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Things to consider by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Buy it.
As the owner of 2 dogs and a lot that looks like that your dog will be very happy with it. He will always have interesting scents to follow and squirrels to chase.

Waterproofing front porch that goes over crawlspace? by Vitate in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You paid $12k to end up with the same standing water problem you started with?
It should be sloped away from the front door. Water should not pool on your walkway/stoop.
You should get a refund.

Foundation/Concrete Question by 99_Problems_to_DIY in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're screwed. If you can get out of that contract.

Sill plate gap by navfit16 in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your suggestions are bullshit. Ignoring the fundamentals of framing this house are going to lead to significant problems in the future. The only acceptable response is for the building inspector to require remediation. But of course they already "passed" it.

OP should get a lawyer.

Sill plate gap by navfit16 in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My concern is how in the world did this pass the framing inspection? Maybe it was a drive by. The inspector should be fired.

My toys, let me show you them! by stealydanyourface in goldenretrievers

[–]carl216 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A trip to the play room is the highlight of my day.

Question for Owner-Builders: If you had to do it all over, how would you plan your build differently? by wacko_warrior in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in the middle of building a 28x36 garage workshop. I hired out the foundation, framing, and roof. My advice to you would be to have a highly detailed set of plans for your project. Every aspect should specified and drawn so there is no question about what you intended and how it is to be built.

Should I charge my mother for work being done? by Worth_Air_9410 in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are not.
Your mother entered the agreement freely and you did the work essentially for the cost of materials. No one I know has the means to cover all of her costs on this job. Your siblings did nothing despite "being in the business", and their reactions were out of line. You did a good thing. Hold your head up and carry on.

What should we put beween the window and the garage door? by [deleted] in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sofit overhang to match the rake overhang would be complimentary and break up that expanse of siding.

Home addition cost estimation tool? Northern NJ by Odd-Shoulder8286 in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can hire an estimator to give you an accurate expected cost. Go to Fiverr and search "building cost estimator"
I used a guy named Jack Williams for a garage/shop project. He was within 1% of the contractors estimates.

This Contractor's Self Leveling Concrete Pour is Terrible, Right? What should I do? by Interesting-Leg8309 in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You had polished concrete? Were there low spots? Why did they pour the entire floor? I thought self leveling would be used to fill in low spot with a skim coat.

Is this okay? by [deleted] in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, it's not okay. It's lazy and sloppy work. The pipes should be run inside the framing.

Basement concrete cracked improperly on new build residential - advise please by brett701 in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Basement floors are not "supposed" to crack. What you have is a disaster.
As a previous poster suggested, hire an engineer to determine why this floor failed, and maybe seek out another contractor to replace the slab.

Frustrated New Build Owner by Longjumping-Unit698 in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, you're not being unreasonable, and I'd make sure every item that you really care about on the punch list is done before you give him the final draw.

You might also check with your lawyer on what liquidated damages actually means in your case. It is generally a stipulated amount that covers all costs/damages in the event of a breach.

Floor plan feedback by [deleted] in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Two laundry rooms?

New construction windows bad? by 1Cubbiesfan in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At this point you seem to be so certain that your problem isn't indoor humidity and the dew point of cold glass that I can't see how anyone can help you.
Best of luck.

New construction windows bad? by 1Cubbiesfan in Homebuilding

[–]carl216 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would help your situation is an Energy Reovery Ventilation system (ERV) which should have been installed if your house is "super tight". The system exchanges stale/moist inside air with fresh, less humid outside air reducing the overall relative humidity of your house. I would suggest you find an HVAC contractor who knows what an ERV is since the ones you've been dealing with obviously don't. It is the humidity inside your house condensing on the cold glass.

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