Basement Kitchen
The hot line is a dream come true for any chef. Made of heavy duty stainless steel and heated with gas (the previous kitchen was electric), it features some great improvements. A six burner gas range leads off the line and each burner puts out ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
A Panelized Home: Preparing The Foundation
Then, the site plan revealed a problem with the grade. To build on the existing site would mean using a pump station for waste removal. Since the owners preferred a gravity system, they decided to blast the underlying foundation to accommodate ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Avoiding Flood Damage Protecting Your Property
Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by flood waters. These tanks pose serious threats not only to you, your family, and your house, but also to public safety and the environment. An unanchored tank outside your house can be driven into your ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Basement Access Doors
Another option is a pre-cast concrete stairway sized to fit the steel door unit you select. When the foundation contractor pours the footings and foundation, a cutout is left sized for the pre-cast stairway. Once the foundation had cured, the ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Basement Remodels Find Space For Living
Another aspect of value is equity and payback, or how the project will affect the immediate value of your home and any long-term payback for the project when the house is sold. These questions may be difficult to answer, but they should be ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Basement Storage
External water damage is usually due to poor drainage or tiny leaks in the foundation. Correcting these issues can be a bit more complicated, and may result in some costly excavation; so, there are some simple remedies that you may want to try ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Basement Trim
Judson runs through the steps to complete a doorway with Bob and Ryley there to lend a hand. The short point on the inset bead is marked to make the initial 45 degree cut; this helps to make an even reveal all the way down. After making the ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Egress Solutions For Basement Living Space
The ICC’s 2006 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Story Dwellings has new language stating basements that contain one or more sleeping rooms are required to have emergency egress and rescue openings in each sleeping room. Emergency ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Garage Workshop Foundation And Slab
The height of the concrete foundation wall is usually determined by the size of the structure above. “For a single-story garage we look for an 8 inch foundation wall,” says Farrell. “A two-story structure would require at least a 10 inch ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up—BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Energywise House: Building With Insulated Concrete Forms
Because of the triple insulative nature of these forms, ICFs are extremely energy efficient. The R-value of the insulation, coupled with the thermal mass of the concrete, and the elimination of air leakage, makes for an R-40 energy rating or ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Dealing With A Wet Basement
A dirt floor or crawlspace may also emit moisture. One possibility is to pour a concrete floor over a sealed polyethylene moisture barrier on the floor. For crawlspaces, a ground cover will reduce the moisture coming up through the earth. ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
