There are only so many billable hours in a year. By including overhead and profit in labor charges, a small construction company can ensure that all its costs are covered. Read more
A trio of professional painters tell how to match a clear finish to the job and provide tips for blemish-free application. Read more
In today’s tighter houses, carbon monoxide leaks are potentially more deadly than ever. These three case studies show how careful detective work can uncover and eliminate common sources of CO contamination. Read more
The decline in the quality of solid-sawn lumber has led manufacturers to develop a growing variety of engineered lumber substitutes. We look at some of the new materials that are finding their way on to residential job sites. Read more
Flashing a Leakproof Valley
Valley flashing takes a beating, whether from heavy rain runoff or melting snow and ice. A long-time roofing contractor explains the proper way to waterproof, flash, and shingle a durable valley. Read more
For builders using insulated concrete forms, attaching a wood floor system is the hardest part of the job. A structural slab, by contrast, is easy to install, has excellent resistance to fire and sound transmission, and works well with radiant floor heating. Here’s a step-by-step look at both steel joist and steel pan forming systems. Read more
Q: By code, how many linear feet of ridge vent is needed per square of roofing? Read more
Q: A friend of mine recently tried to sell a home. The buyers’ inspector discovered that no plywood clips had been installed on the roof sheathing. The roof has trusses 24 inches on-center and either 1/2-inch plywood or 7/16-inch OSB sheathing. Does anyone know a quick and easy fix for this? Read more
Designing an addition that fits Read more
What to do when clients can’t agree Read more
Avoiding liability for subcontractor errors Read more
Stay organized with Notepad and info.txt Read more
Permanent bracing for piggyback trusses Read more
Good, better, best venting strategies Read more