Building and Carpentry
A sub-category devoted to residential construction methods and techniques. Questions on topics such as materials, how-to's, rules of thumb, and general advice.
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HV1951
Mr5657How do you use muriatic acid to etch concrete?
For anyone interested in the TRUE HCl concentration of muriatic acid (sans WIKIfication) simply google "muriatic acid msds" and...
Popularity: 391 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find diagrams or plans to build a face brick braai in a lapa?
bree
Popularity: 256 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the proper mix ratio for vermiculite portland cement mixture that will be used to repair the shell of a swimming pool?
http://www.poolwarehouse.com/swimmingpooltips.html usually 7 to 1. However, it's easier and more consistent to by a premix...
Popularity: 208 • Tools: Recategorize
How much does it cost to replace a window?
You can save a lot of money by doing the replacement yourself. Windows can be purchased at your local home improvement store...
Popularity: 152 • Tools: Recategorize
Are there dome homes other than geodesic and monolithic?
Not really, but if you consider the versatility of dome construction you don't really need more. Monolithic domes can be...
Popularity: 147 • Tools: Recategorize
Must a dome be built on a concrete slab or is it possible for a dome home to have a basement?
We just bought a dome home that was built in 1984 in northeast Ohio, and it has a basement. Although we have not moved in yet the...
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What is vernacular architecture?
Of an artistic form or feature: native or peculiar to a particular country or locality; esp (of architecture) consisting of or...
Popularity: 140 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you mix concrete by hand?
The standard mix design for all purpose concrete is as easy as 1,2,3. One part cement, Two parts sand, and 3 parts gravel. Add...
Popularity: 129 • Tools: Recategorize
Is leaking when it rains a problem with dome homes?
To answer your ? I just got a dome home that was built in 1984, the house was a repo. We got it for what we feel was a great...
Popularity: 128 • Tools: Recategorize
If there is a support pole in the middle of a large 20x25 foot room and you want it removed what is the best way to support the roof?
Most building codes require engineering on structural issues that do not meet the definition of CONVENTIONAL DESIGN. I suggest...
Popularity: 127 • Tools: Recategorize
How much should it cost to replace the roof on a split-level house in New Jersey?
There is a wide array of costs concerning roof replacement, regardless of the area. The material used, size in square footage,...
Popularity: 124 • Tools: Recategorize
How much does it cost to get a small lot surveyed?
It depends on the type of survey you want, among other things. Try the link to the right for a directory of Surveying...
Popularity: 117 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you install a tile roof?
Tile is one of the oldest types of finish covering used on pitched roofs. Tile roofing has grown increasingly popular because of...
Popularity: 111 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you replace a window in a 16' x 7' Regal Garage door?
Take the molding off from the inside of the door where the window goes, measure the area where the window goes, go to hardware...
Popularity: 106 • Tools: Recategorize
Would a home built with 2x6 sticks or 6-inch insulated pre-constructed panels be stronger and last longer?
Your question is a little dificult to answer not knowing the configuration of your building. And there are a couple different...
Popularity: 106 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find the square footage of a room?
This below is to find the square footage for painting a room. Take the perimeter (the length in feet around the room) then...
Popularity: 106 • Tools: Recategorize
What is a brick braai?
Braai is an Afrikaans (South Africa) word for barbeque, so it's likely a brick barbeque grill.
Popularity: 97 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you remove a 1-inch wood screw with the head broken off with the least amount of damage to the wood?
If there is access to the back of the board, remove it from that side. It there is any part of it that is sticking out, try to...
Popularity: 95 • Tools: Recategorize
How much does it cost to replace windows in an old house?
Depending on where the house is located and the sizes and types of windows you want... it can run you from $200.00 to over...
Popularity: 92 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best way to find an inexpensive architect to put together a plan if you know what you want but do not know the technical stuff?
You could purchase a set of home plans for a few hundred dollars, and then hire an architect to put in the items you want and/or...
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the average cost per square foot for building a house in Texas?
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize • Needs Answer
What is the recommended humidity level for a house in Colorado when the inside temperature is 72 degrees?
A humidity level of 35-40 percent is considered best. Room Temp
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you restore terrazzo floors?
Composition: The floor consists of an under layer of cement concrete in ratio of 1:2:4(1 part of cement: 2 parts of coarse sand:...
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Can you use white distilled vinegar to etch concrete?
Concrete is very hard. To do any good in etching it you need something very strong. Muriatic Acid is the only thing that I have...
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How much does it cost to expand and remodel a bathroom?
If you are expanding the bathroom by moving a wall inside the home it will be a lot less expensive than if you are building a new...
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Where can you find information about building a home foundation?
You can find all kinds of information on building home foundations at Lowe's or Home Depot and many other hardware/home...
Popularity: 84 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you apply paneling to an interior brick wall?
