God Makes Lumber – We Make it Straight! Lumber has 3 flaws you must consider when framing – Many Pro’s don’t Know This! I grew up in the building industry. When I started with my grandfather’s company, there were no sub-contractors other than licensed trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC). We built everything from the foundation to […]
DIY Tip: Frame a Straight Wall Read More »
Why Does Everyone Ask About Subs? There has always been a perceived detriment associated with builders who use sub-contractors rather than their own company employees. The perception is a salaried employee is more loyal; more reliable; more trustworthy. Many people believe this because one must assume the employee’s dedication and commitment to the organization that
Sub-Contractors vs Employees – Is it Important? Read More »
The Days Before Design Build Over the last 40 years, I have seen many changes in the Austin Home Remodeling industry. In the early days General contractors were the only game in town. Austin design build firms were not even a thing back then. Architects designed, builders built, and customers rolled the dice. In light
Tips to Hire a Reliable Home Remodeling Contractor Read More »
Should you renovate? Let’s talk about whether you should renovate or not. Let’s talk about design for that renovation. As homeowners, we live in a house for several years; sometimes it’s as little as a year; sometimes we spend our entire lives there. I do a lot of work in the remodeling business where somebody buys a
When Should I Remodel my Home? Read More »
Tankless Water Heaters are popular as a substitute for a tanked heater – Where is the Benefit? Not long ago I completed a project in central Texas. While in the planning stage, the owner indicated to me he wanted to install a tankless water heating system in the space. I asked him how many he
Tankless Water Heaters – Another Good Idea Gone Wrong Read More »
In the Age of Nail Guns and Hammer Drills, why do Carpenters carry Hammers? The World Before Nail Guns As a young man, I worked with one of my father’s carpentry crews. Notice I didn’t specify framing crew, trim crew, cornice crew, concrete crew, roofing crew, or sheetrock crew. In those days we built everything
A Return to Craftsmanship Read More »
Why do Window Replacement Contractors Install the way they Do? What I am about to share with you is probably the most controversial topic in home renovation today. I am going to address the topic of replacement window installation in masonry veneer homes. If you google it, your search will result in a myriad of
Installing Replacement Windows in Brick or Stone Read More »
OSB is the Standard – Oriented Strand Board At certain times of the day, typically early morning, damaged OSB sheathing is apparent. Drive through any subdivision and you will see geometric shadows on every roof beneath the shingles where the 4×8, 7/16″ decking has swollen from exposure to moisture. Back in the day the standard
Pro Building Tip: Why can I see the outline of the Plywood under the Shingles? Read More »
how do you know your workers will meet your needs? The U.S. construction industry is the largest in the world at $1.3 Trillion per year. It is also the least regulated and the easiest to enter and start a business. Most construction companies are owned and operated by three types of people: Tradespeople, Salespeople, and
Labor – Your Biggest Obstacle Read More »
Comprehensive vs Itemized Proposals As an Austin Builder I interact with many clients. Each has his or her preferred way to do business. A client asked me, recently, if I itemize my proposals. I replied, the proposals I submit are comprehensive and extremely detailed. A few days later he sent me an email with an
Does an Itemized Proposal Save you Money? Read More »
