The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

Common Sense Building: Stop termites & critters in their tracks

With all the damage that termites are known for, it is amazing how silent many of the green / energy efficient programs are on them. Granted both LEED (points for use of non-toxic pest control) and NGBS (use a shield in conjunction with a low-toxicity spray) mention them, but finding detailed drawings, best practices…. yeah, […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building January 9, 2014 By SLS

BS4D: The Fire Sprinklers & Air Barrier conundrum

Ahh the dreaded question, just how does one comply with the codes when they conflict with each other? In this case how does one install fire sprinklers, while keeping them in conditioned space so they don’t freeze while ensuring that insulation stays in continuous contact with the air-barrier? Well what happens in most cases is you sweet […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building, Fire Safety Tagged With: BS4D November 1, 2013 By SLS

Fixing an Architectural Nightmare

In our last Wacky (semi) Wordless Wednesday piece we had three pictures where we looked at entryway & asked what issues you see, what might you have done differently, or does everything look good to you?  Well lets take a closer look at it… As I mentioned, I can easily see why the architect designed it this […]

Filed Under: Building Codes, Common Sense Building May 20, 2013 By SLS

Getting the details right: Bathroom Exhaust Venting

For numerous years the codes have required that all bathrooms either had a window OR a light & mechanical exhaust system be installed (see legal section below). The thought process was the homeowner could either open the window to remove certain obnoxious gasses &/or the excessive moisture or turn at least turn on a fan […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building Tagged With: CSB April 12, 2013 By SLS

Getting the details right: 4 biggest roof flashing errors to avoid

No matter what the age of a building there is one simple universal truth; water is a buildings worst enemy. As the saying goes, if you can keep the water out & away from the building, it can last forever. One of the most overlooked areas unfortunately happens to be your homes primary defense; the […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building Tagged With: Roofing March 22, 2013 By SLS

Common Sense Building: Exterior Wall Sheathing 101

For most builders & crews the biggest question when it comes to sheathing a wall is “should we do it while the wall is being framed on the ground, or after we have stood it up?” For others that have to add foam on the exterior, some start to wonder, “if I need to add […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building Tagged With: Advanced Framing, CSB, OFT March 5, 2013 By SLS

BS4D: 10 simple rules to remember

Whether you are tradesmen, builder, architect, designer, or… there are a few simple rules that if you remember & apply will help keep you out of trouble not only now, but well into the future… Hot moves to cold Wet moves to dry Everything expands & contracts Water is like Murphy’s law & it wants […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: BS4D February 9, 2013 By SLS

Common Sense Building: Dryer Venting

I have seen a lot of things in my time, but seeing a gutter downspout in the attic, which was being used as a dryer vent was definitely worth a double take. As you can tell from the pics, there wasn’t too much lint that ever made it out of the “vent.”  Now as for […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building, Fire Safety January 28, 2013 By SLS

Common Sense Building: Build Radon Out

As many of you probably already know, January is National Radon Month. Just like CO, it is an odorless & tasteless gas; however, unlike CO there are no warning signs that it might be affecting you until it is too late.  It is estimated that elevated levels are found in 1 of every 15 homes […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building Tagged With: radon January 25, 2013 By SLS

Common Sense Building: To Tyvek or not to Tyvek, that is the question

Lately there have been numerous questions on the use of WRB’s or Weather Resistive Barriers. For example; do I need it if I am using foam? If I am installing foam, should it be placed over the foam or under it? According to the ZIP system, I don’t need one, is this really a good […]

Filed Under: Common Sense Building January 18, 2013 By SLS

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Popular Categories

  • Common Sense Building
  • Tips & Tricks
  • FAQ’s, Acronym’s, & Terminology
  • Off-Grid Living
  • Spring Maintenance Checklist
  • Air Sealing & Insulation
  • Building Codes
  • Disaster Preparation
  • Deck & Outdoor Living
  • Holiday & Vacations
  • How-To’s & Planners
  • Myth or Misconception
  • Tool & Shop Safety
  • Universal Design

The HTRC - Copyright © 2006–2023 by TheHTRC.com & SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC http://SLS-Construction.com