Performance Measurement

• Q&A: Fire-Safe Decking

  Q: Does anyone make a fireproof deck board?

   

• Any Port in a Storm

  The top lenders aren't what they used to be.

   

• Cash-Out Refis Play Hard to Get

  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are getting tough on cash-out refinancings for multifamily borrowers.

   

• Signs of Life Emerging for Multifamily Capital Markets

  While credit availability for multifamily borrowers is still constrained, there have been some recent glimmers of hope that the capital markets are starting to stabilize.

   

• Backfill: Next - A Snap-On Addition?

  Jigsaw-puzzle house

   

• Fitting Out a Custom Closet

  Adjustable rods and shelving simplify layout and construction.

   

• Before the Aftermath

  APARTMENT FINANCE TODAY'S Multifamily Disaster Survival Guide showcases best practices for apartment owners and developers when it comes to disaster preparedness, including how best to negotiate insurance contracts.

   

• Dr. U and Mr. L

  The real issue surrounding UL is whether its standards are current, necessary, cost effective, and fair. Most U.S. fixture makers (including those with offshore manufacturing) are resigned to meeting UL and many have set up in-house UL testing labs to do the work, keeping costs low. But for...

   

• Building Log Homes

  Using a kit with kiln-dried logs reduces shrinkage and results in a tighter shell.

   

• Soundings

  Engineered Wood in Coastal Environments

   

• Q&A: Gluing a Glulam

  Q: For one of our projects, we need to make a solid wood attachment to a glulam beam that seems to have a special finish on it. Should we use a particular type of glue to make the connection?

   

• Q&A: Overdriven Fasteners in ZIP System Sheathing

  Q. When fastening ZIP System sheathing to wall and roof framing with our pneumatic nailers, we've found that it's difficult to keep nail heads from penetrating the applied protective barrier on the face of the panels. Won't these holes compromise the moisture barrier's integrity and lead to...

   

• Framing Red Flags

  Catch these common framing and sheathing errors and you’ll prevent inspection failures and customer callbacks.

   

• Credit Standards Tighten

  Fannie Mae is processing deals hand over fist this year even as it makes significant adjustments to its credit standards.

   

• Yesterday’s Subprime Homeowner, Today’s Subprime Renter?

  Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

   

• Backfill: Turning Monster Posts on a Shop-Built Lathe

  Turning posts on a shop-built lathe

   

• Writing a Best-Practice Manual

  Using a standardized set of procedures speeds installation and reduces callbacks.

   

• Q&A: Fix for Bouncy I-Joists?

  Q: Instead of glue and nails, my framing subcontractor used screws to fasten the sheathing to the I-joists of a new 14-foot-wide addition. While there are no interior walls bearing on the floor system and no excessive notching in the I-joist flanges - and the joists fall well within the APA's...

   

• Q&A: Finger-Jointed Studs

  Q: Can finger-jointed studs be used for wall plates and short window and door headers?

   

• Building a Curved Stairway

  Simple framed walls support the treads and act as forms for bending the rails and stringers.