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 from… Read more: A Return to Craftsmanship

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 the… Read more: DIY Tip: Frame a Straight Wall

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 attached… Read more: Does an Itemized Proposal Save you Money?

We’re excited to share that our very own Dylan Martin, co-founder and CEO of Absolute Design Build, was featured on the JobTread Builder Stories Podcast!

 “Back into Your Project.” Don’t go headfirst. – What DO I MEAN BY THAT? Most homeowners who contact an architect first are going into their project headfirst. Always establish a budget and stand by it. There are times the money is not sufficient to the scope of work. It is better to know that before the drawings are… Read more: How do I budget for my Remodel Project?

Find the right contractor for your remodel with our guide. Learn to research, compare estimates, review contracts, and hire with confidence.

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 different… Read more: Installing Replacement Windows in Brick or Stone

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 Entrepreneurs.… Read more: Labor – Your Biggest Obstacle

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 was… Read more: Pro Building Tip: Why can I see the outline of the Plywood under the Shingles?

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 hired… Read more: Sub-Contractors vs Employees – Is it Important?

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 wanted… Read more: Tankless Water Heaters – Another Good Idea Gone Wrong

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 of… Read more: Tips to Hire a Reliable Home Remodeling Contractor