Are there roaches in every U.S. building? [more inside]
posted by emilyd22222 on Nov 1, 2009 - 29 answers

Bought a piece of land, about the design a house. Have some questions regarding materials. [more inside]
posted by willy_dilly on Oct 29, 2009 - 5 answers

Satellite photos: what interesting features can be seen or measured in them (or other aerial photos), and where can I get a supply of images? [more inside]
posted by k. on Sep 30, 2009 - 12 answers

First time building a landscape model on taskboard. Tips and advice? [more inside]
posted by pulled_levers on Sep 24, 2009 - 3 answers

Does anyone have any idea what this structure is, or what its purpose might be? More pics and information past the break. [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 on Sep 10, 2009 - 11 answers

We're renovating an old building, what supercool thing can I do (what would you do) with a 6 foot deep space we've just discovered under my office? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 3, 2009 - 59 answers

I need a basic, cheap kite plan that can be easily built by kids. [more inside]
posted by Brodiggitty on Aug 25, 2009 - 4 answers

Where can I pick up strenuous physical labor in DC on an occasional, volunteer, or (extremely) part-time basis? [more inside]
posted by Inspector.Gadget on Aug 14, 2009 - 13 answers

Do 2 or 4 bulbs in a regulation exit sign light up automatically? Ie, are the two outer small bulbs automatic and the two inner 120V/4W jobs there as backup? I'm not an electrician and retailers don't have much (anything) in the way of repair guides..only product order forms. [more inside]
posted by JaiMahodara on Aug 13, 2009 - 1 answer

How would you network your home if you had a blank slate? Wired or wireless? Our house is about to be almost entirely demolished and we have the opportunity to 'future-proof' our home. Given that the walls are down, should we take the chance to fill them full of wires? If so, what sort? [more inside]
posted by hydrophobic on Jul 21, 2009 - 22 answers

What crazy looking instruments can i build with a minimum of skill + resources and a maximum of WTF. [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue on Jul 17, 2009 - 35 answers

Real life hobby for someone who enjoys building structures in computer games? [more inside]
posted by wastelands on Jul 8, 2009 - 11 answers

How do I obtain measurements of exterior corporate signage at the top of skyscrapers...from the ground? [more inside]
posted by muirne81 on Jul 6, 2009 - 5 answers

Where can I find vintage photos of, or designs for simple turn of the century porch steps? [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat on Jun 17, 2009 - 9 answers

From what source does the authority to require building permits and inspections derive? I've dealt with this whole process before, but every time I have to, I think, "But hey - it's _my_ property! I paid for it, I pay taxes on it, and I pay for the upkeep. As long as I don't build something that could potentially damage or destroy the property of another, why do I need 'permission' from the government?" I know there are lots of issues involved, but when did we, as a nation, give up the right to do what you want on your own property, and is there a way of getting that right back?
posted by Death by Ugabooga on May 23, 2009 - 26 answers

I want to help my wife build a small market booth for selling her art. It needs to be about 4x4 feet in size. It also needs to be portable so that she can set it up on her own and fit it into the back of a station wagon. [more inside]
posted by diode on Apr 17, 2009 - 8 answers

This weekend, I saw a green renovation show that used a large amount of gravel in the basement to hold heat gathered from a solar-collecting area in the roof. My dad, a builder, says this method doesn't work well. Help me understand if someone has devised a "better mousetrap" or if this is just something that has never worked and is being done for greenwashing on TV... [more inside]
posted by bitter-girl.com on Apr 14, 2009 - 14 answers

I want to build a freestanding (but not necessarily portable) wall in my outdoor/natural light photography "studio." Ideas? [more inside]
posted by swilkerson on Mar 30, 2009 - 2 answers

My roommate just signed a 12-month lease on our place in January. When she did that, our bedrooms had this view. As of this week, they have this view. Grounds to break the lease? [more inside]
posted by rafter on Mar 19, 2009 - 24 answers

I would like to build a house . . . just for fun . . . on paper or online. [more inside]
posted by Sassyfras on Feb 13, 2009 - 6 answers

I'm planning a home addition but would like peruse building material sources beyond what's available in consumer hardware stores. What sources do architects and contractors use for non-standard windows and other items? Is there a McMaster-Carr-equivalent for building materials? [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Jan 30, 2009 - 4 answers

Advice on making those insulated plastic patio covers? [more inside]
posted by ZackTM on Jan 5, 2009 - 1 answer

I want to see a building implosion. How do I make this happen? [more inside]
posted by justkevin on Jan 2, 2009 - 7 answers

What can I do with a 2000 SF, one-story concrete building? [more inside]
posted by boulder20something on Dec 16, 2008 - 12 answers

