Q: We are planning to buy a partly developed building lot. Do you need a perc test if there is sewer hookup at the road? Also, is there such a thing as a well test? -- Jim A: If you planning to tie into the municipal sewer system, then there is no need for a perc test. If you have the option of installing an onsite sewage system, and wish to do so for financial or other … [Read more...] about Testing for Well & Septic On New Lot
BUILDING Q&As
Who Can I Hire To Evaluate Land?
Stephanie asks: Who is the right person to answer questions from the Land Buying Checklist? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, replies: Most of the issues raised in the Land Buying Checklist are also discussed in Questions to Ask, which suggests where to get answers to questions about vacant land. Questions are broken down by the various types of professionals, … [Read more...] about Who Can I Hire To Evaluate Land?
Buckling Asphalt Shingles
Lee Writes: Please tell me what caused the buckling shingles in this photo. It appears to me to be the materials rather than structural. This roof was installed in April 2013 in northern Texas. The shingles are Tamko 20-year 3-tab. There is visible warping three years following the installation, as seen in the attached images. The roofer has recently inspected in the … [Read more...] about Buckling Asphalt Shingles
How to Tell if Wall is Loadbearing
Oscar asks: What is the simplest way to identify different types of interior wall structures and whether it is safe to remove some of the studs? Also, what are the telltale signs that reveal different roof structures? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: As for figuring out wall and roof structures, it takes a bit of detective work and knowledge about residential … [Read more...] about How to Tell if Wall is Loadbearing
Architect’s Plans Don’t Meet Code
Andrew writes: I hired an architect who drafted plans for a loft in our townhouse. My contractor brought the plans to the city and was denied a building permit because the plans didn't fit the building code. Now the architect is re-doing the plans, and billing me for this cost and for the time required to meet with the building and planning department to sort out the … [Read more...] about Architect’s Plans Don’t Meet Code
Warranties and New-Home Defects
Q: If a ceramic-tile floor is failing in our less than 10-year-old home, does the builder have an obligation to replace it if it was not installed properly? Are there minimum requirements that have to be met when installing a ceramic floor in new construction? — Sheila A: There are well-established industry standards for setting ceramic tile, published by the Tile Council of … [Read more...] about Warranties and New-Home Defects
PEX vs. Copper Plumbing
Mark writes: I own a Cape-style house built in 1945 and worry about a leak developing in the iron water lines when I am not at home to shut off the water at the mains. Is there a reason not to use PEX or PVC rather than copper pipe? Is there any way to get an independent idea of what a plumber should charge to do this? I live in a small town and we seem to be largely at the … [Read more...] about PEX vs. Copper Plumbing
Cost-Plus: How Much Markup?
Bryn asks: On a cost-plus bid, what be an average to high-average markup to expect from a contractor with a strong reputation for doing good work? What is the highest percentage one might expect? Are there other factors in comparing bids? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: There is no industry standard for markup percentage and the numbers vary a lot depending on … [Read more...] about Cost-Plus: How Much Markup?