2004 CFA Media Coverage

Stepping up to the Habitat Challenge
The Department of Energy's "Building America" program has set up a systems-engineering approach to home construction. The goals are to: produce homes that use 40 to 70 percent less energy; reduce construction time and waste; improve builder productivity; provide opportunities to test out new building materials; and focus on creating energy-saving technologies. The program pursues these goals by forming teams drawn from different segments of the building industry. There are currently five teams, which have worked on 483 projects with different industry partners. Several of these projects have been Habitat for Humanity homes.

Tech Talk: A New Voice to Reach Builders
Whether you are a removable forming systems (cast-in-place), ICF (insulating concrete forms) or concrete block wall contractor, the task of educating builders about concrete home construction has been a difficult one. Often times, your efforts have gone unheard. Many builders still do not see the benefit of concrete building systems. The durability, safety and energy efficiency advantages of concrete for foundations and above grade concrete homes make it an excellent choice.

Waterproofing
A livable lower living space needs waterproofing. A home's lower level — the portion of the house below grade level — is no longer an unfinished space exclusive to storage and laundry. Call it a trend, but it's here to stay. Lower-level living is quickly becoming an integral part of today's evolving lifestyles.

Material Selection Guide:  Slabs on Grade
The article discusses shear transfer devices, steel fibers, and vapor barriers.

The New American Home 2004: Part III
Hear the word "basement" and images of a light-filled art gallery, generous walkout patio, and multiple entertainment and personal passion spaces are probably the last to leap to mind. But with lot sizes shrinking--even for seven-figure custom homes--folks aren't willing to sacrifice their home theaters and wine rooms without exploring some radical options.

Tech Talk: Excavation Safety
It is not uncommon to see large holes in the earth's surface that have been carved out to form the shape of the future home's basement. While this process may seem easy to the casual observer, foundation professionals know that careful and meticulous planning...

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