Codes & Standards
As safety concerns drive ever more stringent deck codes, remodelers and builders find ways to ensure projects pass inspection
It's going to affect a lot of your materials
The line between doing business and committing fraud is thinner than you think
Risk expert says stronger building codes and practices needed
Despite the growing popularity of ADUs, few local governments have defined policies for addressing them
The program recognizes remodeling firms that demonstrate sound business and operations practices
OSHA decides home improvement and construction industry pros need more information before it can enforce its new standard
Initial investment in mitigation is key to a sound structure
Are you ready for the new overtime rule?

Image is a derivative of "Pegboard Project (#2691)" by Flickr user Regan76 (CC by 2.0)
Underfunded and underenforced, a fragmented contractor licensing system allows unlicensed and unregistered contractors to operate with impunity. Here are five steps to start fixing that situation
Code, safety, and performance considerations
OSHA's reduced limits for jobsite exposure to crystalline silica is expressed in micrograms per cubic meter. Here's some math to make those numbers more meaningful
Here's what you need to do to comply with OSHA's final rule on respirable crystalline silica
It’s time remodelers adopted these commonsense measures to protect workers and homeowners from jobsite dust

Recent changes to the AWPA’s U1 Standard for use categories UC3B and UC4A require lumber rated for ground contact to be used for some above-ground components, such as ledgers, beams, and joists, “when they are difficult to maintain, repair, or replace, and are critical to the performance and safety” of the structure, the document states. Photo: Dan Morrison
Revisions to AWPA’s U1 standard may require using lumber rated for ground contact in some above-ground applications

Photo: Jaksmata/Wikimedia Commons
Just because OSHA inspectors aren’t on duty, it doesn’t mean cheating contractors can get away with anything
The state intends to seize and liquidate his assets to repay customers that were victimized
worker misclassification is suddenly in the spotlight due to a couple of high-profile cases involving government contracts
If your workers aren’t wearing fall protection gear, might as well put up a poster asking OSHA for a fine
Ductwork installed in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, and garages can contribute significantly to the overall heating and cooling costs of residential buildings. In fact, it is estimated that duct thermal losses for single-family residential buildings with ductwork in unconditioned spaces range from 10-to-45 percent of total cooling and heating loads.
The Energy Department’s Building America program has focused on leading residential remodeling strategies and energy-saving solutions. The program has tested and validated several cost-effective, low-risk methods at almost every step of the remodeling process.