lot, a flooded crawl space or a chronic wet basement each time it rains, I can help you. You must read the customer review and see the photographs that Jim Sanders sent to me yesterday. He had all but given up hope, and his quality of life was suffering because of Mother Nature's whims. No more my friend. Jim has become another AsktheBuilder.com evangelist.

Go read this column, then look below it for Jim's comments and awesome photos he sent to me. If you suffer from flooding in your home, I believe I can take your pain away

Jim Sander's Trench Drain Jim Sander's Comments and Photos

Even though this column is about crawl spaces, the same Trench Drain device works for wet basements. I urge you to read ALL of the columns in my Drainage category to discover exactly how to install one of my Linear French Drains, and more importantly, why they work. When you do this you will get some insight into my college education. I believe you are in for one of those "I would have never guessed Tim has a degree in......"

Here is my Drainage category.

Testifying in Front of a Congressional Committee - Gulp!!!!!

U.S. House of Representatives Yesterday I received a letter from the US Congress that started off:

"Dear Mr. Carter:

I am writing to invite you to testify at a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Regulation, Health Care and Trade, entitled "The Impact of Online Advertising on Small Firms". The hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008, and will take place in Room 1539 of the Longworth House Office Building."

It's the real deal. I am going to Washington DC to do this. Personally I feel it is an enormous honor, but I have to admit I am filled with apprehension. For years I have done expert testimony and been in countless depositions as well as testified under oath at trial. But golly, the US Congress!!!!

I desperately need your help, and I need it now - today or tonight. The rules of the Committee require that I submit my written testimony no later than next Monday. What written testimony you ask? Well, I have to write out my feelings about the impact of online advertising.

How can you help? There are forces at work that are trying to convince lawmakers that online ads are not all that great. I have the opposite opinion, and I have tons of proof - but would like more from you.

So tell me, are you a small business, or even a consumer who has been impacted by online advertising? If so, what has been the impact?

Have you benefitted from seeing an ad online that helped you in a time of need?

If you are a small business like me, how has online advertising helped your business? Has it allowed you to reach more customers than ever before? Would your business be as successful if online advertising didn't exist in its present form?

Here is what you might not know about online advertising. In many respects, it is contextual. What that means is the ads you see are often targeted to or match the content that is on the web page you are viewing. A simple example is one of my roofing columns. Let's say you are trying to figure out how to stop a leak in your roof. Please go to AsktheBuilder.com and see this column.

If you look at the Google ads in that column, you should notice that the ads deal only with roofing. Look closer and you may see names of *local* companies that you recognize. These are contextual ads become an aid not a nuisance because they directly relate to the problem you are trying to solve - your leaking roof. You don't want nor need to see car ads, tennis racket ads or ads for pumpkin pie. You need a roofer!

My contention is that this type of advertising is good because it helps you and I solve problems. You do realize there are only two primary reasons you and I get online, don't you? They both begin with the letter P - Pleasure and Problems.

The bottom line is I would love to include your story of how you have been helped by online advertising. Allow me to take your story to our lawmakers. Please hurry. I especially need to hear from you if you are a small business person or work in a small business. Tell me how online ads have changed your life and that of your family.

Time is of the essence.

Honest-and-True Stain Solver Story

Yesterday I was in my office late and the order phone rang. Something told me to pick it up even though it was after hours. On the phone was Marcella from Lancaster, Kentucky. She wanted to order my Stain Solver - the miracle oxygen bleach.

Marcella was a first-time buyer. Just days before some sheets of hers that were outdoors drying under a deck got stained from rainwater that dripped down through the boards. She tried everything to get out the wood stains, but nothing worked. A neighbor - who was one of my customers - gave her a small amount of Stain Solver in a plastic bag. Long story short, my Stain Solver made the sheets look like new.

You may think big deal, but what blew me away was the size of Marcella's order. I was thinking she would buy four pounds, maybe eight. Some might think she would get the twelve-pound size. Nope. Marcella bought the 50-pound size. Yowzaa! That's how impressed she was with what it did. I asked her what she planned to do with that much Stain Solver, and her reply was, "Tim, I plan to clean everything around my place now!"

I never cease to be amazed at the phone conversations I have with customers. Call late in the day and there is a darned good chance you will get me on the horn.

If you want to try any size of Stain Solver to get the same results as Marcella, then use this Promo Code now to get a 20 percent discount. You need to act fast as the code is only good for a few more days in June. (Expired on June 30, 2008.)

The promo code is:

june30 (expired on June 30)

Be sure you use lower case and no spaces when you enter it.

Please go here.

Newest Columns and Videos

Screened Porch Design

Laundry Room Cabinets

Drilling Holes for PVC Pipe VIDEO

Cleaning A Roof with a Pressure Washer VIDEO

Index of past newsletters.

