Builder Chicks

Drywall and Cracking at Expansion Joints

2011-09-27T04:20:00.000-05:00

Drywall Expansion Joint

Drywall, which is made from pressed gypsum particles, is smooth and provides a professional wall surface, but it can’t withstand pressure from foundation settling or structural shifting. Expansion joints, also called control joints, are installed in predetermined areas when constructing long wall expanses or building on soil known for its instability. Expansion joints serve as the weakest points in the wall, and their purpose is to relieve pressure on drywall that otherwise would result in cracks.

Drywall expansion joints are plastic or vinyl strips that feature a V or U shape down the center of the strip. When installed in a wall, the V or U shape expands slightly, allowing the wall to shift imperceptibly without cracking the drywall. Expansion joints are visible and are not covered by drywall joint compound.

The longer a wall or the larger a ceiling, the more it requires the installation of drywall expansion joints to reduce cracking. The joints are not common in standard residential construction unless the soil is known to move. In commercial construction, however, expansion joints are common, and architects and engineers use them to control cracking during future movement of a building.

Drywall expansion joints fit in the seam between two drywall panels. The joints are made in different sizes, and a contractor must leave a gap between the drywall panels when he attaches them to the framing beneath. Depending on the anticipated movement, an expansion joint may require a gap of 1/4 inch up to 1 inch. The expansion joint features fins on each side that attach to the adjacent drywall panels with drywall nails or spray adhesive. After the joints are in place, the contractor applies joint compound only over the fins, not over the joint.

Made of vinyl or other flexible materials, an expansion joint will expand and contract, but it should not crack unless it was taped over during installation. You may brush paint over expansion joints to minimize their appearance in a wall, but do not fill them with joint compound as you would other drywall seams.

What Should I Know About Building a New House?

2011-08-20T18:19:00.001-05:00

It’s the ultimate American dream, and it may be the biggest financial investment you ever make. For the first time, you’re not renting or buying someone else’s idea of what a home should be. It’s your turn. Building a new house is an exciting time, but it can also be nerve wracking and frustrating as you balance design, budget and building codes. A good building plan is flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen construction and design changes, but firm enough to make sure you get the home you want at a price you can afford.

Balancing Expectations with Cost

If you’re like most people, you have a home-building budget. Before you start interviewing contractors, talk to your lender about a construction loan and a subsequent mortgage. Based upon your income, your credit history and your current bills, your banker will give you an idea of how much money you can spend.

Location, Location, Location

A real estate broker will tell you that a desirable location is essential in the sale of a home, so it’s also a factor when you’re shopping for a lot on which to build your house. Talk to a real estate agent about the cost and desirability of various subdivisions. Before buying a lot, find out if the subdivision has its own building codes (covenants), if there is a homeowners association (HOA), and whether you will bear an additional tax burden that supports the cost of the development.

Blueprints

You have a couple of choices in home design. You can purchase a ready-made set of blueprints or you can consult an architect or a home designer about drawing a home plan to suit your specific needs. Hiring a designer is an additional expense, but you may save money in the end by including only the elements you want in the design.

Interviews and Estimates

The contractor you hire will work closely with you during the construction process, so it’s imperative that you develop a good working relationship. If you already have a builder, great, if you don’t, visit with new homeowners about their building experience and ask for contractor recommendations.

Solicit estimates from three or more contractors, and compare them carefully. The lowest estimate may not be the best one. The quality of materials and the type of construction process used, can affect the cost. (Reference 2)

Expect the Unexpected

No matter how detailed your plan, things change. Your contractor may be unable to locate a desired fixture or material, the cost of the materials may go up substantially, or local building codes may require structural or mechanical changes to the plan. Never tell your contractor to “Go ahead and do it.” Instead, fill out a Change Form that details the extent of the change and the cost for making the alteration.

Protecting your Investment

Once your new home is livable, you can take out homeowners insurance, but until then, you still need to safeguard your investment. A builder’s risk insurance policy is essential for protecting your financial investment in the case of fire, theft or other damage during the building process.

Helpful References:

HomeBuildingSmart: Cost per Square Foot for Home Building

Ask the Builder: Building a House

The House Designers: 10 Free Worksheets for Building YourNew Home

How Can I Add Insulation Behind My Existing Drywall?

