It used to be that the number of bedrooms and bathrooms was what determined a home’s retail value. Times are changing and so have the demands of potential homeowners. Keeping on the cutting edge of market demands will help you to build homes that sell fast and renos that maintain your profit margins. With couples …
Light switches, light fittings and outlets can be a major source of heat loss in winter and cool air in the summer. A tiny 1/8-inch gap around six ceiling light fixtures adds up to a 2 square-inch hole in your ceiling. Putting gaskets behind switch plates is a good start, but these don’t provide a …
The most essential element of maintaining your profit margins is forward planning. Don Macgruder from ProSales: “Most executives lack focus on future margins because they are not prepared to face the harsh reality that they use losing strategies. It is easy to complain about a 19.8% margin on last month’s report; however, it takes effort to develop a winning pricing strategy. Good margins don’t just happen; they require a forward-looking strategic plan.” Here are some strategies that will ensure proper forward planning:
Sure, as the owner of a construction firm, you get to be your own boss, but construction is a very stressful occupation. As a small business owner, you have payroll, taxes and getting new clients to think about. With the construction labor shortage, it can be really difficult to keep your team together. Every building …
Buckling is mostly the result of moisture which causes wood sheathing panels to expand. While buckling does little to effect the structural integrity of the OSB panel, it can have a negative aesthetic effect which would result in expensive callbacks. Here are some ways in which you can mitigate the effects of buckling by accounting for normal moisture conditions and through moisture control.
Duct leaks are insidious and are one of the three biggest energy wasters in most homes. While leaks cost you through the loss of conditioned air, when these duct leaks cause negative indoor pressure, unconditioned air will be pulled in from outside and you will waste even more energy keeping your home comfortable.
Is everyone sitting around waiting because you ran out of nails? When employees leave the jobsite to pick up materials, you have a double loss with transport costs and time. Studies show that these costs can take up as much as 2-4% of the project’s profits for most small to medium construction companies. But with a better system and planning, you can vastly reduce lumberyard runs and improve your efficiency and your bottom line
Discerning construction professionals are turning to raised-heel trusses thanks to the increased attic space they produce. This space is then utilized for larger amounts of cheaper insulation which reduces the cost of insulation and provides a more effective building envelope and a greener home. Raised-heel trusses offer many environmental and cost-saving benefits.
When installing structural panels, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also liaise with your design professional and consult The Engineered Wood Association (APA) guide E30V which you can download here. We have included some tips to keep in mind when installing OSB wood structural panels.
You don’t need freezing temperatures to get hypothermia. Wind and rain can drop your body temperature below 95 degrees F and then you’re in trouble. When temperatures drop on the jobsite, it’s important to manage your crew and ensure they are properly protected. Sick days can really eat into your profit margins and you need …