Overhead Garage Storage

Posted on June 16, 2008 by Tim Carter

This overhead storage platform was built in less than a day, and has already saved me thousands of dollars of storage fees. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Garage Storage

DEAR TIM: I think overhead garage storage is the answer to my clutter problem. There is a giant void space over the hood of both cars in our wide garage. I need a diy garage-storage system that will support furniture, boxes, and other normal household items. How would you support a platform like this without any poles or columns that otherwise would get in the way of the cars? Is it safe to consider a project like this? Bill M., Drexel Hill, PA

DEAR BILL: As you probably know, there are many garage storage systems on the market. I have seen many different types at the trade shows I attend. Some use pulleys, ropes, cables, hydraulics, etc. to take advantage of that wonderful space you describe in all garages.

Two years ago, I had the same problem you have. We moved my daughter back from college with all of the stuff she had in a one-bedroom apartment. My outdoor shed had no room, and my attic was full. We decided to price an off-site storage facility, and the annual cost for the needed space was over $1,000.00. I found that to be too much to swallow.

Driving home in shock from the storage business, I thought about my garage. Within a few minutes, I had come to the same conclusion as you did - the space above the hoods of the cars was enormous. Once home, I discovered that I could easily fit a platform that would be 16-feet long, 6-feet wide and have a vertical space of 45 inches. The best part was that because of the height of my garage ceiling, the underside of the platform was still 81 inches off the floor. That is plenty of room for me to walk beneath the platform without hitting my head.

The most-important aspect of my overhead garage storage platform was the suspension system I designed. The platform itself was made from 2x6 lumber and one-half-inch-thick plywood. I spaced the 2x6's 16 inches on center so the platform would be sturdy. This platform is suspended from the ceiling with slotted steel corner irons. This simple hardware item is commonly used to hang garage door tracks and openers from garage ceilings. There is not one pole or column that holds my overhead platform up, although I did use several as temporary supports as the platform was being constructed.

To eliminate sway, I decided to attach one end of the overhead platform to a wall in the garage. I did this by screwing the one end joist to the wall studs. This simple connection made the platform rock solid as I knew that swaying back and forth would not be a good thing.

The connection of the slotted steel irons to the roof structure was done with through bolts, not lag bolts. Furthermore, I made the connection up high on the slanted roof rafters, not the horizontal bottom chord of my roof trusses. The sloped parts of the rafters are in compression while the flat bottom chord is in tension. My engineer friends told me it was a bad idea to add loads directly to the bottom framing member or the chord of the truss, but that adding the load to the sloped rafters acted like weight from shingles or snow above.

My calculations of the weight of the platform as well as the weight of the items being stored indicated that the total added load was less than 1,500 pounds. That is less than the weight of an extra layer of shingles on my garage roof. Since my trusses are approved for the weight of three layers of shingles plus any snow load and I only have one layer of shingles on my roof, I feel very comfortable that my platform will not cause the garage roof to fail.

I highly recommend that you consult with a residential structural engineer before you build your overhead garage storage platform. The engineer will check your garage and draw a simple plan showing you the exact parts you need and how many slotted steel irons are required. The cost of the consult will probably be less than two months fee for a storage facility. It is the best money you will spend on this project.

Close-up of slotted corner iron. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

When I decided the storage unit was too expensive, I decided to do some quick math. I quickly discovered I could purchase all of the materials for my overhead garage storage project for less than two-month's rent at the storage business. Since it took only one day to build it, I was really money ahead.

One tip that worked well for me was to treat the platform as if it were an outdoor deck. I mounted the one joist to the wall and worked away from that point. The temporary supports allowed me to make the platform level, and the addition of the plywood allowed me to easily square the platform. Once the plywood was in place, I was able to accurately locate where the slotted irons had to be placed at the ceiling to penetrate the drywall with minimal mess.

The slotted irons also are through bolted to the platform. Through bolts with a proper nut and washers will not pull out as a lag bolt might.

Column 731

Laundry Room Cabinets

Posted on June 9, 2008 by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: It is time for new laundry-room cabinets at my home. But after looking at several laundry-room designs, I am convinced my current laundry-room layout is bad. I don't want to order new cabinets until I am sure the floorplan will work. What is involved in remodeling a laundry room? Do you have any laundry-room decor ideas that would make working in this space more pleasant? What type of cabinets would you consider if this were your home? Cindy S., Kinnelton, NJ

DEAR CINDY: I have to admit that all the years I built, I pretty much neglected the laundry room in the houses I worked on. My guess is that it stems from the fact that as a kid my washer and dryer were in our basement. The process of cleaning laundry seemed pretty insignificant.