2011-08-16T06:12:00.001-05:00

With the high cost of heating and cooling your home, it pays to ensure that your walls are well insulated and energy efficient. Unfortunately, older homes and poorly constructed homes may have inadequate insulation in the walls. In addition, some older types of insulation settle and compress with age, leaving gaps in the walls that reduce your homes thermal resistance, or R-value. The best time to insulate the walls is before the drywall is in place, but you can still add insulation to existing walls later if you need additional insulation.

Insulation Options

You have a couple of choices for insulating existing walls. The first is to remove the drywall and install new insulation bats in the stud spaces before installing new drywall panels and taping them out. Unfortunately, that’s not always feasible for homeowners who are living in the home. The other option is to blow in fiber or cellulose insulation behind the existing drywall. A contractor usually performs this task, and you may continue living in the home.

The Process

In order to add insulation behind existing drywall, the contractor must gain access to every stud space on the exterior wall. The contractor drills one or two holes on the exterior of the home at the top of each stud space and blows cellulose fibers into the space. The fibers filter downward and fill the space, adding insulating value. After he’s done, the contractor will plug the holes to match the exterior siding on your home. If your home has masonry siding, your contractor may blow in the insulation from inside the home.

Considerations

Although blowing insulation into stud spaces adds to your home’s energy efficiency, it’s not a perfect solution. As the insulation filters downward, wiring, gas lines and outlet boxes can block the insulation, creating voids and gaps that reduce the wall’s overall R-value.

Additional Solutions

New energy efficient replacement windows, or storm windows, can reduce heat transfer through exterior walls. Re-siding an older home with foam-backed siding is another option. Even small steps, like adding new weather stripping to doors and caulking gaps between in exterior siding will reduce drafts and increase energy efficiency.

73% of Leading Construction Professionals Predict Housing Upturn

2011-04-05T05:27:00.000-05:00

The economic analysts can say anything they want - I tend to listen more closely to the professionals in the construction industry and they're predicting a housing upturn. They have their finger on the pulse of the housing issue and they are more likely to be right than the guy sitting in a suit and tie behind his desk...or at the end of a long board meeting table.

It appears as though we've seen the bottom and we're on our way back up.

Members of GuildQuality, a leading association for construction professionals, polled hundreds of industry contractors. And the results are encouraging. Check out the Confidence Index:

The contractors and construction professionals were then asked their opinion of what kind of improvement they expected within the next six months. Only 2% thought there would be a decline while a whopping 56% predicted a significant improvement.

Needless to say, this is great news for the construction and housing industry. These are the building professionals who are making deals, talking about future deals and listening to the plans and goals of other construction professionals.

For the first time in 4 years, the outlook is very good. When industry confidence increases, so does consumer confidence in the construction industry.

Dust off that hammer.

Should I Cut Drywall with a Table Saw?

2011-04-02T05:29:00.000-05:00

Drywall can ruin a table saw.

Table saws allow the user to make long straight cuts in large sheets of wood. With a “fence,” that guides the wood panel; the user can slide the sheet smoothly along while the table saw does all the hard work. Drywall panels are very large and unwieldy, the smallest standard size being 4 feet in width and 8 feet long. A sheet of plywood of the same size would certainly benefit from the use of a table saw for cuting. However, there are better ways to cut a drywall panel.

Drywall panels feature compressed gypsum particles that have a tendency to crumble when cut. Any power saw, including a table saw, will create clouds of drywall dust if used to cut the panels. The dust can clog the table saw motor and dull the blade of the saw.
The nicest thing about drywall panels is that they break along a weak point. The best way to cut a panel, when you’re hanging drywall, is with a utility knife. You don’t even have to cut all the way through the panel; just score the panel on the front, “paper faced,” side, and then tap the backside of the panel and it will “break” along the scored line.
A drywall framing square is essential for making straight cuts. After measuring the panel, place the top of the square, which features a “T” shape, on the top edge of the drywall. The long vertical part of the square will extend downward, along the face of the panel.
You can measure and cut out switch and outlet boxes, after the drywall's in place, with a utility knife, but there’s a much quicker way. A drywall zip-type router is similar to a hand drill, but with a long cutting bit.

After poking the bit through the drywall panel and into the center of the outlet box beneath, turn on the tool. The bit spins, and you can guide it by sliding it to inner edge of the outlet box and following the inside perimeter all the way around. The zip-type tool keeps you from over cutting the drywall.

