Questions tagged [building]
The building tag has no usage guidance.
38
questions
12
votes
0answers
2k views
What is this large steel structure used in excavation? [migrated]
This may not be in the right site, but I can't find a 'construction' meta site. I keep seeing these large rectangular structures on job sites they put in the ground.
I'm guessing something for ...
0
votes
2answers
48 views
1m high retaining wall build
I'm hoping to use 215mm concrete breeze blocks to build a 20m long retaining wall at 1m high. Do I need to build the blocks on their flat or can it be a regular single skin wall with piers every so ...
3
votes
0answers
101 views
What is this noise from next door?
There’s a strange mechanical whirr coming from the building next door. It buzzes every four minutes.
Listen here: https://clyp.it/3qwn1qhc
We keep the windows open in our bedroom during the winter ...
0
votes
2answers
35 views
Is hanging beam a type of vertical members?
per wiki
A joist is a horizontal structural member used in framing to span an open space, often between beams that subsequently transfer loads to vertical members.
What does "vertical member" mean ...
0
votes
1answer
63 views
Is the wood part ceiling joist
per wiki,
A joist is a horizontal structural member used in framing to span an open space,
often between beams that subsequently transfer loads to vertical members.
This tutorial mentions ...
0
votes
2answers
70 views
Leak-proofing aluminium windows in a minimalist house
I live in the tropics and plan to build my first home soon. The house will be 2-story with high ceilings (3.96m floor to floor--to improve indoor temp), walls will be made of plastered bricks and I ...
2
votes
1answer
74 views
Should columns supporting a beam be fastened to the floor?
I am trying to take down a load bearing wall and have had an engineer draw plans and advise I use a steel beam and columns to support the floor above.
Do I need something to secure the columns to the ...
0
votes
2answers
60 views
DIY Murphy Bunk Bed
I know how to build it. I just need to know how to keep the top bunk stable and not fall off when carrying a 170lb person.
This is what I have put together so far.
If I missed something please ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
Max sill height for windows as an escape and rescue in a group R-3 occupancy?
Don't have a IBC code book available, assuming it's answered in there. Google is giving me some confusing answers
1
vote
2answers
679 views
Running EMT conduit through soffit into attic
I am running a couple of new circuits to the bathroom which will involve running THHN wires through the emt conduit. The problem is that my panel is on the exterior wall and the conduit will need to ...
1
vote
1answer
86 views
How to locate a line parallel to adjacent building for a new building
I want to build a new building next to an existing building. The new building must be parallel to the old building, but shifted forward, as shown below. What is the best way to find a parallel line ...
0
votes
0answers
28 views
Integrate log wall into a concrete wall
Note: I'm not building the house at the moment, just doing some research.
Say, one already has a concrete foundation ready for the main part of the house and garage (both of them share one platform). ...
0
votes
1answer
46 views
How to avoid mouldy properties?
I've been wondering if there is any way to recognise materials/home designs which may mean the growth of mould in a house?
For normal properties, simply opening the window during a shower prevents ...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
Building a house in sections over time
Say I someday want to have a large estate, but for right now I just want to build the living room, kitchen, one bathroom, etc. and next year add another bedroom, library, etc. either adjoining or ...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
Need snow shield ideas for photo eye case
We have two automatic bay doors at our carwash. These doors are operated (open, close) by photoeyes. When installed they were installed diagonally to each other instead of horizontally. One of the ...
0
votes
1answer
62 views
Closing in a window opening on a cinderblock wall
I am having a window closed in, on a cinderblock wall. My contractor laid mortar horizontally when he put up the wall. But he left gaps on all the vertical sides of the cinderblocks. When I questioned ...
0
votes
2answers
66 views
How to learn house construction? [closed]
I want to learn house construction engineering in very cold climate (Sweden), wooden and brick.
It should cover the following questions (you don't need to answer it):
How the roof, walls and ground ...
0
votes
1answer
116 views
Is it possible to build a balcony without scaffolding or street access? [closed]
I live in a building converted from an old red-brick school, which has double-height rooms which were classrooms, with large windows (1m wide x 3m high) which go down to floor level.
I'm on the ...
0
votes
1answer
57 views
What are possible environmental concerns that delay home construction/additions and why do they do so? [closed]
I know that identifying wetlands or steep slopes on your property is important before you design and begin to build, but what other issues have people run into when trying to either start or finish an ...
0
votes
1answer
152 views
How do I identify if a caulk is water-based or solvent-based?
