Change comes slowly to the construction industry, but modern homeowners are a different creature. Thanks to the internet, they are better informed and more demanding. If you want to keep your clients happy, get word-of-mouth referrals and avoid expensive callbacks, you need to up your communication game. Construction projects have a nasty reputation for being …
Moving to energy efficiency has meant tighter home envelopes and, while that is a good thing, we also need to be cognizant of our indoor air quality and work to keep our breathable air clean. One way to ensure your home is healthy is to prevent materials from off-gassing. Avoid furniture and building materials that …
Investment in equipment is essential for the successful construction company, but knowing when to buy, rent, lease or borrow can really help to maximize your profits. When weighing the odds on these options, you’re really calculating risk. Buying equipment results in higher profit margins, but overinvesting can mean you actually lose money. When you are …
Giving your roof a once-over in the fall is a great way to ensure you make it through the winter without damage or the need for repairs. One of the biggest winter risks is a leaky roof. These are most often caused by ice dams which occur when snow on the roof melts during the …
Sweater weather is here and we need to prepare our homes for the coming cold. Getting ready for the onslaught of winter can help you to maintain your home and can even prevent damage and save you money. Mind the Gap Caulking the gaps in your home is an easy way to increase comfort and …
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 …
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 …
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 …
