Ask the Builder: Recent Episodes
Tim Carter
Ask the Builder home improvement podcast by Syndicated Columnist and National Award-Winning Builder and Remodeler Tim Carter. Tim calls homeowners and solves their problems. Plus a story from Tim's building past is sure to satisfy!
Tim Carter shares a one-of-a-kind demo tape used to market a syndicated radio show he did with Roger Puegot, a plumber from Kansas City. Tim describes in the first few minutes how the Home Ranger show came to be and who came up with the idea. You're about to discover how local radio stations make money from syndicated radio shows.
This is the last part of a giant game of virtual Clue put on by Tim Carter, founder of www.AsktheBuilder.com. The game happens Sunday, February 7, 2021. Go sign up NOW at the home page to play.
Jane wants to know how to clean her front loader washing machine gasket. It's got mold on it. She wants to know how to prevent it. Tim Carter shares how to do this using Stain Solver. https://stainsolver.com
Kathleen has water leaking from her basement electric panel. She's worried it's dangerous. Her husband says it's not an issue. Tim Carter shares who's right and how to fix it.
Tim Carter shares why Regina's new deck stain looks dirty. He also shares the BEST WAY to clean it!
Tim Carter shares how to repair holes in concrete block walls. It's so easy you'll start your own company and make millions of dollars and soak it up with your soulmate in your hot tub.
Tim Carter helps his friend Phil from Down Under with his water damage drywall repair. Don't skip the step about painting the rusty cornerbead!
Jim needs to fix his squeaky floor and asks Tim Carter if WD-40 will work. You'll be surprised at Tim's answer.
Joe, a novice carpenter, built an unsafe free standing tree house for his 9-year-old son. Tim Carter shares how to make the structure safe with minimal effort and expense.
Tim Carter solves Craig's crawlspace wall insulation problem. The fiberglass insulation is sagging on the walls and looks horrible. GREAT PHOTOS of this here: https://www.askthebuilder.com/crawlspace-wall-insulation/
Tim Carter answers Jen's questions about her wet room remodeling project. She asks all about plumbing drain lines and how they need to be sized. It's all about sanitation at the end of the day.
Gary wants to know if he should add copper roof strips to his shingles on his brand new roof. Tim Carter wrote the book on this topic! Seriously! https://roofingripoff.com and also go here: https://shop.askthebuilder.com/copper-roof-strips/
A vanity sink smells bad when Renee turns on the water. Tim Carter knows why and share how easy it is to make the smell go away.
Tim Carter calls Theresa and share how easy it is to remove a sap stain on her fireplace hearth. The key is to use certified organic Stain Solver. https://stainsolver.com
Tim Carter discusses how to prevent algae in a fountain. Annette wants to know if you can put a copper pipe in the fountain. Tim has a better idea.
Tim Carter answer's Russ's question about should or shouldn't you seal an asphalt driveway. Russ reads Tim's syndicated newspaper column and referenced two different ones that appear to conflict with one another. Tim clears the air!
Tim Carter answers Mike's question about whether insulating basement HVAC ductwork will conserve heat. The answer will surprise you.
Tim Carter responds to Harlan's question about a Rheem hybrid heat pump water heater. To get the most accurate information, Tim interviews Ankur Maheshwari, a senior product manager at Rheem Manufacturing.
Tim Carter calls Steven and walks him through how to replace his shower soap dish. It's not too easy because the tile man appears to have glued or grouted in the existing one.
Tim Carter calls Karen and talks about how rainwater leaks under the walls of her sunroom. It's a complex situation and there's no easy fix. The problem was created by the sunroom builder who set the floor level too close to the ground outside.
Tim Carter calls Julie and talks about her yard drain cover that she wants to cover. At the end of the podcast, Tim comes up with a clever solution to the problem.
Tim Carter answers a question from Donna about why her kitchen hot water turns warm while washing dishes. Tim needs Donna to do a test!
Tim Carter calls Debbie and talks about Duration house paint. Duration used to be made with urethane resin, but now is made with lesser-quality acrylic resin. Tim share where to get urethane house paint.
Tim Carter helps Sharon fix an old doorknob on her 120-year-old house! She fixed it LIVE during the podcast!
Tim Carter helps Debbie fix the broken handle on her toilet. It's easy and you can save about $200.
