NBN Online for the week of November 9, 2009

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
Home Buyer Tax Credit, New NOL Rules Signed Into Law
For Remodelers, Recovery Won’t Mean Business as Usual
NAHB Looks at Steps to Ensure Appraisers Aren’t in the Dark
Coast to Coast
Investors See Mortgage Rates Rising as Fed Wraps Up Buys
housing forum
Letters to the Editor: Costly Fire Sprinklers Aren't Needed
Politics & Government
Senate Panel Moves Bill to Curb Greenhouse Emissions
NAHB Opposes House Health Care Plan
Spokane Voters Defeat Drastic Changes to City Laws
Economics & Finance
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders' Tip: A More Stable and Handy Step Stool
Downturn
Web Site Content: The Good, The Bad and The Viral
Webinar to Discuss Marketing Tools to Help Prepare for Recovery
remodelers
Remodelers See Encouraging Signs in Third Quarter
Remodelers Need to Focus Harder on Boosting Profits
Screening Out ‘Tire Kickers’ Builds Profitable Relationships
Webcast Course on Dec. 10 to Teach Customer Service Skills
Comments Sought on Proposed Changes to EPA Lead Paint Rule
Safety
Apply for SAFE Work Site Safety Award by Nov. 18
Building Systems
Leaders in Systems-Built Housing Honored
Global
Explore Latest in Global Green Building at Expo Build China
Education
Nominations for 2009 Designee of the Year Awards Due Nov. 13
Education Calendar
environment
Tougher Storm Water Regs Prompt NAHB Study
Green Building
Internet, Conferences Help Builder Maintain Green Edge
Building Products
Whirlpool Readies Home Appliances for Smart Grid
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on the DIY Network
Endowment
Evans Scholarships Boost Students' Studies
Association News
FedEx Offers Big Savings on Shipping Till Nov. 15
Earn One Free Hertz Rental Day for Every Two Hertz Rentals
Authorization Process for GM’s $500 Offer Now Much Easier
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Builders' Tip: A More Stable and Handy Step Stool

 

 

 

Click for larger image.

I’ve been a remodeler and a handyman for more than 20 years, and in that time I’ve really come to appreciate the simple perfection of the little step stool I built.

I made it out of scrap lumber, but the thing I like best about it is its stability.

Because the sides are tapered, the stool is a lot harder to tip over than one with straight sides.

  • At 14 inches high, it’s not only tall enough for me to use it to reach the top of a wall in a room with 8-foot ceiling heights, it also slips easily enough between stud walls framed on 16-inch centers.

  • To protect floors and add even more stability, I wrapped its feet made with 2x2 lumber with rubber shoes made with an inner tube.


The stool also doubles as a small workbench — providing me with a stable platform for sawing, cutting, painting and hammering.

And at the end of the day, I can flip the stool over and use it as an open box to carry my tools and supplies back to my truck.

— Mike Niemeyer, Lawrenceburg, Ind.

Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
©2009 The Taunton Press

To contact Fine Homebuilding, e-mail Christina Glennon.



Set Yourself Apart With CGB Designation

Join the ranks of the nation’s top building industry professionals with the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designation. The “Builder Assessment Review” (BAR) is your first step towards obtaining the CGB.

This comprehensive assessment measures your expertise in the four key areas of the building industry: building technology, business and finance, project management and sales and marketing.

Your results will show the areas where your knowledge is strongest and weakest and will help determine the courses required for you to obtain your CGB.

To learn where the next BAR will be held, visit NAHB’s education listings, or call the Professional Designation Help Line at 800-368-5242 x8154.



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