Detached Garage Ideas

Posted on by Tim Carter
detached garage ideas

Detached Garage Ideas | This garage looks great, but it's not. It's too narrow. You can't get out of a car easily if you pull into the garage. The architect should have his license revoked. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

"Detached garage ideas are like grains of sand on a beach. The most important one is to make your garage wide and deep."

Tim Carter | Founder - AsktheBuilder.com

Detached Garage Ideas - Bigger is Better Always

DEAR TIM: I bought a house with a dilapidated detached garage on it. It needs to be torn down. Now’s my chance to construct a superb garage that will be the talk of the neighborhood.

If you could wave a magic wand and create the best detached garage ever, what size would it be? I’ve got unlimited flat space and a healthy budget so don’t hold back with your suggestions. What other design features might you suggest? Stephanie G., Boise, ID

Free & Fast Detached Garage Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local garage contractors.

DEAR STEPHANIE: You’d be surprised how often folks ask me for detached garage ideas. The second house I owned had one. The house and garage were built in the early 1900s and the garage was in remarkably great condition. I know it’s still standing to this day. It’s a shame the previous owners allowed your garage to fall into disrepair.

Related Links

Best Garage Flooring - Be Careful of Paint

Your Dream Garage Starts Right Here

What's the Best Detached Garage Idea Advice?

It’s important to realize that poor planning is the most common reason for dissatisfaction with both detached garages and homes in general. I feel the root of the problem lies in the inability of most people to visualize the space once it’s complete. The second issue is if you look at an empty space, say in a model home or a business that sells garage packages, your brain thinks the unfilled void will be plenty big. The minimum size I’d make a detached garage is 26 feet deep by 38 feet wide.

You’re lucky that you have unlimited space, a substantial budget, and a nice flat spot to build. The first thing you should do is make a list of all the things you plan to put in the garage. I’m talking about all your landscape tools, mowers, snow blowers, motorcycles, etc. Give some thought if you want a nice workbench in the garage as well. You may even want a small bathroom and storage closet. Think big!

detached garage ideas

Don't forget paint colors! Look at this stunning paint job. Did you see the cupola too? Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

How Can I Create a Simple Plan?

Using some large-format graph paper, start to develop a draft plan of the space. Your challenge is to come up with a floor plan that allows you to store all the things you want out of the elements in such a way that you don’t crowd anything. The ideal garage is large enough so you can access anything without having to climb over or move something else.

How Wide Should Garage Doors Be?

Garage door openings should be no less than 9-feet wide and 8-feet tall. If you plan to have a full-size pickup truck, you’ll never regret having at least one door 10-feet wide. This allows you to pull the truck in without folding back one of the large side mirrors.

Be sure to create a 3-foot minimum space between two side-by-side garage doors. This allows you to open most car and truck doors fully without any fear of dinging a vehicle parked in the other garage bay.

How Far Should the Doors be from the Exterior Side Walls?

The distance from the edges of the garage door openings to the exterior walls should be a minimum of 5 feet. This distance allows you to store garbage cans and similar-sized things along a wall and still have enough space to open a car door to exit a vehicle without being cramped for space.

Can a Workbench Fit in a Garage?

The last garage I built for myself had plenty of space for a workbench because I added 10 extra feet of width to the garage between the one garage door and the exterior side wall. It seemed like far too much space at the time, but I came to find out it was perfect and allowed both a workbench along the wall as well as plenty of space for a table saw and a few other stationary tools.

What is a Great Ceiling Height?

The ceiling height in the garage should be given serious thought. Imagine having enough space to put in a loft that’s 6 feet 8 inches tall from the loft floor to the garage ceiling! You can have all sorts of extra storage up in a loft that’s along the back wall of the garage. You just need to make sure there’s enough headroom under the loft floor so you can walk around under it.

Can Special Roof Trusses Create More Space?

I’d also give serious thought to the roof trusses. At the very least, order storage trusses for even more bonus storage space. If you want a living, office, or hobby space above the garage, then order attic trusses. The steeper the pitch of the garage roof the larger a full-sized room can be inside the garage attic.

Can You Install Floor Drains in the Slab?

