The Enduring Majesty of Cedar 9:13:25 1.20 PM

Modular Homes Hit the Market 5.18.’26 2.39 PM

MODULAR HOMES HIT THE MARKET: A SMART MOVE FOR FUTURE VALUE Story by: Gail Nobles Podcast Cover by: Gail Nobles MAIN STREET — Finding the right house can be tough, but a different kind of housing is growing in popularity. They are called modular homes, and experts say they are a great investment for the future. What is a Modular Home?A modular home is not built directly on a piece of land from the ground up. Instead, it is built in pieces inside a large factory. Building inside a factory keeps the home safe from bad weather like rain or snow while it is being made. Once the pieces are finished, they are loaded onto trucks, driven to the homeowner's land, and put together using a crane. Built to Last and Follow the Rules Some people confuse modular homes with mobile homes, but they are very different. Modular homes must follow all the exact same local building codes as any regular, traditional house. Because they have to be strong enough to travel on the highway without breaking, they are often built with extra care and sturdy materials. Growing in Value The best news for buyers comes after the house is put together. Once a modular home is placed onto a permanent foundation—like a concrete basement or crawlspace—it is treated just like a traditional house.Because they are permanent structures built to high standards, modular homes tend to increase in value over time. This means if you buy one today, it will likely be worth more money in the future, making it a smart choice for families looking to build wealth through their home. You’re listening to Construction. I’m your host, Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening. Building

Building With Divine Guidance 10:8:25 1.25 PM

Story by: Gail Nobles Cover Illus. by: Gail Nobles Hello, I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Construction. Let us take a moment to ponder the profound truth found in Psalm 127:1. It is about the divine hand involved in the construction of our lives. When we say, "Except the Lord build the house," we are reminded that without God's initiation, guidance, and sustenance, all our hard work is like trying to build a sandcastle at the edge of the tide—no matter how tall we build, it will soon wash away. Consider this: the Lord knows how to build. He is the master builder. He is the architect of the universe and our lives. Just as any sturdy house is built by a skilled craftsman, everything of true value—in our families, our communities, and our churches—is crafted under His watchful eye. We might hammer the nails or lay the bricks, but it is God who provides the blueprint. It is He who knows the foundation that will stand the test of time. Now, think about these words, “they labour in vain.” If we labor without God’s blessing, it’s like crafting a beautiful painting with no canvas to hold it. Our time, our efforts, our resources—though they might seem significant—will be wasted if we don't invite the Lord into our projects. He desires to be part of what we build, guiding us every step of the way. Let us not forget the wisdom found in Exodus 1:21, where it is said that God made houses for the midwives who feared Him. People don’t believe it actually happened. Look at the time they were in. God was doing mighty things like opening the Red Sea. He’ll do it today. What a comforting notion! God cares about the protection and stability of our homes and families. He sees when we build in alignment with His will, and He blesses those efforts. Speaking of building, let us reflect on Deuteronomy 22:8, which gives us practical advice about constructing our homes. It tells us to build a battlement for our roofs. This is not just about physical safety; it symbolizes the care and responsibility we have to ensure our homes are places of refuge. Just as a battlement provides safety, so too does God’s guidance. When we build our lives with His wisdom, we create sanctuaries where all who enter find protection and love. So, let us invite the Lord into our building projects, be they grand or humble. Let us ask Him for wisdom as we lay our foundations, ensuring that whatever we build, be it our homes or our hearts, is rooted in His love and purpose. In His hands, everything we construct will endure, thrive, and truly become a blessing. I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening, Building

