Wood-burning fireplaces are a relatively simple way of heating your home and have been around for centuries. Still, one common mistake homeowners often make is not building them deep enough to keep all the smoke inside. This can lead to smoke escaping into the room, …
Are Ridge Boards Load-Bearing?
Located at the very top of roofing systems, ridge boards appear as the main framing members at the peak of a roof. Since the rafters and other roof framing sections below are attached to the ridge board, you might wonder if it supports structural weight. …
What is the Difference Between a Hip and Valley Rafter?
Hip rafters and valley rafters are framing components of a hip and valley roof. Along with common rafters and jack rafters, they help form and define the angled portion of a hip or mansard roof system. While on their own they often appear identical, they …
Can Basement Stairs be Moved? What You Need to Know
Have you considered changing the location of your basement stairs to the opposite side? You’re not alone. Many people find that the current location of their basement stair doesn’t work well with their house layout. In this blog post we’ll go over what it takes …
Can Spiral Stairs be Used for Egress? What the Code Says
Planning for and providing emergency egress is a critical part of building design. One question that often comes up during the design of a home is whether spiral stairs can be included as a means of egress since they are difficult to climb or descend …
Why Does Your Drywall Mud Bubble?
Bubbles in drywall mud aren’t only unsightly and annoying, but it often seems like they’re impossible to prevent. Whether you’re a skilled tradesperson or someone doing DIY work on their home on the weekend, you may be wondering to yourself, “why does my drywall mud …
How To Fix Sagging Vinyl Siding (Step-by-Step)
Vinyl siding does more than just making your home’s exterior look good. It keeps your house watertight and keeps pests, fungi, mold, and mildew at bay. Because of that, when your vinyl siding loosens or sags, it’s best to fix it immediately so you don’t …
Do You Need Building Permits in Rural Areas?
Building permits are a requirement in almost every city and county in the U.S., but there are some areas where you won’t need one. You may be wondering – particularly if you live in a rural area – if it is possible to start a …