#729: Robots, Construction Second Career, and Building on Piers

Prioritize diversified skills: To remain resilient in the face of automation, contractors should cultivate a wide range of marketable skills rather than specializing in a single task.

Monitor humidity on job sites: Use hygrometers and moisture meters to consistently check relative humidity and wood moisture content to prevent issues like warping, fungal decay, and gaps in finishes.

Invest in appropriate dehumidification: Depending on project scale and budget, utilize commercial-grade dehumidifiers (even secondhand) to manage moisture during construction, especially before installing sensitive materials like flooring and trim.

Account for moisture sources: Recognize that water comes from multiple sources on a construction site (concrete, wet lumber, weather), making proactive moisture management crucial.

Understand wall and floor assemblies for piers: When building on piers, consider hybrid assemblies with rigid insulation and critter-proof layers, paying attention to potential condensation points and detailing for an effective moisture and thermal envelope.

Collaborate with HVAC contractors on high-performance projects: Ensure HVAC systems are designed for the *final* performance of the building envelope, potentially involving engineers or specialists for deep energy retrofits to avoid miscalculations.

Build a 'critter screen' when using pier foundations: Install a perimeter screening system around pier foundations to prevent animal intrusion into the under-floor insulation and structural components.