I received a question from a reader about radon emissions from granite countertops the other day. I wrote a blog post about this a while ago. But this question comes up over and over again, so I thought I would post her question and my answer in the hopes it would be helpful to others.

Question – I am thinking about purchasing granite countertops for our kitchen and bathrooms, but I have been reading some horror stories about granite and radon. Now I read your web site, and you say not to be concerned. How can I be sure that the granite I’m chosing doesn’t emit radon? I am honestly very worried after reading about it online, but then you say it’s not true at all. (more…)

I comment on other websites from time to time. One very good website that deals with homebuilding and remodeling is www.askthebuilder.com. Not too long ago I commented on an article about building stairs. Another comment was posted there this weekend from a person who seems to be pretty frustrated with his builder. He wrote:

I’m having a townhouse built in Philadelphia, Pa and think the contractor is giving me a line when it comes to the steps going from floor to floor.
This is the problem as I see it. The contractor is telling me it’s OK for the steps to be open on the left side as you go up. He installed a hand rail on the right side (going up) but nothing on the left. There is nothing there until you reach the ceiling height of the next floor.
I have searched the codes and can’t seem to find anything about what I think is a No….No. I think there should a rail to keep people from falling off the steps on the left hand side as you go up. Who is right? Me or the contractor. Can you point me to the code so I can print it?

 I feel bad for this fellow. He needs an architect to speak up for him and provide an unbiased opinion so the house gets built right. Here’s how I answered him: (more…)

Today’s question is, “Does the door from my garage to my house have to be fireproof or different from the other doors in my house?”

The answer is definitely, “Yes.” Garages along with kitchens, are the places most likely to initiate a fire. Think about it. Your garage has gasoline in it along with paints, thinners, cleaning fluids and other flammables. If your car leaked some gasoline onto a hot engine, a fire could start. Or a bundle of rags with paint thinner might spontaneously ignite when bundled up on a shelf or in a cabinet. It happens all too frequently. You need a good door to keep the fire from spreading from the garage to the house too quickly. (more…)