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Builder Q&A: Cutting Holes In I-Joists & LVL Beams

I’ve been told I can’t cut holes in I-Joists and LVL beams and headers. Is that true or false? Actually, that’s false. Usually, engineered I-Joists have prescored holes every foot or so that can easily be punched out to accommodate wiring, plumbing, cable, etc. Cutting holes in LVLbeams and headers...

How to Install a Pre-hung Exterior Door

Installing a new door to the exterior of your home will add safety, security, comfort and lasting curb appeal. It used to be a job that only the most skilled carpenters could tackle successfully. With the advent of pre-hung doors however, this once complex and intricate feat of carpentry can now be...

Window Moisture: What Your Windows Are Trying to Tell You

Window moisture is indicative of a larger problem. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold, mildew and eventually rotting of the trim and window framing. Just to be sure though, check for leaks around your window. Obviously, this would just occur during rainy weather. The moisture from that leak...

Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement: Which do I need?

Replacing the roof is something that most homeowners dread. The average national cost for tearing off and replacing an old roof in 2014 was nearly $12,000. The good news is that this expense does not come along very often. Regardless, if you are starting to notice problems with your roof, then you...

Contractor Tips to Improving Productivity in Their Employees

Improving the productivity of employees in the contractor business can mean a couple different things. From project planning to employee morale, productivity can be affected by many factors. These hold true for large construction companies as well as individually owned local contractors. But the...

Lumber & Building Material Industry In 2015

Though the lumber and building material industry had suffered from a weakened demand during the years leading up to 2015 (because of the slowdown of building construction during the economic recession), the first half of 2015 has been part of a rapid rebound. Fewer housing starts meant an increase...

Tips on Using a Stud Finder

No ladies, this is not a device to help find a good-looking guy. A stud finder is more like a way to give you "x-ray vision", in order to help locate where studs are in your wall for support. The reason for this is because if hung improperly, a shelf or picture frame can rip holes in your wall...

Using a Laser Level

While a laser level is often used by professionals, it is practical enough for a homeowner to use as well. Below, we share a few things that laser levels can do for you.TypesThere are two main types of laser levels. One is the manual type where you have to make sure that the device is level on your...

How to Build Brick and Stone Pathways

If you’ve decided that you’d like to lay a brick or stone pathway outside of your home, the procedure for either is very similar. When deciding on what type of material to use, consider your home’s architecture first. For example, if there is a particular type of stone, brick or rock built into the...

How to Market Your Small Contractor Company

Without a doubt, the best marketing for a small contractor company starts with a job well done. That alone can showcase your company’s dedication to quality, professionalism and reliability. Quality work is the foundation that word-of-mouth is built upon. In many cases, that alone is enough to...

Design Trends in Bathroom Tile

When taking into account the long-lasting durability that tile can bring to the bathroom, it makes sense that the choices of color and design should be as timeless as possible. In doing so, professionally installed, quality tile can withstand a number of subsequent minor bathroom makeovers. Current...

Design Layouts for Energy Efficient Homes

There are a lot more options available today in regards to energy efficient homes. Breakthroughs in energy efficient windows and doors, appliances, and building materials go a long way to making homes more efficient and sustainable. The layout of the house can have a big impact on how energy...

Business Management Tips for Contractors

For many contractors, the work doesn’t stop when the tools are put away. They are, after all not just building a deck or installing cabinets, they are also running a business. The truth is, there are some things that must be handled effectively in order to provide a successful future for the...

Best Flooring Options for Pet Owners

At some point in our lives, most of us have been pet owners. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), nearly 60% of Americans currently own a pet. Since pets spend most of their time on floors, it makes sense that consideration should be taken when choosing a type of...

Need More Space? An Organized Closet Can Help!

It doesn’t take long to fill up a closet. Though we often start with the best of intentions, keeping closets organized can be quite a struggle. There are many reasons why closets get away from us. Our schedules get a lot of busier, families grow and our lifestyles change – sometimes, with all this...

Weatherstripping Isn't Just for Winter

When most people think of using weatherstrip, they think of it as a way of keeping the cold out; that it’s all part of winterizing their home. The only problem is, since they think of it as a winter related thing, they don’t usually address the issue until winter. Then it’s cold out and who wants...

Your Home Fire Safety Checklist

Since October is Fire Safety Month, it seems like the appropriate time to go over what you can do in regards to fire safety in your home. According to the CDC, deaths from fires and burns are still the third leading cause of fatal home injuries. Of these deaths, 70% are due to smoke inhalation. In...

Effective Ways To Clean Your Gutter

If your gutter is brimming with leaves and water cascades off your roof like it’s coming down Niagara Falls, it may be time to clean it out. Here are some ideas the clear the clog in your gutter: Extension BrushIf you’re looking to avoid climbing any ladders, an extension brush would probably be...

Tips on How to Fix a Squeaky Floor

As most homeowners know, squeaky floors come with the territory. Usually the older the house, the more squeaks you have to contend with. While they may come in handy for detecting intruders or midnight-snackers, they are mostly just annoying. If you’re looking to sell your home, they can be...

Tips For Staining Your Wood Deck

Staining your deck is a fairly simple task and it can keep your deck looking vibrant year after year. If your deck needs to be stained, here’s how to do it: Clean it Take your grill, furniture, etc. off of your deck and get out your pressure washer. Use the washer on the deck to get the extra gunk...

DIY Tips for Installing a French Drain

A French drain is typically used to alleviate drainage issues in your yard, lawn or garden. These problems often occur in situations where land is at or near the bottom of a slope. The water then settles (especially in areas with dense, poorly draining soil) and can create a swampy, often unusable...

Gutter Installation Tips

Gutters play an important role in keeping your home safe from water damage. Without them, your foundation can be weakened over time; water can seep into your basement, or at the very least, splash onto your siding or damage landscaping and foliage below. During the winter, gutters aid in directing...

How to Repair Old Windows

One of the advantages of having old windows in your house is that for most problems, a simple repair job is all that you need. They are designed in such a way that repairs can be done piecemeal, unlike some modern replacement windows that would require either to be sent back to the factory for...

Secrets of Shed Building

Building a shed requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. There is no need to call in professionals, but in order to build a good shed you should follow these expert tips. To begin, you must first draw out a plan of where you want the shed to go and how you want it to be built. Lack of...

Seven Tips When Working With I-Joists

Keep material off the ground and protected from the weather. Moisture is the primary enemy of engineered wood products. Brace joists across the top service before any worker stacks heavy materials on a new I-joist floor. Use 1” by 4” dimensional strapping. In homes with short foundations or...