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Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group)

U.S.

Maxed Out

Expertise

I can answer any questions regarding the design and construction of homes and additions. This includes trade-specific questions (how-to) in all major building trades: framing, foundations, site prep, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, water treatment, interior finishing, trim & cabinetwork, exterior finishing, roofing, siding. PLEASE indicate your state or region, so I can provide the best possible answer.

Experience in the area

25 years experience in building design and construction, all hands-on, including the construction of dozens of single-family homes and hundreds of remodeling projects in the northeastern US.

Publications

Author: "Architectural Woodwork - Details for Construction" published by Van Nostrand Reinhold (now Wiley).

Education/Credentials

BS Cornell University.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	P	Comments
Noel	04/08/12	10	10	10	Stephen's answer was good, and he took .....
Frank	01/12/12	10	10	10	Thank you very much for your responses .....
joe	09/10/07	10	10	10	thanks for your help- i have decided .....
Jeff	08/30/07	10	10	10	I decided not to vault the ceiling .....
Dave	08/30/07	10	10	10

Recent Answers from Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group)

2012-05-13 Headers:

Hi Thomas, There are a lot of rules of thumb in the construction business. Which one are you referring to? Header design is an exact process, based on loads, span, lumber species, and grade. Let

2012-04-01 Addition to a perimeter concrete footing House:

Noel, Since it is rental property, you probably can't sink too much money/time into a full foundation, re-grading, etc. So your choice to go with a pier foundation is OK, as long as the local codes

2012-03-30 Addition to a perimeter concrete footing House:

Noel, If budget and skill are not a consideration, then it is usually best to match the existing type of foundation when constructing an addition. I can't tell from your pictures whether the window

2012-02-10 extending a hip roof or the existing hip ridge board:

John, Extending a hip roof is fairly straightforward. The shingles (or whatever roofing materials you have) should be stripped off to expose the sheathing and framing. Then, supporting posts/beam

2012-01-25 Carport Installation:

Brandy, From your description I assume that you are describing a pre-fabricated metal carport kit. If this is the case, you need to contact the manufacturer for their advice on fastening the structure

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