The six New England states have long relied on the traditional septic tank and leach field as the standard approach for processing wastewater in nonsewered homes. However, a significant regulatory shift is underway. State environmental agencies across the region are now approving innovative alternative septic technologies that challenge decades-old assumptions about how onsite wastewater treatment […]
Since 1997, JLC’s Notebook column has tracked the evolving business landscape of professional construction. Four topics from that era Internet marketing for contractors, steel door safety hazards, NAHB performance guidelines, and standardized remodeling contracts remain deeply relevant to building professionals today. This article examines how each topic has developed over the past two decades and
Every builder knows the sinking feeling of a project that starts spinning out of control. The contract was airtight. The scope was clear. Yet somehow the job drifted, costs crept up, and the relationship with the client turned adversarial. The missing piece is often not the contract itself but the systems that translate that contract
Remodeling jobs are almost always full of surprises, and kitchen remodels are no exception. As an electrical contractor walking into a project, the plan might be straightforward: add a few counter outlets, relocate a light fixture, install a new circuit for the refrigerator. But the moment you open the walls, hidden wiring problems emerge that
Many tradesmen fall into the trap of thinking they cannot do good work unless they buy all the latest gadgets. Fancy tools can make work go faster, but they do not guarantee it will come out right. As carpenter Sam Adrian noted in a classic JLC article, the houses he built early in his career
Laminate countertops have held a dominant position in the kitchen counter market for decades, offering an unbeatable combination of affordability and aesthetic variety. Among the most practical options available to builders and remodelers are post-formed countertops — sections of finished countertop that arrive at the job site precut to length, ready for installation in just
Everything You Need to Know About Fidic Contracts No contractor sets out expecting a job to go sour. Yet as many in the construction industry learn the hard way, a single problematic client can turn a seemingly smooth project into a costly legal battle. The first line of defense against such outcomes is not better
Building in cold climates demands specialized knowledge that goes beyond standard construction practices. The evolution of cold climate construction over the past five decades has transformed how builders approach insulation, air sealing, mechanical systems, and building envelope design. For professionals looking to deepen their understanding, a wide range of resources exists to guide best practices.
Keeping up with the latest construction products and tools is essential for builders who want to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and deliver better results on every project. The construction industry continues to introduce innovative solutions that address common challenges faced by professionals in the field. From faster fastening systems to smarter design calculators, these products
The construction defect liability crisis that swept through California in the 1990s serves as a cautionary tale for builders everywhere. By the mid-1990s, judgments and settlements in construction defect lawsuits had awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to condominium associations, causing large liability insurers to pull out of the California market entirely. Many refused to
