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BS4D: Redlining plans

Just what is a “redline?” Well yesterday Bob Borson wrote a great piece on Architectural Redlines (which included some great pictures like this one) and how they should be used. One of his comments about “making them bleed” got the wheels spinning as the fact is most people only know about the redlines that the […]

Wacky Weds: Sliding Snow on Shingles?

While it is common to see snow draping off a roof, most only see that as a metal roof issue. To prevent sliding snow from damaging property or the building itself (as some of these shelves can get into the hundreds and even thousands of pounds), snow guards are installed on metal roofs. The reality […]

Installing an Interior Barn Door – Lessons Learned

It seems one of the biggest trends lately is installing a “barn door” inside to either add a decorative element, add some privacy, or in our case cut down on noise. We recently removed a pocket door and left the doorway open as we knew we were going to install one in that location. Here […]

Come join us at Illinois B4 Conference – Feb. 26 & 27

Welcome to the start of conference season. The biggest one for builders & designers happened last week with the newly merged NAHB IBS (International Builders Show) & KBIS. Depending on your interests, like Energy Efficiency / Building Better / Green you could probably attend at least one a week for the next few months or like my friend Allison go […]

FAQ: Where should I place a Stand-Alone Freezer?

I don’t have room to put a freezer there… can I leave it outside on my back porch, in an unheated garage, the basement, laundry room??? What happens if it isn’t in the house & temperatures soar or dip below zero, will I have any issues? Convenience First: One of the first considerations is not only where will one fit […]

Wacky Weds: Deep Freeze Inside?

While many are used to seeing ice form inside a freezer, how about inside ones house? On an electric outlet with a live load – ooh that can’t be good. Want to know why & how to prevent it – FAQ: Why are my windows & walls so wet during the winter

Thursday Tip: Don’t forget those bolts

Can you imagine my surprise yesterday when the garage door would only open up about a foot? I was slightly flummoxed as I could manually open it, the garage door opener was working fine, but put together the garage door still wouldn’t go past a foot without the motor tripping. I even looked at the spring […]