Plan for floor drains and shallow funnels under each vehicle parking space. Snowmelt and water dripping from cars coming in from the rain will not flow across the garage floor towards the doors if you do this. Floor drains in garages seem to have been kicked to the curb over the years and it’s a massive mistake in my opinion. Just ask anyone who’s garage door bottom seal has frozen to the floor in mid-winter because of meltwater that was trying to get outside!

How Much Electric Should Be Installed?

Don’t skimp on the electric service you extend to the structure. I’d put in no less than 240 volts and 100 amps. This gives you plenty of power if you might be using an electric welder or have other hungry power tools that might be used in the garage. You can put in much smaller service if you think you’ll never have these big tools.

Should the Floor Be Heated?

Radiant floor heat would be a delightful extra should you want to transform the garage into a workplace in the winter. You only get one chance to install the PEX tubing when you pour the concrete slab. Don’t forget to put in plenty of closed-cell foam insulation under the slab should you decide to heat it.

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February 17, 2019 AsktheBuilder Fun Game Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

Every year at this time my biggest newsletter sponsor, LE Johnson, hosts a super fun game. Today is the day for the game. I GUARANTEE you'll have a smile on your face in a few minutes.

But before you start, I think you might enjoy this short story of how I came to know about LE Johnson and all the fantastic products they make.

We have to travel back in time to 1984 when I was building my first custom home for Mark. I'll never forget Kathy bringing our infant daughter Meghan to the job site on days to have lunch together.

The architect specified several pocket doors in the house and the lumber company brought these piece-of-crap door frames made from all lumber. I could tell right away that there was a good chance the thin wood slats would warp and then start to rub on the door sliding in and out of the pocket.

I sent them back and then went on a quest to find the BEST pocket door frames and hardware. I wanted a pocket door frame that would NOT warp. I wanted a pocket door where the trolleys supporting the door would NOT COME OFF the track.

It didn't take me long to find LE Johnson. After all, they started making amazing products when I was but six years old.

Fast forward to today and they've expanded their product line enormously.

They make the absolute BEST frames, rails, trolleys, etc. for all types of doors. My daughter Meghan and her husband are using some of their special full-open bi-fold door hardware on their new home. You'll soon see a video about these!

Would you like to have some FUN and see at the same time how you can transform one, or more, rooms at your home with LE Johnson products?

I thought so.

Here's the best part:

LE Johnson products recapture wasted space. They allow full access to closets. They make dull doorways DRAMATIC as MESMERIZING.

Let's have some FUN!

STEP ONE:

Please click all of these links and take a few moments to STUDY the photos.

Sunflower Seeds & Giant Disappearing Doors

Open Wide - Behold a Secret Hidden Space!

Magic Stained Glass Shutters - Seriously?

The Dream Laundry Room - WARNING, You'll Fall in Love

The High School Geometry Door & Toys

Big Flowers and White Snow - It's Possible!

Sports Storage That DRIES OUT

Too Much Blue? You Tell Me

Every LE Johnson Gallery Photo

STEP TWO:

CLICK HERE and answer the simple questions. Upon completion you'll receive a handsome certificate. I'm serious!

STEP THREE:

Sit back and savor your achievement! What did you think of those splendid photos?

If you like this newsletter, it's really important for you to participate in the game. LE Johnson makes it possible for me to invest the time each week creating the newsletter.

The best part of participating is that you'll walk away with at least one remodeling or design idea for sure. Some of the doors in the photos are UNBELIEVABLE.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

LE Johnson 2019 Fun Game

Posted on by Tim Carter

Please click all the links below. Study the photos.

This is from the February 17, 2019 Newsletter.

Then answer the question in the following quiz:

Sunflower Seeds & Giant Disappearing Doors

Open Wide - Behold a Secret Hidden Space!

Magic Stained Glass Shutters - Seriously?

The Dream Laundry Room - WARNING, You'll Fall in Love

The High School Geometry Door & Toys

Big Flowers and White Snow - It's Possible!

Sports Storage That DRIES OUT

Too Much Blue? You Tell Me

Every LE Johnson Gallery Photo

February 14, 2019 AsktheBuilder Emergency Alert Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

I'll make this fast. For many of you, today is Valentine's Day.

For my buddies Phil and Russell who live down under, it's just about over as I type this.

PLEASE go to the following page at my website and WATCH the two videos so you don't make a mistake! There's STILL TIME for you to prevent a NIGHTMARE!

