Builder Magazine: Most Popular Construction Stories

Mystery Inspector 5: Ductwork Done Right

Thu, 9 May 2013 01:45:59 EST

Sealed ductwork saves energy and keeps indoor air clean, and the materials you use make a difference.

6 Prefab Houses That Could Change Home Building

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:46:49 EST

Affordable prices, cool design, easy delivery. What’s not to like?

10 Strategies to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Homes

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:13:28 EST

Discover tactics that are guaranteed to work and won’t break the bank.

BUILDER Tech Tip: 4 Apps for the Virtual Tool Belt

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:59:33 EST

Our phones have more processing power than desktop PCs did a few years ago. As a result, builders are ditching their tool belts and downloading some of the most powerful tools on their devices.

10 Things You Need to Know About Modular Homes

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:04:44 EST

Surely you've heard the industry's sales pitch by now: lower costs, speedy construction, excellent craftsmanship, and quality building products in a controlled setting. Builders who use modular systems say you can believe the hype. But before you run out to your local supplier or modular home manufacturer, you need to do your homework.

Mystery Inspector Visits Arlington, Va.

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:08:10 EST

Over the past decade as better building practices have worked their way into the code, and as builders and consumers have become more interested in energy-efficient construction, it has been interesting to see if the practices that we write about in magazine articles make it to the job site.

Make a Custom Counter For $8 Per Square Foot

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:40:35 EST

Concrete specialist Fu-Tung Cheng tells builders how to easily and economically fabricate their own countertops.

The Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:41:14 EST

Builder, in conjunction with Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, debuts its metric for determining markets with the best and least potential.

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.

A Collection of the Most Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 04:34:26 EST

New glazing technology has created a generation of super-efficient windows and doors.

Builder Names Its 2012 America's Best Builder Winners

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:30:05 EST

Neal Communities, Pinnacle Mountain Homes, The Mungo Cos., and Landmark Fine Homes are standouts in their industry and their markets.

Pushing Optimum Value Engineering and Advanced Framing Into the Foreground

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:47:35 EST

A combination of the green building groundswell and the new economy may bring OVE and advanced framing into common practice.

Modular Builder Unveils $100,000 House

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:58:58 EST

Excel says some homes will be priced as low as $60,000.

The Labor Factor Revives the Component v. Stick-Built Debate

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:00:35 EST

Price and speed of construction also play big roles in builders’ and framers’ choices.

How to Backfill a Foundation

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:32:04 EST

Careful backfilling reduces risks and improves quality.

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.

If Labor Shortages Persist, Will Builders Seek Construction Alternatives?

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 02:40:06 EST

Advanced framing, panelization, and modular manufacturing could gain ground.

Structural Insulated Panels Have Many Fans, So Why Don't More Builders Use Them?

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 10:32:22 EST

SIPs offer superior energy efficiency to conventional stick-frame building.

Germany-Based Modular Home Supplier Sets Its Sights On America

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:02:25 EST

Huf Haus opens a sales office in Cleveland and is pursuing affluent clients who seek something out of the ordinary.

Installing Raised Heel Trusses

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:07:30 EST

Well-designed trusses leave room for plenty of attic insulation.