Library builder

Two-prong voltage testers are inexpensive, reliable, and available almost everywhere. Whatever tester you use, first test the tester on a circuit that you know is energized. If the tester doesn’t indicate voltage on that circuit, the tool may be broken. Testing Receptacles When testing receptacles, grasp the insulated part of the tester and insert its […]

At a power plant or a substation, electricity is multiplied (charged) and given pressure (voltage); in that form, electricity is potential energy, just like a charged battery. When electricity is put to work at an outlet, electrons flow through the wires, and power is delivered as heat or light. Amperes (amp) is the measure of […]

The scope of a renovation is always a trade-off between what you’d like and what you can afford. Oversizing the system slightly to accommodate future needs is usually money well spent. Assess the existing system, see what local codes require, calculate future needs, and then map out an upgrade. ASSESSING THE PRESENT SYSTEM To assess […]

Electricity moves in a circle from power source back to power source, whether it travels across the country in great transmission lines or flows through the cables in your walls. In a house, each distinct electrical loop is called a circuit. Most of the time, household electricity flows through copper wires (low resistance) insulated with […]

Electrical work is among the most pre­dictable, pleasant aspects of construction—no heavy lumber to be wrestled, no large sheets that would fit if only your fingers weren’t in the way, no quick-drying compounds driving you into a frenzy. Wiring a house is methodical work that requires attention to detail and some dexterity. And you know […]

To find the best cure for a damp basement, first determine whether the problem is caused by water outside migrating through foundation walls or by interior water vapor inside condens­ing on the walls. To determine which problem you have, duct tape a 2-ft.-long piece of alu­minum foil to the foundation, sealing the foil on all […]

/ slabs consist of 4 in. of concrete poured over 4 in. of crushed rock, with a plastic moisture barrier between. In addition, garage floors are often reinforced with steel mesh or rebar to support greater loads and forestall cracking. PREP STEPS As with any concrete work, get plenty of help. Concrete weighs about 2 […]

Capping an old foundation with new con­crete is relatively rare but is done when the existing foundation is in good condition and needs to be raised because the house’s framing is too close to the ground, allowing surface water to rot sills and siding. To raise wood members sufficiently, the new cap must be 8 […]

Builders may attach new mudsills at different stages of form assembly. But here are the essen­tials. Before nailing up the mudsill (to the bot­tom of the pony-wall studs) predrill for anchor bolts, as described earlier, making sure that no bolt occurs under a stud. If local codes require metal termite shields, tack them to the […]

To tear out an old foundation, you’ve got several options. All require safety glasses, hearing protec­tion, heavy gloves, a mask, patience, and a strong back. Before acquiring heavy and expensive equipment, try to break out a section of the old foundation using a 9-lb. sledgehammer and a 6-ft. pointed steel bar. Old concrete without rebar […]