LEED

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    Survey finds support for licensing

    Licensing can be a frustrating part of the remodeling process. Most remodelers believe the profession should uphold professional and technical standards, but many say licensing ensures neither because of easy, meaningless, or nonexistent tests and educational requirements.

     
  • Licensing requirements face test

    Michael Hamman sat for the California licensing exam more than a quarter of a century ago, but the memory still makes him laugh — and cringe.

     
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    Tightening up on passwords

    Many people use the same password for their computers, e-mail accounts, to backups, or online bank accounts. And many companies give every employee the same password to log on to their computers.

     
  • Keeping an eye on building codes

    A familiar scenario is repeated all over the country: An inspector arrives on the job and even though a detail was included in the permit set of plans, and you were not informed by the inspection office, your job fails because of a code change. Here are some tips to help avoid surprises like this.

     
  • Skylight Retrofit Red Flags

    When it comes to retrofitting skylights, two aspects of the job —framing the light well and flashing the unit — have the greatest potential for problems. Framing is typically only a problem in trussed roofs, but, says veteran remodeler Les Deal of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, “All of the houses I'm working...

     
  • Double Check Everything

    Double check everything; it's a simple rule and easy to forget. And it only takes one little slip to cost a contractor a chunk of cash.

     
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    Before+After: Less Is More

    The Eubanks wanted a brighter room, a new kitchen, and a living space that flowed well. Fleming immediately saw all of that fitting into an addition to the back of the living room -- one that measured just 155 square feet.

     
  • Lookout for code violations

    A recent Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling reminds remodelers to be on the lookout for code violations and extra work, even in the middle of a job.

     
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    Using proper fasteners and connectors may preserve wood better

    By Stephani L. Miller. Fasteners used with ACQ-, CBA-, or CA-treated lumber have been reported to corrode and fail at a faster rate than when used with CCA-treated lumber.Most treated-wood producers using the next-gen preservatives point out that their recommendations for fasteners and connectors...

     
  • Skylights must meet safety codes in hurricane-prone regions

    These standards require skylights to undergo test procedures that are slightly different from those required for other fenestrations, and which are also different from Miami-Dade's procedures.