Archive for the 'Construction' Category

Welcome to National Lumber’s Blog

Published May 26, 2022 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Custom Millwork , Engineered Wood Products , Insulation , Lumber , Millwork , Paint , Pneumatic Tools , Reliable Truss , Remodeling , Turn-Key Framing 4 Comments

Founded in 1934, with ten lumberyards in New England, National Lumber has the experience and quality building materials you need for every project. Let National Lumber be the single source for all of your building and remodeling products. The National Lumber Family of Companies includes Reliable Truss, Pro Insulators, National Millwork, Kitchen Views, National Building Products, and Oxford Lumber — covering everything from the rimboard at the foundation to the roof shingles along with everything in between. Visit our websites to see all we have to offer.

Our blog will share information about the wide range of products and value-added services available to you. If you’d like to follow the blog via email, you can easily subscribe using the box at the right. Keep up-to-date with the latest events hosted by National Lumber as well as new products and services by joining our Constant Contact mailing list.

We’re ready to serve you. If you have any feedback, questions or concerns, be sure to leave a comment!

Aging in Place Modifications: Practical & Stylish

Published May 10, 2017 Building Industry , Construction , Did You Know , Door Hardware , Doors , Helpful Hints , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Portrait of happy senior woman cutting vegetables in kitchen

A 2015 Houzz report showed that over 50% of homeowners age 60+ are planning to age in place. As the baby boomer generation begins to enter the golden years, home construction and renovation contractors are seeing an increase in accessibility modifications being made. With more spending power than the younger millennial generation, the boomers are also a large player in the interior design industry; frequently updating their home to incorporate the latest design trends. Combining the need for accessibility with the desire to keep the attractive appearance of the home, these modifications are not only practical but stylish as well.  Read below for some simple yet important modifications to make to your home accessible for any generation.

Continue reading ‘Aging in Place Modifications: Practical & Stylish’

Tech, Smech…..By Phill Barrett

Published March 26, 2014 Building Industry , Building Software , Building Technology , Construction , Engineered Wood Products , Framing , Technology , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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April 28, 1994 NPR Memo - the internet is coming

In a 1995 interview on NPR and in a Newsweek essay, scientist Clifford Stoll declared the internet to be a fad. The Motorola Dynatac 8000x (a.k.a. the “Brick” phone) was considered by many as a pretentious status symbol to be used only by Gordon Gecko types.

Motorola Dynatac 8000x (a.k.a. the "Brick" phone)

Motorola Dynatac 8000x (a.k.a. the “Brick” phone)

Obviously, Mr. Stoll was wrong about the internet and the cell phone is now the primary tool of communication for a large portion of the population of planet earth. Access to the internet is now considered a basic human right according to the United Nations and the average low end cell phone has more computing power than the on board computer of the Apollo 11 moon lander.

With the advent of tablets and smartphones, connectivity and productivity have soared in recent years. News, stock tips, 140 character updates from your friends about their activities, weather, and “friend” requests are all delivered to you instantly. It seems there is no end to the stream of information. The naysayers are fewer in numbers as more of the planet tunes in and connects.

Building Information Modeling Software (BIM)

National Lumber’s Engineered Wood Products Division is utilizing online meeting software and Building Information Modeling Software (BIM).

National Lumber is a company embracing connectivity. Connectivity with our customers equals better communication and closer collaboration. National Lumber’s Engineered Wood Products Division is utilizing online meeting software and Building Information Modeling Software (BIM) to “build” our customer’s project before it is built. By connecting a National Lumber design employee with a customer via the internet we are reducing design issues, wasted material, travel time, paper and miscommunication.

National Lumber is utilizing smartphone technology and tablets to provide instant access to installation and engineering documents. Many architects now email their plans directly to National Lumber on behalf of their clients to ensure that everyone is working with the correct revision — reducing confusion and delays.

The technology at your fingertips has the power to transform your business’ bottom line in amazing ways. Take advantage of the tools you already own and communication, productivity, and profitability will soar. National Lumber’s employees are here to help and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate. We welcome you to call 1-800-370-WOOD to get started on your most productive year ever.

