Recent Posts

Universal Design Principles for Custom Homes

How should I budget a curbless accessible route during new construction?

Started by aaron_coder

1. The zero-threshold door deserves its own drainage ... Friendlyowner2932
2. For that 45-foot route and 18-inch rise, I’d separ... lrodriguez97
3. I’m trying to price accessibility as part of the d... aaron_coder

Negotiating the Purchase of Land

How should I budget due diligence on a 2-acre land purchase?

Started by Brightowner8622

1. I’m looking at a 2-acre parcel listed for $85,000,... Brightowner8622

The Role of a Construction Manager

Fixed CM fee or percentage: which gives owners better budget control?

Started by Cedarnexus42

1. The running total would be much more useful if it ... daisyriver722
2. The concern about percentage fees becoming more ex... nickf59
3. I’m comparing a fixed construction-management fee ... Cedarnexus42

Landscape Design Principles

Going wild or keeping tidy: how do you like your garden with local plants?

Started by blogger61

1. How do you decide which vigorous native spreaders ... mhill49
2. I’m somewhere in between. The cost savings usually... Practicalplanner8457
3. GOING WILD OR KEEPING TIDY: HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR G... ericc13
4. View all 53 replies

Wiring and Networking for Smart Homes

My connection drops randomly - is it just me?

Started by rocky_martin

1. For similar 30-second mesh outages, check the syst... Nexoridge42
2. Those 30-second drops sound especially suspicious ... adventure403
3. I've been using one of those mesh router systems f... rocky_martin

Smart Home Technology for Energy Management

Smart gadgets that actually cut down your electric bill

Started by puzzle_james

1. The thermostat scheduling and remote adjustments a... patbiker348
2. I've been messing around with some smart plugs and... puzzle_james

Voice Control and Home Assistants

Should voice control be designed in, or layered on later?

Started by adventure693

1. I’m not sure I’d avoid dedicated microphone wiring... Cedarquill27
2. The “convenience layer” approach makes the most se... Clearplanner850
3. Voice control is getting more capable, but I’m not... adventure693

Managing Communication with Your Building Team

Are shared decision logs more reliable than scattered builder messages?

Started by adam_davis

1. The log should also capture the approved cost and ... rockymeow761
2. The “awaiting homeowner approval” status could sti... gamerdev81
3. We are trying to tighten up communication during a... adam_davis

High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

Faster Heat-Pump Permits Shouldn’t Mean Tighter Service Access

Started by Miranex27

1. The manufacturer’s listed clearance is the right s... lisamaverick787
2. I’d push back on treating extra service clearance ... illustrator57
3. As heat-pump permitting and construction schedules... Miranex27

Selecting Flooring Materials - Options and Considerations

Need advice on floors that can handle a hyper dog

Started by kim_lewis

1. For households with energetic dogs, a thicker wear... dukeh41
2. Gotta say, I'm not sold on cork flooring. Sure, it... kim_lewis
3. Yeah, textured laminate can be a solid choice. We ... gcoder93
4. View all 5 replies