Answeru can use construction adhesive or build the wall out w/ 2x4 on the flat .....then glue @ nail 2 the wood. better yet use...
Popularity: 84 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you remove a popcorn ceiling?
ANSWERfirst you need to spray a little water on ceiling and let sit for 10 minutes then scrap with a putty knife.If you have a...
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How do you hang kitchen cabinets?
Check out this link, you will see several videos and articles showing you the proper way to do it! Just paste the link into your...
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When installing laminate flooring in an older home how do you get the floor square to lay the first row of planks?
Squaring the flooring is the most important step! Square the flooring up by using the 3-4-5- method against one of the long...
Popularity: 83 • Tools: Recategorize
What drill bit do you use for ceramic pots?
There are masonary drill bits that have a larger head on them, any home center should have them. try a glass/tile bit
Popularity: 83 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the average cost per square foot for building a house in western Massachusetts?
$100 a square foot for basic construction to 300 per square foot for custom.
Popularity: 83 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you install a kitchen exhaust fan flue through a standing seam tin roof so it doesn't leak?
Standing seam roofs can be a pain to flash penetrations sometimes because, invariably, the penetration usually lands on one of...
Popularity: 83 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the various stages of the project planning process in construction and what factors affect the planning process?
over budget, ordering material and getting the best prices ,hiring sub contactors, delays on materials, subcontractors not being...
Popularity: 81 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it possible to build a roof deck on a pitched roof and is it typically extremely expensive?
It is possible to build a roof deck it is built similar to a dormer in the roof space obviously bigger but the principle is the...
Popularity: 80 • Tools: Recategorize
If you're building an 8' x 10' shed base with 2x6 pt wood are there tricks on getting it square?
There are two fairly straightforward ways to square up such a structure. Measure the length of the two diagonals. If they are...
Popularity: 80 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you make the artificial stone by yourself and what are the materials you need?
There is a school, in Washington State, I believe, that teaches artificial stone construction....very hands-on from what I...
Popularity: 80 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fix an 18-foot garage door opening with a 1 and a half inch sag if it is made of two 2x12x20' with OSB in the middle?
1 QUICK & CHEAP FIX: 1. Jack it up one third in from both sides,just enough to get the center point about 1/16 inch above...
Popularity: 79 • Tools: Recategorize
How much attic space needs to be between the roof and an arched ceiling if you live in Texas and have hot summers?
You only need 8-10 inches. That is enough for insulation. You only need enough to put in the insulation you want. I'm in...
Popularity: 78 • Tools: Recategorize
How can you remove the acoustic stuff off your ceiling if you want to do it yourself?
hey be careful if it is older than 1970's then it may contain asbestos. have it checked. that being said, spray it with a pump...
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What are the pros and cons of a poured concrete basement versus a treated wood basement?
Im also a Builder, and a lot of my business is repairing damaged Concrete foundations. The weight of the Concrete foundation, as...
Popularity: 76 • Tools: Recategorize
Are Grizzly band or powermatic 14-inch table saws good machines?
Yes they are very heavy duty machine and I recommend them 4 there price. All things being equal: horse power, table...
Popularity: 76 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find plans for a brick braai?
Popularity: 75 • Tools: Recategorize • Needs Answer
How do you fix a spalling concrete retainer wall in a bedroom?
The problem that you face is external rather than internal in that spalling usually happens where the internal surface freezes...
Popularity: 75 • Tools: Recategorize
Where could you look to find a design or layout of a farmhouse and its various outbuildings?
County clerks office or tax appraisal reports.
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Where can you find floor plans for dome homes?
Tryy this link: http://www.monolithic.com/plan_design/house_plans/ Try this link: Catalog of Monolithic Dome Home...
Popularity: 74 • Tools: Recategorize
If you have a 7 foot ceiling all throughout your home can you somehow raise it in the living room?
Yes, is there an attic? Or the roof can be raised. Or try putting in skylights to help brighten the area and make it feel more...
Popularity: 74 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you tell a right hanging door from a left hanging door?
Stand with your back against the jamb with the hinges on it. If the door swings to your right, it's a right hand door. If the...
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How much does it cost to add an extra bedroom?
If you do the contracting yourself and depending where you are you could save a lot of money. I just completed a 2nd floor...
Popularity: 74 • Tools: Recategorize
Why are yellow flames dirty?
You neeed to have a professional gas person to check if it can be adjusted to burn blue. Remember Blue is better, too much air...
Popularity: 73 • Tools: Recategorize
How many days does cement take to cure completely?
Generally 30 days brings concrete to to specified compression strength. Concrete may take 30 years to cure. Concrete will...
Popularity: 72 • Tools: Recategorize
Approximately how long would rebar rust?