Tim Carter talks with Christine in Chicago about adding more insulation up in the attic of her ranch house. He also discusses attic ventilation.
Tim Carter talks with Bob in NY about how to repair his handrail in his brick wall. Tim shares a very special video he recorded showing how and the magic epoxy he uses to make a permanent repair.
Tim Carter gives Gary in GA DIY tips on how he can replace aluminum windows with vinyl replacement windows. Get AAMA-approved windows and have someone else take the measurements.
Tim Carter shares with Maggie in NC the best exterior house paint. Paint is just colored glue and you want the house paint that has the stickiest glue.
Tim Carter helps Jason in PA repair a tub spout leaking water. The secret is to remove the tub spout and apply pipe thread compound. Teflon tape is not always the best product.
Prevent Sewe Backup in Your Home - Tim Carter, master plumber and founder of AsktheBuilder.com, shares how he prevents sewer backup in his own home. Go here to watch two important videos how to prevent sewer backup: https://www.askthebuilder.com/prevent-sewer-backup/
Laminate Countertop Repair Kit | Tim Carter describes the different repair kits for laminate tops. He then explains why they won't work for Robert's ruined laminate countertop. GREAT photo of the ruined top at: https://www.askthebuilder.com/laminate-countertop-repair-kit/
Install Extension Jambs on Vinyl Windows - Tim Carter helps Steven in Florida install extension jambs on his new vinyl windows. There are a few secret tips you need to use to get pro results. Go here to see a photo of Steven's window job: https://www.askthebuilder.com/how-to-install-extension-jambs-on-vinyl-windows/
Tim Carter, master plumber, helps Bill with his basement bathroom rough in. He needs to move the bathroom 15 feet and has venting questions.
How to Install Floor in Attic - Tim Carter helps Eric, who lives in Texas, how to solve the problem of installing a floor in his attic. There are wires on top of the joists and Eric has no clue what to do. Tim has two solutions.
A leaking patio enclosure roof problem is solved by Tim Carter, founder of AsktheBuilder.com. Tim recommends a sealant to try, then if that doesn't work, it's time to get a piece of rubber roofing.
Tim Carter chats with Sydney Stevens, senior product manager for IRWIN, about the exciting new IRWIN® one-handed bar clamps and the F-clamps.
Tim Carter chats with Brian Morrison, group product marketing manager for LENOX, about their new carbide-tipped reciprocating saw blades.
Tim Carter chats with Brian Morrison, group product marketing manager for LENOX, about the new carbide-tipped hole saws.
Tim Carter hosts an interview with Celia Flores, senior product manager for IRWIN Sets, about the wonderful bits and tools that will increase productivity.
Tim Carter chats with Aaron Jones, product manager for Lenox tubing cutters, about the new features about hand-powered tubing cutters.
Tim Carter chats with Matt Lacroix, the director of Product Marketing of Lenox, about their new reciprocating saw blades and how Lenox is partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Campain (NFFF).
Tim Carter, AsktheBuilder.com founder, discusses the new Lenox® jigsaw blade with Irwin product manager Brian Morrison. More information on Lenox® jigsaw blades can be found here:www.cutwithlenox.com
Tim Carter, AsktheBuilder.com founder, discusses the new IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® Fast Release™ pliers with Irwin product manager Matt Grella. More information on VISE-GRIP® locking pliers can be found here:www.irwin.com
Ask the Builder podcast 40 is the 12th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim explores the nuances of boring gravel. But wait, it’s important for you to know what gravel to use where and when!
Ask the Builder podcast 39 is the 11th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about drain tile and why it’s so very important. Mess this up and you’re going to have a covered swimming pool in your basement!
Ask the Builder podcast 38 is the 10th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim discusses why you need to either dampproof or waterproof your new foundation.
Ask the Builder podcast 38 is the 10th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim discusses why you need to either dampproof or waterproof your new foundation.
Ask the Builder podcast 36 is the 8th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about why poured concrete is the go-to foundation for most homes.
Ask the Builder podcast 35 is the 7th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about the different types of foundations you can have for your new home.
Ask the Builder podcast 34 is the 6th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about why a footing, or footer, is the most important structural part of your new home. You don’t want your builder to goof this up
Ask the Builder podcast 33 is the 5th in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about what is the better foundation - a crawlspace or full foundation. You might be stunned to discover a full foundation is not that much more expensive.
