The key to any successful construction project is quality workmanship and maintaining a good relationship with inspectors. It's essential to avoid cutting corners, always be respectful, and provide inspectors with what they need. But what do you do when two inspectors visit your job site at different times and disagree on what needs to be done?

This situation leads to frustrating delays. On the Cereza project, we encountered just such a scenario. The conflicting opinions of the inspectors forced us to escalate the issue to the head building official for resolution. This meant we needed revisions from the engineer, which we had already obtained but now had to resubmit to the city.

The approval process took an additional five weeks, partly because our submission coincided with someone's vacation. Such unexpected hurdles are part and parcel of the construction world.

Ahhhh, construction...

Have you ever wondered why wall textures have such peculiar names? More importantly, do you know what each of them means and how to choose the right one for your home? Or if you need different textures for each room? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

Wall textures aren’t just about aesthetics—they play a significant role in the functionality and feel of your home. Knowing the differences between textures can help you make informed decisions during your building or remodeling projects.

Firstly, why do we have such unique names for wall textures? These names often derive from the techniques used to create them or their historical origins. For instance, "Skip Trowel" refers to a method where a trowel skips across the surface, creating a distinctive pattern, while "Old World" evokes a sense of rustic, European charm.

So, what does each texture mean, and how do you decide which one to use? Here’s a quick guide:

• Skip Trowel: This texture adds a touch of elegance and hides minor imperfections, making it great for living rooms and bedrooms.

• Level 5 Finish: This is the smoothest and most premium finish, ideal for spaces with lots of natural light where you want to avoid any imperfections being highlighted.

• Old World: This texture brings a timeless, classic look, perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room.

When choosing textures, consider factors like ease of cleaning, durability, cost, and how well they hide damage. For example:

• Ease of Cleaning: Smooth textures like Level 5 are easier to clean but may show dirt and smudges more readily.

• Durability: Rougher textures like Skip Trowel can be more durable and better at hiding wear and tear.

• Cost: Generally, the smoother and more intricate the texture, the higher the cost.

• Damage Visibility: Some textures, like Orange Peel, can help camouflage minor dents and scratches.

Stay tuned as we break down the most popular drywall textures, helping you understand their characteristics and the best applications for each. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling, this guide will ensure you make the best choices for your walls.

Creating an outdoor space not only adds an extra layer of protection to your home but also provides a serene retreat from the elements, whether you're basking in the warm glow of a sunny day or seeking shelter from a stormy, frozen winter. When that space is constructed by skilled craftsmen, it becomes a truly special haven.

Imagine stepping onto a beautifully crafted cedar porch, where the rich aroma of the wood mingles with the fresh outdoor air. This inviting space becomes an extension of your home, offering a perfect spot to unwind with a good book, enjoy a cup of coffee, or gather with loved ones for meaningful conversations.

A cedar porch, with its natural resistance to decay and insects, promises longevity and durability, ensuring that your sanctuary remains a cherished part of your home for years to come. The warm, reddish-brown hues of the cedar planks add a touch of elegance and warmth, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Whether you're watching the sunset on a summer evening, listening to the gentle patter of rain, or sipping hot cocoa while wrapped in a cozy blanket during winter, a well-built cedar porch enhances these moments, making them even more memorable. The craftsmanship that goes into building such a space reflects a dedication to quality and a passion for creating something truly extraordinary.

So, when you choose to invest in a cedar porch, you're not just adding an architectural feature to your home; you're creating a timeless retreat where memories are made and cherished. It's a space that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of your own home.

How do you give a window visual depth in a wall but also make it a durable, airtight installation?

Making the decision of building a new house or remodeling your existing house is incredibly difficult especially if you don’t like your existing house and there’s nothing really wrong with it. So how do you make this decision? We talk with David W., the owner of Jake’s house, about his decision to build a new house in a different area, even though he was perfectly happy or almost perfectly happy, and his existing house. Join us for a conversation with one of our clients.

What do you need to know to build a foundation for your new home or Accessory Dwelling Unit? In this video, Dave talks to Brett, the Project Manager at our Cereza Passive House, about why the house has a much different foundation than the ADU and why this makes perfect sense, considering the goals for the two buildings are completely different.

Interested to know how to spend your money wisely while building a next-generation home? Watch this video from our "Building a Better Way with Earth Bound Homes" YouTube channel.

While not a Passive House, this project is stunning for its architecture, designed by Fergus Garber Architects. The new custom house will be an amazing home for our clients and their family, and one of the defining features is the beautiful and strategic use of arches and curves which are seen throughout the home, including this staircase.

However, these amazing architectural elements require craftsmanship and a bit of artistry, as trees usually grow quite straight, and if you want a curve, you have to carefully build it with a lot of pieces of that straight wood.

If you want to know more, watch this video and see how a curve can make "ho-hum" into "WOW! ".

https://youtu.be/SE6dmyjgbgY?si=hYOwFcY9EDlddLJ7

Building a Passive House basement takes a lot of planning, a great structural engineer, and someone paying attention to how much everything costs. Basements are the most expensive space in a house in California. Dirt has to be dug up and removed, and then a very strong foundation has to take its place. If you want to know more about what it takes to build something that will withstand the next "big one" but doesn't break the bank, we invite you to watch this video.

What COVID19 has taught us about Green/Sustainable Building?

The Covid19 Pandemic has created disruptions in the supply chain, further revealed changes in the world’s climate, and brought further light on the equity and diversity issues both locally and globally. Those in the building industry who have advocated green building practices are facing new challenges and struggles. This panel discussion will feature 3 experts in the green building industry who will share their experiences and responses to the pandemic in the built environment.

Join us on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 from 6:00-8:30pm as our Founder and CEO, Dr. Dave Edwards joins two other green building experts for a panel discussion on this educational and highly relevant topic. “What has COVID-19 taught us about Green/Sustainable Building?”

Discussion points will include:

• Identify the issues surrounding material supply, health and wellness, climate change, and building design affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.

• Illustrate the appropriate uses for green concrete, its availability, and its inherent properties as it relates to climate action and disruptions due to the pandemic.

• Discuss how the pandemic and other 2020 events have changed architects, builders, manufacturers, and clients’ perceptions and calls to action on green building practices.

• Explore ways that architects, builders, and product manufacturers can advocate and educate the public on green building practices that will improve their health, safety, and welfare and to be better stewards of the Earth for future generations.