In recent years, as my work has focused on
disseminating information about newer and
better building and energy-conservation
techniques, I've become increasingly
disappointed to see how often my colleagues
in the building and remodeling fields turn up
their noses at new techniques.
The time has long since arrived for us to
adapt our building techniques to new conditions;
the givens have changed dramatically
in the last dozen years or so. Unfortunately,
those who are building the bulk of the
houses and doing most of the remodeling in
this country—the small builders—are the
most difficult to win over.
Why are small builders and contractors
not taking advantage of all the research and
educational materials at their disposal to