But when I built my own home over 20 years ago, I moved the laundry room to the first floor by my garage. My wife and I thought we had the perfect laundry-room design, layout and cabinets. We were wrong. I am in the midst of a laundry-room remodeling job, and I am here to tell you that the cabinets we chose to use were greatly influenced by the mistakes we made in the past.

This laundry room is not yet ready for cabinets. Pipes, ducts and wires had to be moved to create the perfect layout and design. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Our laundry room became the overflow for all sorts of items beyond detergent and fabric softener. Pet supplies, light bulbs, picnic supplies, children's sports equipment are just a few things that you can find in our laundry room. They were all visible on top of the few cabinets we had and some open shelves I built a few years ago in a last-ditch effort to control the accumulation of things.

The new laundry-room wall cabinets are 42-inches tall. Standard cabinets are usually 30-inches high. We decided to take the cabinets to the ceiling so that every square foot of available space is used for storage. These extra-tall cabinets are gorgeous, and do not overpower the room. You should price these out for your job.

As for the layout of your laundry room, you may be able to relocate things with a little bit of work. In my case, we changed the location of the dryer, washing machine and a 48-inch sink base cabinet. The old layout had the washing machine and dryer immediately adjacent to the main pathway leading from the garage to the rest of the house. When laundry was being done, baskets and piles of clothes were in the way as you moved about the house.

If your laundry room is large enough, I feel that you should consider a folding surface for clothes as well as a sink to rinse things before you wash them. We use the deep stainless-steel sink next to our washing machine to clean all sorts of things that would otherwise be a hassle in our regular kitchen sink.

You want to have superior lighting and a bright color scheme in this room. Doing laundry is work, and you should make the environment as pleasant as possible. If you spend lots of time folding clothes in this room, then make sure you have convenient power for a radio or maybe a small television. These things will help take your mind off the mundane chore of folding clothes.

Laundry-room flooring is fairly important. You want a material that is durable and will not show dirt. We have a ceramic-tile floor that is a light mottled brown. It does a magnificent job of hiding dirt, and when it is time to clean it, a mop makes it look like new in minutes.

If you are relocating your dryer-vent pipe, place the top of it 42 inches off the floor directly behind the dryer. This will allow you to easily connect the smooth metal pipe as you slide the dryer into position. The building code requires that smooth metal pipe be used to vent dryers. Avoid using the collapsible plastic piping as it can be easily crushed as you slide the dryer back against the wall. If this happens, your dryer will not work properly causing you to waste lots of energy dollars.

Removing a useless small closet in our laundry room opened up enough space to permit us to install 5 linear feet of additional base cabinets in our laundry room. I installed a second sink here that will come in handy for any number of things. We also were able to install a new wall cabinet in this location where all pet food and supplies will be stored.

We also decided to install laundry-room organizers in a large closet immediately adjacent to the laundry room. This will help keep the clutter under control as the shelves and drawers make use of all the space in the closet.

If you are planning to build a new home and have large dogs, think about installing a rectangular shower basin that can be used to wash off muddy beasts before they come in and shake the brown muck all over your painted walls and wallpaper. You can bet I will have one of these things in my new home that is in the planning stage right now!

Column 730

June 3, 2008 AsktheBuilder News

Posted on June 3, 2008 by Tim Carter

What's in This Issue

WATER HEATER ADVICE
TRAGIC CARBON-MONOXIDE DEATHS
HOME DESIGN SOFTWARE
RECORD STAIN SOLVER SALES
NEWEST COLUMNS AND VIDEOS

Water Heater Advice

Water Heater Label

I received an email a few days ago Bob Wilks asking about an item in my Water-Heater checklist. Actually, Bob was commenting on something he felt was missing in the checklist.

He had seen a television segment that featured what can happen if the flames or pilot light from a natural gas or propane water heater ignite fumes from gasoline, paint thinner or any other flammable vapor.

The building code mandates that the burner of a gas water heater needs to be above the floor at least 18 inches if the heater is in a garage. Note the word garage. You do not need to install the heater on a platform if it is in a basement or inside a home as most people do not store flammable liquids inside a home or basement. Or DO YOU????????

The lesson here is to make sure all flammable liquids at your home are in the garage and in a safe cabinet where they can't spill. The fumes of most of these liquids are heavier than air and collect on a floor. If your water heater is in your garage, then I would seriously consider figuring a way to safely store all flammable liquids outdoors in a metal cabinet or outdoor storage shed. Keep these liquids out of your home and away from gas heaters. Read the safety label on your water heater.

Tragic Carbon-Monoxide Deaths

Just two days ago, two sisters, who were in their twenties, passed away from carbon-monoxide poisoning here in Cincinnati. One was a young mom. How did it happen? The newspaper story says that they had a gasoline-powered generator operating in the basement. The electricity was not on as they had just moved into the house.

