The Building Insider: November 2025

Author

Lance Luke
November 01, 2025

Knowledge and innovation are the foundation of safer, smarter buildings. This month’s newsletter explores the vital roles of engineers in construction projects, and the growing influence of AI in shaping how we build. We also feature Lance’s book, Types of Engineers for Your Construction Project, which offers clear explanations and real-world insights to help property owners, managers, and boards avoid costly mistakes and ensure lasting building safety.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrated every 4th Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, share gratitude, and enjoy traditions around the table. In that spirit, our featured book, Types of Engineers for Your Construction Project, offers valuable insight into the roles engineers play in keeping buildings safe and sound. From soil and structural engineers to electrical and fire protection experts, this guide helps ensure your home or property is built on a strong foundation of knowledge and safety.🦃🍂

Featured Book

Types of Engineers for Your Construction Project equips homeowners, developers, property managers, and condo associations with the knowledge to understand the vital roles engineers play in construction. From soil and structural engineers to electrical, mechanical, civil, and fire protection specialists, each professional contributes to the safety, stability, and long-term success of a building.

A must-read guide filled with real-world examples, expert recommendations, and proven insights to help you hire wisely, protect your investment, and ensure your building is designed and maintained with excellence.

Download available for 30 days only.

Types of Engineers for Your Construction Project: Who They Are and Why They Matter

Behind every successful construction project is a team of professionals ensuring that everything is safe, functional, and built to last. While many people think only of contractors or architects, engineers play equally vital roles.

AI in Construction: Transforming the Future of Building

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer limited to tech companies or research labs—it is reshaping industries across the globe, including construction. Known as one of the world’s oldest and most labor-intensive sectors, construction is now entering a new era of innovation and efficiency.

National Building
Expert Blog

Introducing the
National Building Expert Blog
by Lance Luke—your go-to resource for expert insights on fire safety, structural integrity, and more. Join a community passionate about building excellence at

nationalbuildingexpert.now.site

Webinars
On-Demand

Explore our
Webinars On-Demand 
for expert guidance on Building & Construction Health & Safety topics, from foundational issues to international building codes. Watch anytime at

askbuildingexpert.now.site/webinarsondemand

Expert
Websites

Enhance your building's safety with Lance Luke's
Ask The Building Expert websites,
offering expert advice on spalling repair, premises liability, roofing solutions, and more. Explore these essential resources at

askbuildingexpert.now.site/expertwebsites

Q&A: Ask the Building Expert

Question: We’re planning to tear down our old single-family home and build a much larger two-story house. Do we really need to hire a geotechnical or soil engineer if there was already a house on the lot?

Answer:  Yes, you absolutely should. The fact that a house already exists on the lot doesn’t guarantee the soil can handle a bigger, heavier structure. A small wood-framed home exerts far less pressure on the soil compared to a new two-story house made of concrete and tile. A geotechnical engineer will test the soil to see if it’s stable or expansive and recommend proper foundations—or even soil replacement if needed. Skipping this step could lead to cracks, sinking, or costly foundation failures later.

Follow us on social media

Contact Us

Not a subscriber? Click here to email us and join our mailing list

 

Reply

or to participate.