Tim Carter, the founder of AsktheBuilder.com, shares his feelings about the new Smart Control user-friendly gas can. He chats with Dan Marshall, VP of Marketing for the Scepter Company that created this fantastic gas can you’re going to love.
Ask the Builder podcast 32 is the fourth podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about the foundation height above grade of your new home. It’s extremely important that your house foundation is well above the soil around your home to prevent leakage and water issues.
Ask the Builder podcast 31 is the third podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about the frost line in the soil under your home. You’ll discover how and why frost can cause severe structural damage to your new home.
Ask the Builder podcast 30 is the second podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about what is involved when you stake out a house foundation and what the benefits are.
Ask the Builder podcast 29 is the first podcast in a large series that follows the construction of Tim Carter’s daughter’s new home in Downeast Maine. In this podcast, Tim talks about why house plans and specifications (specs) are so important. Great house plans and specs will save you lots of money and anguish.
Ask the Builder podcast 28 features Tim Carter talking about roof flashing. The vast majority of roof leaks happen at roof flashings. You can have a productive conversation with your roofer if you understand what a roof flashing is and how it is part of your roof. Great articles, photos and videos about roof flashings can be found at AsktheBuilder.com.
Ask the Builder podcast 27 features Tim Carter talking about a new home construction cost estimator. It’s a simple magical spreadsheet where you enter in just one category number, say drywall labor and material cost, and it fills in all the other costs and gives you an estimated total price for your new home.
Ask the Builder podcast 26 features Tim Carter talking with Marvin about his attic condensation problem. Marvin has followed advice from contractors and the condensation is still happening. Look at Marvin’s photos at the Attic Condensation Podcast page at AsktheBuilder.com.
Ask the Builder podcast 26 features Tim Carter talking with Marvin about his attic condensation problem. Marvin has followed advice from contractors and the condensation is still happening. Look at Marvin’s photos at the Attic Condensation Podcast page at AsktheBuilder.com.
Adhesive Remover Podcast features Tim Carter talking with Bob about removing hard adhesive from the bottom of concrete pavers. The pavers are on exterior steps and the glue has failed after about fifteen years. Links to Tim’s favorite adhesive remover are at the Adhesive Remover Podcast page at AsktheBuilder.com.
Ask the Builder podcast 24 features Tim Carter talking with Colleen about a paint odor blocker. Colleen painted a bedroom months ago and the paint odor in the room is still strong. Tim offers up a time-tested product that many have forgotten about to solve the problems. The raw material to make it comes from female lacc bugs!
Ask the Builder podcast 23 features Tim Carter talking with David in Kentucky about replacing a concrete stoop on the side wall of his garage. The stoop is dangerous because it has a narrow step instead of a landing pad. Tim suggests replacing the stoop with a nice small platform made from treated lumber and composite decking.
Tim Carter, the founder of AsktheBuilder.com, shares his feelings about the new Pro Series and Trade Series 2, 3, and 4-foot OX Tools Levels. These are superb box levels that are extremely accurate. Many photos of the levels can be seen at the OX Tools Level Podcast page at AsktheBuilder.com.
Ask the Builder podcast 22 features Tim Carter talking with David about the custom joist hangers he needs for his deck beams. A local welder can make what David needs using standard brick angle iron. David needs to install them with through bolts or threaded rod, not expansion anchors.
Ask the Builder podcast 21 features Tim Carter sharing blacktop driveway crack filler tips with Sam. His driveway is in pretty good shape overall, but the cracks need to be filled before winter. Tim has a special epoxy and method he uses to disguise the repair so it’s invisible.
Ask the Builder podcast 20 features Tim Carter helping Ron solve the source of a few concrete popouts that have raised the ire of one of the residents of his condominium association. The neighbor feels she deserves a new driveway. Tim is sure that some special epoxy, wax paper, and magic dust will be just fine.
Ask the Builder podcast 19 features Tim Carter offering suggestions to Brett about how to reface his fireplace. Brett is faced with doing this job or hiring a divorce attorney. Listen to how Tim skillfully saves Brett’s marriage!