CLICK EITHER IMAGE BELOW to get to the page or CLICK HERE:

Beware of the Doghouse Video
Return to the Doghouse

If I saved your bacon, you can thank me buy treating me to a bag of Peanut M&Ms. CLICK HERE to do that.

😉

Remember, Sunday you're going to be treated to some SWEET EYE CANDY. Ladies, you don't want to miss my LE Johnson extravaganza!

I'll be back in your Inbox on Sunday morning. Let me know how you like the FUN GAME you'll be playing! WOOT!

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Buyer of gorgeous orchid this morning.

Do It Right, Not Over!

Stay OUT of the Dog House!

February 12, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

Are you new to the party? Welcome. This is a very special issue, so you subscribed at the right time.

Distinguished subscriber of record? You're about to paste a big smile on your face.

You Can Be DT's Next Model!

Ladies, how would you like to be a model for Duluth Trading? If not you, maybe your daughter, grandchild, or a friend? They make fantastic clothing for both men and women.

I have some of their clothes on right now including their amazing Buck Naked underwear. Sorry for that not-so-pleasant graphic image, but let's move on.
Duluth Clothing for Women

Don't sell yourself short! I'd absolutely apply as you have NOTHING to lose. I don't think DT is looking for the next Christy Brinkley as they want to appeal to all women.

CLICK HERE and apply. Let me know if you make it. I'll be SO PROUD of you!

Speaking of Grandchildren....

Tim's a Grandpa
I'm a Grandpa! Yep, the first time.

Kathy and I are so happy and proud. Our little bundle of joy arrived a week ago today.

Our daughter Meghan had a tough time and required a 3-day stay in the hospital. The baby is fine and healthy and Meghan is making progress each day.

You may have been wondering why there was such a sense of urgency to get their new home started so late last year. This is but one reason.

I didn't want to share any news about the birth until I was confident of a positive outcome. Kathy and I raced up to help out our son-in-law who had not slept in 48 hours. We stayed around for two days to help cook and get the new family settled once Meghan was discharged from the hospital.

If you send good wishes our way, please accept this thanks in advance as I'm sure I'll be unable to answer each incoming reply. I hope you understand.

Our new granddaughter is one beautiful young lady, I can tell you that. I forgot how tiny newborns are. Wow, it was crazy to hold that little gal!

Three New Videos For You

I got a short break on Saturday afternoon while up helping with the newborn. I think Kathy wanted me out of her hair too. I raced over to the new house and recorded three new videos for you.

MANY MORE are in the works. I'm starting to make a list now and I could use your help.

CLICK HERE and tell me what you'd like to see me explain in the new house.

NOW is the time to capture this video as the house has just been framed.

I'm talking about SHORT videos explaining one small aspect. Think of things I might be able to explain as you see me do BELOW in the three new videos.

Please don't make a request like: Show step-by-step how to install shingles. Show step-by-step how to install plumbing

Those are two-hour full-blown shows, not three-minute micro-slice videos.

Here are the three new videos. Click the image or the title above the video:

How To Winder Stairs

Attic Truss Design

attic truss design

Cast Iron Drain Pipe

cast iron drain pipe

New Basement Bathroom

Three days ago, Ryan hired me to draw plumbing plans for a new basement bathroom he's installing at his home.

He rented an electric jack hammer on Sunday and started to break through the concrete floor. I've done that countless times. He quickly ran into water.

Lots of water. So much water he may have to wait until July to resume the project. Another option is to invest in a high-capacity water pump to lower the water as he installs the new plumbing.

I don't know if his house was built on a slight slope, but IF IT WAS and part of his land was LOWER than the bottom of the foundation footing, he's not have a drop of water under the slab.

You stop water from collecting under a basement slab by installing a sleeve or two or three through the footing. Look at a few of the sleeves I had installed at my daughter and son-in-law's new house so they'd NEVER HAVE standing water under their crawlspace slab.

The red arrows point to 4-inch plastic pipe sleeves. They do not hurt the integrity of the footing.

Did You Discover Something New Today?

Did I share something here in the newsletter that helped you save time and money? If so, maybe you want to treat me to a pecande or two or three. CLICK HERE for some fun!

LE Johnson Adventure on Sunday!

