Framing is the single biggest contributor to the construction budget, accounting for (on average) around 18%. With rising costs and labor shortages, framing is becoming increasingly expensive. It behooves the small to medium construction firm to find ways in which to make the framing as efficient and cost effective as possible. You can mitigate some of the framing costs with careful planning, an efficiently run jobsite and the right tools.
Wall panelization or stick building homes? We asked a couple of pros for their opinions on this issue and got really great answers.
Accidents on construction sites can jeopardize the safety of your team and the public while causing delays or financial loss. While most construction sites already require safety with the use of protective gear and adherence to safety standards; reminders are never a bad idea.
If your residential build occurs in building science climate zones one, two or even three, you may want to reconsider placing the ductwork for your air conditioning units in the attic, even if the attic is ventilated. Studies show you could be adding 15% or more to your energy bill with poor ductwork placement.
Painting problems can really ruin an otherwise perfect job and you get stuck with time-consuming call backs. While selecting the wrong paint for the job can cause issues, most call backs result from improper application. Whether you are spaying, rolling, brushing or using a combination of these methods, becoming adept in paint application not only saves you time and money, it also finishes your job so professionally that you will turn your customers into raving fans.
Intersecting walls pose an energy-efficiency conundrum. The usual way to address the situation is through ladder backing (as opposed to 3-stud wall bucks) and continuous sealant for the top and bottom places along the stud edges. But this incredibly clever solution is easier, and provides room for more robust insulation.
Proper maintenance of the home and appliances will prevent costly repairs or replacements and will add to the efficiency with which your home runs. Here are a few items to keep an eye on that may be slipping under your home-maintenance radar.
As new products flood the market and changing climates and rising water levels change the face of construction, building codes are constantly changing to keep up with the shifting landscape. Every three years, building code are updated in order to improve the way we build. For small business owners, these constant changes may prove difficult to keep up with.
Mark Schmidt Remodeling has been providing the Owensboro, Daviess County and the Tri-state area with quality craftsmanship and award-winning home renovations for more than three decades. Not only is Mark a renowned remodeler, but his long tenure as a member of the NHBA makes him a thought-leader in the industry.
While an upswing in the housing market is good news for the construction industry, many builders are concerned about higher materials costs. Innovative construction companies are utilizing advances in technology to make their builds more efficient as the time and management improvements they provide are too impressive to be ignored.