Ask the Builder podcast 18 features Tim Carter talking about settlement cracks in houses. It’s important to realize that the soil under the foundation may not be settling. It’s often the lumber that’s used to build your home. Seasonal cracks happen because the lumber is reacting to water vapor.
Ask the Builder podcast 17 features Tim Carter talking to Miriam in Portland, OR about her concrete porch that is sinking. The concrete column supporting the porch is cracked. Her home was built in 1928 and no one knows when the crack first happened. Tim talks about taking measurements across the crack and makes a recommendation on a magic concrete epoxy that can stabilize the concrete porch.
Ask the Builder podcast 16 features Tim Carter solving Mike’s twisted and failing basement beam. The wood beam is failing because the previous carpenter didn’t stagger the seams of the lumber. Tim explains how to prevent the house from collapsing and the best fasteners to use to construct the new beam.
Ask the Builder podcast 15 features two homeowner phone calls, a call from Tim’s daughter Meghan and a story about the tragic deaths of two of Tim’s friends. Tim calls Steve to help him figure out why his whole house fan is not blowing air like it used too. Pat out on in the Pacific Northwest has some rusty exterior steps that need to be preserved. The last call is from Tim’s daughter Meghan. She’s building a new home and needs help hiding a TV projection screen. The final segment of the podcast is a sad story about two of Tim’s friends who died in a propane explosion. Tim share’s what might have saved their lives.
Ask the Builder podcast 14 features three homeowner phone calls and a story about how the sun’s UV rays destroy black goo. Tim calls Lori and offers up a solution to the mistake her husband made by digging the foundation hole too deep. Jen’s house is on a hill and rainwater is seeping into her crawlspace. The last call is to Karen in Spokane, WA. Karen needs to know the best insulation for her garage. The final segment of the podcast is a story about how the sun’s UV rays destroy things around your home.
Ask the Builder podcast 13 features three homeowner phone calls, a story about why concrete cracks and how to control them. Tim calls Trish and discusses the mistake her builder made by building her garage too close to the ground. Patricia answers Tim’s call and asks about how to get her new bath light out farther from the wall. Tim then calls Carol in Washington DC and gives her good news about how to repair her worn out tin roof without spending lots of money. The final segment of the podcast is a story about why concrete cracks and how you can control where it cracks..
Ask the Builder podcast 12 features two homeowner phone calls, a small warning from Tim and a story about the dangers of delivery trucks. Tim calls Donn and offers up a cool solution to fix a large concrete step crack. Defective shingles are the next topic. Tim talks about why your asphalt shingles are falling apart. Tim then calls Scott and shares how to stop the chipmunks from destroying Scott’s paver sidewalk.. The final segment of the podcast is a story about how delivery trucks can harm or kill you.
Ask the Builder new product podcast 01 features an in-depth interview with John Heath, Directing Attorney for the prestigious Lexington Law firm. Lexington Law is perhaps the top credit repair company in the USA because they have so many attorneys to help you get the best loan terms by repairing your damaged credit. Not all credit repair companies are experts in credit law. Real consumers and Tim Carter ask Mr. Heath the most important questions about what’s involved in credit repair and why you should contact Lexington Law.
Ask the Builder podcast 11 features three homeowner phone calls and a story about applying ceramic tile to wood. Tim calls Bruce to sort through his new blacktop drive that needs edging. Next up is Jack. His brick veneer house leaks in violent rainstorms. Tim then calls Diane and gives her good news about how to repair her crumbling concrete steps. The final segment of the podcast is a story about a young builder who discovers that plywood covered with wet thinset expands - so much it bubbles the tile off the wood!
Ask the Builder podcast 10 features three homeowner phone calls and a story about lead paint dangers. Tim calls Susan to discuss the uneven gap under the cement board above her tub. The second call is to Janet. She needs help solving condensation on the walls of her bathroom. Tim then calls Ted and talks about how easy it is to solve a basement water leak. The final segment of the podcast is a sobering story about the dangers of lead paint. You may have it in your home and not know it.