What Will I Need to Know to Repair My Ceiling Drywall?

2011-03-14T14:54:00.000-05:00

Make ceiling drywall repairs promptly.

While your drywall ceiling appears smooth, it’s composed of large pressed gypsum panels, attached to the ceiling joists. Gypsum is relatively lightweight, making installation simple, but it is prone to cracking under pressure and crumbling upon impact. Water, from a roof leak may also damage the drywall panel. You’ll use the same tools to repair the damage that the drywall contractor used to initially install the ceiling.

Tools and Supplies

Drywall repair tools fall into two categories: mud application tools and supplemental tools.

To apply wet joint compound, you’ll use a small drywall-taping knife, or a putty knife, for restricted spaces. Mud shaping tools include wide drywall taping knives and trowels, used to feather out the wet mud along the ceiling. Inside corner-taping tools form a crisp corner between the ceiling and the wall.

Drywall sanding pads smooth away rough bits of dried joint compound and a utility knife is recommended for cutting drywall panels and drywall tape. If you’re making large repairs, a stud finder, a measuring tape and drywall screw gun are essential.

Materials

Most drywall repairs require only premixed joint compound, or “mud,” and drywall tape. If you’re replacing a damaged section of ceiling drywall, you’ll also need a new drywall panel.

Drywall tape comes in a thin paper roll or in fiberglass mesh. Pros use paper tape, but fiberglass mesh is more user-friendly.

Small Repairs

Hairline cracks require the application of wet joint compound, smoothed into the crack with a 6-inch taping knife, before sanding and painting the ceiling. Larger cracks require the application of drywall tape to help secure the joint compound in the crack.

Large Repairs

Broken out sections of drywall or large water stains may require replacing a section of drywall with a new panel. This is a major repair, and you’ll need to locate the ceiling joists, cut out the damaged section with a utility knife and then cut a corresponding replacement panel from new drywall.

You’ll need a drywall screwgun to attach the new section to the ceiling joists and then you’ll apply wet joint compound with a 6-inch drywall taping knife, seal the seams with drywall tape, and use a wider, 10-inch taping knife to feather out the wet compound.

Additional Supplies

When repairing ceiling drywall, wear splatter-proof eye protection and climb only on a sturdy ladder or scaffolding. Cover the floor with a non-slip drop cloth before you begin.

Furniture Refinishing with Oxalic Acid

2011-03-13T06:13:00.000-05:00

Because it’s easy to work with yet structurally sound, wood has been a favorite material for furniture makers for centuries. When newly made, your wood furniture item is clear, with an even sheen and color, but over time, the wood finish can age or fade. To remove old wood stain or other stains, you may apply an oxalic acid solution to the wood.

Oxalic Acid Solution

Oxalic acid, a form of organic dicarboxylic acid, comes from nature, although most brands today are synthetically reproduced in the lab. Oxalic acid is present naturally in some plants, including rhubarb and spinach. The oxalic acid you purchase for refinishing wood may be in crystal form and you will combine it with water before use.

How it Works

Oxalic acid acts as a bleach on wood, lifting away or lightening stains. Depending on the intensity of the stain, and how deeply it is embedded in the wood grain, more than one application of oxalic may be necessary.

When to Use an Oxalic Acid Solution

You may apply oxalic acid after you remove the old finish from the furniture. This usually involves applying a chemical stripper to the furniture or sanding away the wood finish. After combining oxalic acid crystals with water as directed on the package, you will brush the solution onto the bare wood and allow it to soak in.

Additional Information

The application of oxalic acid will swell and raise the grain of the wood, which can leave a rough feel. After the furniture dries, you will sand it again to smooth the grain before applying a wood stain or wood finish.

Precautions

Wear chemical-proof rubber gloves and splash-proof eye protection when applying oxalic acid. Like all chemicals, keep oxalic acid out of the reach of children and contact a Poison Control Center in the case of accidental ingestion.

How to Paint Acoustic Asbestos Ceilings

2011-02-18T03:47:00.001-06:00

Do not disturb the material.

Known as popcorn ceilings, this asbestos material was popular in the 1960s, and contractors applied the material by spraying it on. If the asbestos texture is crumbling or coming off, painting it may only add weight and make it fall off faster. However, if the texture is still secure on the ceiling, it may be easier and safer to encapsulate it with a coat of new paint. Since this type of ceiling is highly textured, you’ll need to spray on the new paint.

