When Considering A Hangar Home Design These Points Should Be Kept In Mind

by Engineer Designer on November 18, 2012

For pilots, living with your airplane and living in a hangar home is a dream that they may have had for many years. Most never do it, but those who do are in for a lifestyle like no other they have experienced. Hangar homes are unique. If you’re looking to design and build one, here [...]

Giving Away Free Estimates – Is It the Only Way To Do Business?

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by Engineer Designer on May 6, 2012

One of the most frustrating things contractors face is the expectation from the public that estimates are free and are a necessary first step to any possibility of a serious dialogue. It has become part of the culture to expect this valuable service from the contractor. It is common that a prospect will contact several [...]

2010 FBC Code Takes Effect – Some of the Changes.

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Remember the old purple 1985 Code Book (for those of us  operating in 80’s)? That was the entire Code – and, quite adequate by many accounts. The picture to the right is my own copy which I still keep up on the shelf for occasional reference. Most recognize that the Codes prior to 1992 were [...]

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The Word “Architectural”

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Formal Architectural Engineering education, following the engineering model of earlier disciplines, developed in the late 19th century, and became widespread in the United States by the mid-20th century. With the establishment of a specific “Architectural Engineering” registration examination by the NCEES in April 2003, Architectural Engineering became recognized as a distinct engineering discipline in the United [...]

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Building A Home? Should You Use OSB Or Plywood Sheathing?

The Building Profession is traditionally slow to change and adapt to new methods and materials. One example is the use of OSB sheathing verses the “good-ol” CDX plywood. I still find, in 2011, some builders who have never used nor plan to use OSB. When asked why, their answers seem to boil down to a [...]

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Avoid Paying Twice – Some Tips to Avoid Having to Pay Twice For Your New Custom Home.

  Imagine this: You are building a home with either on your own or with the help of a general contractor. The project is finished and you take possession and move in as a happy owner of a brand new custom home.   You have faithfully paid every bill that was due. You finally pulled [...]

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Wondering Which Is The Better Way To Build; Framing Or Masonry? Here Are Some Answers.

I am often asked by my clients if we should use a masonry exterior wall or one that is framed in wood. Masonry walls consist of concrete blocks stacked up from the slab to the full height of the wall. They are placed in beds of mortar and strengthened with embedded reinforcing steel and hollow [...]

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Looking to Build your own home yourself. Here are the Pros and Cons – in a Tough Economy

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Looking to Build your own home yourself? Here are the Pros and Cons – in a Tough Economy Should you build your own home without a contractor? There can be a strong incentive for the owner to take on the building project and hire the subcontractors and buy the materials directly. Managing one’s own building [...]

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Engineers are in Demand

Engineering Hiring Demand Jumps 59% in 2011 Source: EngineerDesigner Employers and staffing agencies in the Engineering Services sector posted more than 23,000 new job ads during the past 60 days. This is a 36% increase over the same period last year, and a 59% boost from the beginning of 2011. The top 20 jobs Engineering [...]

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Mid-Year Construction Forecast

Mid-Year Construction Forecast (reprinted from “design+build”) According to economists, the recession ended in June 2009, but for most Americans it doesn’t feel that way. And for builders, that’s the reality according to information out of the Mid-Year Construction Forecast conference held by Associated Builders and Contractors on June 8, 2011. Speakers on the Web conference included: Anirban [...]

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