The Home Improvement Thread

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Floor above? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

Stringer deflection support most often.

So... load bearing?

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Shazam

So... load bearing?

Will be and can be are two different blanket statements. One could be bad advice when paired with unknown factors.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Will be and can be are two different blanket statements. One could be bad advice when paired with unknown factors.

Best to assume it is and go from there rather than just cutting out walls next to stairs. I mean it sure beats the other way around.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Shazam

Best to assume it is and go from there rather than just cutting out walls next to stairs. I mean it sure beats the other way around.

Of course. But saying “will be” is too absolute when there’s a huge range of scenarios.

[timun]

It's almost like scotty2hotty should hire a professional to come look at it before he starts knockin' down walls...

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by timun

It's almost like scotty2hotty should hire a professional to come look at it before he starts knockin' down walls...

You really think a modern home has load bearing walls in a basement and needs an engineering assessment to knock it down?

Tell me you are in APEGA without telling me you are in APEGA.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Shazam

Best to assume it is and go from there rather than just cutting out walls next to stairs. I mean it sure beats the other way around.

Even around stairs, the joists are supported by beams that are supported by posts. Not walls.

The framing on a home is done before the basement slab is poured. How would they even frame load bearing walls around the stairs before the slab is poured?

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

You really think a modern home has load bearing walls in a basement and needs an engineering assessment to knock it down?

Tell me you are in APEGA without telling me you are in APEGA.

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Even around stairs, the joists are supported by beams that are supported by posts. Not walls.

The framing on a home is done before the basement slab is poured. How would they even frame load bearing walls around the stairs before the slab is poured?

He never specified the era of construction or provided any details so you can't assume much.

You haven't seen it all? Footings with curbs. Slabs poured around studs. It's happened.

My 90s build has a stepped foundation central to the structure that could support a bearing wall. It's currently undetermined which scenario it is until I open up the drywall.

[timun]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

You really think a modern home has load bearing walls in a basement and needs an engineering assessment to knock it down?

Who said it's a modern home?

[EverfresH15]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Even around stairs, the joists are supported by beams that are supported by posts. Not walls.

The framing on a home is done before the basement slab is poured. How would they even frame load bearing walls around the stairs before the slab is poured?

Concrete pads are poured and we place teleposts on them.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by EverfresH15

Concrete pads are poured and we place teleposts on them.

Posts need to be placed on footings, not on a slab.

This is separate from the argument that there are load bearing framed walls “around” the stairs.

[Engine09]

Has anyone here done countertops recently? Lowes or Home Depot worth looking into? Any other recommendations?

I likely can't afford Granite but want to avoid laminate so is Quartz my only option? Is Dekton available locally?

[AC]

Originally Posted by Engine09

Has anyone here done countertops recently? Lowes or Home Depot worth looking into? Any other recommendations?

I likely can't afford Granite but want to avoid laminate so is Quartz my only option? Is Dekton available locally?

Caesarstone is another quartz-like option I like the look of.

Corian is a neat product I don't see a lot of but it's really durable. Kind of like a faux-marble but it can look a lot like quartz without the pricetag.

Concrete countertops are probably more maintenance than you'd want since it's a porous material. I see stainless steel and butcherblock occasionally in kitchens but I'm not a fan of either personally.

We did 2 bathroom renovations the last couple of years. One with a corian counter from a Lowes store sample flipbook (can't find it on their website), which turned out really cool. The other was a granite from Jadestone, and it was fine but pricier.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Even around stairs, the joists are supported by beams that are supported by posts. Not walls.

The framing on a home is done before the basement slab is poured. How would they even frame load bearing walls around the stairs before the slab is poured?

Whole lotta absolutes coming from you. Pretty reckless.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by kevman

I don't disagree but just to add to this our house built in 1950 has a load bearing basement wall.

Same. 1955

[photon]

We did the custom quartz countertops from IKEA for my parents when we suited our basement and they seem to like it.

[timun]

Originally Posted by kevman

I don't disagree but just to add to this our house built in 1950 has a load bearing basement wall. Yeah, weird.

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Same. 1955

Same; '59.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by AC

Concrete countertops are probably more maintenance than you'd want since it's a porous material.

I've seen these go wrong, and it looks like an ongoing nightmare. Bubbling sealant, trapped moisture etc.

[AC]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

I've seen these go wrong, and it looks like an ongoing nightmare. Bubbling sealant, trapped moisture etc.

Yep, we bought a townhouse that had cool looking concrete counters but they were a pain to maintain and developed some hairline fractures in a couple spots.

[Ducay]

Anyone have experience with those DIY spray-foam insulation kits (the ones where you get little propane-like bottles)?

Have some "airtight" recessed cans in my attic that are clearly not airtight, so some humid air is coming through & freezing from them. Debating if I blast em with the 'supposedly' vapour re-tarding spray insulation if that might do the trick. Really don't want to go to the hassle of putting vapour barrier boxes overtop of airtight boxes given the # of them....