Recent content by papakevin

I like the idea of adding in a small steel support to help carry the load and reduce the risk of failure due to the compromised composite beam. I would be cutting the composite I-beam only in the stairwell - which is probably 3 feet wide or so. I’ve read adding support on either side of the...

Photo showing what I would want to remove to provide more clearance. I’m 5’10” and almost hit my head going downstairs. Bonus photo showing how I envision cutting into beam.

Not sure this is the correct thread for the my question, but since it involves structural integrity, might be the best place. I have a finished ceiling in the stairway going into my basement and there is a low area at the bottom due to the composite I-beam which runs across it. This beam is...

So, this is not the correct way to add a ground, but I have seen this done in an older house on circuits with low amp loads (like a lamp, or clock) so you can install a newer outlet in an older system. You would need to find a properly grounded plug (likely a newly installed outlet), turn it...

Depends on what they have in stock. The range is only a 40amp and a 15’ run so feel good with 8. If the 6 isn’t that much more, I will probably get it.

Thank you. Guess I’m making another trip to the crawl space.

I’m installing a new range (cooktop and oven combo, Amana) in a house which previously had a gas stove. New panel with a new breaker, so should be good. I ran orange 10/3 wiring (15’ run) and was in the process of hooking it up when I started to wonder if the gauge of the wire is correct. The...

Here’s the photo showing the damage. The first one uploaded appears to show where it was patched prior. Thanks.

I’m working on an old house for my son and removed the carpet to expose the hardwood floor. The boards in the living has some damage, but it’s mostly in good shape. I’m wondering if I can use wood putty to path and then stain it / color it to match? I know it won’t be perfect, just looking for...

Thanks. Yes, I added an outlet to the new panel with 12/2 wire and it goes from the breaker directly to the outlet which is below the box, so it is on a dedicated circuit. I’m just surprised the house lights will still dim after installing a new ground to the new box and new feed line from the...

I’m remodeling an older house which originally had a 60 amp main with screw in fuses. I’ve upgraded the electric panel to 100 amp service and had a certified electrician replace the main supply line from the meter to the panel and install a new ground. I’ve installed a new plug and new wire to...

I’ve replaced an old screw in fuse panel with a new 100 amp panel and breakers. When using a corded circular saw plugged into one of the new circuits (14g wire), all the lights in the house (on separate circuits) would dim. Is this caused by a bad ground, bad feeder wire from meter to box, too...

I have opened up an old kitchen wall and have quite a mess (see photo.) I’m planning on replacing all the plumbing with pex, but the old cast iron stack is concerning. Is this something I can replace myself with schedule 40? How difficult would this be? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Thanks for the info. Agree with all you’ve suggested. Need a vapor barrier and to keep water out of the crawl space. That’s part of the issue as well.