A BUILDER’s PROBLEM NOT THE TOPMAKER) I’ve had to replace laminated (yeah, kitchen laminates are still “a thing”) kitchen countertops for customers three times over the years so I think swelling on the mitre joint is a serious problem. For my subs theyre not a problem but for a builder they definitely are. That’s because the builder is the one who gets the callback. I always design my kitchens (or provide input) to locate a 45° mitre as far from the dishwasher or sink as possible, but... Kitchen countertop mitres- a real problem ..read more

Below is one commercial building. Just take picture this morning , have 3 questions: 1, why all plywood sheathing inside ? Usually plywood sheathing located outside , drywall panel inside ? 2 , what the use for bracket with #1? What name ? Usually use nail guy to fasten plywood to stud . Why need bracket here ? 3 what is the horizontal component with number 2 ? Temporary or not ? What purpose ? thanks ..read more

I need to cut a trap door to provide access to my crawl space. Does cutting a trap door in the floor next to a load bearing wall compromise the structural integrity of the of the wall/building? Thanks, John ..read more

We bought a house prior to it being built. After it was done the problems we had inside and outside were unbelievably. I started to think that we were just out of the loop and this is normal for new house track home construction. Then I started looking closely at the siding and referred to the installation instructions from the website and it was all wrong. From what I can see most of the contractors here in NWA they are not following all the guidelines. The homes built by our builder they... I'd like to talk about James Hardie siding ..read more

View attachment 565686 So I’ve done my fair share of rot repair. Would say it’s one of my best qualities actually. I once replaced a section of rim/plate/studs (all minor as far as amount) but it was on a permit job (wink,wink) but the clients sister was an inspector for the city. It was some additional work that came with residing the house (t-1-11) the sister said... Rot repair ..read more

I pulled this piece of trim off of my shower and can't find a replacement. The panel it is fitting to is 1/8". I have a piece of outside corner j channel, but the dimesions aren't 1/2" on each leg, and I need it to be 5/8"-3/4". I have posted pictures of the strip I removed as well as the dimensions of the new strip that is not quite wide enough. Does anyone know what this is called/where I can find it? Thanks ..read more

Hello all can someone tell me if I need to join the CCAT union and be willing to work at heights to learn the millwork and cabinetry trades? Can I join the CCAT and local 27 without being willing to work at heights? What are some ways to enter the millwork and cabinetry and finish carpentry side ..read more

TLDR; Framing/Screening in porch with columns outside of the porch. New here and have a predicament. I am wanting to screen in my back porch. However, I want to do a little more than just your basic screen. I would like to frame the porch out and do a low wall on the bottom with lap siding or shiplap and then screen above. This porch was added on and I'm not sure it was done correctly. The issue I'm having is the posts are not connected to the porch flooring. They are sitting flush with the... Porch Post Outside of Porch Flatwork - Screen In ..read more

I am remodeling a 1931 home in norther California. I am in the process of replacing damaged rim running parallel to floor joist in one section (the whole wall) there the bottom plate will be replaced as well. The subfloor is in bad shape under the plate only (1x6) I’ve done lots of subfloor patches but usually away from any wall. Or when the wall will be removed. my question is for when only the subfloor is damaged. Is it better to treat the wood and block it out underneath. Or extract it... Subfloor rotted only under exterior wall ..read more

Hi, just demolished an illegal set of concrete steps today and was planning to run T an G Doug fir. it’s in a corner for the back door of house. Minor overhang. I wanted to run the decking parallel to the house and door (house is supported by pier system.) it’s going to be a free standing small deck 4 x 7 And it dawned on me if the slope direction being perpendicular to the board direction might become an issue later on, or since it’s all so tight anyways it doesn’t matter much. Regular... Running Doug fir T and G perpendicular to the slope direction for an uncovered porch ..read more