Until all the rebar is gone. Rebar is just low grade steel with next to nothing in it to prevent rust. After a surface coat of...
Popularity: 72 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you make an addition to a mobile home that is only on a gravel pad?
no, probably not. The addition will have to be to code (which depends on your location) may or may not require a foundation. If...
Popularity: 71 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find the square footage of a house?
For a rough estimate, you could multiple the outside dimensions Length times Width and get total sq. ft of the home. Example: A...
Popularity: 70 • Tools: Recategorize
How is an open string stair case fixed?
It depends on how it is broke. BClear. From underneath
Popularity: 70 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the standard height for a towel bar?
Towel Bar Height Whatever height is most comfortable for you considering your height. If you are remodeling a home to sell, I...
Popularity: 70 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you cut rafters?
Cutting rafters requires knowledge of rise,run and line length per foot of run and skill with a 'framing square' and power saw....
Popularity: 69 • Tools: Recategorize
Do you need to install a shower pan or liner when installing a tile shower on a concrete floor?
It's still a good idea so that water doesn't seep through and run into the rest of the basement. Being a tile contractor for...
Popularity: 69 • Tools: Recategorize
What is involved in the process of constructing an underground car park?
see a good structural engineer and a reputable architect. davew
Popularity: 68 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you fix broken pieces of wood that have been pulled out by the screws of the screen door retractor in the door frame?
you can use either "bondo" or "Minwax Wood Filler" to patch the wood.Dont mix more that you can use in 5-10 min.. Use a good...
Popularity: 68 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the average cost of a 400 square foot addition on a ranch home either by square foot or total?
It depends on how you define a sunroom. A sunroom made with either aluminum, pvc, or wood with 80% glass walls can range between...
Popularity: 68 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the pros and cons for a poured concrete basement and a wood-base basement?
True termites don't eat concrete. I would suggest concrete just because if there is any water damage it does't effect it as much....
Popularity: 67 • Tools: Recategorize
What is stress grading in timber and where would you use it?
If I understand your query correctly, stress grading refers to how much load a particular piece of lumber can handle. The longer...
Popularity: 67 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you raise the elevation of a concrete slab room to the same as the rest of the house a total of about 9 inches?
you didn't say how large the floor was but you should be able to install new 2x6 joist supporting mid ro third span as required...
Popularity: 66 • Tools: Recategorize
What is window glass made of?
Common raw materials used for making glass consist of the following: Sand: finely divided rock and mineral particles,...
Popularity: 66 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you level and plumb a sliding glass door?
The question is a little confusing. If the floor is level you just put the bottom of the sliding glass door track on the floor....
Popularity: 66 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best way to install 12 feet of double insulated stovepipe in a fireplace chimney yourself?
Sorry but your question doesn't really make sense to me. Double insulated stove pipe IS a chimney. If you are LINING an existing...
Popularity: 65 • Tools: Recategorize
When was the nail invented?
Invention of the Nail From bookrags.com;"The earliest nails were probably made in the Middle-East about 5,000 years ago. Metal...
Popularity: 65 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you miter outside corners on beveled siding without a compound miter saw and what are some helpful tips?
I'm not sure I understand the material your using. I'm assuming it is wood. IF so, don't miter them unless you have a good...
Popularity: 64 • Tools: Recategorize
How would you go about cleaning concrete off of steel form stakes other than beating them with a hammer?
Try using muratic acid. I know that it can be used to etch concrete, so I'm sure that it will effectively remove the concrete...
Popularity: 63 • Tools: Recategorize
How many bricks would you need if the area of a patio is 396 square feet and one brick is 4'' x 8''?
If you lay out your bricks, 3 wide and 3 long, you'll get an area 12 inches x 24 inches. So every 9 brick, you'll cover 2 square...
Popularity: 63 • Tools: Recategorize
With what concrete-like material is a conrete foundation slab leveled an average of 3 inches so as to support a load bearing wall?
This question is not clear. A slab alone shouldn't support a load bearing wall, except for a shed type of building.
Popularity: 62 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you remove a popcorn-like ceiling if you want to replace it with a normal flat ceiling?
Mist the popcorn with water. Do not flood it, spray it. Give it a few minutes to soften and scrape it off with trowel or floor...
Popularity: 62 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the specs of a Stihl 031AV chainsaw?
2-stroke gas powered saw w/ electronic ignition. 16-24" bar typical, can take other bars. High torque, lower speed saw, circa...
Popularity: 62 • Tools: Recategorize
Can water be leaking through the grout of a second floor bathroom tile floor?
Water can very well find it's way through the floor. It is usually at areas where the tile meets a vertical area at a shower or...
Popularity: 60 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you remove metal hinges from a 50-year-old wooden door that has been painted many times?
apply paint and varnish remover to the area around the hinges follow the directions on the bottle the paint should peal away...