Phill Barrett
EWP Division
National Lumber
Mansfield, MA

Did you know? Our insulation installers deliver outstanding results.

Published December 12, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Insulation , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Closed cell spray foam insulation being applied

Closed cell spray foam insulation being applied

Pro Insulators delivers the difference between insulation products and outstanding results. Our insulation installers specialize in fiberglass batts, blown-in fiberglass, and spray foam insulation. Having the right specialists on your team can keep a project running smoothly as they apply their specialized experience to your building project. Just as you have traditionally subcontracted work to a trusted plumber as part of your team, you can hire the insulation installers of Pro Insulators (HIC #161268), a division of National Lumber.

“I am an Energy Star builder and I use Pro Insulators exclusively because of their knowledge on what is needed to meet or exceed Energy Star levels. They are always on-time, the staff is courteous and professional, and they leave the jobsite very clean. They are one of the best subs that I have!” – Roger Lucier, RS Lucier Contracting

Building code compliance and OSHA safety compliance are met when you hire Pro Insulators. We have all the proper safety and work equipment. Most importantly, we are up-to-date on meeting codes for energy efficiency and current building standards. Whether your project is residential or commercial, new building or a retro-fit project, we have the products and installation expertise you need. Whichever type of insulation you choose, our professional team of experts will leave your jobsite clean and ready for your next phase of construction.

We’ll provide a free evaluation of your project and an estimate. Call 978-423-6051 today to discuss your project insulation needs. Then you can decide if it’s cost-effective to subcontract this work and leave yourself free to work on other items.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

Do You Know About National Lumber’s Turn-Key Framing Division?

Published November 22, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Engineered Wood Products , Framing , Helpful Hints , Lumber , Turn-Key Framing , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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National Lumber's Turn-Key Framing division is the one source supplies for your large scale building projects.

Serving builders, developers and owners specializing in large wood frame commercial buildings, we work on a variety of projects such as hotels, multi-unit residential buildings and more. We are your one source lumber and building materials supplier providing you with all the materials required. Our team of framing experts will come to your jobsite anywhere in the nation and meet your production schedule.

Doug King, of Douglas A. King Builders, offers a testimonial on behalf of National Lumber

Well established builder, Doug King, shares his thoughts on his experience with National Lumber.

This is what a builder of commercial projects had to say about our service, “We do for sale housing, custom housing, apartments, condominiums. Over 40 years now. National Lumber has been a big part of my operation, and my growth. We’ve been dealing with the same people for 30-40 years. The people we deal with are great. It’s a good relationship.

They have the size to give you whatever you want, and the efficiency to deliver it on-time. They’re a good asset, and a good partner.” Doug King, Douglas A. King Builders, Inc.

National Lumber’s Turn-Key Framing Division offers you the best value for your projects because all of your supplies are coming from one source. You can avoid unnecessary confusion between suppliers and framers because we can fulfill all of your needs for lumber, building materials, structural components, roof and floor trusses, and wall panels. Our experienced engineers have the ability to design the most cost-efficient system for the scope of your project, saving you time and money.

With our team working on your project, the risk of differing interpretations of your design is greatly reduced. Accuracy results from our team’s understanding your design requirements from the beginning and lasting through all phases of your project. Included with all of these Turn-Key framing services is our Double Guarantee, which not only holds the pricing on materials throughout the project’s duration, but also guarantees the material take-off to complete our work.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

National Lumber's Family of Companies: National Lumber, Kitchen Views, Reliable Truss, National Millwork, Pro Insulators

Did you know? Reliable Truss and Components has in-house design and engineering departments

Published November 14, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Building Technology , Construction , Green Building , Lumber , News , Reliable Truss , Remodeling , Technology , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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reliable truss floor tracker truss assembly

Reliable Truss and Components, a division of National Lumber, has in-house design and engineering departments to work with you every step of the way from your initial quote to the final delivery of your product. When it comes to wood and steel trusses, structural components and custom prefabrication, our experts here at Reliable Truss have the ability to offer our customers efficient project coordination and higher quality and more feature-rich products than offered by our competitors. Our innovative processes allow us to provide exceptional service from “under one roof”.

