The instances of lung cancer among construction workers are 50% higher than those of the general population. In a study by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) and Duke University, researches found that around a fifth of lung cancer in construction workers was caused by hazardous materials on building sites. There are many …
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 …
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 …
Framing walls plumb and straight is a matter of precision and patience. Doing so will avoid wavy walls, squeaky floors and those dreaded callbacks that eat into your profit margins. Here are some ways to improve your frame game. Store Materials Properly Most framing materials are able to withstand the kinds of weather that normally …
Construction projects have a nasty reputation of going over budget and taking twice as long as predicted. As a construction professional, you know there are really good reasons for that. Material prices and availability are volatile, and they affect your bottom line. You often discover issues once you start a new build or reno that …
Now building to protect against loss of life and property damage is easier than you think.
As a construction professional, you know communication is key. Getting everything clear and written down will help you to ensure that the client’s expectations are met, you get paid on time and there are no expensive callbacks. On every build, changes are inevitable and this is often where confusion and miscommunication occur. Make sure any …
Every house creaks, squeaks and bangs, but some of these noises are enough to drive homeowners crazy. Whether it’s your own house that’s getting on your nerves or your clients are complaining, there are often easy fixes to common home noises. Creaking Doors: Perhaps most common are doors that bang, creak or rattle. Banging doors …
Smart home design is a must for prospective homebuyers these days and construction professionals are having to incorporate them into new home designs. That means HVAC, lighting appliances, security and entertainment all need to be integrated into the smart control design. It’s tough to keep ahead of the smart-home technology curve as new devices are …
Radon is an often-overlooked hazard that all home owners should be aware of. Radon has serious consequences for the health of homeowners and should be a top priority for construction professionals.
