Here are our holiday hours, so you can plan ahead. But of course, since our site is always online, you can still order new warranties even if we are “closed!” That’s one of the great aspects of American eBuilder: we’re online, on time and unequaled! Friday, December 22: 8 AM-1 PM EST Monday, December 25: Closed Tuesday, December 26 through Friday, December 29: Normal hours Monday, January 1: Closed Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays to all our wonderful builders!

Pressure Treated lumber (PT lumber) is a very convenient and affordable choice to offer your home buyers for exterior applications. It offers durability, rot resistance and termite protection. The chemical process which infuses these characteristics, however, can have some undesirable consequences. One such consequence is twisting over time. How Pressure Treated Lumber is Created Originally, manufacturers preserved Pressure Treated lumber with a chemical known as Chromated Copper Arsenic. The EPA eventually decided that the toxicity of this chemical was quite dangerous and recommended that such wood be treated with a penetrating oil finish bi-annually. But over time, lumber manufacturers stopped … Read more »

We’ve all seen “those” homes … you know, the ones which have a giant maple tree or some such arboreal entity looming about 2” from the house. It may have looked cute when it was a sapling, but in full size, it’s far too close for comfort. And that’s just the part you can see. The part you can’t see, below ground, poses a huge threat to your home’s structural integrity. Let’s learn how to landscape purposefully to avoid such issues as your home ages. Space, the Final Frontier When you plant trees as part of your landscape plan, you … Read more »

Tile is still an exciting trend in new home construction and in remodeling as well. But as with most trends, the styles and patterns for kitchens and baths are changing for 2017. We’ll let you know how! Subway Tile In recent years, subway tile, with its clean lines and pristine white glaze, has become a staple for kitchen and bathroom walls. This style is still going strong, but with a twist. Instead of only the white glaze, manufacturers are promoting pops of color for subway tiles. From pastel pinks to bold turquoise, subway tile options are booming. In addition, installation … Read more »

As we noted last year, a trend began in 2016 which sought to bring the outdoors inside. This trend utilized large windows and expansive patio doors which opened to an outdoor space. The outdoor living trend has only intensified in 2017. Spacious entertaining and cool areas without using a lot of energy are the primary driving forces which are promoting this trend. Top Remodeling Project Adding a fully functional outdoor living space is one of the most requested remodeling projects reported by contractors across the US. Qualified Remodeler Magazine reports, in its April 2017 issue, that 84.4% of remodeling contractors … Read more »

As a new home owner, you want to keep your house and yard in like-new condition for as long as you can. If you do periodic maintenance, you will ensure that your home stays as beautiful as the day you bought it. Let’s start at the top: maintenance of the roof and drainage system. A roof is a system of your home which is designed to last a long time, if you take proper care of it. Areas which require periodic attention include flashing, drainage waste vent stacks, shingles and gutters. To be sure everything is working as it should, … Read more »

Everyone has one of “those” neighbors … you know, the ones whose gorgeous, lush emerald green lawn looks as if it popped right out of the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. Obviously they pay big bucks to achieve that level of lawn care, right? Great news – not necessarily! With some savvy and the right resources, you can also develop a lawn that is the envy of your entire neighborhood. It takes a little time, but you CAN do it! The important point to note is that nurturing your lawn into a thing of beauty is not just a … Read more »

In the past, we’ve discussed the use of technology in construction from a homeowner’s viewpoint. It is true that the Internet of Things has blossomed wide open for homeowners to have “smart” homes. But tech is not only transforming the construction experience for the homeowner – it’s changing the way builders work as well. We will examine several innovations which will make your job, as a builder, easier. Headgear Wearable gear is one way to use technology to both enhance your capabilities or to increase your safety. For example, Augmented Reality glasses or a visor can superimpose 3D models on … Read more »

Spring is just around the corner! Now is the time to be thinking about what exterior house and yard maintenance tasks need to be done for the season. Take a look at these areas and prep by purchasing any materials or parts necessary for the job. Then, when warmer weather hits, you’ll be set to GO! House Exterior Roof and Chimney: Just as with the inside, start at the top. While you might not feel comfortable getting up on a ladder, if you have a pair of binoculars, you can step back from the house and examine pretty much the … Read more »

Spring is just around the corner! Now is the time to be thinking about what house and yard maintenance tasks need to be done for the season. Take a look at these areas and prep by purchasing any materials or parts necessary for the job. Then, when warmer weather hits, you’ll be set to GO! House Interior Maintenance Spring Cleaning: We know you keep your house meticulously clean. But in every home, there are areas which only need bi-annual attention. These are the areas to focus on in spring cleaning, working from high to low. First, do a thorough cleaning … Read more »