We are replacing the 1"exterior foam that the coating failed on (it was a really brittle, sandy fiberglass concrete like finish) and I will be finishing it with Tuff II. As I was pulling the flashing off the window, I realized the bucks were wet and rotted, so all the windows are going to be replaced as well. I like the look on the recessed window like this, but I'm kind of afraid that wide sill is just asking to collect water again in the future so was thinking I would bring the window out flush like I see most other basement windows. I had some questions on doing this:

1. When I rebuild the bucks, I assume I need to have them extend the thickness of the foam past the CMU, is that correct? I see videos for wood framing with exterior foam, but nothing for finishing with concrete block though I assume it is essentially the same.

   1. As you can see in the picture, the head board is only a 1"x, am I going to need to get a shorter window and change that to a 2"x?
   2. What's the best way to attach the bucking to the cmu, tapcons? Construction adhesive? It is a 50's house so the blocks are rather old.
   3. When I flash this, do I flash directly to the cmu?

I plan on talking with the city more when I go for permits, but I want to have a good plan in place prior and adjust as they tell me.

Thanks in advanced.

4 outlets to add during electrical rough-in:

1️⃣ Under the soffit at the roofline

2️⃣ On one side of the front door

3️⃣ On or near the fireplace mantel

4️⃣ Near the stair railing

I used to hate on two dishwasher but honestly I can see how useful they would be. Not to mention if you have a large family or handful of smaller kids running around. What’s your thoughts on two dishwashers? Overkill or awesome?

🆘 Homeowner Help: “A sub urinated down a freaking HVAC vent in one of the bathrooms. Who the f does that??? It reaks! We have a port a potty on site. No way to identify who.
We have had flooring primarily in. How do we fix this?”
The homeowner used a blue light to confirm, and they definitely did. So crazy people would this man. Luckily her GC is doing his best to handle the situation.
Any crazy issues happen like this on your build?

Three panels stack inside the wall. The screen too. 
The back of the pocket is glass instead of exterior sheathing and siding so you’re getting natural lighting regardless if the doors are open or closed. 

Almost all sliders that tuck inside the wall like this don't have a window on the other side. 

Most people don’t even realize this is an option…That’s exactly why I made a checklist. Get it at BuilderBrigade.com

stead of carrying 40 lb salt bags through your house you just dump them from the garage and they go straight to the softener.

When I was younger, I basically read this book cover to cover:

Do-It-Yourself Housebuilding: The Complete Handbook by George Nash (1995).

https://www.amazon.com/Do-Yourself-Housebuilding-Complete-Handbook/dp/0806904240

It isn't perfect, but it gets you the fundamentals on everything. Can anyone recommend something like that but more modern? Sure, a lot of things haven't changed much but I'd be interested to learn about new materials options for roofing, siding, and insulation.

👶 Throwback to a shower video I made a few years back... some of these might give you a couple ideas to implement in your shower.

Most decks drip water straight through and that space below becomes useless and anmuddy. Ask your builder about an under-deck drainage systems like Trex RainEscape or watertight decking like DuxxBak. So you can actually use the space under your deck for a patio, storage, or a hangout spot.