Feature Details
- Frequency: 1/wk
- Release date: Fridays
- Moves with art: Yes
- Moves with multimedia: No
- Available: International, U.S. & Canada
Ask the Builder
Carter is a former contractor who walks readers through home improvement projects step by step. He offers instructions on hiring the right professionals, as well as helpful project cost-breakdowns. Carter also provides materials suggestions and new ideas for homeowners who prefer to do smaller jobs themselves. Great for classifieds.
Ask the Builder Samples
To connect wood deck posts to concrete piers, plum bob is your friend
DEAR TIM: I need to build a deck, and I'm told that the wood posts that support the deck must then sit precisely on top of concrete piers. DEAR BONNIE: Your bewilderment is pretty common.
Install a new front door and save money
DEAR TIM: My front door is in bad shape, and my wife wants a new one. DEAR GARY: Installing a new front door is an ambitious project, especially if you've never done it before.
Water drainage around home requires understanding of gravity
DEAR TIM: Spring is here, and so are the incessant heavy rains. DEAR MARION: You're not alone. My college degree was in geology.
The eternal battle to keep a deck properly sealed
DEAR TIM: I've got a wood deck that needs to be sealed again. DEAR HEATHER: Virtually every homeowner that cares for a wood deck suffers like you do. Like you, I'm on a quest to discover the Holy Grail of deck stains and sealers.
Building a rudimentary tool collection
DEAR TIM: I'm a single mom with a few young kids and need to do home repairs myself because I simply can't afford to hire professionals.
Cleaning the underside of a wood deck
DEAR TIM: I have two decks at my home, one on top of the other. DEAR RHONDA: It sounds like you have a wonderful building lot that affords you a walk-out basement. The black and green coatings on the wood surfaces are mildew, mold and algae.
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