Popularity: 58 • Tools: Recategorize
What do you need to become a general contractor?
It depends on the state. Usually you have to take some courses to get your license. It costs a few hundred dollars.
Popularity: 57 • Tools: Recategorize
How much does a person with a carpenter's certificate make in a year?
Essentially you get paid by how well you negotiate with an employer. Also denpends on the area you live, whether or not your in...
Popularity: 56 • Tools: Recategorize
Are there any products to resurface pool decking?
when I was finishing concrete, we would use a combination of epoxy glue and decrotive pea gravel. mix the 2 and place on the...
Popularity: 56 • Tools: Recategorize
How much is an 80 lb bag of cement?
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=concrete%20mix
Popularity: 56 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the factors affecting the design process in construction?
Many things. Not only does a building need to be apealing to the eye, it has to be structurally sound. Snow loads, wind loads,...
Popularity: 51 • Tools: Recategorize
What is a direct glazing window?
A direct glazing window is just the transfer of the widely used direct glazing technology of windshields in cars into the window...
Popularity: 50 • Tools: Recategorize
What websites offer information on how to build a brick patio including how many bricks are required?
Here is what they say: To calculate your patio's size in square feet, multiply its length times width. If it is irregular,...
Popularity: 49 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you insulate an attic?
"How to Insulate an Attic" Actually insulating anywhere is one of the easiest parts about building/remodeling any...
Popularity: 49 • Tools: Recategorize
How do contractors make sure water will not leak through a bathroom shower floor?
Popularity: 48 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you get rid of wall lizards?
Buy a spud pistol and shoot them. This is the best way. I am going to do this myself. Shooting at them annoys them and this puts...
Popularity: 45 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the average cost for a 2-story 1800 to 2000 square foot home with a full unfinished basement in Western New York?
..call a local insurance agent who carries home owners insurance..they will have a per square foot price on construction...
Popularity: 45 • Tools: Recategorize
What would it cost to pour a 500 square foot driveway including materials and labor?
Depending on the area you are in and the price for labor/materials. The general pricing for finshed flatwork in California and...
Popularity: 45 • Tools: Recategorize
When and why did builders stop using hardwood floors and install plywood instead?
late 50's early 60's depending on where you live. Cost is the biggest factor. Both in material and labor. Much faster and...
Popularity: 45 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you change circular saw blade if its new and there is no blade in it yet. It also has no blade lock just the wrench.?
1. Make absolutely certain that the saw is UNPLUGGED! 2. Are you SURE the saw is UNPLUGGED??? 3. Open the guard and place a...
Popularity: 45 • Tools: Recategorize
If you built a deck three weeks ago with pressure treated wood using bright framing nails and they are already rusting on the top how long will they last?
Ouch, tough mistake. What you should have used was those high tech deck screws. If you ever need to replace a board it is a lot...
Popularity: 44 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the average cost to add an addition to your home?
The average cost is $10,000.00. This is kind of a guideline in real estate, that the addition of another bedroom or den will...
Popularity: 44 • Tools: Recategorize
Where can you find instructions on how to shingle a geodesic dome home?
You may try looking on all of the sites on "Buckminster Fuller" or "bucky balls". Buckminster was the originator of the geodesic...
Popularity: 44 • Tools: Recategorize
Why do some spirit levels have one vial of spirit above another?
Each vial has a slight curve. When level the bubble will seek the apex of the curve. The other vial in the same window is so...
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What are in jacks?
This is a very general question. I am familiar with hydraulic or "bottle" jacks, and I think this is what your question is...
Popularity: 43 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best way to install a toilet a shower and sink in your shop which already has a concrete floor and the main drain is 50 feet away?
Your biggest concern is the toilet which automatically requires a minimum drop below floor level, and then at least a sixteenth...
Popularity: 43 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you prevent delivery of loose unsolicited junk mail such as Local Grocery sales flyers etc?
On the front of the letterbox attach a small sign that says No Junk Mail or Adressed Mail only or No Advertising Material. But if...
Popularity: 43 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the absolute minimum time to wait to have enough strength in a structure made with rebar Lathe and Gunite to be able to move it with a crane without the thing crumbling or cracking easily?
Concrete cures over 30 years and last over 100. I would wait longer than 2 months to be sure.
Popularity: 42 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find studs when mounting garage shelf brackets?
AnswerAs a Carpenter i tap the wall with my hammer to listen for the studs!, you can tell when you come to one as the sound is...
Popularity: 42 • Tools: Recategorize
What should you do if the foundation is settling on your 2-year-old home caused by the drought in northern Missouri this year and it will be 27000 dollars to fix?
Actually, there are several solutions to this problem. First there is Augured-Pier additions. There are a lot of companies doing...
Popularity: 41 • Tools: Recategorize
