Beware Egotistical & Closed-Minded Contractors

Beware Egotistical & Closed-Minded Contractors

copper preserves asphalt shingles

Egotistical and Closed-Minded Contractors – What would you say about a roofer who looked at this photo and denied that copper ions washing off the cupola roof extend the life of asphalt shingles? Would you trust or hire him? Just below is a close-up photo of the worn shingles on the right. Copyright 2024 Tim Carter

Beware Egotistical and Closed-Minded Contractors -Nothing But Bad Happens

Just three weeks ago, I shared a true story with you about my failed asphalt shingle roof. If you remember, it had a thirty-year warranty and after just twelve years, it began to experience catastrophic

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Roof Repair for Home 2023: Navigating the Skies of Restoration

Roof Repair for Home 2023: Navigating the Skies of Restoration

Local roofing services are well-versed in the unique challenges presented by the local climate and building codes. They can provide tailored solutions that are not only effective but also compliant with regional regulations.

Roof Leak Fix: Swift Solutions for Water Intrusion

A roof leak is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water intrusion can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs. In 2023, a roof leak fix is not just about stopping the immediate issue; it’s about preventing future leaks.

Roofing professionals are equipped with advanced leak detection technology, which enables them to pinpoint the source of the problem accurately. … Read More

Wiring for Subpanels: The Right Cables

I live in a home built in 2017. The basement is unfinished, but I’m in the process of adding a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom, and living space. The home was built with a 200-amp electrical panel that’s located in the garage. I decided to install a 100-amp subpanel to supply the new rooms. The electrician I hired ran #2 aluminum cable to the subpanel, and the inspector has just informed me that it should have been supplied with #1 aluminum cable. The electrician says the inspector is wrong, which doesn’t really help the situation, but I’m curious who is right and

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Podcast 546: PRO TALK With Architect and Builder Jason




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Ian and Jason discuss growing up with a builder for a father, starting your own business, and the challenges of working in the Bay Area.

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High-Performance Windows for Timeless Design

Today, we’re on the East Coast at a high-performance home designed by Steven Baczek Architect and built by Shoreline Builders. This home’s timeless design in combination with its high-performance details are sure to be relevant for years to come.

From the builder’s perspective, the job site can be an unpredictable environment. Andersen 400 Series windows deliver performance and aesthetics and durability, which make them an easy specification. Ultimately, our goal is a high-performance home that will last for generations and with Andersen 400 Series windows, we have that partner.

Being informed about things like U-Factor, air leakage, and

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Editorial Note: Building New is Easy

Photo: Elizabeth Glasgow Studios, courtesy of The Turett Collaborative

While I love great design and magnificent old houses, the conversation in the building world has shifted pretty dramatically to a focus on performance and sustainability. When you’re building from the ground up, you can incorporate the latest building science to create a home that performs fantastically out of the gate, minimizing energy usage while creating a very comfortable, enjoyable space in which to live.

The bulk of our population, though, doesn’t live in new homes. I’d argue that retrofitting existing buildings, affordably, and with an eye toward minimizing energy consumption,

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Find The Right Pro For Your Project

beach style entry

Even if you’re the kind of person who makes everything a DIY project, there’s always a point when a home remodeling or decorating project could use a professional set of eyes. Whether you are redoing your backyard, need some help planning your living room or can’t figure out where to put the kitchen sink, a quality home professional can help you do it right. Hiring a qualified home professional puts their years of schooling, certifications, training and experience right at your fingertips.

But before you start sending out dozens of emails and making phone calls, sit down and think about

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Podcast 529: Cold Floors, Galvanic Corrosion, and Siding


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Andy writes in about staying warm during cold-weather work. Ben and Richard have thoughts on smart watches suitable for tradework. Nick needs help making his house more comfortable. Mike Guertin clears up galvanic corrosion. Joe asks about transitioning from masonry to wood siding. Tim wants to know the best way to air-seal his board-sheathed outbuilding.

 

 

Editor Updates:

 

  • Mike: door jamb Bondo repair
  • Andrew: frozen bathroom pipes
  • Patrick:
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Editorial Note: Living Smaller – Fine Homebuilding


The United States is a huge country—currently fourth largest in the world in land area. There’s a ton of land within our borders, and in my mind, I envision people living everywhere. As I dug into the data, though, I was surprised to learn that 80% of the U.S. population lives in just 3% of its land area. Four out of five people in the country live in “urban areas,” defined by the Census Bureau as land areas with certain levels of population density and specific land-use characteristics (so suburbs count as urban areas).

It seems as though we humans

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Combining Design Aesthetics for an Island Home


This island home is balanced between two landscapes—and two design languages. To the west are sweeping mountains and sound views; to the east are sunny rolling pastures. The clients asked for a house that recalls the familiar forms of nearby farm buildings with a modern twist more conducive to informal entertaining and indoor-outdoor living.

Speaking different design languages at the same time can result in a cacophony of competing styles. In this case, the architects chose to create a dialogue out of clear contrast, beginning with organizing the house into two simple, barnlike forms connected by a light-filled stair.

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