How to Read a Foundation Plan (Without Missing What Really Matters)

How to read a foundation plan is one of the most overlooked—but critical—skills for builders, inspectors, and DIYers alike. Before you frame a single wall, you’ve got to get this part right. The footing and foundation section of the plans is where everything starts—and where things often start going wrong if you miss the details. … Read more

Vapor Retarder Slab Code: Complete 10 Mil Rule & Sealing Tips

If you’re pouring a concrete slab under a conditioned space, the vapor retarder beneath slab code requirements in the 2021 IRC mandate a vapor barrier—and not just any plastic sheet. The 2021 IRC made an important change: under Section R506.2.3, the minimum vapor retarder thickness was increased from 6 mils to 10 mils. Why the … Read more