According to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey, construction labor shortages are even more widespread than they were last year with 75% of construction crews experiencing a lack of carpenters (framing, rough and finished). That means over 200,000 jobs are vacant in the construction industry. There are many reasons for the dearth of …
Framing walls plumb and straight is a matter of precision and patience. Doing so will avoid wavy walls, squeaky floors and those dreaded callbacks that eat into your profit margins. Here are some ways to improve your frame game. Store Materials Properly Most framing materials are able to withstand the kinds of weather that normally …
The building industry has traditionally been reticent to adopt change. Construction professionals have been building homes in the same way for decades and, while they are quick to upgrade tools, they don’t usually go for every technological fad that hits the market. Drones, however, are no fad and their usefulness coupled with relatively inexpensive upfront …
Following the phenomenal success of last year’s Thank A Framer video (over 4 million views and counting!) Norbord has released its second video to mark the start of “Thank a Framer” month. This video follows the process of manufacturing Oriented Strand Board (OSB) from the forest to the construction site, paying homage to workers in …
Insulation can improve a home’s energy efficiency, but the efficacy of insulation is dependant on how it’s installed. Insulation products can only perform optimally if they are installed perfectly. Batt insulation, for example, will only achieve its R-value when it isn’t compressed. This occurs most often in roof assemblies where conventional trusses meet the exterior …
Do you leave your ceiling fans on even when you aren’t in the room? Some experts argue that ceiling fans aren’t doing you any favors if left on when no one is home. Fans are a great way to cool down because they evaporate sweat. When air moves across the surface of your skin, it …
Hardwood flooring will change as natural environmental conditions change. The humidity and heat of the summer can cause wood to expand while the dry winter conditions will result in contraction. The manufacturers of wood flooring products have studied the idea conditions for their flooring and have detailed recommendations on the temperatures and ambient humidity that …
OSHA requires a number of safety measures in place before workers are allowed to enter confined spaces. Some spaces require permits, special safety gear and more than one worker to ensure the safety of all onsite. This is a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Now drones are taking on the risk and doing all the work …
With these tips and tricks, you can get your AC unit to work smarter, not harder. If you have a noisy unit that creates poor indoor air quality or different comfort levels throughout the house, it may be time to give your AC some TLC. Reduce Sources of Indoor Heat If your house feels uncomfortable …
Whether you are the proud owner of a new house or a seasoned contractor advising new clients, knowing what to tackle first can really help you get settled in. Here’s how to decide what you can do yourself as a homeowner, and what you should leave to the pros. Angie Hicks from Angie’s List explains: …
