Builder Magazine: Building Codes

Nowhere to run: 1 in 10 in Moore had storm shelters

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:36:14 EST

Only 10 percent of homes in Moore, Okla. have storm shelters. Could tougher building codes have prevented loss of life in the Tornado Alley city?

Home Innovation to Release High-R Wall Construction Guide

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:57:59 EST

Home Innovation Research Labs soon will release a design guide about high-R wall construction.

Superstorm Sandy's long tail of after-effects

Wed, 8 May 2013 10:17:52 EST

The six month period since Hurricane Sandy has provided mixed results from insurers and urban planners, but it's also provided opportunity for builders to talk about building better for the future.

California Adopts New Building Standards

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 10:25:12 EST

The new code includes stricter energy efficiency requirements and more-straightforward rules for accessibility.

Design Contest Wants Young Architects to Rethink Wood As a Primary Material

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 01:42:37 EST

Taller wood structures could be a byproduct of this design competition.

Local Towns Scramble to Comply With Maine's First Statewide Codes

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 03:13:51 EST

In tiny Lincoln, training for contractors and the town's enforcement officer smooth the process.

Building Stronger

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:07:30 EST

What can builders and engineers do to reduce the death and destruction tornadoes cause?

Rebuilding Joplin: The Aftermath of a Tornado

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:44:09 EST

Slowly but surely, the city comes back to life after an F-5 killer tornado.

At Builder Group's Urging, Utah Lawmakers Block 2009 Energy Code

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 04:38:29 EST

Legislature ignored recommendation of the state's Uniform Building Code Commission to accept the newer standard.

Dear Builder's Engineer: Studs at 24-Inch Spacing?

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 06:29:20 EST

Tim Garrison responds to a reader's question about what savings can be achieved and whether it's safe.

Revised Code Could Add $5K to Illinois New-Home Prices

Thu, 10 May 2012 01:16:20 EST

Tougher blower-door testing could be particularly problematic, says a state HBA chief.

Black-Gold Rush Fuels Housing Demand in Oil-Rich States

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:17:32 EST

Temporary “man camps” and rental apartments are springing up in markets near oil fields in Texas and North Dakota.

First Model Energy Code Goes on the Books

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:25:27 EST

Measures passed set stage for future compliance via tracking a building's energy consumption.

Building Code Enforcement Varies Widely in Coastal States

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:54:14 EST

Analysis finds the looming threat of hurricanes isn’t enough to trigger tougher rules governing inspections and contractor licensing.

Public Comment Period Open for ANSI Square Footage Standard

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:50:49 EST

Individuals and organizations may submit a comment to be considered during the 45-day public comment period.

Single or Double Top Plate—Diminishing Returns?

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 02:38:59 EST

With half the wood use, a single top plate seems like the smarter (and greener) option. But complicating factors can quickly erode benefits.

An Ohio Town Yields to Get a Project Restarted

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:17:40 EST

While some are crying foul at variances, Fischer Homes points to design and practicality.

Feature: Putting the E in Efficiency

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:32:11 EST

Some so-called “green” building practices can give builders a competitive edge on the existing-home market, but can they balance the costs with consumers' ability to pay? Big Builder does a cost versus benefit analysis.

Will Energy Efficiency Kill Affordable Home Building in California?

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 03:30:42 EST

The state's builder trade group claims updates being considered no longer take cost effectiveness into account.

HGTV’s Mike Holmes Talks Construction Quality, Sustainability with BUILDER Magazine

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 03:53:44 EST

The profession needs to build in a way that makes sense, the general contractor says.