Builders Blog
Welcome to Clay Construction's Builders Blog. The goal for our blog is show you what separates us from the rest of the competition. Our builders blog feature us winning prestigious awards and various building process's Clay Construction uses.

Renovating a 1910 Character Home with Modern Building Science
Renovating a historic home is about more than preserving its appearance—it's about combining old-world craftsmanship with modern construction techniques/materials that improve comfort, durability, and energy efficiency. On this Vancouver project, we lifted a 1910...

How Shear Walls and Moment Frames Protect Your Home
When people think about a strong home, they often picture a solid foundation or quality framing. But one of the most important aspects of structural design is a home's ability to resist lateral forces—the sideways loads caused by high winds and earthquakes. On a...

Why We Use Different I-Joists Throughout a Home
Most homeowners never see the floor system once a house is finished, but it's one of the most important structural components in the entire home. A properly designed floor system doesn't just support the weight of the house, it also creates quieter floors, reduces...

Building an Airtight Home: Why Every Seam, Window, and Penetration Matters
A high-performance home doesn't become airtight by accident. It takes careful planning, quality materials, and meticulous installation to create one continuous building envelope. “Continuity is King” is a phrase often used by high performance builders. On a recent...

Planning Ahead: The Secret to a Smooth Pool Installation
Installing a swimming pool is an exciting milestone in any custom home project. But what many homeowners don't realize is that a successful pool installation begins long before the pool contractor arrives on site. At Clay Construction, we believe the best results come...

Why Quality Craftsmanship Shows in the Details You See Every Day
At Clay Construction, we often talk about the quality homeowners don't see—airtight construction, high-performance wall assemblies, proper waterproofing, and eliminating thermal bridging. These hidden details are essential to building homes that are healthy,...

How an ICF Foundation Is Built: From Footings to a Warm, Energy-Efficient Basement
Every solid home starts with a solid foundation. At Clay Construction, we often use Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) because they create foundations that are durable, energy efficient, and comfortable for homeowners. On a recent project in Burnaby, we walked through...

Why Smart Site Preparation Saves Time and Money
Building a home isn't just about constructing the house itself. Careful planning around the entire property can improve efficiency, reduce future costs, and make life easier for everyone involved in the project. On a recent project in Burnaby, we had just completed...

Four Smart Construction Decisions That Make a Better Foundation
Building a high-quality home isn't just about the finished product—it's about making smart decisions throughout the construction process. On a recent house lift project in Vancouver, we took a moment to highlight four details that demonstrate how careful planning and...

Larry Clay on Building Better Homes and a Lasting Legacy
What does it mean to build a better home when the homeowner may not yet recognize its long-term value? Clay Construction founder Larry Clay recently joined Sean McStay on the McStay on What Matters podcast to discuss the decisions builders make, the responsibilities...

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