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So I'm digging so I can begin work on my new paver patio when I encounter a tree root. The root is about 1.5" in diameter and about 10 feet from the tree. I'm wondering if cutting the root is okay given it's proximity to the tree, or would it still be harmful to the tree?

1. I'm wanting to install a new gas water heater. I was planning (for simplicity) to add stainless steel flex water and gas lines from the existing lines to the new water heater. Can I do this? 2. I need to add a shut off on the cold water supply. I was thinking of a 1/4 turn ball valve...

The property that we are interested in sits on 5 acres right on the outside of town. Our area is developing quite rapidly. According to a plan on our city's website the future use for this land is listed as medium density housing. My question is, if we purchase the home can the city force...

The ceiling joists in our garage are 2x4's and I would like to get rid of them and raise the ceiling using 2x8's as rafter ties for our conversion. I know about the 1/3 rule when installing ties. The rafters currently (2x6) span 12 feet from top plate to ridge board. I would like to have the...

It's the weekend, otherwise I'd just give my building inspector a call. I am in the beginning stages of our garage conversion. I will be framing in the garage door after I pour concrete to extend the curb. He told me to use hurricane ties and I forgot to ask him where specifically he was...

Our attached garage will become a bedroom/bathroom. The garage sits about 3 ft below the level of the house. On the side of the garage where the house and garage meet, the concrete block foundation of the house extends up. I need to attach a ledger (basically building a deck) a few inches...

I have a tight space in our garage remodel that I'd like to place a full bath. The space is approx. 5' deep by 7-8' wide. Can I frame in a 5'x7' bathroom (sink, toilet, tub/shower surround) by code? The sink and toilet would be along one wall and the supply for tub along the opposite wall...

Our garage will be converted. I plan on placing 2x8 as joists for subfloor. Could I add 6mm poly, followed by rigid foam board and then lay the 2x8 on top of this?

We are taking out our garage door and adding a window for a garage conversion. We currently have 12" masonite siding. Will the 12" cement board (Hardie) siding match up okay with this? I was planning on cutting the current siding on staggers so that I don't have to completely remove the...

We are converting our attached garage into a bedroom/bath. The current garage sits about 3' lower than the rest of the house's main floor. We are going to build the subfloor directly on top of current concrete floor (so it basically will rest on the floor). My question is, how should I...

After plumbing quotes around $4000 to add a full bath we've considered doing the work ourselves. Our house currently has copper, but we would like to use pex to supply shower, sink, and toilet. My questions refer to running pex to the different areas. Do I need to use a PEX manifold...

We've been cleared to convert our garage to a bedroom with 1/2 bath (possibly a full bath). With electrical, I'm guessing I will have to have someone licensed do the work, but what can I do to keep the costs as low as possible. I have added circuits before, but doing an entire room with...

Our building inspector cleared us for starting our garage conversion. Right now I'm trying to figure out what I can do to curb costs. Do I need a plumber for adding a toilet, sink and possibly a tub, or can I do this without a plumbing license? I'm pretty certain that I can add a wye...

a ceiling fan made by Litex. I have just gone through months of horrible costumer service and have been treated with rudeness and disrespect when inquiring about a purchase. The stores that carry these fans have been great, but if you're considering buying a Harbor Breeze or Ellington fan, I...

We're considering converting our single car attached to a bedroom/bath. I have a few questions about the foundation. 1.) How do we determine if the current garage has a foundation and is not just a slab? 2.) Do we necessarily need the garage to have a foundation or can the current space...

Just curious as to how much savings would be involved by having the "shell" of a house built (foudation, subfloor, walls, sheathing, rough in plumbing and electric). We would like a modern home around 2,000 sq ft. I've read I could save 50% on the cost of the home by doing it this way. I...

I am considering making our roughly 300 sq ft single car attached into a bedroom and 1/2 bath. There is no current access from the garage to the house and it sits about 2 1/2 ft lower than the house. The garage appears to sit on a concrete slab which has a few small cracks on the outside. We...

I've just completed the assembly of a barn wood table and I'm ready for the finish coat. I don't know if there is one option better than the other. It will be used for a kitchen table and the wood is doug fir and over 100 yrs old. Should I just poly or use a tung oil of sorts.

I've got a project that I've received several bits of advice. I have some 100 yr. old 2x8 lumber that I will be using to construct a rustic/modern kitchen table. I know that I need to make sure I have the edges nice and square so that I can glue and clamp the edges together (the width will be...

I live in central Iowa and have been looking for reclaimed lumber for a table I'd like to build. All of my yellow page searches have come up empty. Does anyone have any tips on who I might contact or where I could look?