Ask the Builder

Ask the Builder podcast 39 is the 11th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about drain tile and why it’s so very important. Mess this up and you’re going to have a covered swimming pool in your basement!

Ask the Builder podcast 38 is the 10th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim discusses why you need to either dampproof or waterproof your new foundation.

Ask the Builder podcast 38 is the 10th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim discusses why you need to either dampproof or waterproof your new foundation.

Ask the Builder podcast 36 is the 8th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about why poured concrete is the go-to foundation for most homes.

Ask the Builder podcast 35 is the 7th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about the different types of foundations you can have for your new home.

Ask the Builder podcast 34 is the 6th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about why a footing, or footer, is the most important structural part of your new home. You don’t want your builder to goof this up

Ask the Builder podcast 33 is the 5th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about what is the better foundation - a crawlspace or full foundation. You might be stunned to discover a full foundation is not that much more expensive.

Tim Carter, the founder of AsktheBuilder.com, shares his feelings about the new Smart Control user-friendly gas can. He chats with Dan Marshall, VP of Marketing for the Scepter Company that created this fantastic gas can you’re going to love.

Ask the Builder podcast 32 is the fourth podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about the foundation height above grade of your new home. It’s extremely important that your house foundation is well above the soil around your home to prevent leakage and water issues.

Ask the Builder podcast 31 is the third podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about the frost line in the soil under your home. You’ll discover how and why frost can cause severe structural damage to your new home.

Ask the Builder podcast 30 is the second podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about what is involved when you stake out a house foundation and what the benefits are.

Ask the Builder podcast 29 is the first podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about why house plans and specifications (specs) are so important. Great house plans and specs will save you lots of money and anguish.

Ask the Builder podcast 28 features Tim Carter talking about roof flashing. The vast majority of roof leaks happen at roof flashings. You can have a productive conversation with your roofer if you understand what a roof flashing is and how it is part of your roof. Great articles, photos and videos about roof flashings can be found at AsktheBuilder.com.

Ask the Builder podcast 27 features Tim Carter talking about a new home construction cost estimator. It’s a simple magical spreadsheet where you enter in just one category number, say drywall labor and material cost, and it fills in all the other costs and gives you an estimated total price for your new home.

Ask the Builder podcast 26 features Tim Carter talking with Marvin about his attic condensation problem. Marvin has followed advice from contractors and the condensation is still happening. Look at Marvin’s photos at the Attic Condensation Podcast page at AsktheBuilder.com.