Does anyone know how to build a house that will not start rotting?

Mike Lind
by Mike Lind
I have been working on houses since the late 60's and now 90% of my work is on new houses (less then 12 years old ) that have major dry-rot problems because of workmanship and materials used.
  4 answers
  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on May 14, 2017

    https://thecraftsmanblog.com/my-5-secrets-to-prevent-wood-rot/

    There are a bunch of preventative measures you can take- use rot resistant wood, allow for air flow, prime well, and more, good luck!

  • Mike Lind Mike Lind on May 14, 2017

    I was not talking about what I do but about what contractors do because they do not understand why things rot. I have seen 6X6 treated posts that are not exposed to the weather rot 50% of the way through in less then 10 years because of the stupid building techniques. I have seen houses that are not 6 years old that have had dry rot repair bills over $30,000.00. What are builders doing?

    • Being cheap and taking the money and running. If the homeowners wake up and start suing the shoddy contractors, it will slow it down. There will always be less than honest or bad contractors, and I would hope that the building inspectors call them on it, unless they can be "bought" and are part of the problem. Purchasing a new home these days means nothing as if they used second rate materials the place will start falling apart almost immediately. Most homeowners do not know their rights. I would rather buy an old building when quality work was still the norm and rehab it with my own trusted contractor. People just do not know better or they do not take the time to learn what they need to know, generally until a big problem surfaces. Maybe you could teach classes or hang out your own shingle and do it the right way and raise the bar for the rest?

  • Sharon Sharon on May 25, 2017

    And there is no pride in workmanship anymore.

  • Mike Lind Mike Lind on May 26, 2017

    Naomie, Thank you for your comment. I talk to people all the time about buying houses and what to look for, but most people are not interested. I have even talked to the Building Dept. It has gotten to thee point that I am only taking about half the work that people call me about. I do not even have anyone that I trust to do quality work that I can send the others to. Besides that I would like to retire.