Tips for Placing HVAC Ducts in Conditioned Space
See how putting HVAC ducts inside conditioned space in a home benefits both the builder and the homeowner
Don't Underestimate the Importance of Roofing Underlayment
Regardless of which product you choose to use, installing a roofing underlayment will help ensure the roof system withstands the elements and the home stays dry
How to Build Healthy Homes That Protect Homebuyers From Radon
Consider a relatively simple and inexpensive passive mitigation system to vent radon—a radioactive, odorless, invisible gas—and deliver a truly healthy home
Reduce Lumber Waste: 3 Effective Strategies for Home Builders
Dumpsters overflowing with lumber are merely a symptom. To really reduce lumber waste on jobsites, you need to address your systems
Construction Job Search? Make Your Résumé Shine With These Tips
Résumé-writing advice for construction industry job seekers
Better Attic Insulation: Simple Solutions for 4 Common Problem Areas
Home builders generally do a good job with blown-in-place attic insulation but should take care with these common trouble spots to ensure a better insulation job and greater home energy efficiency
Sales + Marketing
Become the Big Fish: How to Seize Tier 2 and 3 Market Opportunities
Home builders can use this checklist to dominate Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets that offer potential
Framing + Building Envelope
How to Frame Walls That Combat Moisture
A pair of research studies reveal best practices—and a new assembly sequence—to combat moisture in framed walls
Construction Quality
How to Avoid Cracks in Post-Tensioned Concrete Slab Foundations
How home builders can avoid cracks in a post-tensioned slab-on-grade foundation by preventing certain errors during the installation process
Quality Matters
Why Compact Duct Layouts for HVAC Make Sense
The approach shown here for HVAC duct layouts is a win-win: It saves money and reduces homeowner complaints about indoor comfort
Quality Matters
Construction Quality Assurance Program Fundamentals
Home builders should take these steps to create an effective QA program that yields lasting results
Planning + Development
Buying Land? 10 Tips to Find the Best of What’s Left
Think all the good land was bought by big builders? 10 tips for small builders to find and buy land
Building Envelope
Evaluating the Durability of Weather-Resistant Barriers
Take these steps to be confident your building wrap will maintain optimal performance
Indoor Air Quality
For Better Indoor Air Quality: Build Tight and Ventilate Right
Buildings need to dry and people need to breathe. Good air sealing aids both
Roofing
New Retrofit Design Guide for Metal Roofing
The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a new design guide, "Retrofit Metal Roofing.” The manual provides code-compliant and market…
Quality Matters
Do This to Ensure Fiber-Cement Siding Is Trouble-Free
Avoid expensive moisture problems by paying attention to a few key details and avoiding these common errors