In just five days, I'll be in touch again. You're going to see some outstanding eye candy full of design ideas for your home.

If you're thinking of doing some painting or moderate interior remodeling this spring, then you'll absolutely want to CLICK EACH AND EVERY LINK in Sunday's newsletter.

I've got to go call my daughter Meghan now to see how the little one's doing!

Tim "Gramps, Grumpa, Grandpa" Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
Certified Organic Baby Cleanup Stuff - www.StainSolver.com
Morse for Infants - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Cast Iron Drain Pipe

Posted on by Tim Carter
cast iron drain pipe

Cast Iron Drain Pipe | Here are the four common sizes of cast iron drain pipe you'll use in your home. Left to right: 4, 3, 2, and 1 1/2 inch. You may not know WHY and WHERE you should use cast iron drain pipe. That's why you should do a fast plumbing code consult. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Cast Iron Drain Pipe - Quiet, Durable, and Wonderful

"At the very least, use cast iron drain pipe for your toilet pipes across ceilings and down walls. This will stop embarrassing noise and add value to your home."

Tim Carter | Founder - AsktheBuilder.com

Modern cast iron drain pipe is nothing like the cast iron pipe poured into molds years ago. The wall thickness is consistent and the cast iron can last hundreds of years.

It's important to realize that you don't have to use it for all the pipes in your home. Toilet stacks that make noise are the first place to use cast iron.

All vent pipes in your home can be normal cellular PVC pipe to save money. Vent pipes just have air move through them.

You can also use PVC for the horizontal branch arms that extend left or right of a vertical stack for any common sink. Look at this photo of branch arm and WATCH the video below to see a video of several branch arms serving sinks:

cast-iron-pvc-pipe

This is a great example of how to mix PVC and cast iron to save money. You can see the cast iron vertical stack coming up through the floor. It's for a master bathroom vanity. It switches over to PVC and goes up another 14 inches to the branch arm that will connect to the sink p-trap in the vanity. All the other PVC pipes in the photo are vent pipes that only have air in them and some tiny amount of liquid condensate. Even the large 3-inch PVC pipe is a vent pipe that will extend up and through the roof.

Related Links

PVC vs Cast Iron - And the Winner Is!

Replace Cast Iron with PVC? - Not So Fast!

Cast Iron is Quiet and a Breeze

How Do You Connect the Pipes and Fittings?

You use no-hub stainless-steel couplings that contain a rubber seal and a massive stainless-steel outer band. Two ring clamps squeeze the rubber against the cast iron to create a leak-proof connection. The couplings allow you to make adjustments for perfect alignment.

Here are some of these couplings in this photo. I installed all this cast iron in my daughter's new home in the winter of 2019.

cast iron drain pipe residential

This is modern cast iron drainpipe for a residential house. It will last for centuries and is QUIET. the stainless-steel couplings have a rubber boot that each end of the pipe fits into. You tighten the two clamps and a leakproof seal is created.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local plumbers who can install cast iron.

Does Cast Iron Pipe Pass Code?

Yes, the cast iron pipe is code compliant. It's used exclusively in large high-rise and institutional buildings because it's durable and fireproof.

Does Cast Iron Pipe Burn?

No. Cast iron pipe will not burn. Burning PVC plastic pipe creates toxic smoke and gas that can kill you in seconds should you breathe in the fumes.

Why is Cast Iron Quiet?

Cast iron pipe is much denser than PVC. The water crashing down a vertical stack doesn't have enough energy to make cast iron vibrate. However, PVC will vibrate readily like a bass drum in your walls and ceilings.

Attic Truss Design

Posted on by Tim Carter
attic truss design

Attic Truss Design | This is an attic space in my daughter's new home. Most builders would have used standard trusses and wasted all this space. (C) Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Attic Truss Design - Real Rooms in a Real Attic!

"You may not realize you can have rooms up in the wasted space of normal truss roofs. Attic trusses allow you to recapture all that dead space."

Tim Carter | Founder - AsktheBuilder.com

Attic trusses are marvelous trusses that create rooms for a small amount of extra money.

My daughter's new home has a giant space 18 feet wide by 43 feet long created by attic trusses.

Related Links

Attic Trusses 101 - CLICK HERE for the Basics

Roof Framing Tips - SECRET INFO - Please Do NOT Share

Can I CUT Trusses Safely? READ THIS ONE!

