Traditional wood framing is out, and insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are in. An ICF wall system can come in preformed interlocking blocks or as separate panels connected with metal ties. As the name suggests, the concrete is also insulated, typically with high-density Styrofoam or another lightweight material. ICFs can be used for below-grade foundations as well as above-grade walls up to two stories high. Because insulated concrete formwork is becoming so popular across the country, we put together this post to cover a few of the reasons to consider ICFs. Keep reading to learn why you should consider ICFs and... View Article
Many people opt to build their own home rather than purchasing an existing one. Building your own home gives you total control over the design, so you can get a house that meets your exact needs and specifications. Of course, the prospect of starting from scratch with home construction can be a bit overwhelming. So, if you’re planning on building your house, where do you get started? The first thing you’ll need to do is choose where you’re going to build the house. Here’s an overview of some of the key considerations to factor into your search for the best... View Article
In recent years, more homeowners have been looking for ways to set their property apart from the rest of the neighborhood. Concrete treatments in particular have become very popular due to their visual appeal—they transform what would otherwise be a traditional gray slab into an eye-catching feature of any property. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of imprinted concrete and how specialized concrete treatments can enhance the look of your Poulsbo, WA property. The basics of stamped/imprinted concrete Stamped concrete driveways have pros and cons that influence the effectiveness of investing in this upgrade for... View Article
If you’ve been trying to get any construction work done during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve probably noticed the impact on construction in Poulsbo, WA. As with every industry, construction has taken a hit. Lumber prices have skyrocketed over this past year, which makes everything more frustrating and expensive for everyone. Despite the lumber prices, people are taking advantage of low interest rates and being more homebound than ever are now addressing those additions, remodels, and new home construction projects they have put off. Builders are swamped and are often unable to take on the small projects and lower paying jobs... View Article
Do you know how to determine whether something is square, and why it’s so important to building fundamentals in Poulsbo, WA? As you can imagine, knowing if something is square (and how to check for it) is important to construction—if your measurements are off even a little bit, it can throw off the entire rest of the house, office or other building. Obviously, you don’t want that to happen! If you are an avid DIY-er, it’s important to understand how to check square with a tape measure in Poulsbo, WA. Here’s how to do it, and why you need to... View Article
