Homeowner Forum / Construction / November 2005

Got a hot water heater - less than 3 years old.  The unit failed so I opened
it up to replace the bottom element (voltages were ok).  The caliche was
all the way up to the bottom element - literally several inches thick.  The
element itself was seriously coated with the stuff.

Got a quick question,
I'm struggling with an inspection issue.  I'm installing a gas range
that according to the plans requires a top cabinet maximum depth of 13
inches.  My side cabinets are 14.5 inches which is what is casuing the

Basement was poured yesterday and I need to order my floor package early
next week.  I see people in the neighbourhood are using open web trusses.
My supplier has engineered a floor for me using TJI joists.  I would like
opinions on what peeps here would use?  I called my heating ...

'fortunately' the current approach, off shoring US production,
and bloated goverment is collapsing the US tax base.. so the
mess will at least be addressed.
... ever so slowly the federal govt is  instituting import

Can you have low voltage lighting and irrigation in the same trench?
If not, does anyone know the separation rules?  Thanks!!

I am having a work shop built in a couple months and it is going to be
30'X40'. I live in AZ, and would like to know how thick the floor needs to
be and the footing? I am thinking about having the stem wall about 6"- 8"
high to keep water from the monsoons from running in.

Got alot of water in the basement last month during the floods.  The water
came up from below the floor.  It was recommended I install a couple of sump
pumps.  How do I know this is going to work?  In other words, how can i be
sure the water is going to travel under the basement ...

We are putting in a wood stove and would like to build a masonry wall,
probably brick, behind the stove (for fire protection) and next to it
on one side.  The walls would be about 4' high, one or two bricks
thick. Is it possible to do this over a wood floor? How can it be done?

I need to install parallel switches to a couple of lights. And so you
don't think I mean a common 3-way switch, I want this behavior:
Both on: lights on
A on: lights on

I was browsing around and found a site that might be of interest to you all as a contractor I was looking for tools to help my Business and I came accross this site .Very interesting
http://www.freeadguru.com/cgi-bin/o.pl?o=21728
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MAF Anti-Spam ID: 20050816221036C7z9WjZ7

My new company, supplies safety work wear and boots.
I did a quick search on the forums and see that people have
difficulties finding composite toe boots - if you need advice feel free
to e-mail me and I will try to help, also people having problems

If you are man at least 18 years of age the Millikin Project on Social
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The survey will take about 10 minutes and will help us understand the usage

We are putting in a wood stove and would like to build a masonry wall,
probably brick, behind the stove (for fire protection) and next to it
on one side.  The walls would be about 4' high, one or two bricks
thick. Is it possible to do this over a wood floor? How can it be done?

Had a house with a damaged kitchen floor from a water leak.  I ripped out
the old wood, scabbed in braces and used 3" decking screws to fasten
plywood to the joists.  Multiple coats of a floor leveling compound were
used to close the small seam gaps.  Then the floor was covered with ...

Hello.  Can anyone comment on the task of converting a single family
home to a multi-family?  What are the major pitfalls? I'm sure there's
more to add here...
1. Check with zoning department/building inspector to see if allowed.