How Big Can the Rooms Be?

The rooms in the attic trusses depend on the length of the truss and the pitch, or steepness, of the roof. The longer the truss and the steeper the roof pitch the larger the room.

Do You Need a Crane to Set Attic Trusses?

Yes, you'll need a crane because a typical attic truss weighs well over 100 pounds. It's safer to use a crane for all involved.

Are Attic Trusses More Expensive than a Normal Truss?

Yes, at attic truss costs more than a normal truss. However, the added cost is well worth it as it increases the value of your home by thousands of dollars.

Can a Low-Slope Roof have an Attic Truss?

The answer is maybe. If the truss is long enough you might gain enough height to have a room. Most low-slope roofs can create a smaller rectangle in the truss that's used for storage. The space is not high enough to stand in but you can crawl around on your hands and knees to retrieve your stored items.

How To Winder Stairs

Posted on by Tim Carter
how to winder stairs

This is what the current building code mandates for winder stairs. Look below for the explanation of the measurements. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

How To Winder Stairs - They Save Space

"Winder stairs were very common in houses built in the early 1900s. It's a shame they're not used in more homes today."

Tim Carter - Founder www.AsktheBuilder.com

Winder stairs allow you to turn a corner and change the direction of a staircase.

The most common turn is 90 degrees. Circular stairs are a continuous flight of winder stairs as the treads create a corkscrew sometimes turning a full 360 degrees or more.

Do Winder Stairs Comply with the Building Code?

Winder stairs are permitted in the building code as of 2019. The code says the minimum tread width on the inside radius needs to be 6 inches. It also says that the tread depth at walk line of the stairs measured 12 inches in from the inside tread edge must be no less than 10 inches.

The Winders in the Video Do NOT Meet the Above Code Requirement - Why?

I'm not the builder of the house and steps you see in the above video. The builder and his carpenters built the steps. Local building inspectors have the right to wave code requirements. They can also make parts of the code more stringent.

At the time this video was recorded, the builder had not yet met with the local inspector. If he's required to rebuild the stairs, you'll see new photographs and a new video.

how to winder stairs

This is what the current building code mandates for winder stairs. Look below for the explanation of the measurements. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Related Links

How to Build Simple Stairs

Building Stairs eBook

What's the Best Winder Stairs Size?

Building codes mandate stairs should be at least 36 inches wide. This width is great for three winders to make a turn of 90 degrees.

This means each winder stair creates a 30-degree angle. The center of the winder tread is always going to be greater than 10 inches if the stairs are 36 inches wide. This is plenty safe.

Is it Hard to Make Winder Stairs?

It's easy to make winder stairs. The simplest way to do it is to make two or three platforms.

Note the drawings of mine below. Read the captions for a full understanding of how to build the winder stairs.

The bottom platform is a square usually 36 inches. The second platform might be an odd polygon and the third winder would be a simple triangle. It's best to just make a full-size template using cardboard if you're not a seasoned carpenter.

how to winder stairs

This is what the current building code - 2019 - mandates for winder stairs. Look below for the explanation of the measurements. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

 

 

how to winder stairs

This is step one of the winder stairs built the way before the RECENT CODE REQUIREMENTS. You build a platform that the other two winders will sit upon. The tread above the winders on one of the flights of steps in the illustration would be 22.5 inches HIGHER than the platform level. I always try to build steps with a 7.5-inch riser and a 10-inch tread. This combination of tread depth to riser height creates ideal, comfortable, and safe steps. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

how to winder stairs

This is the second step. The second platform is an odd shape and the angle of the orange line is 30 degrees from the black platform line beneath it. If you recreate the dashed walk line on this set of steps at 12 inches from the inside of the 90-degree angle, you'll discover the tread depth at the walk line is just over 7 inches. While this is not to code, it's not exceedingly dangerous. If it were, you would have seen this exact design outlawed decades ago. This platform would be 7.5 inches higher than the one square one beneath it if I was building it. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

how to winder stairs

The third and last winder is the triangle platform that is marked #3. Its riser is also at a 30-degree angle to the stair riser to the RIGHT of the #3. If you need help with winder stairs I can CALL YOU ON THE PHONE. Click here to set up the phone call. Copyright 2019 Tim Carter


