Q. 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 under ...

Q: I’m thinking of a career in new-home construction and know very little. One of the things I don’t fully understand is the foundation footer. I’m also stumped about piers. What’s the real purpose of ...

POP Projects is a collection of new and classic projects from more than a century of Popular Mechanics. Master skills, get tool recommendations, and, most importantly, build something of your very own ...

Concrete is not purely a structural element. As we demonstrated in an article about kitchen projects using concrete countertops, the material is gaining significant traction in the world of ...