Quality

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought I’d share some advice based on my experience of nearly 30 years of marriage: Asking the right questions of the right individuals helps alleviate disappointment, distress and even financial loss. This lesson rings true in a relationship… and in homebuilding. Let me explain. My wife and I will celebrate 29 years of marriage this year and when we were dating, it seemed very important that I chose wisely on how to celebrate

Buying a home is often one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. The preparation and research that goes into the purchase of a new or existing home can take months, if not years. Ultimately, the long-term impact of owning a home is substantial when you consider the full cost of ownership.   So, how much does it really cost to own a home? And what influence does a builder or designer have on the full cost of ownership?   We often view the builder or designer's r

Sales teams are often the primary point of contact for consumers, yet many lack formal training in building science or construction practices. Bridging this gap benefits both buyers and builders by setting realistic expectations and building trust. Educating sales teams to effectively communicate construction quality requires a structured, practical, and credibility-focused approach. First, salespeople need foundational construction literacy . This does not mean turning them

It's a common saying that "Cleanliness is next to godliness," but in construction, it's really next to quality. Keeping a job site clean and organized isn't just about appearances—it's a critical component of a successful build. While nobody enjoys the task of cleaning up, neglecting it can lead to serious consequences. Here are three main reasons why a tidy site is non-negotiable.  1. Buyer Perception: Building Trust Through Tidiness   Your job site is a living billboard for

The team at IBACOS has, for some time, been greatly concerned by the distinct lack of building code regulations that are in place to control the standard to which gingerbread homes are built. This entire seasonal segment of the housing industry seems to have ‘slipped under’ the proverbial legislative wire and has been given free range to do whatever it wants from a design, engineering and construction perspective, provided the demands for decorative appeal and memorable taste

You’re likely familiar with the “Extreme Home Makeover” shows that have become popular with audiences. The premise is simple: build a new house from the ground up in a week. The execution is not simple – it requires months of planning and coordination long before the volunteers show up. This is critical because the volunteer workforce is often counted in the hundreds or beyond. Production homebuilders don’t typically build homes in one week. They also don’t have thousands of

You’re a prospective homebuyer exploring a new neighborhood under development by a well-known local builder. You and your partner are excited: great schools, beautiful lots, and the promise of a fresh start for your growing family. You’re here to see if this could be the  place, or if the other community down the road might be a better fit. Scenario 1: The Messy Jobsite As you stroll through the neighborhood, chatting about your wish list, a messy pile of lumber scattered acr

In my years training professionals on basic building science, I've always been surprised that the very people responsible for overseeing...

At IBACOS, we’re often asked for our opinion on building products. Sometimes it's a new product hitting the market; other times it’s a...

When you walk homes under construction in any given production builder’s community, there is one aspect of the builder and trades’...

At IBACOS, we visit over 130 large builder divisions each year, and one question we frequently hear is, “What’s the secret to maintaining...

While homebuilders certainly can’t use the most expensive material option for every aspect of their homes, many choose to use...

What if prospective buyers knew exactly what to look for and the right questions to ask before signing on the dotted line? Instead of...

I get it. “Inspect what you expect” is an important leadership principle. Likewise, “Measure what matters” embodies a similar concept. If...

Party walls. Fire walls. Area Separation walls. Shaft walls. Demising walls. These terms are often used interchangeably when discussing...

I’m going to let you in on a dirty little ‘not-so-secret’ secret of the homebuilding world and weave in some interesting facts along the...

I live in Western Pennsylvania in a home that was built in the 1930’s. My garage is below my kitchen and dining room. During the cold...

We all play various roles in life, and I’m no exception. Above all, I am a devoted father and husband. I am also a son, a brother, a...

We all know that the HVAC equipment is the biggest “energy user” in a home. What’s the second? The hot water heater. Traditionally, most...

A sweeping trend across the U.S. right now is painted brick veneer. Many homeowners are choosing to paint their red or yellow brick homes...