Mini Split Systems
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Mini Split Systems: High-Efficiency Comfort Without Duct Losses

Mini split systems provide efficient heating and cooling while eliminating costly ductwork losses. Why Mini Split Systems Are Different Traditional HVAC systems rely on ducts, but ducts are prone to leaks, poor insulation, and energy waste. In some homes, up

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Value-Engineered HVAC Systems
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Value-Engineered HVAC: Smarter Duct Design Costs and Efficiency

A value-engineered HVAC system reduces duct costs, right-sizes equipment, and improves energy efficiency for affordable comfort. The Push for Smarter HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for some of the highest energy expenses in a home. With

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Affordable Plumbing Fixtures
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Affordable Plumbing Fixtures: Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

When building or renovating a home, affordable plumbing fixtures and appliances is everyone’s dream because it can quietly drive up costs. From toilets and sinks to water heaters and dishwashers, every selection affects your budget, labor costs, and long-term maintenance.

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Best Plumbing Pipes: PEX, CPVC, and Copper Compared
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Best Plumbing Pipes: PEX, CPVC, and Copper Compared

When building or renovating a home, the choice of best plumbing pipes directly impacts cost, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Modern homebuilders now have more options than ever before: traditional copper, flexible PEX, and cost-effective CPVC dominate residential projects, each with

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Foundation Cost-Saving Strategies in Residential Construction
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Foundation Cost-Saving Strategies: Build Strong Without Overspending

When it comes to cutting construction costs, foundation cost-saving strategies are often overlooked. But they shouldn’t be. Most residential foundations are oversized, overengineered, and more expensive than they need to be. Whether you’re building your own home or managing a

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Multicultural houses built using affordable homebuilding strategies
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Inside the Hard Numbers of Affordable Homebuilding Strategies

Housing Costs Are Out of Control—But Not Unfixable Affordable homebuilding strategies are no longer just ideas—they’re the clearest path to solving America’s growing housing crisis. Since 2005, U.S. home prices have more than doubled. Construction costs in many cities now

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Transit-oriented development
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Density Matters: Why Smart Cities Start With Smart Density

Transit-oriented development – Density Matters  Density isn’t just a number—it’s the core framework behind everything that makes a city functional. From transit and schools to housing and climate goals, density matters more than building height or form. At CNU 33,

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single-stair multifamily housing
Building Knowledge
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Single-Stair Multifamily Housing for the I-95 Corridor and Beyond

Single-stair multifamily housing could be the key to solving urban infill challenges across America’s growing cities—especially along tight parcels near the I-95 corridor. Despite its strong design potential and international precedent, U.S. building codes still limit this typology to just

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Construction team members collaborating on risk assessment during a premortem meeting.
Self Taught MBA
Fernando Pages Ruiz

Enhancing Project Success Through Premortem Analysis

In the construction industry, premortem analysis plays a critical role in proactive risk management. This forward-thinking approach requires the project team to assume the project has failed and then work backward to identify what could lead to that failure. By

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