Construction Methods
Step-by-step field guides for the work that actually gets built — written for the crew, not the classroom.
How to Form and Pour a Concrete Slab
A step-by-step walkthrough for forming, reinforcing, placing, and finishing a concrete slab on grade — from subgrade prep to final cure.
How to Set Concrete Footings
How to excavate, form, and pour strip footings and isolated pad footings that support walls, columns, and structural loads.
How to Place and Tie Rebar
The correct way to read rebar schedules, cut and bend bars, maintain cover, and tie intersections before a concrete pour.
How to Finish Concrete
Timing and technique for screeding, floating, edging, troweling, and brooming concrete to achieve a durable, professional surface finish.
How to Mix Concrete by Hand
Mixing bagged concrete by hand or with a mixer for small pours — fence posts, footings, and repair work where a ready-mix truck isn't practical.
How to Grade a Site for Drainage
How to establish finish grades that direct surface water away from structures and toward drainage outlets, preventing foundation and landscaping damage.
How to Compact Subgrade and Base
How to properly prepare and compact subgrade and aggregate base to achieve specified density for slabs, pavements, and foundations.
How to Excavate for Footings
Layout, excavation, and inspection steps for footing trenches and pad excavations before forming and pouring concrete.
How to Install Erosion Controls
Installing silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances, and sediment basins to comply with NPDES stormwater requirements.
How to Frame a Stud Wall
Laying out, assembling, and raising a wood stud wall — from bottom plate layout to plumbing, bracing, and sheathing.
How to Install Roof Trusses
Setting engineered roof trusses safely — from unloading and staging to bracing, setting, and permanent connection.
How to Frame a Door Opening
Framing a rough opening for an interior or exterior door — sizing the opening correctly, building the header, and installing king and trimmer studs.
How to Install Blocking and Fire Stops
Where and how to install structural blocking for fixtures and grab bars, and fire blocking to slow concealed fire spread through wall and floor cavities.
How to Install Asphalt Shingles
A complete walkthrough for installing 3-tab or architectural asphalt shingles — from starter course to ridge cap.
How to Flash a Roof Valley
Installing open valley metal flashing correctly — the most durable and leak-resistant method for where two roof planes meet.
How to Install Ice and Water Shield
Installing self-adhering ice and water shield membrane at eaves, valleys, and penetrations to prevent water infiltration from ice dams and wind-driven rain.
How to Lay Out a Building with Batter Boards
Using batter boards and string lines to establish precise building corners and excavation limits before any digging begins.
How to Read Grade Stakes
Understanding the markings on grade stakes set by surveyors — how to read cut, fill, and elevation data to operate grading equipment accurately.
How to Run Electrical Conduit
Planning, cutting, bending, and installing EMT and rigid conduit for electrical rough-in — including underground runs.
How to Rough-In Plumbing Drain Lines
Planning and installing DWV (drain-waste-vent) piping below the slab and through walls during rough-in, before concrete or finishes are in place.
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