Optical levels are the best tool of choice for leveling a building. Their great accuracy make them an essential tool for establishing grade on buildings and structures up to several hundred feet long. Instructions Choose a location as close as possible to where the grade will be shot. Set the tripod by mashing each leg …
Author Archives: David King
Digging Post Holes with a Back Hoe
Digging post holes with a back hoe is a fast alternative for when the ground is simply to hard to go through by hand or with a low powered auger. Digging Post Holes with a Back Hoe The only problem with digging post holes with a back hoe is that the holes are going to …
Building a Landing with Steps & Handrails on a Deck
Building a landing with steps, guardrails, and handrails on the side of a deck within the 2012 IRC requirements using pressure treated pine is easy with these DIY instructions. Although a landing is a part of a flight of steps, it is built just like a miniature deck. It is made up of posts, rim …
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Drip Edge 2012 IRC Building Codes
Learn the 2012 IRC building code requirements for drip edge. These concerns involve the outside perimeter of every shingled roof including gables and eaves along with chimney caps. This page is based on information found on page 442 of the 2012 IRC. There must be a drip edge along all eaves beneath the underlayment. A …
Toilet, Sink, & Shower 2012 IRC Building Codes
2012 International Residential Code requirements for toilets, sinks, and showers in bathrooms. Includes headroom, size, and clearance specifications. The information on this page is taken from the official government code book in sections R305 – R307 beginning on page 54 of the 2012 IRC. Bathrooms with sloped ceilings must maintain 6′ 8″ at the center …
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Building Codes for Handrails and Guardrails | 2012 IRC
These building codes for handrails on stairs and guardrails around walkways are based on information in section R311.7.8 on page 61 of The 2012 International Residential Code. It is important to note that all designs and any construction methods must be solid. It does little good to build fall protection if it will not hold …
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When to use Pressure Treated Lumber
Learn when to use pressure treated lumber according to the 2012 International Residential Code. Based on information found in section R317 beginning on page 65 of the 2012 IRC book. Note that pressure treated pine is my building material of choice but can be substituted with naturally durable heart woods from redwood, cedar, black locust, and black …
Ramp Calculator and 2012 IRC Building Codes
This ramp calculator is ideally suited for planning and building a wheelchair accessible handicap ramp. It includes 2012 IRC building code requirements. 2012 IRC for Ramps These building codes are based on section R311.8.1 on page 61 of the 2012 International Residential Code. Ramps must have a maximum slope of one inch per foot. There is an …
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Cost to Shingle a Roof Calculator
Estimate how much it will cost to roof for your house using this safe DIY tool without having to climb on the roof. Works with a new roof, re-roof, shingles, or metal. Instructions for the Shingle Calculator Enter the approximate value for how many square feet the house has in the first number box. Select …
Plywood calculator | How many 4×8 sheets?
How many 4′ x 8′ sheets of plywood do I need? This calculator does not simply divide the total square footage by 32. It figures how many pieces long, then how many wide. Use the drop downs below to select a length in feet. Then do the same thing for the width. For more complicated …
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