Choosing heating and cooling equipment for a new home or a major renovation used to be straightforward. Homeowners called a contractor, received a price, and trusted the installer to deliver a system that worked. Those days are gone. Modern residential construction demands a more rigorous approach rooted in building science. Understanding the three core ACCA […]
The COVID-19 pandemic delivered an unprecedented shock to the construction industry, disrupting operations across the United States and altering the trajectory of building activity for years to come. Between the spring of 2020 and the months that followed, contractors, trade unions, and policymakers grappled with a cascade of challenges that tested the sector’s resilience. Construction
Retrofitting a home with new siding is a major exterior upgrade, especially when you are replacing tired vinyl with natural cedar board-and-batten. Adding continuous exterior insulation and a rainscreen at the same time dramatically improves the wall assembly’s thermal performance and moisture durability. However, the build-up of insulation, drainage layer, and furring introduces questions about
Gas stoves remain a staple in roughly 35 percent of American kitchens, valued for their instant heat and precise temperature control. Yet a growing body of scientific evidence reveals a troubling side to these common appliances. A landmark report from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), developed with Physicians for Social Responsibility, Mothers Out Front, and
The decision to insulate a roof often springs from a noble goal: reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and bring the attic into the home’s conditioned envelope. But when installation shortcuts meet the unforgiving physics of moisture and temperature, the results can be puzzling and frustrating. One homeowner in Rochester, New York, learned this lesson the
As homeowners become increasingly aware of indoor air quality (IAQ), many are turning to ultraviolet (UV) lamps installed in their HVAC systems as a high-tech solution. The promise is compelling: kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi circulating through your ducts and breathe cleaner air. But does the science actually support these claims, or are UV lights
The COVID-19 pandemic delivered an unprecedented shock to the construction industry, forcing project managers, contractors, and tradespeople to rethink nearly every aspect of how work gets done. In March 2020, as cities and states issued stay-at-home orders, construction sites became testing grounds for new safety protocols, remote coordination methods, and crisis management strategies. The lessons
Construction workers encounter airborne hazards on almost every job site, from concrete dust and wood particles to chemical vapors and mold spores. Understanding the difference between a simple dust mask and a properly rated respirator can mean the difference between a minor irritation and a chronic lung condition. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how critical
Renovating a kitchen is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects a homeowner can tackle. When Chris Stratton and Wen Lee decided to rebuild their kitchen from scratch, they took the DIY route for nearly every step of the process. From demolishing old vinyl flooring to cutting quartz countertops by hand, their kitchen upgrade
Stair design is one of the most overlooked aspects of residential safety. While building codes have evolved over the decades to address many common hazards, older homes and even some new constructions continue to feature stair configurations that pose serious risks to occupants. Falls on stairs are a leading cause of injury, particularly among older