Use an airless sprayer.

Remove ceiling light fixtures with a screwdriver. Wear a full respirator with interchangeable filters. As long as the asbestos is on the ceiling, you’re safe; but once you disturb the material, it can crumble into fine filaments. Inhaling these filaments is dangerous.
Tape off the top edge of adjacent walls with the type of painter’s tape that includes a roll-out plastic drop cloth.
Strain stain-blocking primer through a paint sprayer before adding it to the reservoir of an airless paint sprayer, available for rent at construction rental stores.
Spray the entire ceiling with a light coat of the primer, using even side-to-side strokes from a minimum of 12 inches away from the ceiling. Wear the respirator and splatter-proof goggles.
Inspect the dry primer coat for areas you may have missed, which may appear as stains bleeding through. If you see any, apply another thin coat of primer.
Let the primer dry completely. Fill the reservoir of the sprayer with ceiling paint that you have strained as you did the primer. Adjust the nozzle to deliver a fine mist. Spray the entire ceiling. Let it dry.
Apply one or more light coats of paint to the ceiling, letting each coat dry completely before adding the next one.
Strip off the painter’s tape and reinstall the light fixtures.

Hints

Contact your local building authority before painting over an asbestos ceiling. The authority may require an additional coat of a shellac-based solution.

Warnings

If you’re unsure about the stability of the asbestos on your ceiling or the possibility of asbestos in it, consult a certified asbestos abatement contractor.
You must let each coat of primer or paint dry completely before adding another. The dampness adds weight to the textured ceiling, which could encourage the bits of texture to fall.
If the asbestos is crumbling, you cannot paint the ceiling until a professional removes the texture.

Lean Times?

2010-09-21T12:54:00.001-05:00

How many females in construction are experiencing tough times right now?

Celebrate Earth Day With a Free Webinar

2010-04-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

April 22 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and every year the celebration reaches more homeowners and builders.

For this year's Earth Day celebration, Leviton is presenting free webinars for professional contractors in the construction industry and for homeowners who want to make use of smart energy and lighting techniques.

Save money, conserve energy and learn more about making responsible choices this Earth Day.

Choose from the following times and dates.

Make your residence energy-smart.

Lighting Management Systems

Even if you don't sign up for a webinar, take the time this Earth Day to figure out ways you can make your construction efforts a little less wasteful and your projects a little greener.

Weekend Warriors: Safety Counts When Using Power Tools

2010-04-11T05:22:00.001-05:00

With warmer weather and a healthy dose of cabin fever, we're all heading outdoors to tackle those remodeling projects or landscaping tasks.

Remember to service your power tools, especially if you haven't used them since last fall.

Wear protective eyewear, long sleeves and long pants.

Don't remove the safety features from your tools.

Happy Building!

What's Wrong in This Remodel Picture?

2010-04-09T04:48:00.000-05:00

This image comes to us from HGTV's "Holmes on Homes," website. The idea is to pinpoint all the things that are wrong in the picture. The host of this popular remodeling and building program, Mike Holmes, gives viewers tips and techniques for remodeling on each show.

This is just a little bit of light-hearted fun and I don't want to steal the thunder from HGTV so you'll have to go there to find out if you got all correct answers. Be aware - there are 30 mistakes!

Thanks to HGTV for a bit of fun to start our day.

Starting Right: Top 5 Power Tools

2010-04-03T04:46:00.003-05:00

If you're a weekend warrior or you're just getting the construction bug, power tools will make your life (and your projects) much easier. I've compiled a list of my favorite "must have" power tools.