“I wanted to extend my personal thanks to you and the rest of the folks at National Lumber and Reliable Truss for that fantastic tour. I found it to be a very valuable learning experience. While I was generally familiar with metal plate wood trusses, watching the actual manufacturing was quite an experience. I was very impressed by your plant and also by the sophistication of the MiTek software. Previously I was not aware how extensive a capability existed for pre-fabbing wall and floor sections. Again, the machinery and your plant were very impressive. For me the Alpine steel trusses were a complete revelation. In the past I had done some work with light structural steel trusses (angles, tees, and gussets), but these light gauge steel trusses are definitely something to look for a way to use. Thanks again.”  Thomas J. Vaughan Jr, P.E., GSC Engineering, Inc.

Our sales team is exceptionally versed with industry knowledge, and is here to assist you with choosing the components you need for your project and making sure your delivery is on time. Our registered engineers have the expertise to design the components you need for your project, all the while considering our environment, by practicing green building methods to minimize waste. The Reliable Truss facility is state-of-the-art, with fully integrated building industry modeling software to high production automated equipment, allowing us to provide customization and additional solutions to our customers.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

National Lumber's Family of Companies: National Lumber, Kitchen Views, Reliable Truss, National Millwork, Pro Insulators

Great news for the home improvement industry: Survey says consumers are willing to spend more on home remodeling.

Published November 6, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , News , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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consttruction workers putting up an exterior wall panel

In a recent online survey of 5,000 participants, it looks as though homeowners are willing to spend upwards of 30% of their home’s value to renovate or remodel a part of their home. This figure is higher than recorded percentages of 2007 and 2010 for home remodeling costs, which will be a positive impact on the entire home improvement industry.

The survey was comprised of approximately 70 questions to determine whether the participants would prefer remodeling versus moving from their home. To some degree, all of the participants were interested in some sort of change to their existing home.

Consumers are planning to use more expensive materials, which is projected to scale an average budget of $102,000 on their improvements. Approximately 74% of the respondents plan to hire a general contractor for the work, and more than half of the respondents plan to hire an architect, rather than tackling the remodel or renovations themselves.

Some of the planned projects for these homeowners are larger in scale and include multiple rooms. Right above the halfway mark is the percentage of homeowners who are likely to remodel a kitchen.

Our professionals at National Lumber and Kitchen Views at National Lumber are here to serve you through every phase of remodeling projects. We can supply you with the building supplies you need and the services you deserve. Additionally, our kitchen division has the expertise to work with homeowners on design and selection of materials. Contractors are then provided with detailed plans and materials. One of our designers will follow the project from concept to completion. Kitchen Views at National Lumber, where the designers are pros and the views are yours!

Resource: Americans Willing to Spend More to Remodel, Survey Says 

Tax Incentive To Build Green

Published October 29, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , Green , Green Building , News , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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green building tax incentive helps put money back in your pocket

Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction puts money back in your pocket.

Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction

Have you taken advantage of the green building incentive yet? The Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction is set to expire on December 31, 2013. The program affords building owners deductions on qualifying energy-efficient upgrades done within the last six years. Real estate advocates are in the process of lobbying Congress to extend or expand the program. Read more about the green building incentive in this article by Bendix Anderson, NuWire Investor.

Have these deductions changed the way you or your clients plan buildings?

Do You Build for Better Energy Efficiency?

Published October 24, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , Green , Green Building , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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A public utility company in Arizona is in the process of lobbying for stricter building codes in order to promote construction of more energy-efficient buildings. Many builders of small to medium sized buildings may not invest in energy-saving features or green products due to the initial costs, regardless of the savings and maintenance benefits the client may reap in the long run.

Ryan Randazzo, Arizona Republic, describes why it’s better to start with green building from the start in his article Building Better Energy Efficiency. He also explains why retrofitting an existing building would be beneficial for now, and for the future.

architect looks at plans for building with better energy efficiency in mind

Planning to build for better energy efficiency, right from the project’s beginning,  will result in better cost savings in the long run once the project is completed.

