What is a good reference for learning to build a house? I need to get a basic grasp of things like building codes and best practices for electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, etc. [more inside]
posted by bengarland on Nov 22, 2009 - 11 answers

What is the best way to design and construct a standing whiteboard? [more inside]
posted by BearPaws on Jun 19, 2009 - 5 answers

Where can I find info on house construction that favours simplicity over clever extras? Think "LEGO". [more inside]
posted by phoeniciansailor on Jan 28, 2009 - 24 answers

What are these thin wood beams in m attic and why are they there? [more inside]
posted by bingwah on Jan 10, 2009 - 12 answers

Noisy Neighbors Filter: The construction at the house next door is waking me up every morning and they start before 8am. How early can residential construction in Chicago begin and what can I do to bust them if they violate that start time? [more inside]
posted by Elminster24 on Jul 21, 2008 - 15 answers

Help me figure out just what the hell is up with our new addition, bugs, and sawdust! [more inside]
posted by littlerobothead on Jun 24, 2008 - 2 answers

Good blogs about house remodeling? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library on Apr 9, 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

Construction / Contractor Filter: So a month or so back some asshat ran into my house and took out a section of wall. Help me, my insurance adjuster, and the contractor figure out what the hell this orange 1/4" tube is running through the wall. [more inside]
posted by B(oYo)BIES on Oct 5, 2007 - 10 answers

I need recommendations for a good central vacuum system to install in my house. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff on Sep 18, 2007 - 1 answer

What can you tell me about cedar shingles? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff on Sep 18, 2006 - 7 answers

What US neighborhoods are best known for interesting examples of Craftsman homes? I know about the various bay area neighborhoods - the Maybecks of the Berkeley hills, Westwood Park in SF, etc.; I'm familiar with Pasadena and its Bungalow Heaven, as well as Santa Barbara's many restored bungalows - and I'm familiar with similar neighborhoods here in Sacramento, where I live now. What I'm mainly looking for are out of the way, underrated or less-known neighborhoods with interesting historical and architectural character, specifically expressed in homes built in the Craftsman aesthetic - from the conservative late Victorian through the Prairie and Mission revival. [more inside]
posted by luriete on Jun 7, 2006 - 21 answers

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

Might have to do some serious work on my house's foundation. Estimates run to $10,000 or more. What should I be asking or thinking about here? [more inside]
posted by jojopizza on Feb 19, 2006 - 4 answers

Rapid self-design house building in the UK. I have an ill-informed notion that this should be possible by using pre-formed concrete slabs, but can find very little information. Can anyone shed any light on the subject? [more inside]
posted by ajp on Aug 9, 2005 - 6 answers