While your list may vary, due to your building needs, the follow 5 power tools have a place in any workshop and on any jobsite:

Circular Saw: For cutting on the fly, a circular saw is vital. This saw goes everywhere and makes the final cuts on dimensional lumber. Not the best, however, for cutting sheet wood panels. My personal favorite is the Dewalt Circular Saw.
Cordless Drill: The corded variety also works well but a cordless drill goes with you, even where there is no electricity. Use it to insert and remove screws and drill small pilot holes or very large holes. My favorite cordless drill is made by Makita, but there are other good brands out there, too.
Table Saw: You can start with a small table saw if you're only doing wood craft or small projects, but you'll eventually need a kick-ass table saw if you're planning a large remodel or an addition. Look for safety features and read online reviews before buying. For big projects, get a 12-inch saw for more cutting power.
Orbital Sander: This small power tool will save your elbow if you have a lot of sanding to do. The best feature is its ability to sand in random patterns, which will help you avoid sanding marks. Right now I'm using a Dewalt Orbit Sander but in the past, I used a Milwaukee sander and it was pretty good.
Compound Miter Saw: I almost chose the jigsaw for 5th place but I really think the compound miter saw has a spot in the Top 5. While your table saw will cut large sheets of wood with ease, it cuts straight lines. A compound miter saw cuts angles. You'll use it for triming around windows, installing baseboard and fitting cove. I'm using a Hitachi that has given me five years of service and show no sign of slowing down. Love this saw!

There it is. The Top 5 Power Tools for any workshop. Do you have different favorites? What's your favorite tool manufacturer?

Note the New Tag Line

2010-04-02T15:28:00.000-05:00

If you're new to the blog, you might not know that I just changed the tag line to better represent what Builder Chicks is all about. I want to accentuate the construction world as it relates to women builders, contractors and skilled workers while focusing some of the attention on the news that is relevant to our industry.

Last Month for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2010-04-02T05:23:00.000-05:00

Unless congress extends the deadline, April is the last month in which you can take advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit.

This should send buyers scurrying to find the perfect home and sign a contract before April 30.

No one really knows if the credit will be around in May and it's highly likely that congress will keep us hanging until the last minute, just to encourage buyers to purchase now.

But, we can't depend upon "maybe's." If you're thinking of buying, this might be it.

How Will Climate Change Affect Your Construction Practices?

2010-04-01T05:15:00.000-05:00

We hear about it almost daily. Our industrial practices are creating emissions that destroy portions of our atmosphere's protective abilities, allowing our climate temperatures to fluctuate wildly, melting ice flows and raising ocean tables.

Congress is taking note and so are organizations that are studying the best ways to reduce additional impact on our environment.

So, how will climate change affect your construction practices? The US Green Building Council has developed a rating system, the LEED system, that offers green building suggestions for new residential and commercial construction projects.

These suggestions are just that...suggestions. But construction experts think they will be implemented into building code before long.

In the short run, the cost of construction materials will likely go up. Even when it's voluntary, homeowners and commercial clients want the new eco-friendly technology. If you start learning about it now, you'll be ahead of the game. Instead of gravitating to the well-known and the reliable construction materials, ask your lumberyard representative about new green building materials they are selling. Find out the pros and cons. If you can afford it - try it.

Start a construction waste recycling program on your jobsite. The way you dispose of construction materials is preparing to change. By recycling some construction waste, you will reduce the impact from the need to manufacture new construction materials. Talk to your employees and start a construction waste recycling program that becomes second nature before you're required to do so.

Relax. I've spoken with numerous contractors who are none too happy about the coming adjustments created by climate change. You can fret about it all day but it won't stop the changes. However, you can become proactive in the movement, follow the new green building trends and the changes will have less impact and make more sense. And you'll be ready to implement them cost effectively.

Working With Do-It-Yourself Homeowners

2010-03-26T04:34:00.000-05:00

Do you offer to work with homeowners who want to do a portion of the project themselves? Or do you take a hard-line approach to construction project management?

I've encountered this a number of times on jobs, most recently it came in the form of one client thinking he could cut about half off the bid if he measured, figured, ordered and took delivery of all the materials. plus cleaned up the jobsite.

Cleaning up the site is something I always graciously accept help for but if I'm going to work with the materials, I want to be the one in charge of them. Otherwise, the job slows to a crawl.

This guy's misconception was that he decided he was going to spend as many hours with his self-appointed jobs as I would spend on the job. To him, this was equal to half of the amount he would pay me for my presence on the jobsite.

I almost chuckled but thank goodness I didn't. He was serious. If he spent 8 hours a day ordering, measuring and picking up trash, he wanted me to reduce my fee by half. I kid you not.

So we had a chat. I'm pretty easy going and I'll cut the paint or wallpaper fee out if you want to do that part of the job. I'll reduce labor hours if you want to clean up the site. But, you're paying for my expertise and I'm not going to cut my fee by half if you perform jobs that are very likely to increase my actual hours on the project.

