DEAR TIM: I’m not very good at reading blueprints. On the ones for my new home, the architect has drawn a step footing. Is this an accepted way to put in a foundation? Why can’t the footer that rests ...

Plain Cement Concrete, commonly called PCC or a “blinding layer,” is one of the first steps in foundation work. To many people on site, it looks like a simple layer of lean concrete placed before ...

Q. An elderly friend of mine has some steps to her basement that have no handrail. I told her I'd put one up, but the walls alongside the steps are made of cement blocks. The steps themselves are also ...

A new type of staircase has made its appearance on the home improvement scene lately -- precast concrete steps. These factory-molded stairs have a lot to offer in terms of ease of installation, ...