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.
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 …
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 …
As efficient building envelopes become more of a priority for builders, you may be considering investing in triple-pane windows for the R-value they offer. The technology behind window design has improved in leaps and bounds as manufacturers attempt to overcome the poor insulation value that windows traditionally offer the home builder. Unfortunately, the improved insulation comes at a high price. Do triple-pane windows offer sufficient energy-saving to justify the investment?
The dreaded call-back from an unhappy customer often takes up time and money that eats into your profit margins. However, successfully dealing with these issues can boost your customer service and improve word-of-mouth business. Turn your clients into raving fans with these call-back fixes.
Building materials don’t like water. Often, by the time we see water damage, it’s too late and we have structural damage. You can get ahead of mold and mildew by regularly checking these areas to ensure you don’t have a moisture problem. This is especially helpful when buying a home—these sources of moisture may stay …
