New Wall Bracing Method Published by APA
Following a multi-year research and testing program carried out by the Association, APA has published a new System Report detailing a simplified wall bracing method using continuous wood structural panel sheathing. APA System Report SR-102 provides building officials, builders and designers with an approach and the supporting technical information to more easily meet the requirements of the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) Simplified Wall Bracing (Section R601.12).
In the development of this report, the 2012 IRC Simplified Wall Bracing has been modified to increase its applicability to a greater percentage of home designs. To achieve broad applicability and acceptance, the system uses the most common type of wall sheathing, wood structural panels, based on their superior structural performance.
APA System Report: APA Simplified Wall Bracing Method, is a 12-page brochure available as a free downloable PDF or for purchase. Form SR-102, $1.
Click here for more information and to access the PDF.
Shop Amazon - Best Selling Products - Updated Every Hour New Publication Showcases All-wood Podiums
in Mid-rise Construction
APA's newest case study features two mid-rise construction projects in California and shows how the benefits of building an all-wood podium structure outweigh the challenges.
Mid-rise podium construction, consisting of two to five residential stories of wood framing above a concrete nonresidential first story (the "podium") is common throughout North America, and current economics have led to a greater demand for podium structures. By using wood instead of concrete for the podium, designers can further reduce their overall construction cost and construction time, while creating a more sustainable and less massive building.
APA Case Study: All-wood Podiums in Mid-rise Construction provides project summaries, design challenges and solutions, and highlights the economical, structural and sustainable benefits to building an all-wood podium design. The 6-page brochure is available as a free downloadable PDF or for purchase. Form N110. $1.
Click here for more information and to access the PDF.
January 10, 2011Court KOs Banks in Mortgage Case
The highest court in Massachusetts ruled against U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo & Co. Friday in a pivotal mortgage foreclosure case that could spark more turmoil and uncertainty in a housing market already mired in depression.The Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a lower court judge's ruling invalidating two mortgage foreclosure sales because the banks, in their capacity as trustees for mortgage securities, did not prove that they actually owned the mortgages at the time of foreclosure."There are now thousands of these homes that have been purchased through foreclosures handled in a very similar fashion where the titles are defective," said Ward P. Graham, a Massachusetts title attorney who co-authored a friend-of-the-court brief in the case on behalf of the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts, Inc.
Showcase
Here’s a bit of good news for builders and suppliers heading to this year’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando: This year’s “New American Home” is already sold.
That will undoubtedly earn a sigh of relief from the struggling industry. The organization was disappointed last year when the “New American Home,” which is supposed to be the conference highlight what the industry can do, fell into foreclosure after the builder ran out of funds. For the first time since 1984, soirees couldn’t be held at the industry showpiece. A computer model had to do.
This year, the parties are back, offering conference attendees - some 50,000 - about the same as last year, but well below the 104,000 who attended in 2007- some solace as the industry’s downturn drags into its fourth year and the usual suspects continue hindering recovery. Unemployment remains elevated, the foreclosure crisis hasn’t ended and housing values continue eroding.
But, at least they can enjoy the Greek-Revival home that brings back some of the boom-era grandness. It offers about 8,500 square feet of living space and it even comes with a guest cottage. There are classical elements - pool, fireplaces, wooden floors and library/wine room - and some whimsical additions, such as a secret garden. Many of the products are donated by vendors eager to show off their wares, which kept construction costs down, said builder Keith Clarke of Continental Homes in Orlando. (Kate Clarke, his wife, handled interior design.)
The buyer paid $1.5 million for the Lake Davis Drive address and has already turned down an offer for $3.5 million.
Given last year’s saga - and that many builders continue to have trouble accessing funding for construction - not every builder approached was interested. In better times, they would have jumped at the career-making opportunity, given that tens of thousands of people tour the home and it receives plenty of press attention. (The builder receives a nominal fee.)
But the Clarkes, who say they’ve made great industry contacts, would do it again. “It really did work out very well,” Keith Clarke said. “I’m quite excited to really see how it’s received.”
Orlando builder Alex Hannigan, who helped select the Clarkes for the project, considers himself a fan. “I am so delighted with the home,” he said. “It’s just a real showpiece as it’s supposed to be.”