A link to this article was featured in Tim's February 12, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Hand Tool Storage and DIY Laminate Floor Installation

Posted on by Tim Carter
tool cabinet

This tool cabinet should have been bought 30 years ago! (C) Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Hand Tool Storage

QUESTION #1: Tim, I lost it this past weekend. After I cooled down, I realized I had no one to blame but myself. I spent two hours looking for a hand tool I know that was somewhere in my garage, basement or shed. I finally found it in my truck. Anyway, I’ve got a mound of tools that are covering my workbench. Everything is scattered. If you’ve ever struggled with hand tool organization, how in the world did you solve the problem? How do you store your hand tools? Andy P., Scranton, PA

I’ve got no problem baring my soul. I used to have the same problem as Andy just had. Perhaps your tools are in a giant heap on your workbench or plopped into a bucket or two. Allow me to share with you how I finally stopped going on adventures trying to find my own hand tools.

While I was still a full-time builder, I had the most wonderful truck. It had a pickup-truck cab but a utility body sat on the chassis. Truck utility bodies have large rectangular cabinets on each side of the body that make use of the void space otherwise wasted by the normal pickup truck bed body.

Plumbers, heavy construction crews, and electric utility companies are but a few who love utility bodies. The cabinets contain shelves and I had all my hand tools organized so I could find them blindfolded. But I realize you’ll probably never have a truck with this handy setup.

About twenty years ago, I was at the National Hardware Show and I saw the most innovative pegboard. It was made from metal and it had unique clips of every size, shape, and design to hold any imaginable hand tool. The metal panels and clips could be had in different colors and everything was powder coated for durability.

metal pegboard with tools

This is a great starter set of the metal pegboard, hooks and accessories. This is the brand I have in my home.

I got some of this and covered one wall in my garage with it. Within a few hours, I had my most-needed hand tools up in plain sight. Fortunately, I was already in the habit of returning the tool to its holder after using it. If you don’t do this religiously, you’ll still have blood pressure and anger-management problems.

The metal pegboard couldn’t hold all my tools and I still had some confusion. Believe it or not, it took many more years until I finally solved all my hand tool woes. Just last year, I took possession of a rolling double-decker tool cabinet that has twenty-one storage drawers and storage compartments.

Auto mechanics have used these cabinets for years and now I know why. They are so very handy and well designed. The height and width of the drawers match exactly the size of the most common hand tools. If you put the right tools in the right drawers, there’s virtually no wasted space.

I took the time to set up my cabinet so the most-used hand tools are in the drawers that are the easiest to access. I urge you to shop around and give the metal pegboard and rolling tool cabinets a serious look. You’ll never ever regret having both.

DIY Laminate Floor Installation

QUESTION #2: Timbo, I need your sage advice. I’ve decided to install some interlocking laminate floor in a small getaway room for myself. I’ve never attempted a project like this but I’m quite good at following instructions. Have you installed laminate flooring and what can you share so I’m sitting sipping tea in my new room as soon as possible? Evelyn W., Mt. Desert, Maine

I’m honored when anyone asks for help so they can do a job they’ve never tried before. There’s something magical about standing back looking at a completed job and reflecting how you did it with your hands and intellect! I still do that to this day and my wife just shakes her head watching me stare at my work.

It’s important to realize that reading and following instructions are the most important things to do when installing a laminate floor. A friend of mine and her boyfriend installed some in a small house one weekend in a rush.

They thought they knew how to do it. A month later, she called me begging for help. She wanted to know how to get rid of the clicking sound the floor made as they walked across it. They had installed the laminate on an uneven floor. I lightly scolded her, told her how to fix it and she’s never called me again.

Laminate floors need to be installed on flat surfaces with no humps or dips. Flat doesn’t mean level, although a flat level floor would be best! Maintain the spacing the instructions call out when you put the new floor next to the current baseboard. Laminate needs room to expand. Don’t skip the foam underlayment many laminates require. This simple product is there for a reason.

Remember that when you cut a piece to end a row, there’s a good chance the cutoff piece can be used to start the next row. This means there’s very little waste. I can’t wait for you to send me a photo of you relaxing in a chair sitting on your new floor! I love the oak laminate floor in my man cave!