The two women went into the basement to check on the generator. My best guess is that it stopped operating as it ran out of oxygen. The two women were immediately overcome with the toxic carbon-monoxide gas as they walked down the stairs into the basement.

I have always assumed people knew not to ever turn on a combustion engine inside a home, but you know what happens when you assume. You can even have issues if the generator is outdoors next to your house and the fumes get sucked indoors through an open window, a vent or any other opening. What a sad tragedy.

Home Design Software

If you subscribed to this newsletter of mine, you undoubtedly are using a computer. For well over ten years, there have been different types of software that allow you to draw your own house plans. The original versions were not as robust as one might like, and the learning curve was steep.

Times have changed! You can now purchase software that will allow you to quickly draw plans for the most complex home or a small project like a planter stand for your yard. Any project in between is also possible, such as a room addition, a bathroom or kitchen remodel or a redesign of an existing room. You can even make three-dimensional models of what you plan to build!

I am currently using Better Homes and Gardens Home Designer Suite version 8.0 software to design my new home in New Hampshire. So far I am really pleased with the outcome and how easy it is to use the software. When you see all of the features this software has, you may consider it as you start to plan your next project.

Record Stain Solver Sales

I don't want to bore you with all of the details, but hundreds and hundreds of people helped break a record here at AsktheBuilder last month. Woo Hoo!!!!!

We had record sales of the all-purpose and 100-percent green cleaner Stain Solver. The craziest thing is that for the first time ever, the 50-pound size was the sales leader. We ran out of the green five-gallon pails not once but twice. My salesman had to rush to our headquarters on two different days with buckets packed into the trunk of his car. His regular delivery trucks were not able to get to us fast enough.

I realize that you might be rolling your eyes about me bringing up Stain Solver, but please understand that each week there are over 1,500 new subscribers to this newsletter. These newsletter newbies don't realize that 13 years ago I discovered the power of oxygen bleach liking it so much I developed my own product to sell. It is my duty to share with them the magic you already know about! You do want to share don't you?

To celebrate the record sales, I am going to give you a 20-percent discount on any size of Stain Solver. Look at the value per pound of that 50-pound size. It's a huge bargain. No wonder it helped break the record last month.

You will need this Promo Code:

Record

Act Quickly! Why? I may run out of the five-gallon pails again, and this Sale ended Friday night (June 6, 2008).

P.S. As a little bonus, I will autograph the sides of the green five-gallon pails that are sold as part of this Sale. Who knows what that pail might be worth in the years to come!

Newest Columns and Videos

Patio Pavers

How to Build a Retaining Wall

Plumbing Vent Pipe Tip Video

Right Angle Drill vs. a Hole Saw Video

Index of past newsletters.

What's in This Issue

White Vinegar

Angie's List

Thumb Injury

My Congressional Testimony

Ceramic Tile Tips

Latest Columns and Videos

Newsletter Sponsorships

Additional Congressional Videos

Ceramic Tile Cutter Checklist

Can a Ceramic Tile Cutter Make Straight Cuts?

How Does a Tile Cutter Work?

How Do You Make Tile?

What Ceramic Tile Cutters Make the Best Cuts?

Can You Make Angled Cuts?

Do Tile Cutters Require Lubrication?

Should I Practice Cutting Tile?

Can You Snap Porcelain Tile With a Cutter?

What Happens as Tile Gets Thicker?

Can You Make Narrow Cuts with a Tile Cutter?

Does a Tile Cutter Cut Faster than a Wet Saw?

Can You Make L-Shaped Cuts on Tile?

How To Drywall Checklist

Are There Different Drywall Hanging Techniques?

Is Drywall Hanging & Finishing Hard Work?

Should You Eliminate Seams If Possible?

Should Drywall Run Perpendicular to the Studs?

Should You Hang Ceilings First or Last?

How Do You Cut Drywall?

How Do You Prevent Blisters in the Tape?

Can You Apply Too Much Joint Compound?

What Type of Joint Compound is Used to Tape Drywall?

What is Topping Compound?

What is Skim Coating?

Why is Skim Coating a Good Idea?

What Can I Do If My Finishing is Bad?

Should I Apply a Special Primer/Sealer?

What's in This Issue

Horrible Flooding

Testifying in Front of a Congressional Committee - Gulp!!!!!

Honest-and-True Stain Solver Story

Newest Columns and Videos

Garage Storage

What's in This Issue

Water Heater Advice

Tragic Carbon-Monoxide Deaths

Home Design Software

Record Stain Solver Sales

Newest Columns and Videos

Expert Advice For Your Home