42,857 reputation
250102
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.


May
5
answered How do you keep from dropping grout all over when tiling?
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.
May
2
answered What size gravel works best for a driveway?
Apr
30
answered What type of primer should be used on moisture resistant drywall?
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.
Apr
30
answered How can I prevent an above-ground pool underlayment from failing due to erosion at one location?
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?
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.
Apr
27
revised How do I get these toilet shut off valve out?
added 475 characters in body
Apr
27
answered How do I get these toilet shut off valve out?
Apr
27
answered How can I insulate my attic conversion, without pulling down the plasterboard?
Apr
27
answered What is the process for power washing and staining a deck?
Apr
26
awarded  Announcer
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.
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.
Apr
26
answered Can I build a 28" retaining wall using blocks with no lip?
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.
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.
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.
Apr
24
answered Should I use underlay when tiling a bathroom?