New Hampshire Soil
The soil in NH at depth underneath loam (i.e. where it matters for supporting structures) is largely the result of ancient glaciers. The colloquial term for most glacial till is… Read More »
New Hampshire – “the Granite State”
New Hampshire is called “the granite state,” but there is actually very little granite. Most of the rock in NH is metamorphic, not igneous like granite. It would be better… Read More »
Structural Inspections During Construction
We are often asked: “do you need to inspect the structure you designed during construction?” Of course, we WANT to see cool stuff be built, and we care that it… Read More »
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Foundation Walls
Concrete masonry units (CMUs), still often and affectionately referred to as cinder blocks, are a common building construction material. They are economical and are often the best solution for structural… Read More »
Repair of Antique Hip Roof
Antique hip roofs tend to have a short sagging ridge. They get flatter over time. The attic insulation, if present, has a low R-value. There are frequently broken rafters. How… Read More »
Foundation Repairs
Your building has cracked foundation walls. Is the foundation settling? Are the cracks structurally significant? What’s the problem, what’s the repair, and how much will it cost? Who can do… Read More »
Building Materials During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Over the last two years, the cost of building materials has skyrocketed from their normal trend due to the affects of COVID-19. You may be wondering what is behind all… Read More »
Raze or Renovate
“Should we raze or renovate?” is a question we hear often. Restated- is it more economically feasible to raze and rebuild, or to renovate and improve? The answer also depends… Read More »
Building with Cold Formed (Light Gauge) Steel
Cold-formed steel (CFS) refers to products shaped by roll-forming of metallic coated sheet at ambient temperature. Since Cold-formed steel and wood are the two most commonly used materials for light… Read More »
Navigating the Trades of the Building Industry
So you have decided you want to build a custom home, or perhaps you want an addition for your existing home, or maybe you are planning a full house renovation.… Read More »