Up Front

The Danger of Assumptions on the Jobsite

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A simple story reveals how assumptions about intent can lead to conflict—on jobsites and beyond—highlighting the importance of clear communication over speculation.

Code Isn’t Stone — It’s Process and Judgment

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:44:04 -0400

A real-world dispute reveals a key truth: building code compliance isn’t absolute—approved plans, professional judgment and process ultimately define what meets code on a project.

Gypsum Sheathing Explained: Capabilities, Limits, and Common Misconceptions

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Checking the Fluid Level

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:25:49 -0500

A reflection on personal ethics, everyday compromises, and the rare moral courage of those who risk everything to stand against injustice.

How Modern Building Science Is Creating “Frankenstein Walls” — And How to Stop Them

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:25:26 -0500

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.

Why Abolishing OSHA Misses the Point: The Real Problem Behind Overregulation in Workplace Safety

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Two Cities That Dared to Impress: Rome’s Ancient Majesty and Las Vegas’s Modern Spectacle

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The awe-inspiring grandeur of ancient Rome and the dazzling innovation of modern Las Vegas, celebrating both as monuments to human ambition and craftsmanship.

How Contractors Can Manage Punch Lists and Avoid Costly Litigation

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Decades of experience in construction litigation reveal that effective communication and managing punch lists fairly can protect contractors from disputes and financial losses.

One-Coat Stucco: Why?

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:26:25 -0400

One-coat stucco, once resisted by plasterers, has evolved into a practical, code-compliant, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional three-coat systems.

Adding Layers: The Hidden Cost of Complicated Solutions

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Be Careful What You Wish For

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In construction, opportunities that seem too good to be true often come with hidden costs—and sometimes devastating consequences.

Tariffs and U.S. Construction

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:21:44 -0400

Tariffs are not new to the U.S. construction industry, but recent increases could create ripple effects across the economy. Here's how tariffs impact trade with Canada, labor shortages, and the bigger economic picture.

The Importance of Access Doors

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 20 May 2025 12:01:29 -0400

Access doors play a crucial role in building maintenance and safety, and while building codes governing them may seem complex or overly strict, they ultimately serve practical and life-saving purposes when understood in context.

Flashing a Window: Simple, Standard and Secure

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:25:06 -0400

Proper Window Flashing Is Essential for Preventing Water Intrusion. While Various Methods Exist, Following Industry Standards and Keeping the Process Simple Helps Ensure Durability, Reduce Installation Errors, and Minimize Construction Risks.

Wild Country

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The wildfires that happened in Los Angeles decimated communities—but this one was different.

What Are Best Practices?

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

How do best practices differ from industry standards?

Stucco Installation Standards: How ASTM Shaped the Industry

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

From history to hidden agendas, explore how ASTM standards came to dominate lath and plaster—but fail to address key challenges.

The Pros and Cons of Piecework

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 23:00:00 -0500

How should you pay your workers?

Blue-Collar Cred

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Some people look down on blue-collar workers yet also try to be part of the group.

Time to Renovate

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Is the remodeling/restoration market untapped by the wall and ceiling industry?

Proper Order

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There is a correct way to go about a construction project, and not doing so can have consequences.

Have We Missed the Mark?

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

When is a practice too much? Do the codes offer the best guidelines always?

Good Luck with That

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Being a subcontractor is harder than you think.

Passion for Work

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Are there cultural differences between the European and American trades?

Simpler Times

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Why are companies more focused on their stock market prices than moving their industries forward?

Know Your Product Line

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Be informed on contractors’ rules if you are selling a product to them.

Gypsum Sheathing

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0400

The evolution of a construction material.

The Perfect Specification

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Specification writers should think more about inexperienced installers.

Ceilings with Stucco, EIFS and DAS

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Having a backing behind lath is a step that should not be taken lightly.

Walk Around

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:13:53 -0500

OSHA is reviewing a regulation that may change OSHA inspections.