The Enduring Majesty of Cedar 9:13:25 1.20 PM

THE ENDURING MAJESTY OF CEDAR King Solomon's Choice for Timeless Structures Photo: Pixabay.com Story by: Gail Nobles Imagine a time long ago when King Solomon decided to build a magnificent temple and a grand palace. To create these impressive structures, he turned to a special wood that was highly prized: cedar from the mountains of Lebanon. Now, why cedar? Well, this wood has some amazing qualities—it doesn’t rot easily and is resistant to pesky insects. This makes it a perfect choice for building something that needs to last a long time. The cedars of Lebanon are known for their huge, tall trunks that grow straight and strong. These qualities made them ideal for constructing big beams and planks that could support Solomon's ambitious projects. In the Bible, there’s even a comparison that likens righteous people to these strong cedars, illustrating their long, stable, and productive lives rooted in God. Psalm 92:12 states: The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. So, you can see, Solomon’s choice of cedar wasn’t just about building beautiful structures; it was about creating something enduring and strong—just like the values they wished to uphold in that great temple and palace. You can read about King Solomon building the temple in first Kings chapters 5-8 and second Chronicles chapters 2-7.  I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to construction. Building

A Frame Architecture 6:12:25 8.36 PM

Photo: Pexels.com Story by: Gail Nobles Well, isn't there something wonderfully appealing about the simplicity of an A-frame? I mean, just think about it: that dramatic, steeply pitched roof reaching nearly to the ground... It practically *shouts* "getaway"! And you’re right, there's a real practical side to that distinctive design. Imagine the rain just sheeting right off, no pooling, no worries about leaks. In theory, anyway. You still want to make sure your construction is solid, of course! A-frames, as we know, have long been a favorite for vacation homes and cabins, and it's easy to see why. That iconic silhouette just blends so beautifully with nature. Often they are a cozy retreat of sorts, typically more intimate in size – often under a thousand square feet. Perfect for a small family or a couple seeking a little solitude. And the question everyone asks: are they a budget-friendly option? Well, the truth is, it depends. The basic structure *can* be more economical to erect than a traditional house, but remember that factors like size, the materials you choose, and any special features – like that coveted wall of windows – will all impact the final price tag. But if you’re looking for something unique, something different, and particularly if you're building in a location where the elements can be challenging – a mountain retreat or a breezy beach house, perhaps – an A-frame might just be the perfect fit. They’re certainly eye-catching, and with the right planning, they can be a really charming and cost-effective alternative. So, are A-frames awesome? It's hard to argue with that! They are certainly a conversation starter, and a lovely place to call home, even if it is just for a little while. I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Construction. Building

American Success Story-84 Lumber 5:1:25 4.03 PM

Story by: Gail Nobles Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain Good evening, everyone. Today we're taking a look at a true American success story: 84 Lumber. It's a name synonymous with building materials, a familiar sight across much of the country. But there's more to this company than just lumber and plywood. Founded back in 1956, in the small, unincorporated village of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania – hence the name – by Joe Hardy, 84 Lumber started as a simple cash-and-carry operation. Hardy, a man with a vision, saw a need and filled it. For years, it was a privately held enterprise, quietly building its presence, brick by brick, or rather, two-by-four by two-by-four. Fast forward to 1992, and a significant transition occurred. Joe Hardy passed the reins to his daughter, Maggie Hardy. Now, taking over a company can be a daunting task, but Maggie was clearly up to the challenge. In her very first year as president, 84 Lumber hit a major milestone: breaking the billion-dollar revenue mark. That's quite an accomplishment. Today, 84 Lumber is a powerhouse. We're talking about over 250 stores spread across 30 states, employing more than 5,600 people, and generating nearly $4 billion in annual revenue. That makes it the largest privately held building materials supplier in the nation. And they're not just resting on their achievements. 84 Lumber has expanded beyond basic lumber supplies. They operate component plants, door shops, installation centers, even wood product shops. And, recognizing changing consumer needs, they've recently moved into kitchen and bath design, adding design studios to many of their stores. It's a story of American creativity, family business success, and a commitment to growth. From humble beginnings in a small Pennsylvania town to a major player in the construction industry, 84 Lumber is a reminder that with hard work and innovation, anything is possible. It's a company that has literally helped build America, one project at a time. And that's our story this morning. I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Construction. Building