How do I paint an outdoor concrete porch floor so that the paint will not peel off every winter?

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Rick Brown.
Q: How to paint an outdoor concrete porch floor so that the paint will not peel off every winter? I have been sanding it ; applying a sealer recommended by the paint dealer ; and a concrete paint also recommended by the dealer. Yet every winter the paint peels off, and every spring I need to repaint the area? .......

How do we build a home a property we own?

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Tom Critelli.
Q: Hello, My husband and I are trying to find out more information about building a home. We have the property, but are unsure of the costs involved. We would like to know how much we would need to put down to begin with and how to go about finding a builder in the South Jersey, Cumberland County area. .......

Will granite countertops weight too much for my kitchen floor to hold?

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Dan Gehrig.
Q: I'm in the process of remodelling the kitchen in my modular home. The home is older (1993) and has a 46 pound per sq foot rating. I've laid a 10mil floor and will install 13 new base and wall cabinets. .......

Financing solutions for your personal construction projects

Posted on March 04, 2011 by Dan Motherway.
This time of year, you may be preparing for significant expenses such as home improvement or construction. But given current market conditions, traditional sources of financing may be less readily available to meet these objectives. And other options such as liquidating investments or depleting cash reserves to cover these expenses may not be consistent with your long-term financial plans. .......

Top reasons to Switch to Solar in 2011

Posted on February 02, 2011 by John H. Hooper.

The New Year is always a time for reflections and resolutions. This year is no exception, so why not resolve to save yourself some money, help the environment, and support your community? You can kill three birds with one stone by switching to solar. There’s no better time than now.  

Partial Permit Filing

Posted on November 19, 2010 by NJBA Staff.
Q.  I am working with a builder on a custom designed home. Can construction start on a project even though complete plans are unavailable? .......

Plan Should Promote Smart Growth to Drive Economy

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Tim Touhey.
The State Development and Redevelopment Plan is supposed to provide a vision for the future that will preserve and enhance the quality of life for all residents of New Jersey. Its purpose is to: “Coordinate planning activities and establish statewide planning objectives in the following areas: land use, housing, economic development, transportation, natural resource conservation, agriculture and farmland retention, recreation, urban and suburban redevelopment, historic preservation, public facilities and services, and intergovernmental coordination (N.J. .......

I am installing some recessed lights in my home. Are there special energy code requirements for recessed light fixtures?

Posted on October 25, 2010 by NJBA Staff.
Yes, according to the energy code recessed light fixtures need to meet certain insulation requirements so as to prevent movement of heat (or cold air) through the fixture assembly.  Any light fixture that penetrates or is going to cut into a ceiling or wall must be “Type IC” rated.  The rating is usually shown on a label attached inside the fixture. .......

When do I need to get a permit? When do I need to get a licensed professional?

Posted on October 25, 2010 by NJBA Staff.
Hi, I am planning to remodel my house. I need to obtain permits from the town. I wanted to know if there is a law stated that the Homeowner could do the jobs all by themself without anyone's help? .......

Are there specific code requirements on the sizes for doors accessing closets, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms?

Posted on October 25, 2010 by NJBA Staff.
The International Residential Code does not specify any dimensions for interior doors other than one main exit door.  The exit door must be side hinged and not less than 3 feet in width and 6 feet, 8 inches in height.  All other exterior doors may be hinged or sliding and are not required to comply with these minimum dimensions. .......
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