Column 1288

Attics are Easy in New Homes/Remodels and Fast Desktop

Posted on by Tim Carter

This is an attic space in a new home. Most builders would have used standard trusses and wasted all this space. (C) Copyright 2019 Tim Carter

Attics are Easy in New Homes/Remodels

QUESTION #1: Tim, I grew up in an older home with an attic. I love storing things up there. When I watch new homes being built, all I see are trusses with all sorts of cross supports that make it impossible to have an attic. Can you have an attic in a modern truss? Is it hard to do? What about traditional stairs up into an attic? Can you have those instead of the flimsy pull-down stairs? Betty B., Valdosta, GA

Betty’s question reminds me of an embarrassing and enlightening moment I had as a very young builder. I was building a home for a friend and he had purchased the plans from a company that had hundreds of plans in a book. The house called for normal trusses and that’s what I ordered. The roof was moderately steep and the overall height of the trusses was about 13 feet.

After the trusses were set and the roof sheathing was on he visited the site on a weekend as he was a traveling salesman. He looked up into the maze of lumber above his head while we stood in the entrance hall and said, “Wow, what a massive waste of space. Why didn’t you create an attic up there?”

My reply was that I ordered the trusses the way they were shown on the plan and that was that. It’s important to realize this was before the Internet existed and I had only seen normal trusses early in my career.

On my next visit to the lumber company I asked a salesman, “Can a truss be made that has an attic in it?” The salesmen pulled out a book and showed me numerous truss designs that allowed a large square or rectangle to be made in each truss! Oh my, imagine the possibilities!

The good news for you should you be building a new home, adding a large room addition, or even building another structure with a pitched roof is that you can have a bonus room built within the roof trusses for a very reasonable upcharge.

The steeper the pitch of the roof over the structure, the larger the room can be in the attic. I’m typing this column right now in my small man cave that’s above my garage. Fortunately, the builder of this home used attic trusses over the large garage to create a vast storage area. I installed windows on each end wall of this space and built a wall at one end to create a small cozy ham radio shack/office for myself. It’s a perfect hideaway and allows me to work and talk with people I can’t see undisturbed.

Houses with low-sloped roofs can have special trusses that resemble attic trusses. These are called storage trusses and they resemble a crawlspace under a home. You can crouch down and move around in the storage trusses to retrieve stored items.

Betty’s old house was framed most likely with traditional rafters that allowed an opening to be created in the floor for a traditional staircase. You’re never supposed to cut any member of a prefabricated roof truss, so how can you make a wide staircase opening that’s perpendicular to the run of the trusses?

It’s easy. A truss designer uses software that creates two giant girder trusses that allow for a full-sized staircase up into the new attic space. All you have to do is draw the staircase on the floor plan where you want it to go up into the attic and the truss manufacturer will make the magic happen for you. The carpenters on the job, with the help of a small crane, can put all the trusses and other pieces together in less than a day!

Fast Desktop

QUESTION #2: Can you help me, Tim? I’m on a very tight budget and desperately need an extra flat work surface that can be a desk for my son to do his homework as well as a hobby area. Another key point is I have virtually no tools and my building skills are poor. What can I do to solve this problem in less than a day? Brandi S., Rio Rancho, NM

I think all of us have been faced with this dilemma at one point. I know I have and fortunately, there’s a solution that requires no tools whatsoever! You may find a perfect used desk at a yard or garage sale or online websites that have local yard sale groups.

The fastest way to create a flat desk surface is to use a simple hollow-core door that just about any home center or traditional lumber yard stocks. Doors are usually 24, 30 or 32 inches wide and 6 or 6-foot 8-inches tall. A 24-inch by 72-inch door makes for a marvelous desk surface. The doors are normally 1 and 3/8-inches thick and quite strong.

Visit a large retailer that sells storage products and you’re going to discover stackable plastic drawers or drawer carts on wheels. I went online and found a set of two carts that would support the door and put the working surface of the door just about at the right height.

The drawer carts have three drawers in each one and measure 14.5 inches wide by 12.5 inches deep and 26 inches high. You place one at each end of the door and the void space between them provides plenty of room for your legs. If you need the top of the desk to be higher, just stack a few spare books on top of the drawers to get the top of the desk about 29 inches off the floor. Enjoy your new and easy desk!

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