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
