DIY Builds
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What is the strongest foundation?

Poured concrete Poured concrete is the strongest type of foundation for a house. Concrete is incredibly strong and durable, and it can be poured into any shape.

What cable is used for underground?
What cable is used for underground?

An underground wire can be made from either copper or aluminum. Copper wire can safely be bare in the ground or can have a protective jacket or...

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How deep do you have to bury electrical conduit?
How deep do you have to bury electrical conduit?

6-inches Deep Burial Depth If you use galvanized EMT (metal electrical conduit) with individual conductors inside, you can bury it just 6-inches...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Poured Concrete

One popular foundation option is poured concrete. Poured concrete foundations are made by pouring a large amount of wet concrete into a mold. The concrete then hardens in the mold, creating a strong foundation that can support a heavy structure. An advantage of poured concrete foundations is that they can be customized to fit your unique needs. If you have a special design in mind, you can work with a contractor to create a custom mold for your foundation. Poured concrete foundations are also very durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for any home construction project.

Block Foundations

A block foundation is a type of masonry foundation that is made up of concrete blocks. Block foundations are typically used in homes with poured concrete slabs. The blocks are placed on top of the slab and then mortar is used to join the blocks together. This type of foundation is very strong and can support a lot of weight. Block foundations are also very durable and can last for many years. One of the benefits of using a block foundation is that it is easy to repair if there is ever any damage. Another benefit is that block foundations are very affordable, making them a great option for people who are on a tight budget.

Crawl Space Foundations

A crawl space foundation is a type of home foundation that is built with a crawl space beneath the first floor of the house. Crawl space foundations are typically found in homes that are built on sloped terrain, since this type of foundation allows for easy access to the underside of the house. While crawl space foundations do have some drawbacks, they can be an excellent option for certain types of homes. One advantage of crawl space foundations is that they provide easier access to the plumbing and electrical systems located beneath the first floor. This can be especially helpful when making repairs or upgrades to these systems. Additionally, crawl space foundations typically require less concrete than other types of foundations, which can save money during construction. However, crawl space foundations can be more difficult to insulate and waterproof than other types of foundations, so it is important to consult with a contractor before choosing this type of foundation for your home.

Pier and Beam Foundations

A pier and beam foundation is a type of building foundation that uses vertical posts or piers to support a beam. The beam then transfers the weight of the structure to the piers. Pier and beam foundations are often used in areas where the ground is not suitable for supporting a slab foundation. For example, pier and beam foundations are commonly used in flood zones or on sloped sites. In addition, pier and beam foundations allow for more flexibility in the placement of utilities and other services. However, pier and beam foundations can be more expensive to construct than slab foundations, and they require more ongoing maintenance. As a result, they are not always the best option for every building project.

Does wood season in log length?
Does wood season in log length?

Firewood should be seasoned for at least 6 months before checking its moisture content. What is this? We've discussed how long firewood should be...

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Can you burn pallets as firewood?
Can you burn pallets as firewood?

As firewood You can burn heat treated pallets safely since they have not been chemically treated. Apr 3, 2019

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Is it cheaper to build a house or but one?

In general, buying an existing home is cheaper. According to the National Association of Home Builders and the U.S. Census Bureau the median cost to buy a house today is $410,600 which is $28,800 less than building one.

Pros and cons: Building a house

You can build a basic home for about $150 per square foot1. But it’s easy to spend $500 per square foot if you want the best of everything. Still, building your own home means you’ll be paying for things you really want, like a large eat-in kitchen—and not items you may not need, like a separate formal dining room. Get ideas on building a unique dream home that fits your life. Another plus is that new homes come with fewer long-term costs. For example, new homes with more energy-efficient building materials may mean lower utility bills. Also, new homes tend to have fewer repairs and may have lower maintenance costs. Finally, newer homes may return a higher rate when you’re ready to sell. On the downside, construction timelines are longer today than they were a few years ago due to labor shortages and difficulties sourcing construction materials. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average time it takes to build a home is 6.8 months, but that can easily extend to a year or more for owner-built homes. And you’ll have to budget for a place to live while your new home is being built. Demand is also up, making the cost of building your dream home rise as well. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average price of a new-construction home has gone up $84,700 over the same time last year.

Do rats live in firewood piles?
Do rats live in firewood piles?

Mice and rats will readily take shelter in firewood if conditions are right. Locating the bulk of your firewood at least 30 feet from your home...

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How long will an Amish shed last?
How long will an Amish shed last?

Custom Amish built garages or wooden sheds can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Jan 15, 2016

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What do rats destroy most?
What do rats destroy most?

Rats and mice can cause structural damage to homes, apartments, offices, and virtually any type of building through gnawing, nest-building, and...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can I put a sink in my garage?
Can I put a sink in my garage?

You can certainly install a utility sink in your garage. It is a relatively simple DIY project, if you have some experience in plumbing. You also...

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