Egbert writes: I have paid an architect in full ($7,000) for plans to an addition that measures 18x30 ft. The plan was declined by the zoning board, which later approved a revised plan for a smaller addition of 18x20 ft. When I asked him for the CAD files, the architect refused to give them to me. Kindly advise whether I have the right to own the CAD files? Also, should I be … [Read more...] about Who Owns an Architect’s Plans & CAD Files?
BUILDING Q&As
Splashback Rots Vertical Siding
Blair writes: I'm in a 30-year-old house built on a brick-ledge slab. The trouble is that the previous owner/builder used reverse board-and-batten siding to instead of brick. Over the years, rain hitting the ledge on the slab bounced up to rot the lower 2-4 inches of wood and likely the sole plate of the wall framing. My thought is to cut a foot or so above the rot around the … [Read more...] about Splashback Rots Vertical Siding
Who Applies for Building Permit?
Alex asks: Our contractor wants us to take out the building permit for an addition under our name and says that is standard procedure. Does it matter whether the owner or contractor takes out the building permit? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: In general, you are better off having the contractor take out the permit. If you take out the permit in your (the … [Read more...] about Who Applies for Building Permit?
Best Subfloor for Ceramic Tile
Scott writes: I have a galley style kitchen that is approximately 10x20 ft. The floor joists are 2x10s, spaced 24” on-center and running lengthwise. The maximum span is 14 ft., as a steel I-beam breaks the floor into two sections of 14 ft. and 6 ft. The basement ceiling is finished in drywall so I do not have access from below. The subfloor is 23/32 T&G OSB, with ¼ inch … [Read more...] about Best Subfloor for Ceramic Tile
Basement Vapor Barriers
Pierre writes: My basement wall is insulated with a 2 inches of Styrofoam on the interior and I built a 2×4 wall and added Roxul insulation. I planned to install vapor barrier on top. Is it OK to add this vapor barrier? It is for a bathroom with a tiled shower. I live in central Ontario, Canada. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, writes: The short answer is: Don’t use a … [Read more...] about Basement Vapor Barriers
Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Don asks: Our house measures just over the EPA limit for radon. Is this something we should be concerned about or are the risks overblown? How effective are radon mitigation systems and what do they cost? -- Doug M. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: While radon stories rarely appear in the news anymore, the health risk from exposure to high levels is real and … [Read more...] about Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Drilling Ceramic Tile & Stone
Randy asks: What is the best way to drill ceramic tile for installing grab bars, shower rods, and other hardware? I didn’t have much luck with a carbide bit and even tried a hammer drill. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: A carbide bit will work fine on soft wall tile, but floor tile and most wall tile used today are harder and require a diamond bit for easy … [Read more...] about Drilling Ceramic Tile & Stone
Best Underlayment for Tile Roofs
A: What is the best underlayment for a tile roof? Our house in Los Angeles is 25 years old. One roofer recommended removing the composite roofing tiles and replacing the old underlayment with 90-pound paper. Then they will replace the roofing tiles. Another roofer recommended the same approach, but with two layers of 30-pound felt as the underlayment. Please explain the … [Read more...] about Best Underlayment for Tile Roofs