We compromised. I would cut my charge for my lowest paid laborer, the guy who would pick up trash, on an hourly basis, as long as the homeowner could keep up (work-wise) with that laborer. In addition, the homeowner could order the materials, but if the wrong ones arrived, my crew pulls off and heads to another job. He agreed.

Yesterday, he approached me and asked me to reinstated the original deal with no reduced fees. It seems he pulled a muscle in his thigh and could barely walk. But that's not all. He also got his butt chewed by the manager of the local lumberyard for ordering and sending back materials three times. In the end, the manager (who is the sweetest guy on earth) charged him a sizable delivery and restocking fee despite the fact the guy ordered the wrong stuff and it had to be returned.

I enjoy my clients and I enjoy this guy. But I have to wonder how many homeowners think they could easily do our jobs?

Build it.

Green Construction: Building to LEED Standards

2010-03-22T04:44:00.001-05:00

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

If you haven't heard of it yet, you soon will. If you've heard of it and you're using some of the standards, you're way ahead of the pack. Closely related to the new green construction code I reported on last week.

The LEED rating system has big plans, worldwide plans. The intent of the US Green Building Council to set universal construction standards, upheld worldwide is a daunting task. But, if it works without causing more harm than good, it might be worth it.

LEED standards focus on numerous areas of construction or reconstruction, including:

Existing Homes
New Homes
New Commercial Buildings
Existing Commercial Interiors
School Construction
Healthcare Construction
Retail Construction
Neighborhood Development

Basically, LEED standards cover everything you can put a saw or hammer to except small crafts. You can take a course in different aspects of the LEED system but I'm wondering why these aren't free courses. Charging fees to take them isn't going to encourage many people.

Nevertheless, check out the LEED rating system when you get a chance.

Women Must Fight Hard for Their Place in the Construction Industry

2010-03-19T05:18:00.000-05:00

I recently read an article entitled, "Where is Roberta the Builder?" The author questions the subconscious idea that women should be at home or uninterested in things like building. Oh, that's rich.

After I seethed a while, I concurred that he makes a valid point. Women make up only 10 percent of the construction industry and until we can raise those numbers - or at least become more visible in this industry, we will face men who think we don't belong here.

If you're like me, you grew up thinking construction was for men, that it just wasn't a real option for your future. Then, something happened; Maybe a teacher saw in you a talent for design or you took a shop class and you found out you were good at it. Really good at it. Your interest in the construction industry piqued.

But that still leaves us with a dilemna. How do we create a feeling of true equality when we're up against a traditional male industry? How do we turn the male resentment into willing acceptance?

The answer, I think, is with slow but steady persistence and visibility. We have to get out there and join the local builder's clubs. We have to take part in community events that allow others to see us at the top of our game.

And we have to do a good job. No matter if you're a man or a woman, if your work is better, if you're faster, or if you're cheaper than the competition, you have a fighting chance. People want quality and they want it at a fair price. Word-of-mouth may be the biggest promoter in the construction industry today.

I'm interested in hearing stories from other women in construction who have successfully (or not successfully) faced sexism in the industry.

Recycling Construction Waste?

2010-03-18T05:15:00.000-05:00

Is this the newest step in green building? It might be soon in Stamford, CT. The city fathers are debating the passage of a bill that would fine construction companies up to 50 cents per pound of construction debris not sorted and sent to the correct recycling station.

While I see the wisdom in recycling construction waste, I also see a big cost being passed on to the consumer. Right now, in large demolition projects, a wrecking ball destroys entire structures, leaving a pile of rubbish that may contain friable asbestos, asphalt, inroganic compounds, molds and toxins that may create health issues if the workers start picking through the rubble and sorting them out.

Which leads to taking special precautions when sorting potentially toxic materials. Now, there's nothing wrong with that, but it adds a lot of expense to the contractor's budget, expense that she isn't going to eat. She's going to pass it on to her customers.

Think about this - most demolition takes place in buildings where fungus and mold may be present. After all, we don't tear down new buildings. At least I don't. Those toxins eventually disapate when returned to nature, via the landfill. Not so if we must disturb them now to sort out construction waste.

Instead of using a front-end loader to pick up and load the construction waste into dump trucks and dumpsters, we will be picking through it, piece by piece.

