Putting heating and air conditioning ducts in an unconditioned attic is stupid. Don’t be stupid. Make a better choice. Choose a smarter truss alternative. Consider the modified roof truss. The modified truss differs from a standard truss in that allows for an open rectangular area in the middle, creating a reverse bulkhead where the ducts […]

When it comes to home remodels, homeowners usually prefer to focus on baths and kitchens.  Before you gut your kitchen, consider holding back a bit in order to recoup the costs when it’s time to sell. Generally, kitchen remodels return 66 percent of the investment. Consider three important factors. First, resist the urge to over […]

Frigid winter weather often brings sad news stories detailing the tragic loss of life and property due to heating related accidents. Homeowner must be extremely vigilant and careful to use heat only as directed. Persons who choose to burn wood must install and operate wood-burning equipment properly, careful to maintain them according to build code […]

The NAHB conducted its 2013 construction cost survey via email, seeking information from 3,019 homebuilders. Thirty-nine respondents reported usable information about the average home built during 2013. The survey provides a general outline of construction costs for an average home, but is not large enough to present a breakdown by region. The average size of […]

A responsible builder must take into account several factors that impact and preserve energy efficient windows. Homebuilder Brian Beaulieu describes the difficulties he has encountered while installing high-quality, tripled-glazed Intus windows in his home design. Experts weigh in with suggestions, including future installations of sloped sills or interior dams and closer attention paid to the […]

With a patient eye on the long-term implications, the United States can expect a modest, stable housing market recovery. As a result, builders will be able to engage in higher construction activity in the coming years and the economy recovers, the population grows, and housing demand increases. This view is supported by the fall Pending […]

Green homebuilding is no longer a trend. Building with efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind has become cost-effective and a buyer priority. Buyers want to be sensitive to the environment and do what they can to use resources wisely. Also, from a practical standpoint, the energy saving impact on monthly bills is significant. According the […]

Philadelphia architect Jim Wentling notes developing homebuilding trends, an encouraging sign that, despite the current economy, Americans are optimistically looking to the future. On the first floor, builders are seeing a shift in priorities. More garage and great room space, a dedicated office rather than a living room, and a formal dining room are important […]

The “tiny house” trend is no tiny movement. The square footage may be as little as 200 square feet to just under 600 square feet, with the sparest amenities. More Americans homebuyers are embracing the less is more approach, having felt the weight of too much house and crippling mortgages in a post-recession economy and […]

The renovation bug is biting American homebuyers in droves recently. But DIY projects aren’t for the faint of heart, especially when challenges arise. Check out a few simple solutions for common renovation obstacles: 1) Adding a bathroom where traditional plumbing doesn’t work well. Where concrete or a tight fit makes things difficult, an up-flush toilet […]