General |
| | I have squeaky basement stairs that I want to try and repair. I have access to the bottom of the stairs. What is the best way to fix this problem? |
| | Here is a quick and effective fix for those stairs. The squeak you hear is the treads rubbing against the nails that affix the treads to the stringers. Just drive wood screws through the treads at each corner where the treads contact the stringers. Its also a good idea to countersink these screws so as not to create a trip hazard. More To eliminate the squeaks try one or more of these ideas: If there are wedges stuck into the joints of the risers and the steps, tap those tight or add more if some are missing. A dab of glue on the wedge before tapping it in will hold it in place. If you identify a squeaker, glue and screw some blocks in place underneath where the riser meets the tread. Glue and screw the block to the riser first, just a little lower than the upper edge so that the tread will be pulled down to it by the screw. To stiffen them up and eliminate creaks, you can install metal "L" shelf brackets. Again, mount them a little lower than the upper edge on the riser so that the tread will be pulled down. |
| | Can I Convert My Attic, Basement, or Garage Into Living Space? |
| | Finishing off an existing attic, basement, or garage may seem like a great way to create more living space, but it is important to do some 'homework' first. Check on the zoning and building requirements early in the process. You will save a lot of time and money knowing about County building standards in advance. Existing conditions could make it expensive, difficult, or even impossible to you to change your attic, basement, or garage into living space |
| | How Do I Know If I Need A Building Permit? |
| | Many homeowners are not aware when a permit is required. As a general rule, the answer is YES - any construction work that is regulated by adopted building codes and fire and public safety regulations requires a permit before work can begin. The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Building Department. Discuss your plans with Building Department staff before you begin construction to determine whether you need a permit. The staff member will answer your construction questions and may provide valuable advice. Here are some common construction projects that REQUIRE a building permit: ·To erect a new building or structure, including garages, agricultural buildings, additions, decks, swimming pools, and manufactured/mobile homes. ·Renovations (garage conversions, basement finishes, kitchen expansions, etc.) ·Commercial floor plan alterations and changes of use ·Decks over 30" above ground ·Fences greater than six feet high ·To demolish, repair, alter, add to, or move an existing building or structure ·Fireplace/wood stove installations ·Propane installations ·For any repairs which change or affect the structural nature of a building or structure ·Electrical work ·Fire alarms and sprinkler systems ·Addition of or changing out air conditioning/heat systems ·Water heaters (new or replacement) ·Structural alterations or repairs ·Signs and signage (temporary or permanent) ·Roof repairs and re-roofing ·Gas line installation and repairs ·Siding ·Retaining walls 4 feet or higher Building Permits Are Not Required For: ·Fences six feet high or less ·Painting, decorating, and laying carpet ·Cabinet work ·Repairs using similar or same materials for the purpose of maintenance and which do not affect any mechanical work ·Accessory structures (storage sheds, etc.) not greater than 120 square feet in floor area, provided a hazard is not created. However, a Setback and Use permit is required for these structures. |
| | Question:Does building an addition to a house cost the same, per square foot, as building a new house? |
| | Answer: No. On a square foot basis, adding on usually costs considerably more. There are several reasons for this.
·Adding on involves demolition, removal and disposal of existing materials. ·Existing spaces must be secured and protected from construction and from the elements. ·A remodel may include a greater proportion of high-cost space (such as kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms with fireplaces or windows) than would a new house. ·While the overall scope of a remodeling project is smaller, the details may not be any fewer. Utilities must be both disconnected and reconnected. Permits still must be obtained. The same materials must be ordered and delivered, only in smaller quantities. The same subcontractors may visit the site the same number of times, only to perform fewer tasks per visit. ·In new construction, everything is new. The only surprises on a new home site are under the ground. In a remodel, the builder never knows what he will discover when he dismantles an existing structure. There may be rotten wood, something built not-to-code, faulty wiring, plumbing or heating. Repairing these add to the cost. |
| | What is a Designer-Builder? |
| | A designer-builder oversees the creation of your home from the first brain-storming sessions until the moment you turn the key in your own front door. A designer who is also a builder brings to the design process his practical building experience and his knowledge of materials and structures. When he solves a problem in the field, he is able to apply that new knowledge to his future work on the drawing board. And, since he knows his own building skills, he is not likely to draw structures with which he is not familiar. A builder who is also a designer has a professional concern that the design be built just as he envisioned it. Therefore, he will not deviate from the structural systems as shown on the plans. Finally, with a designer-builder in charge of the job, design changes requested by the client go much more smoothly, with a minimum of delay, because there are fewer parties involved. Sometimes even major changes can be accomplished in mid-stream, rather than being delayed by back-and-forth communications with a separate architect or designer. |
| | Custom means made-to-order. Some people think a custom home has to be expensive. Not necessarily! Any kind of home can be custom built, from a mansion full of expensive fixtures and materials to a tiny economical cottage. What they have in common is that the features are specified by the homeowners, rather than by the builder, based upon what he thinks will sell. When building a custom home, options are evaluated only on the basis of what is important to the homeowners. Any home may be kept from becoming more expensive than necessary, by eliminating wasted space, unnecessary maintenance, and unwanted features. Simple design details, not expensive to build, can change a plain design to a charming one. There are, of course, degrees of custom. It might be just choosing flooring, cabinets, or where to place extra mirrors. It might be making minor alterations to a existing plan to better fit personal needs. |
| | Question: What are the responsibilities of a general contractor? |
| | Answer: A general contractor will generally define his duties in the building contract. some of these responsibilities may be: ·Administering the application process for all county, city and special permits. ·Assisting in the application process for bank financing. ·Coordinating, scheduling, monitoring and inspecting the job as a whole. ·Specifying, ordering, monitoring, receiving, inspecting and storing materials and fixtures from suppliers. ·Working out specifications, techniques, agreements, and schedules with sub-contractors and inspecting their work. ·Checking the records of individual sub-contractors with the Construction Contractors Board. ·Keeping records needed for, and filing, IRS Information Returns at the end of the year. ·Obtaining certificates of current insurance from sub-contractors. ·Obtaining suppliers' and sub-contractors' warranties and helping you process warranty claims. ·Keeping track of your specifications, reminding you of decisions still to be made, and making changes requested. ·Tracking the costs of the job on a regular basis and comparing them to the original estimates. ·Liaison between you, the home owner, and all the other people involved with building your home: oDesigner, builder, engineers, surveyors oPlumbers, excavators, carpenters, electricians, roofers, masons, painters, cabinet makers, glaziers, concrete and sheet metal workers oInstallers of drywall, insulation, heating and air conditioning systems, fireplaces, flooring, and trim oSuppliers, lumber yards, showrooms, manufacturer's representatives and service personnel oGovernment agencies, inspectors, utility and fuel companies, bankers, and sometimes your friends and neighbors! |
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