While this is a good plan for recycling, it might require gradual implementation to offset a large increase in construction costs to the consumer.

Most communities have some type of disposal laws right now that focus on removing specific toxins, such as paint, chemicals, rubber or other landfill toxins before dumping the construction waste.

I think it might be prudent to follow this same method, step by step.

The other incentive for this green building friendly initiavie is to purchase the sorted construction waste from the contractors. If it's going to be recycled, someone is going to make a profit. That someone can fork over some dough to make sorting worth the contractor's time.

There are many ways to approach this and eventually, I'd hazard a guess that construction waste disposal will feature recycling regulations.

But, go easy. Our economy, especially the building sector, can't take another direct hit right now.

Notable Women in Construction

2010-03-17T04:50:00.000-05:00

Kelly Dozier, co-owner and General Manager of Mad Dog Construction in Tallahassee, Florida, takes top billing during Tallahassee's Women's History Month.

Dozier, once a designer at the company, worked her way up the ladder of success to her current position. While she still designs homes, she is also active in the community and holds a Florida real estate license.

Congrats to you, Kelly. You exemplify what women in the construction industry are all about. We agree with Tallahassee, you're the real deal and an inspiration to every woman.

Build it, girl!

Home Construction: Have We Seen the Bottom Yet?

2010-03-17T04:40:00.000-05:00

I keep thinking we've sunk as low as we can possibly go and that we're on the way back up.

But I keep having to face the fact that I'm wrong. Just this morning, March 17, the Census Dept. announced that housing fell again last month by 5.9%. Since 2006, the housing market has been in free-fall and we're all just waiting for any small sign of improvement.

As I mentioned yesterday, the First Time Homebuyer credit is set to expire at the end of next month. How will that affect a housing market that has not yet stabilized?

In addition to another slip in housing sales, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that builder confidence is also lower. In fact, builder confidence indicates that contractors do not feel encouraged that home sales will pick up any time soon.

The New Green Construction Code

2010-03-16T04:27:00.000-05:00

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gasses and improve energy efficiency, the International Code Council just released the brand new International Green Construction Code (IGCC).

The new regulations will affect new and existing commercial construction so take a look if you're in the building industry.

Some key points of the new regulations are:

Improvement of indoor air quality.
Preservation of natural site resources.
Installation of renewable energy systems.
Collection of rain water and gray water.
Architectural design guidelines for energy efficiency.
Carbon neutral building design.
Environmentally friendly concrete.

The bill is being tweaked and will probably face small alterations before approval. We already have a residential National Green Building Code.

Other bills, passed and pending, address many of the green building concerns.

April 30th: Deadline for First Time Homebuyer Credit

2010-03-16T04:11:00.000-05:00

For home builders, April 30th looms large. It marks the end of the First Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit.

Since the burst of the housing bubble and the subsequent drop in home sales, contributing to the deepest recession in half a century, this credit, established by Congress, seeks to push new homeowners into the marketplace.

By offering first time homebuyers an $8,000 tax credit for purchasing a new home, the credit offset the lack of funding offered by private lenders. But what will happen after April 30th if the credit isn't extended?

Houses will continue to sell but maybe not right away. We might see an additional drop in sales contracts but, eventually, buyers will still be out there. Because couples get married and start their lives and they want houses.

It would be nice to see the credit extended a little longer but, if not, we'll still houses sell. April will be the month of many contracts as the buyers rush to get in under the deadline.

We're keeping a close eye on the situation here at Builder Chicks and we'll keep you on top of the latest news as it comes out of Washington.

Housing Recovery in the Near Future?

2010-03-15T04:52:00.000-05:00

Well, the Standard & Poor’s Supercomposite Homebuilding Index seems to think so. So far just in the first two and a half months of 2010, the index has seen a 14 percent recovery. That's good news.

But housing sales fell in January so we're still getting mixed signals. What will happen when the first time homebuyer's incentive expires at the end of April? We just don't know yet. Some think the incentive will be extended but I have a sneaking feeling that it won't.

The unemployment rate has moderated some but not nearly enough to signal a real recovery. And don't forget that we have large areas of the nation who've seen substantial housing value declines.

I think we're on the downhill side of this recession but I'm also worried that dropping the first time home buyer's credit too soon may set us back a couple of steps.