Ask the Builder podcast 9 features three homeowner phone calls and a story about Tim’s most profitable job. Tim calls Gary to discuss what’s the best way to deal with his polybutylene water supply lines. New pex piping is thrown into the mix. Next up is a call to Steve who’s toilet has been flushing poorly for well over ten years. Tim offers advice on how to fix it in several hours. The final call is to Andy who’s got some rot happening in a few wood windows. Tim talks about the wonderful PC Woody epoxy. The final minutes of the podcast are taken up with a story about Tim’s most profitable job ever. It’s all because of a simple binder he was handed when he signed the contract.
Ask the Builder podcast 8 features three homeowner phone calls and a story about Tim’s first attempt to set thin paving brick. Karen is first up and lives in New Jersey. She wonders if she needs a new blacktop drive. Tim saves her $6,000 in ten minutes. The second call is to Brian. Tim shares some tips about how to best paint interior concrete block walls. The last call has Tim and Lauren talking about old-growth lumber in their pre-WW II houses. Tim explains how old houses crack. The podcast concludes with a funny story about how Tim found out what happens when you use the wrong product for a brick paver sidewalk.
Ask the Builder podcast 7 features three homeowner phone calls and a story about trust, too much trust. The first call is to Karen in Texas. She’s got a problem with cracks in her walls and Tim’s got a simple solution. The second call is to Corey in Philadelphia. He’s got a drop-dead gorgeous IPE wood deck. He wants to know the best cleaner and sealer for it. The last call is to Tom. The dolt who built the pergola at Tom’s home created a rot nightmare. Tim’s closing story is about how he trusted salespeople too much way back when. There’s a great lesson there for you.
Ask the Builder podcast 6 features three homeowner phone calls and a sobering story about what went wrong with gasoline one day. The first call is to Sarah and Bob. Their house is causing the neighbor’s vinyl siding to melt. The second call is to Steve. He’s got a pesky leak at a glass block window in his shower and Tim has a simple cure. The last call is to Pam in San Clemente, CA. She’s got mystery salt deposits forming on her garage floor. Tim concludes the podcast with a story about the day he was tasked with burning a pile of construction scrap. He narrowly avoided serious injury and possible death.
Ask the Builder podcast 5 features three homeowner phone calls and a funny story about electricity. The first call is to Debbie. Her son has a leaking flat roof adjacent to a second-story deck. It’s a mess. Tim then calls TJ in Oklahoma. TJ and his wife want to build a new home and act as the general contractor. Tim’s answer may surprise you. The third call is with Ann in New Hampshire. She wants to transform unfinished garage attic space into a master bedroom closet but needs to heat it. The quote she got took her breath away. Tim’s got a super-affordable alternative. Tim concludes the podcast with a story about the day he was working with energized wires in a brand new kitchen with custom tile and white countertops.
Ask the Builder podcast 4 features three homeowner phone calls. The first call is with Robert. He started to do a house remodel and discovered a cracked floor joist under a second-floor bathroom. Tim shares how to fix it. The second call has a funny ending when Tim suggests a natural alternative to toxic weed killers and lawn fertilizers Bob was thinking of using on his New York lawn. The last call is with Sue who thinks birds and carpenter ants have invaded her pressed wood siding panels on here faux Tudor home. Tim shares a great wood epoxy that will make a permanent repair. The show ends with a story about Tim’s first general contracting adventure. It’s a wonder the wife of the home didn’t strangle Tim.
Ask the Builder podcast 3 features three homeowner phone calls. Tim calls up Vic and shares how he can save thousands of dollars doing a concrete overlay on his patio rather than tear it out. Tracey from North Carolina asks Tim about where to get traditional stair parts for her home. Tim’s third call is to Sandy who lives in the greater Washington DC area. She’s sick of the peeling paint on her brick home and wants to whitewash it. Tim share how. The podcast concludes with a story about how Tim escaped serious injury one day while about 20 feet up in the air standing on a plank in some well-used pipe scaffolding.
AskTheBuilder.com podcast #2 features two homeowner phone calls. Al asks Tim for some tips on how to install new oak treads on a worn-out set up steps. Tim shares some tips with Jeff so he can locate the source of foul sewer gas in his Colorado mountain cabin. Tim Carter concludes with a story about a young carpenter’s first crown molding job.
Ask the Builder podcast #1 features two homeowner phone calls. Jill asks for the best way to repair water-damaged hardwood floor in her kitchen. Greg asks Tim about whether porcelain tile or hardwood is better. Tim Carter concludes with a story about humidity and black goo.