No kidding. Last year, we had to redo a whole set of plans because the city snuck in a new fire separation rule. Found out from a buddy who got dinged...

That’s been my experience too. The bank’s red tape can be a pain, but it does keep everyone honest. I’ve seen projects with investor money spiral out ...

WALK-OUT BASEMENTS ON SLOPED LOTS—WORTH THE HASSLE? Honestly, I’ve built a few on tricky slopes, and they can be a headache if you don’t plan drainag...

MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS Plastic sheeting in the wind is a pain—no way around it. I’ve lost more tarps to a good gust than I care t...

MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS You nailed it about drainage. I’ve had to fix more than one “budget” job where folks skipped the perimeter...