5 Signs You Might Secretly Be a Construction Nerd (And We Love That for You)
Let’s be honest: not everyone gets excited about form ties, floor plans, and the difference between framing and fascia. But if you’ve ever found yourself getting hyped about backhoe specs or geeking out over the perfect floating slab finish, you might be part of a special club.
Here are 5 signs you might secretly be a construction nerd—and why that’s a badge of honor in our book.
1. You Can’t Watch a Home Renovation Show Without Yelling “That’s Not to Code!”
If your idea of entertainment includes analyzing foundation types, spotting missing flashing, or pausing to admire a clean footer (footing) pour—welcome to the nerd zone. You’ve probably corrected someone mid-episode with “That’s not fire-resistive! Where’s the felt (underlayment)?!” while everyone else is just admiring the backsplash.
You probably also get irrationally excited when someone mentions GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in a bathroom. We see you.
2. Your Favorite Smell? Fresh Ready Mix Concrete or Pressure-Treated Lumber
If the aroma of freshly poured ready mix concrete at a construction site is your version of a candle, or if you instinctively know the scent of green board (pressure-treated lumber)... you’re definitely one of us.
While others are out here shopping for perfume, you’re sniffing grain direction on a 2x4 and calling it a good day. Bonus points if you’ve ever uttered “mmm... that’s a good grade.”
3. You’ve Got Strong Opinions on CAD vs BIM, and You’ve Actually Used Both
If you’ve ever gotten into a passionate debate over the benefits of BIM (Building Information Modeling) versus good ol’ CAD (Computer-Aided Design), there’s no hiding your love for the trade. You might even have a favorite construction company based on their blueprints alone.
Throw in the words “cost codes,” “change order,” or “daily report,” and you’ve officially crossed over into hardcore construction enthusiasm. And don’t even get you started on cost-plus contracts, right?
4. Your TikTok Algorithm Thinks You’re a General Contractor
You swipe through videos of flatwork, floating slabs, or perfectly aligned form work like they’re ASMR gold. And those home builders pouring footings with laser precision? Chef’s kiss.
Your “For You” page is basically a highlight reel of L&T construction, passive house insulation installs, and oddly satisfying damp proofing time-lapses. And yes, you did get chills watching someone install a glulam (glued laminated beam) on the third story like a boss.
5. You Casually Use the Word “Frieze Board” in Everyday Conversation
If you’ve ever complimented someone’s porch and said “Nice frieze board (bird block) work!” or dropped terms like girder truss, gable, or forced air heating/cooling without blinking, chances are you’ve gone full construction nerd.
You might’ve even corrected someone on whether it’s a fascia or a soffit. And let’s not forget your secret hobby of estimating the cost to build a house every time you drive through a new development—based on floor plan alone.
Own It, Nerd 💪🏽
Being a construction nerd means you care about the bones of a building—not just the pretty stuff. You know that behind every custom home builder, contractor, and construction worker, there’s a whole world of precision, planning, and passion.
Whether you’re deep in the field with your builders or just vibing with your inner engineer from the comfort of your couch, we salute you. Keep nerding out over building construction, perfect bids, and the best kind of backhoe—because the world needs more people who get fired up about great work.
Now go organize your blueprints for fun. You know you want to. 👷🏽♀️📐💥