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 on Jul 24, 2008 - 48 answers

How was this made? [more inside]
posted 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 on Jun 23, 2008 - 28 answers

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

Is there anywhere to look at Pella replacement windows in or around London? [more inside]
posted on Sep 27, 2007 - 4 answers

CarpentryFilter: What solutions, traditional or otherwise, might I use to fix a problem exposed points of wood screws? [more inside]
posted on May 29, 2007 - 13 answers

I'm relatively crafty, but inexperienced and largely ignorant of building construction. What are the best tools to learn masonry, preferably stone masonry, first as a hobby but potentially as a career? [more inside]
posted on Jan 17, 2007 - 7 answers

Construction/Surveying: Optical level vs. transit/level. Exactly what is the difference? Level only does horizontal vs. horizontal and vertical? How much advantage (in real use) is a transit/level? If I get a Northwest 500A Standard Level and not a Northwest 500A Transit Level, will I kick myself later? I never expect to do "real surveying". TIA
posted on Jan 10, 2007 - 3 answers

Cost of building a tennis court? [more inside]
posted on Jun 25, 2006 - 3 answers

Can anyone recommend a good contractor / home builder in the Boston / Metrowest area? [more inside]
posted on Apr 25, 2006 - 6 answers

I want to build a shed-sized cabin, but don't know how to design it, in terms of making it attractively-proportioned and inviting to be inside of. It must be shed-sized (treehouse-sized) in that its floor plan can't exceed 120 sq ft, so we can make it without planning permits or beaurocracy. [more inside]
posted on Sep 15, 2005 - 16 answers

How do you build a house? [+]
posted on Feb 10, 2005 - 12 answers

What the hell is that thing that builders use for checking something is level called? The ones with the yellow liquid, and the bubble that has to be between the lines. I can't for the life of me remember.
posted on Dec 12, 2003 - 21 answers