From Real Builds

Project Guides

Professional installation guides for homeowners and contractors.

By Daru Dhillon, Licensed General Contractor

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Modern curbless shower base set level over a hidden drain during a barrier-free walk-in shower build by licensed general contractor Daru Dhillon

Bathroom

How to Install a Curbless Shower Base

Install a modern curbless shower base with a hidden drain, including setting the base in mortar, levelling and professional installation techniques for a clean, modern walk-in shower.

8 Steps·Mortar-Set Base·Hidden Drain

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Finished pressure-treated deck stairs with a concrete landing, a real build by licensed general contractor Daru Dhillon

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Deck Building

How to Build Deck Stairs

Build and cut accurate deck stairs, including rise and run, stringer layout, tread installation and anchoring the stairs to concrete.

9 Steps·Professional Techniques

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Mapeguard UM tile membrane being embedded into fresh mortar over a subfloor, a crack isolation and uncoupling install by licensed general contractor Daru Dhillon

Tile Installation

Forget Uncoupling: There’s a Better Tile Membrane Now

How to install tested & rated tile membranes, including Mapeguard UM over wood and UM 35 over concrete, keying the mortar into the subfloor, checking your coverage and waterproofing the seams.

7 Steps·Crack Isolation + Uncoupling·ANSI A118.12

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Masonry

How to Install a Lintel & Enlarge a Window Opening

Enlarge a window opening in a brick wall using temporary jack supports, install steel lintels, wet-set an Indiana Limestone sill and header, and learn tips for clean, professional masonry cuts.

10 Steps·Steel Lintel Support·Indiana Limestone

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Bathrooms · Decks · Masonry · Exterior Builds · Landscaping

Where Great Renovations Begin