| bio | website | axiomhomeservices.com |
|---|---|---|
| location | Windham, ME | |
| age | 60 | |
| visits | member for | 2 years, 9 months |
| seen | 41 mins ago | |
| stats | profile views | 2,306 |
General Building Contractor, Certified Home Inspector and Licensed EPA Renovator. I am winding down my years of pounding nails, building custom homes and additions, renovating kitchens and bathrooms, and converting cellars and attics into beautiful living spaces. I am doing more and more home inspections as my bones age and my back gives out. Now I find it easier to look objectively at home structures than to build them. My goal here on Stack Exchange is to help DIY'ers do it the right way and share my years of building experience with them. I may not always give the most popular answer, but I will always give my best informed advise.
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May 5 |
answered | How do you keep from dropping grout all over when tiling? |
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May 2 |
comment |
How do I determine if a wall is load bearing? Rare that a partition wall parallel with the floor or ceiling joists would be load bearing. Usually the joists end at a point that is load bearing. this is in the center of the building or along the parameter. load bearing areas will have posts supporting beams in the basement, where joists rest on the beam. |
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May 2 |
answered | What size gravel works best for a driveway? |
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Apr 30 |
answered | What type of primer should be used on moisture resistant drywall? |
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Apr 30 |
comment |
How can I prevent an above-ground pool underlayment from failing due to erosion at one location? I am a true believer in finding the root cause for problems. Some DIYers tend to look for the quick fix and not willing to take the extra time to do it right. Not necessarily this person's situation, but see so many questions looking for the magic bullet. |
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Apr 30 |
answered | How can I prevent an above-ground pool underlayment from failing due to erosion at one location? |
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Apr 27 |
comment |
Can I build a 28" retaining wall using blocks with no lip? @Eric: Can you explain what you are referring to as a lip? I am not really sure what you are talking about. May be just a difference in vocabulary. Are you referring to interlocking lips on the paving stones? |
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Apr 27 |
comment |
How can I insulate my attic conversion, without pulling down the plasterboard? If the cavities are vented and covered directly with sheetrock, then they cannot be insulated. This situation is a no no!!! Soffit to ridge venting should not be done in a closed cavity. |
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Apr 27 |
revised |
How do I get these toilet shut off valve out? added 475 characters in body |
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Apr 27 |
answered | How do I get these toilet shut off valve out? |
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Apr 27 |
answered | How can I insulate my attic conversion, without pulling down the plasterboard? |
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Apr 27 |
answered | What is the process for power washing and staining a deck? |
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Apr 26 |
awarded | Announcer |
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Apr 26 |
comment |
Are flexible PVC couplings rated for direct burial? I think the clamps may suffer underground, but if you use some neoprene tape (ice & water shield etc.) on the joints I'm sure it will last indefinitely. There is no pressure, so any fairly rust resistant coupling should work fine. |
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Apr 26 |
comment |
What are the issues with using sour smelling paint? Once you have painted over the foul primer with some new paint, the problem should be gone forever. Glad you threw out the old stuff. |
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Apr 26 |
answered | Can I build a 28" retaining wall using blocks with no lip? |
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Apr 24 |
comment |
Should I use underlay when tiling a bathroom? pouring and leveling an inch of concrete on a floor is a real trick. Stick with the hardy backer. Poured concrete on plywood is not a great idea, more water. Also, it can't be removed easily if one wants to change the floor at a future date. |
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Apr 24 |
comment |
What type of nail gun is recommended? Clip heads have served me well for over a decade and you have so many choices of sizes and styles in stock at box stores, ie: common, galv, threaded, etc. |
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Apr 24 |
comment |
What type of nail gun is recommended? @Eric. I have two bostitch framers. One is over 10 years old, been re-sealed three times (normal for the amount of use) at no charge by bos at shows when you buy a case of nails. the damn thing is bullet proof. It has taken headers from 30 feet up with no damage. I use only clip head nails. you can load a lot more and no debris flying in your face. For what little use you will give it, it will last a lifetime. There is no real advantage to round head nails, they both work fine. |
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Apr 24 |
answered | Should I use underlay when tiling a bathroom? |