Building Green: Sustainable Ideas for Contractors and DIY Enthusiasts
In the modern era, construction and home improvement are no longer just about creating structures; they are about building a sustainable and eco-friendly...
Blog
Recent Blog Posts
Kitchen Design
Most kitchen layouts start from the concept of a “work triangle” between the sink, refrigerator, and cooking surface (Figure A). For an efficient work triangle...
Building Safety from the Ground Up: Crafting an OSHA-Compliant Program for Homebuilding Construction Sites
Safety is the cornerstone of any successful construction project, and in the realm of homebuilding, it takes on heightened significance. As the construction...
A Look at Traditional Trim Designs
While I spend much of my time traveling around the country teaching carpenters and contractors the ins and outs of trim carpentry, I don’t often have the...
Five Winter-Friendly Exterior Projects
Winter may not always be the first season that comes to people’s minds when they are thinking of revamping the exterior of their homes. However, the winter...
How to Refinish a Bathtub
Whether your bathtub shows just a little wear, some significant scratches, or bad staining, refinishing can renew the tub and give it new life for a fraction...
Elevate Your Culinary Space: The Best Kitchen Improvement Projects to Complete
The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, is a space where functionality and aesthetics harmonize to create a welcoming environment. If you're...
Beautiful Hazard: How to Design Safe, Functional and Beautiful Stairs
While on a recent trip to Dallas, I had dinner with a friend at an outdoor restaurant. One of topics we discussed was this very article on designing better...
Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests with Interior and Exterior Projects
As the crisp autumn air arrives, it signals not only the changing seasons but also the approaching holiday season. With family gatherings and festivities on...
A Comprehensive Guide for DIY-ers and Contractors to Prep Equipment for Winter
As the chill of winter settles in, DIY enthusiasts and contractors alike gear up to face the unique challenges posed by cold weather. Winterizing your...
Fall Essentials for Contractors: A Seasonal Shopping Guide
As the vibrant colors of summer give way to the crispness of autumn, contractors are gearing up for a new season of projects. Fall brings its own set of...
Different Types of Mortar and Their Uses
When it comes to masonry construction, choosing the right type of mortar is crucial for the success and durability of your project. Different types of mortar...
End of Season Checklist for your Deck or Patio
It’s been a great summer and you’ve been enjoying your patio or deck as much as humanly possible, right? Well, remember early this spring when you opened up...
Understanding the Differences Between OSB and CDX
When it comes to construction and woodworking, selecting the right materials is essential for the success and durability of a project. Two commonly used...
Siding Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining Different Siding Types
Siding is not just about enhancing your home's curb appeal; it's also a protective barrier against the elements. From wood and vinyl to fiber cement and stucco...
Comparing Deck Wood Choices
Generally speaking, when you compare common decking materials there are three choices: Cedar, pressure-treated wood and composite decking. Neither one is a bad...
Heat Exhaustion in Construction
Summer is here and with it comes the heat. For those working in construction it means stress, exhaustion, and dehydration are all top concerns in the...
Mold Remediation in Your Home
Mold can be a silent but destructive home invader, creeping in from unsuspecting spots and causing significant damage and even health threats if left unchecked...
5 Essential Summer Safety Tips for Contractors
Summer brings warmer weather and longer days, making it a busy and productive time for contractors. However, working in high temperatures and under intense sun...
Fresh Air: Rules for Good Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality is ubiquitous in the U.S., so much so that the Environmental Protection Agency considers it a chief environmental threat. An EPA Office...
The Transformative Power of a Front Porch
A front porch can be a great addition to a home for many reasons, including enhancing its curb appeal and functionality. Updating or adding a new front porch...
Importance of Jobsite Meetings
In the construction business, it stands to reason that productivity is the key to success. So, what is the key to productivity, might you ask? A good place to...
What Mold Could Mean in Your Home
Mold is a common problem in many homes, and the appearance of mold could mean many things. By recognizing mold right away, it will be easier to reduce the risk...
Attaching Posts to a Rooftop Deck
Q. How can I mount newel posts to a deck on a flat roof without cutting into the roof? A. Paul Nichter, a contractor in Islesboro, Maine, responds: I’ve been...
Getting your Deck Ready for Spring
As soon as the snow melts and the ground is somewhat thawed, it is the perfect time to start getting your deck ready for spring. This way, you can spend more...