Martin writes: How do you properly build a concrete deck (with a roof) over a living area and prevent water leakage from rain and snow? What are the code requirements? The location is in Eastern PA. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: Thanks for your inquiry. Unfortunately, the building code does not offer a lot of guidance on the best building details for this … [Read more...] about Building a Leak-Proof Rooftop Deck
BUILDING Q&As
Hiring a Construction Manager
Terence writes: How would you recommend paying a project manager? Would it be a percentage of the building cost or a daily or hourly rate? What would the rate be? Steve Bliss of BuildingAdvisor.com responds: Construction management is still primarily used on large commercial projects, but is gaining in popularity in residential work as it promises to reduce costs and give … [Read more...] about Hiring a Construction Manager
Cure for Basement Leakage
Dan writes: In the process of selling our house, the buyer’s inspector reported that there was "active water" in the basement. We assume that it was found in the walls or floor. We almost never experience any visible water in our basement. Can you recommend a professional to come to the house and perform an evaluation. The evaluation needs to include a verification of the … [Read more...] about Cure for Basement Leakage
Getting Bids for Rot Repair
Rich writes: On 75 townhouse units, is it better to get bids or pay for time and materials on new siding and repair of dry rot? You can't tell the extent of the dry rot until the siding is removed. I think the job will cost $300,000 to $400,000 to complete. The association members have many views. What do you advise? Steve Bliss of BuildingAdvisor.com responds: It sounds … [Read more...] about Getting Bids for Rot Repair
Soil Washed Away Under Foundation
Steve writes: A friend recently moved into a property where a downspout leaked for years causing soil under the footings to be washed away on one corner of property. Their builder said they need to fill the void with concrete to provide support in that area. Is this a good approach and what would you call this remedy? Steve Bliss of BuildingAdivsor.com responds: This sounds … [Read more...] about Soil Washed Away Under Foundation
Who Should Buy Builder’s Risk Insurance?
Travis writes: We are in the planning stages of building a house. We will be paying cash and have gotten quotes from three builders. We have been told by three different insurance agents that as the property owners paying cash, that we should have the Builder’s Risk insurance and the builder should have liability insurance. Two of the builders told us that they are the ones … [Read more...] about Who Should Buy Builder’s Risk Insurance?
Should I Pay for a Remodeling Estimate?
Thom asks: Should I pay for a cost estimate? This is a remodel project of a kitchen and three baths. Steve Bliss of BuildingAdvisor.com responds: While most contractors advertise "Free Estimates," some contractors charge a fee for estimates – especially higher-end contractors who often spend a lot of time preparing detailed estimates, plans, and specifications for jobs they … [Read more...] about Should I Pay for a Remodeling Estimate?
Owner-Supplied Labor for Part of a Job?
Budd writes: I am building an addition to my home. My contractor is charging me a 22% markup, which is fine. However, in his contract, he states that if I find someone outside his business to do part of the work (like put in flooring, for example), he will still charge me 22% of what the flooring guy is charging me, since he says he is still in control of the entire … [Read more...] about Owner-Supplied Labor for Part of a Job?