Recent content by bmsemple1

Yes, I’m trying to figure out how and why that’s happening.

We have a 3 zone house - upstairs, hall and kitchen thermostats. Recently the upstairs was not getting cool air so we went in the attic and discovered that the damper was sticking. Sprayed DW40 to help it open and close better and problem solved. Now today the large return by the hall is...

I am building a 12'x31' deck in Dallas, Texas. My questions are about the metal roof structure fabrication. What material would you use? Aluminum, steel? I'd like to keep it as light weight as possible, but the material needs to span at least 19' between metal posts at one point. Would you use...

I am not debating the benefits of spray foam, but more the use of closed cell vs. open cell in a wall/roof cavity traditional wood construction. We are looking to do a 2nd story addition over the garage in spray foam insulation. It is approx. 750sqft. I have a question based on the quotes I am...

Called the city today. It is confirmed the panel must be located on the outside of the outside of the house. It is the same code in all neighboring cities. Now I have to figure out the best approach to running the circuits to inside. I am thinking through the sofit in 2" conduit.

The panel is always written inspection reports here as being fire hazard. Since replacing with moden wiring time to do the whole project. The meter base does not have a mast so it low, I can actually grab it so that is another reason tackling this project. I have learned over the years that...

Federal Pacific with really old Fuse boxes. none of the wire has ground so will not work with modern electronics.

The electrical panel is currently located in the house in the hallway. I have been told by electricians that it is "unsafe and a fire hazard" (it's an old house with old wiring) and so the suggestion is to relocate the panel to the outside brick wall in the backyard and run new wiring. My...

Does anyone know a good way to find a property marker? It's near the creek behind our garage and house. I found one side just fine, but can't find the other corner property marker on the other side. Trying to find it myself and avoid paying a company to come find it.

I'm trying to do a stair design similar to this and figure out how to carry the loads.

Here are pics of what I have. Jeff, what did you end up doing?

I thought of placing a load bearing wall below the ends of them, but was trying to avoid doing it so I could still pull a car as far up as possible into the garage. I may not have any other option though.

I already tore out and removed the stairs. I am redesigning and relocating them to a better spot so as to gain more usable floor space in the upstairs rooms.

I am rebuilding the stairs for the upstairs room above my garage. These are the drawings of the proposed stairs. The problem or question is how do I cut the beams that run the full length of the garage ceiling and still carry the loads properly? If you have any suggestions that would be helpful...

Thanks everyone. We are adding a 700 sq ft addition on top of our garage. I also want to make sure I have enough for workshop machines running like fans, heaters, welder, saw, etc. In the future there will be additions on the back of the garage and I want to make sure I have enough power to run...