I want to learn how to build and modify websites. I eventually want to look into selling things or writing books for some of the websites i build. Also would like to learn how web optimization works on a website, and learn how to optimize and link websites. I am computer savvy, but don't know any programing language. Any idea how I would get started?
posted by sharp2403 on Dec 13, 2008 - 12 answers

I'd like to encourage my dad to build a cabin on land he's owned for years, what cabin/outdoorsy house design book should I get him for Christmas? [more inside]
posted by R_Nebblesworth on Dec 7, 2008 - 13 answers

Can anyone identify this modernist looking building in, probably/possibly in Belgium from 60ish years ago? [more inside]
posted by fearfulsymmetry on Nov 13, 2008 - 3 answers

I just cobbled together a computer for the first time, and while it powers up OK (fans and drives awhirring) I get nothing on the screen. No signal input. What did I mess up? Did I kill my CPU? [more inside]
posted by saguaro on Oct 17, 2008 - 12 answers

Recommendation for good credit card company to build credit with. [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah on Oct 4, 2008 - 6 answers

What should I use to make a simple 3D model of a school (not real)? I also need to create some classrooms (with chairs, table, etc). [more inside]
posted by Memo on Sep 15, 2008 - 11 answers

Does this building's layout represent a particular molecule? [more inside]
posted by Huw on Aug 23, 2008 - 11 answers

What is this building, and where is it? [more inside]
posted by essexjan on Aug 16, 2008 - 2 answers

Why is this building designed as it is? [more inside]
posted by Tube on Aug 3, 2008 - 9 answers

I like the mood and health benefits of exercise, but hate the inherent pointlessness of the activity. Short of going into construction work, what are some activities or hobbies that involve physical exertion, but to some other purposeful end? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on Jul 24, 2008 - 48 answers

How was this made? [more inside]
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim on Jun 24, 2008 - 15 answers

It seems to me that bricklaying would be more efficient if house bricks interlocked like Lego blocks. Why aren't they made like that?
posted by Joe in Australia on Jun 23, 2008 - 28 answers

I can't remember the name of a phase of the building/design process. Help! [more inside]
posted by mulkey on Jun 11, 2008 - 5 answers

Seeking recommendations for a contractor to build a wood privacy fence in Portland, Oregon. Also would appreciate advice on hidden costs, things to avoid, contractors to avoid, etc. [more inside]
posted by J-Garr on Jun 11, 2008 - 7 answers

Would it be more cost effective to build a house or buy a house in Los Angeles? [more inside]
posted by rybreadmed on Jun 4, 2008 - 9 answers

Standard adult male body, but I have skinny upper arms. Suggestions for a workout to add some mass, specifically from elbows up? [more inside]
posted by penciltopper on May 17, 2008 - 21 answers

Inspired by this thread; has anyone every hired an architect? How do you do it? What sorts of things should I be looking for? How do I go about finding one that specializes in "weird". (By weird I mean, not your standard mcmansion floor plan.) What do architects charge to design a building. And do they oversee the building process as a rule, or no? [more inside]
posted by dejah420 on Apr 26, 2008 - 16 answers

I'm going to be building a modest split-level home this spring – 1900 sqft – in Madison, WI. Should I expect the cost of materials to be lower or higher than it was to build the exact same house 6 months ago? [more inside]
posted by BirdD0g on Apr 22, 2008 - 10 answers

How do I feel better again? I don't. I don't know what to do anymore? [more inside]
posted by isoman2kx on Apr 18, 2008 - 20 answers

I'd like to photograph the interior of a run-down old building. I live in NYC. [more inside]
posted by grumblebee on Apr 2, 2008 - 9 answers

I want to build a house: 1,500 sq.ft., passive solar/energy efficient features, $100,000 - possible? [more inside]
posted by raikkohamilonso on Mar 7, 2008 - 25 answers

What is that building on Water Street at John street in downtown NYC (you can see it on street view on googlemaps)? What are those numbers for? Is it a clock or counter or something?
posted by activitystory on Mar 4, 2008 - 7 answers

Why don't tall buildings have slides? [more inside]
posted by stormygrey on Feb 8, 2008 - 28 answers

I want to build a PC and, while I'm not quite at the summit of ignorance, I'm high in the foothills and the air's getting thin. I need people who know more than me to tell me what to do. Please. Vastly longer explanation follows. [more inside]
posted by rhymer on Jan 30, 2008 - 20 answers

I live in Austin Texas and just got engaged. I am trying to find a venue that offers an outdoor ceremony site and an indoor or covered reception area. My budget is no more than 2,000 dollars. [more inside]
posted by madmamasmith on Jan 13, 2008 - 11 answers

Recommendations for "nokill" mousetraps please. [more inside]
posted by damn dirty ape on Jan 8, 2008 - 18 answers