The Danger of Assumptions on the Jobsite
Misreading intent—on jobsites or in daily life—can escalate conflicts, cause delays and create unnecessary risk when communication and facts should lead decisions.
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Articles by Mark Fowler
Code Isn’t Stone — It’s Process and Judgment
How approved drawings, not just code books, define compliance — and what contractors must document.
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Gypsum Sheathing Explained: Capabilities, Limits, and Common Misconceptions
Gypsum sheathing is a reliable, code-recognized exterior substrate when used as intended, but misunderstandings about exposure limits and construction sequencing continue to drive preventable jobsite problems.
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Checking the Fluid Level
A reflection on personal ethics, everyday compromises, and the rare moral courage of those who risk everything to stand against injustice.
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How Modern Building Science Is Creating “Frankenstein Walls” — And How to Stop Them
Modern exterior walls have become so complex that mix-and-match components often create untested, unreliable “Frankenstein assemblies,” highlighting the need for coordinated, proven, manufacturer-backed systems.
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Why Abolishing OSHA Misses the Point: The Real Problem Behind Overregulation in Workplace Safety
Despite claims that OSHA is overreaching, the real issue lies in misinterpretation and over-implementation of its standards by employers, contractors, and the growing safety-consulting industry.
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Two Cities That Dared to Impress: Rome’s Ancient Majesty and Las Vegas’s Modern Spectacle
The awe-inspiring grandeur of ancient Rome and the dazzling innovation of modern Las Vegas, celebrating both as monuments to human ambition and craftsmanship.
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How Contractors Can Manage Punch Lists and Avoid Costly Litigation
Decades of experience in construction litigation reveal that effective communication and managing punch lists fairly can protect contractors from disputes and financial losses.
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One-Coat Stucco: Why?
One-coat stucco, once resisted by plasterers, has evolved into a practical, code-compliant, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional three-coat systems.
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Up Front
Adding Layers: The Hidden Cost of Complicated Solutions
In industries from construction to healthcare, well-meaning solutions often take the form of added layers—of products, procedures, or bureaucracy—that rarely solve root problems and instead inflate costs, create frustration, and hinder progress.
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