Robert writes: I am planning to build a second home. The builder who I hired has refused to provide copies of his bids for the various parts of the building process. He claims it’s not normal business practice and he’s never done it before. However, he did provide a document titled “Scope of Work” in which he identified the costs for the various parts of the project. The … [Read more...] about Estimate Seems Vague on Details
BUILDING Q&As
Repairing Termite and Water Damage
T.M. writes : I bought an older home described as “move-in-ready”. It was built in the early 1920's with green lumberyard wood over a crawlspace, and heated with a coal stove. A poured Michigan basement was added after the fact. A room with a bath and bedroom was added later with a dirt crawlspace floor. The addition had no insulation and no venting. The soil around the house … [Read more...] about Repairing Termite and Water Damage
Buy a Land-House Package or Hire a Builder?
Nadia writes: Hi, I'm planning to have a home built in an established subdivision with a couple of vacant lots. I have the option of either buying the lot and then building, or having the developer build and then buying the entire land-home package. I'm leaning towards doing the land-home package, but I want to have control over the process. I want to be able to make site … [Read more...] about Buy a Land-House Package or Hire a Builder?
Where to Find Residential Construction Specifications
Gina writes: I am a self taught decorator who has recently been asked to assemble a specification book for an architect on a project he is working on. I need a template for this information, any suggestions? Steve Bliss of BuildingAdvisor.com responds: I suggest you start by reading the section on specifications if you haven't already. A widely software package widely … [Read more...] about Where to Find Residential Construction Specifications
Composite Trim for Decks and Porches
Mamie writes: I am in need of direction. I have a totally wrapped front porch. The finish wood is pine and is definitely rotting on the outer face and edges. I need to use a product that will not rot, such as a composite. Which do you recommend. Also, how do you attach a composite material to the existing porch framing? I do have the porch wood sealed every year, but the wood … [Read more...] about Composite Trim for Decks and Porches
Drying and Repairing a Flooded Basement
Darlene S. writes: Our finished basement, which we rent out as an apartment, was flooded when the incoming well water hose clamp let go while we were out of town. We came home to over one foot of water. We are retired/disabled and live on a fixed income that relies on the revenue from the “in-law” apartment to pay our mortgage. The water clean-up company is eating up all of … [Read more...] about Drying and Repairing a Flooded Basement