JLC Online

Rebuilding a Church on a Higher Plane

Builders give a Katrina-devastated structure a lift with concrete, steel, and SIPs.
Solving Moisture Mysteries with an Infrared Camera

Temperature differences between dry and wet spots can provide important clues.
Replacing a Slab Foundation

When the original builder flubs a foundation, someone else has to clean up the mess.

TVA-ORNL Project Provides a Window on the Payback of Energy Upgrades

Study finds that modest upgrades in insualtion and HVAC equipment dramatically reduce energy use in warm, humid climates.
Builders Seek "Transfer Fees" to Profit from Future Home Sales

Practice is called "a new form of price gouging" by lender group.
PEX Tubing Approval is Off-Again, On-Again

Challenges from pipe trades and environmental group keep California plumbers guessing.
Permit Rules for Teardowns Are Tightening

Teardowns aren't as common as they were during the boom, but they're still causing problems in some communities.

Q&A: Can You Swap Lithium Ion for Nicad Batteries?

Q: I recently purchased a DeWalt 18-volt cordless tool with lithium-ion batteries and noticed that the new batteries also fit my old DeWalt tools. Is it okay to use lithium-ion batteries in tools that came with nickel-cadmium (nicad) batteries?
Q&A: Fixing a Botched Trim Job

Q: A homeowner has asked me how to repair what looks to me like a botched job, where new entry doors were installed in a brick home covered with stucco or some kind of cement parging. The home is in New Jersey and dates to 1905. The stucco was crudely chipped away, leaving 1/2-inch gaps between the...

Business: Introducing the NAHB Chart of Accounts

Here's an effective way to organize and categorize expenses and job-cost data and compare the results with your forecasts.

Senco Fusion Finish Nailer

When I heard that Senco was introducing a new cordless finish nailer, I was both excited and skeptical — excited because I dislike using hoses, and skeptical because as a long-time user of cordless finish guns I am aware of their shortcomings.

ZipWall ZP4 Dust-Containment Kit

Create a temporary dust-containment wall or "room" with plastic sheeting using the ZipWall system.
Dustless Technologies 16006 HEPA Vacuum

Dustless Technologies' model 16006 HEPA vac meets requirements for the new RRP lead rule, says the manufacturer, and it's affordably priced.
Bosch Two-Plane Laser

Bosch's latest two-plane laser level has no motorized spinning beams.
Bostitch Clamping Box Beam Levels

Stanley's Bostitch line of heavy-duty construction hand tools offers 2- and 4-foot clamping box beam levels.

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