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How Decks Are Built: Common Construction Mistakes and What Protects Long-Term Performance

By |2026-04-28T08:34:46-07:00April 28th, 2026|Happy Home Blog|

How Decks Are Built: Common Construction Mistakes and What Protects Long-Term Performance Deck construction mistakes are one of the most common causes of premature failure in outdoor structures. A deck may look simple on the surface, but it relies on a system of connections, framing, moisture control, and load management working together. When those elements

Wood, Plastic or Composite: A Customer’s Guide to Decking

By |2014-10-23T14:21:42-07:00October 23rd, 2014|CTA Consultation|

Composites are the new face of deckingThe most notable changes in the decking market have come with the creation of synthetic decking materials. Most synthetics require less maintenance than wood, but are far from perfect. They are more expensive than basic wood decking materials and although much more weather proof than wood, they are not immune to weather damage. No decking is perfect, but the variety of natural wood and synthetic products on the market today are providing both home builders and home owners a longer list of possibilities and options than ever before.

TILE SURFACE PREPARATION FOR TILE

By |2013-04-30T19:34:20-07:00April 30th, 2013|CTA Consultation|

CONCRETE  SLABSYou have a layout of your tile project on paper now it is time to prepare the surface to receive the tile.CLEANINGIf you are setting tile to a concrete slab, you will want to make sure that the surface is clean and dust free. In new construction concrete is seldom covered to protect it

Life cycle Assessments

By |2013-04-09T19:03:33-07:00April 9th, 2013|CTA Consultation|

One of the key tools in Green building is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA.) LCA is a technique to assess the environmental impacts associated with each product, process, or service, by:Compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs to a project;Assessing the aging process associated with the input;Evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with

10 Reasons Stearns Design Build Recommends Cork

By |2022-12-19T11:53:33-08:00March 28th, 2013|CTA Consultation|

1. Sustainability: Cork flooring is made from the bark that is harvested from the Cork Tree (Quercus Suber), which regenerates after the harvest. The bark can be re-harvested every 9-10 years without damaging the tree. Regulated forests, mainly in Spain &Portugal, are the producers of the cork industry. Unlike bamboo, cork is a truly

Tankless Water Heaters No Longer our Recommendation

By |2012-11-29T16:50:39-08:00November 29th, 2012|CTA Consultation|

water heaters For years we confidently recommended tankless water heaters.  This recommendation was backed up by quite a bit of well documented research that was easily understood from a theoretic perspective.  Conventional water systems keep all of that water hot all of the time.  New research shows that the truth is somewhat counterintuitive.

The Supersized House

By |2012-08-28T15:57:15-07:00August 28th, 2012|CTA Consultation|

Do you have a parent or grandparent that grew up during the Depression?  I love the resourcefulness and frugality of so many who grew up in those tough times. While later generations, including my own, loudly encourage us to reduce, reuse and recycle, the Greatest Generation quietly set the example of self reliance and intentionality.Our

To Build or Not to Build

By |2023-04-03T07:11:49-07:00May 17th, 2012|CTA Consultation|

That is an important question. For many years we at Stearns Design Build (Stearns Construction at the time) insisted on only remodeling, or, as we like to put it, recycling homes. We have since justified designing and building new homes. The justification is that new building stock is necessary. The fact is that we love

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