Defect litigation has become a billion-dollar industry in Southern California, driving many contractors out of business. A defect specialist describes the most frequent errors he encounters — from structure to finishes — and tells how to prevent them. Read more
Rigid foam insulation used below grade provides hidden pathways for termites and carpenter ants, and makes it impossible to chemically treat the foundation. We examine the problem, the costs, and possible solutions. Read more
Spec remodeler Larry Dworin tells how he chooses, restores, and markets “fixer-uppers” that provide him with a steady income and a high return on investment. Read more
Three tool makers have introduced new portable table saws with wider rip capacities, more accurate adjustments, and other new features. Here’s a side-by-side comparison. Read more
Does your office look like a tornado just blew through it? This simple method improves efficiency by putting everything where it belongs. Read more
Stucco Flashing Details
Like most claddings, stucco is not watertight unless it’s properly flashed. A stucco contractor explains how to detail openings, penetrations, and terminations to keep the water out. Read more
Q: I am reroofing a flat roof framed with 2x10s on a house in Tucson. The foil-faced batt insulation was installed more than 25 years ago and seems very spotty, so I’d like to replace it while the roof is stripped. Winters are mild here, but the summer heat is brutal. I use both a/c and evaporative cooling depending on the outside humidity level, so humidity inside varies. What’s the best way to insulate the ceiling joists to provide ventilation? And how should I handle the vapor barrier? Since I don’t want to remove the drywall ceiling, is there some way to coat the back of the drywall? Or can a synthetic roof coating be used as a spray-on vapor barrier? Read more
Q&A: Applying Clapboards on a Curved Wall
Q: I am trying to put 1/2x4-inch redwood beveled siding on a wall with a 4-ft. 8-in. radius. It doesn’t seem like a very tight radius, but so far I have only gotten up three courses before a board splits out. It seems as if each piece wants to pull further from the wall at the top. I have some pieces soaking in a tub of water hoping that will make it more pliable. Do you have any suggestions? Read more
Using room dividers to create space Read more
Accounting for your own labor Read more
How to handle the death of a client Read more
Improving presentations with computer-generated proposals Read more
Stud sensor comparison Read more