When people picture a Victorian house, they often imagine a brightly colored doll house, with fanciful and embellished architectural details. Actually, the term “Victorian” refers to the architectural styles that emerged during the 80-year reign of Queen Victoria. While the Queen Anne style (with its heavy ornamentation, gabled roofs and bright paint themes) mark one of America’s favorite Victorian homes, it is often surprising to learn that there are eight architectural styles that are officially classified as Victorian.
Continue ReadingWhat will the tipping point be for homebuilders to enthusiastically embrace off-site construction? When the labor force constricts even tighter and wages rise even more? Will it take more weather woes or neighborhood noise ordinances that further reduce the number of workable daylight hours? The number of progressive homebuilders using off-site construction methods are rising, but the industry in the U.S. as a whole continues to trail behind other countries.
Achieving a tight building envelope is the new objective for many homebuilders and homeowners. A systems-wide approach combining thermal insulation techniques, various construction types, and high-performance water and vapor barriers can change a home’s energy efficiency.
When deciding to re-side your home, it can be difficult to get a handle on all the terms. It’s exciting once you start researching siding options for appearance inspiration but understanding the substrate specifics can be daunting. It’s important to learn the key differences before jumping into a decision.