Homeowner Forum / Construction / April 2004

Can anyone point me to a website that will give me some direction on How To
pour a concrete slab for a workshop. 16" X 20"
Thanks.
ron

Greetings All,
A Buddy of mine an I are starting up a CAD Design/Detailing shop
specializing in commercial plumbing and fitting work, but we can handle just
about anything that needs to get put on CAD also.  Landing the contracts and

I want to paint the garage floor (slab on grade) in my new home. Any
suggestions regarding prep, sealing and final finish (paint, epoxy?, etc.)
would be greatly appreciated.
Randy

I'm building a freestanding deck which has a 24" cantilever at the far
end. The codes that I've seen specify using a doubled joist for the
header at this end.  Does anyone know why this is?  My understanding
is that the load is carried by the beam set back 24", and that the

The Building Inspection Dept in the area that I live recognizes the CABO Code.
Is there anywhere in CABO that states that materials must be installed as per
manufacturers' instructions and documentation?  It turns out that the
contractor building our home did not provide an 1/8th ...

I have a very sloping garden and want to build it up rather than level it as
12" under soil level is solid granite.
I have asked many contractors to give me an estimate but they take one look
find it unprofitable and scarper.

I wonder if someone can help me with a question?
What defines a building to fall under commercial building codes that
require all fire rated materials verses some that get away with wood
structures?

Floor Plans
basement appox 1,300sf
First floor 2,000
Second flr little 1,700

I have a 63 year-old extended cape on which I'd like to put vinyl siding.
Two contractors never mentioned tearing off the existing cedar, but a third
strongly suggested removing it. Is it generally worth it to remove the wood
siding?

I want to hang some shelves in my basement, and the best spot is along a
cinderblock wall.  I don't get any water in the basement, but I do get some
efflorescence.
Would it be a bad idea to drill about 6 or 8 small holes into the blocks,

I own a standard raised ranch.
Basement 26x48 feet1/2 "on grade" 1/2 about 2 feet below grade.
Walls 2x4 studs, on an 8 inch x 4 foot poured concrete wall on 6" footings.
1st floor is 28x48 feet overhangs the basement at the front, except for

Okay, I've seen a few threads on tank vs. tankless water heaters. I've
even read the bob the builder article on the fallacy of tankless.
Here's my situation (which is very different than bob the builder.)
I live in southern california. The temperature rarely dips below the

Hi Everyone;
I was hoping you could give me your opinions on something.  We would
like to put an addition on our home which involves tearing off the
roof over the garage and family room and building some rooms above the

Looking for a general idea of cost for electrical rough-in, I'll be doing
the fixtures and switches/plugs myself.  House is 3200 sf heated, 1 story, 4
bed/3.5 bath/3 gar, with all electric except range top and water heaters,
plus 2 heat pumps.  I'll run a 320A meter loop, with 200A ...

I am thinking about covering my brick building with cement type covering.
What is the best technique to ensure that it sticks to the bricks over the
years. The currents bricks are in very bad shape.
Olushola