DEAR TIM: I’m not very good at reading blueprints. On the ones for my new home, the architect has drawn a step footing. Is this an accepted way to put in a foundation? Why can’t the footer that rests ...

Q. An elderly friend of mine has some steps to her basement that have no handrail. I told her I'd put one up, but the walls alongside the steps are made of cement blocks. The steps themselves are also ...

Q. I'm thinking of a career in new home construction and know very little. One of the things I don't fully understand is the foundation footer. I'm also stumped about piers. What's the real purpose of ...

A new type of staircase has made its appearance on the home improvement scene lately -- precast concrete steps. These factory-molded stairs have a lot to offer in terms of ease of installation, ...

In construction, “a firm foundation” is no cliche. It’s a matter of tradition, good technique and honoring the building codes. How well the structure will stand–and stand up to time and ...

Q: I’m thinking of a career in new-home construction and know very little. One of the things I don’t fully understand is the foundation footer. I’m also stumped about piers. What’s the real purpose of ...

I’m not very good at reading blueprints. On the ones for my new home, the architect has drawn a step footing. Is this an accepted way to put in a foundation? Why can’t the footer that rests under the ...

Question: I visited the site of my new home and noticed a lot of water standing where the concrete walls will soon be poured. Won’t this be a problem for the quality of concrete in my footings? – Home ...