Homeowner Forum / Construction / January 2004

I purchased an inexpensive laser and it lasted about 3 years.  It still
spins but will not make the receiver  beep.  I replaced receivers - and
cleaned the lens/mirror, replaced batteries.  A few beeps - erratic etc.
So what makes a good laser level???  Is it a more powerful laser?  ...

I was intrested in a small apartment bulding that was constructed in
the 40's. The electrical panel has been upgraded but the cable seems
original.but good, no ground at the outlets. It's a concrete block
building so I would imagine it would be difficult to run new cable. Is

I have some marble tile I want to use as a counter top. It looks really nice
but it seems to scratch real easy. Should I go buy something else like
ceramic or porcelean?
Dan

I have a stick built 2-story home in the Chicago area that was built in the
mid-80's. The attic is insulated with blown-in fiberglass insulation that
has over the years become compacted and is now only about 6 inches deep
throughout the attic.

Hi, all-
Due to a small miscalculation we have a garage with a ceiling that is
approximately 12 feet high.
How will a typical 8 foot tall door mount in this situation?  Can that

I have some grout (porcelain tile) on the floor of my kitchen that has
become stained over the years. It was never sealed. What's the best method
of cleaning and restoring the grout to a nice appearance? I've tried
scrubbing with bleach and other cleansers with no acceptable results ...

I am trying to design the stairways in my house under construction and the
little program I have isn't up to the job.
Are you familiar with a dedicated stairway design program that allows for a
3D view?

Hi, all-
What's the best approach to insulating hot water pipes that run through
walls already insulated with fiberglass insulation?
Will slip on foam tubing add insulating value?  Or is the fiberglass enough?

Building a new home, and we will be using light gauge steel framing instead
of wood for many reasons, such as fire resistance, lower insurance, longer
span, etc.
There are 3 companies that will design the frame and roll the steel:  2 are

The ceiling joists over my garage are 2 x 12's, on 24" centers. They span
approximately 22 feet, and are supported only by the walls (no I-beam or
other support, other than the walls). Every fourth or fifth joist is
doubled. There's a strong-back installed on top of the joists, ...

I was wondering if anybody has any experience working with ICF's.  I am more
of an apartment developer and not a contractor so I don't know much about
the ICF implementation.  We have always used wood frame and a siding / brick
exterior.  Is it really mold-free and thermal friendly ...

I removed all the existing concrete from my basement floor because it
was not poured very well, not exactly level and the main reason is
that the basement ceiling was too low by 3 inches per code. So, with
permits in hand, I excavated dirt out so that after new concrete is

Just wanted to let you know, that Magnaproducts is having a sale on their U.S.
made magnetic sweepers through March 15, 2004.  
A 16" sweeping width magnetic sweeper is on sale for $19.99 and a 23" sweeping
width magnetic sweeper is on sale for $28.99.

I'm getting a wood stove and am a little confused about the damper.  It's just there.  I understand that it goes inside stove pipe, but I'm a little concerned about getting it right.  My understanding is that you drill holes into the stove pipe, and then basically push the pin ...

We live in a house that is around 50 or 60 years old, small frame, about 950sq.
ft. It has the old two strand wire without the ground wire and cloth covering.
We
have been living in it for about 12 years now,,and wanting to re-model the