  • Do you agree that it would be better in the long run, enough that you would start with a green building plan from the beginning?
  • How do you feel about retrofitting existing smaller buildings with more energy-efficient upgrades?
  • How do you feel about the idea of increased government regulation of green features through building codes?

Putting a face on the importance of Fall Protection Training

Published October 11, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , Helpful Hints , News , OSHA , Safety , Training Classes , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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The OSHA fall protection enforcement extension ended on March 15, 2013. It’s imperative that you get training to meet the requirements as soon as possible. But many are delaying meeting this requirement, thinking that OSHA won’t be watching their work habits. Sometimes, we need to put a face on these preventable tragedies to make them hit home.

James McNally died after falling from a roof. OSHA requires contractors to stay educated to comply with The Fall Protection Directive.

Posted online July 26, 2013 – James J. McNally, 61, owner of James J. McNally Roofing and Siding of Sandwich and a Cape Cod Baseball League deputy commissioner, died Thursday after falling from a roof.
© Cape Cod Times File

In local news this summer, a Massachusetts resident died from a preventable fall. James J. McNally, owner of James J. McNally Roofing and Siding of Sandwich was 61. Years of job experience didn’t protect him from falling 35 feet while working on a roof.

Speaking in 2011 about a particular enforcement case in Connecticut, Robert Kowalski, OSHA’s area director in Bridgeport, CT said, “There is a simple truth that employers must recognize: Fall protection is a requirement, never an option, when employees work at heights of 6 feet or more. In this case, employees were exposed to 15- to 22-foot falls from the roof and ladders because this employer chose to not provide the required safeguards and training that would protect them.”

One of our popular trainers is Mark Paskell of The Contractor Coaching Partnership. He will be offering his next OSHA Fall Protection training class on Thursday, November 7 from 8:30am to 3:30pm at our Mansfield location. The cost is $225 and includes lunch.

Meeting OSHA Training Requirements

By Mark Paskell, The Contractor Coaching Partnership

Our training will help you comply with the Fall Protection Standard, protect your workers and be ready when OSHA visits your job site. This course is also approved for six (6) Massachusetts Continuing Education Credits towards the new CSL requirement. The approved Massachusetts course number is CS7502 CSL-CD-0075.

What you must do to comply with the OSHA Fall Protection Directive

• Create a written fall protection program or plan for your company describing your practices and the equipment you will provide for your workers to protect them from fall hazards.

• When working 6 feet above the ground or other surface you must use one or a combination of the following — guard rails, fall arrest systems and safety nets.

• If you can prove using one of the three standards is infeasible, you must write a site specific fall protection plan showing alternative methods and keep it on site.  

• You must effectively train your workers and prove through documentation that they were trained.

This training is for:  Remodelers, Home Builders, Roofers, Painters, Siding Installers, Gutter Installers and Electricians

Who should attend:  Business Owners, Estimators, Foremen, Crew Leaders, Superintendents, Project Managers and any contractor who works at heights of 6 feet above lower levels.

You will be provided with numerous Forms, Templates and Tools to implement this standard into your business. You will be shown the type of equipment you will need to meet the standard and where you can find it. You will receive a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the training.

To sign up for this training class, or for more information visit my website at www.thecontractorcoachingpartnership.com. You can contact me at my office: 1-978-422-6354,  mobile: 1-508-847-0162 or by email: mark@thecontractorcoachingpartnership.com

National Lumber is pleased to help make training on multiple topics more convenient for our customers by hosting various training companies in the Training Room on the second floor at our Mansfield store.  You will find information about upcoming training opportunities on our website at national-lumber.com/events or national-lumber.com/training.

DISCLAIMER: National Lumber is not responsible for the event being offered. Registration and the content are being handled by an outside company. National Lumber is hosting this event for your convenience. By clicking on the links you will leave the National Lumber website and be taken to another company’s website.

National Lumber

245 Oakland Street

Mansfield, MA 02048

508-337-8020

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