I have a new position in a hardware store, and I have customers asking me which caulking materials I have are water-based, and which ones are solvent-based.
This is important for cleanup and tooling, ...
0
votes
0answers
32 views
What considerations need to be taken when building a lakefront property?
I'm in the process of evaluating a lake-front lot in my city in hopes of building my next home there. The lot is on a small peninsula as seen on google maps here.
I briefly talked to a friend of mine ...
0
votes
1answer
21 views
roof or drylining walls first [closed]
We are renovating our house, re-roofing, dry lining and getting windows replaced. The builder recons he will do the dry lining first and then the roof . Does it matter in what order this happens
16
votes
10answers
6k views
Could a layman build a house from plans?
i am looking at pre-made architectural house plans on the Internet ranging from 300 to 800 square feet, some multi-level. I have no housebuilding experience. I don't imagine many of the millennials ...
1
vote
1answer
269 views
How much clearance do we need for side-loading garage
When we build our house we will have a 16' clearance between our property-line and the garage. Is this enough distance for turning into a side-loading garage without making it too tight to pull in and ...
2
votes
4answers
145 views
Who is the right type of person to create construction drawings for a home I've already designed?
As the ultimate DIY project, I want to owner-build a home. I've already "designed" the house, meaning I have a 1/2" scale floor plan, roofing ridge line, and elevations for all interior and exterior ...
0
votes
1answer
44 views
Where to get anti slip treads for walkways? [closed]
I've tried looking for the following in HomeDepot, Amazon and various online supply stores but can't seem to find this exact product. I have seen this used as pedestrian walkway dividers in streets ...
1
vote
1answer
261 views
How to connect old garage with the new home addition
I'm planning to build a home addition between the old house and old garage. I wanted to know what is the best practice to join an old building(garage) with the new structure.
Leaving an empty space ...
0
votes
1answer
113 views
2nd Storey subfloor is super wavy. Why?
Buying a 10yo home FSBO, owner was the builder. Owner says the wavy floor on the 2nd storey is from the roof not being on before they did the 2nd storey subfloor (OSB, 2000sqft) and several ...
0
votes
1answer
136 views
Why is uncommon geometric houses expensive to make? [duplicate]
I was making a heptagonal miniature house and wanted to research why they are so feasible. However, the Internet does not have anything over the specific question. How much exactly would it cost for ...
1
vote
2answers
360 views
Can sill plates extend one inch beyond the foundation wall to accommodate foam insulation?
Is it ok to have the sill plate 1 inch past the concrete all the way around the house to allow for 2 in foam to the foundation.
0
votes
4answers
619 views
How can I prevent ground wire buzz in my wiring?
i have an out building on the property,
it has electricity. but i have no idea about the wiring or how its setup.
there are plenty of outlets and lights. But i will assume since there is no panel/...
13
votes
5answers
3k views
How to stop a wall from falling
My Beloved Barn roof has almost gone and, without the money to repair it, I had to let it go. This has meant the walls have started to go and, as you can see from the picture, half the front part has ...
1
vote
1answer
92 views
Is a cracked brick sign of a deeper problem
I've just noticed a cracked brick, and wondered if I could just replace it and do some repointing, or could suggest another problem?
The cracked brick appears to have a crack in the mortar moving ...
1
vote
1answer
174 views
How serious is building subsidence
I own a flat in the UK, in which I live. I own it. It's part of a block of 50 flats.
I have learned recently that there was a subsidence problem. A large tree has been drinking the water from under ...
1
vote
3answers
281 views
What kind of paint and texture is this? And how do you patch this area?
What kind of paint and texture is this? And how do you patch this area?
3
votes
0answers
67 views
Can the parties who sign a building permit be liable in any way, shape or form of water damage to a building? [closed]
Suppose you have a condo building. That condo building was built 10 years ago. The statutes of limitations is only good for 6 years (for negligence purposes). There is water damage to the condo's ...
1
vote
2answers
3k views
Joining 2 halves of a wall
I'm building a 24' x 8' garage wall in 2 sections of 12' x 8'. What is the best (and up to code) way of joining the 2 halves? Will a bunch of 4' nails suffice or should I drill holes and use bolts &...
4
votes
3answers
38k views
Is framing with screws legal?
A friend used trim head screws for ALL of the 2x4 framing (including the outer walls) of his 2400 sq. ft. house. The house uses 8x8s to carry the load; none of the 2x4 framing is load bearing. The ...
