Business Logistics

Retrofitted Shed Dormer

Question: 

I own and live in the middle unit of a one-story tri-plex that has a truss-framed roof. The interior has high ceilings that would potentially allow the addition of a second floor room. I am contemplating adding a shed dormer to create a second story bedroom. Do you have any suggestions as to how a shed dormer could be added? I am familiar with how to frame up a shed dormer if the original framing were rafters and a ridge board, but the truss construction has thrown me for a loop.

Communication Is Key

Learning what framers want and need is as simple as asking.

Broadcasting on All Channels

TheTrussCo takes its workforce development efforts outside the box—and onto the airwaves.

Let SBCA Take You to the Next Level in 2017

SBCA is helping CMs take advantage of technology in the office and on the jobsite.

Why Market Now?

In many areas of the country, business is thriving. CMs have all the work their crews and plants can handle without drumming up new sales or making new connections in their marketplaces. Jess Lohse—president of Rocky Mountain Truss and 2015 president of SBCA—and Jason Blenker—president of Blenker Building Systems—say today’s boom is a perfect time to market components. 

Who’s Your Audience When You’re in IT?

Chris Cozart of Builders FirstSource, John Holland of Clearspan Components, Greg Dahlstrom of Villaume Industries and Jason Hikel of Shelter Systems—all members of SBCA’s IT committee—used their BCMC presentation to cover several aspects of managing your company’s technology needs: change management, effective documentation, cybersecurity and industrial hardware.  

Why Track Leading Indicators?

Mike Boswell—production manager of Plum Building Systems—and Chris Lambert—a general manager with Builders FirstSource—both understand how critical it is to cultivate a safety culture that empowers their employees. One way they accomplish this goal is by proactively measuring the success of their safety programs with the often underutilized practice of near-miss reporting.  

Lean Manufacturing...Where to Start?

Greg Griggs—southeast VP of component operations with Builders FirstSource—and BJ Louws—president of Louws Truss—both see untapped potential for productivity gains in inefficient plants. They introduced BCMC attendees to a few basic concepts of lean manufacturing: Kanban, Kaizen, 5 S and waste walks. They also made sure attendees left with a very clear picture of the value of good instructions and of the wasted effort in an inefficient workflow.

Why Measure?

Joe Hikel—co-founder, president and CEO of Shelter Systems—and Dan Holland—president of Clearspan Components—are both committed collectors of operational data. With different size plants in different markets, even with different sales goals, the two find common ground in describing why metrics are so critical to effective management. 

Truss Building 101: (No Pre-Reqs)

Technical backgrounds aren't mandatory for students entering the industry with Grizzly Truss.