Knowing the climate zone your residential build will take place in will influence many of the decisions you will make as to construction methods and building materials. As energy conservation becomes a growing concern, building to your climate zone is an excellent way to ensure that you are providing your clients with the best options. Keep in mind that building and energy codes are the minimum standard.
In a recent survey by the National Safety Council, 69% of construction workers report being tired at work. With labor shortages, construction workers are experiencing increased demand on the jobsite as well as longer commutes. With construction workers at risk of injury, managers must find effective ways to combat fatigue on the jobsite, especially as …
The extreme cold affecting large swathes of the US and Canada has many crews working in life-threatening conditions. Hyporthermia can affect you even when the temperature is above freezing, so it’s important to know the signs and ensure your crew is properly prepared for cold weather. Get the Right Gear Start by dressing right. Layering …
We’ve come to understand that the quality of batt insulation relies heavily on the installation. No matter how good your insulation is, the way it is installed will determine your ability to reach increasingly stringent requirements for programs such as HERS, ENERGY STAR and LEED. Here’s some things you should focus on when installing batt …
It’s boom time in the construction business as housing demands increase. When this happens, there may be a temptation to take on more than you can handle. With a labor shortage and aging workforce, you may be caught with work and no one to do it. Here’s how to grow responsibly. Do it Yourself The …
The construction industry has been a male-dominated world for decades, but that is changing fast. A dire labor shortage has seen many companies turning to women to take up their tools. “What I find most fulfilling about working in the trades is starting with an idea and turning it into something that people can enjoy …
It’s estimated that 70% of construction projects come in late and over budget which can be frustrating for investors. Construction managers can look to these four areas as the mostly likely to cause budget issues. Weather Inclement weather can have a big impact on building schedules, causing delays for both contractors and trades. Rain, snow …
Does the prospect of soaring winter heating bills give you the chills? You can slash your winter energy bills and prevent emergency repairs with these simple home maintenance tips.
Stringent new building codes require improved efficiency of building envelopes through better insulation. While more expensive insulation methods, like spray foam, may have greater R-values, it is possible to meet the required high R-values using less expensive fibreglass or cellulose insulation with a raised heel truss.
When it comes time to sell the house, homeowners sometimes opt for DIY fixes hoping to save on costs and increase sales prices. Sadly, many of these common DIY projects go very wrong and contractors have to pick up the slack. Badly done DIY projects can actually devalue homes as prospective buyers simply add each …
