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Blogs

Patrick's Barn: Learning to Love Vinyl Siding

patrick_mccombe, Associate editor | January 25th, 2012

Encouraged by a super-tight budget, we decided to finish the exterior with vinyl.

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Weighing the Merits of Spray-Foam Insulation

ScottG, contributing writer | January 23rd, 2012

A homeowner looking to upgrade the insulation in his 90-year-old Cape is thinking about contracting for spray-in foam. But he's got conflicting advice from installers and wonders whether closed-cell or open-cell foam is the way to go.

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The Hazel River Cabin

RYagid, senior editor | January 20th, 2012

See how one architect successfully transformed a historic 1794 toll keeper's log cabin into a unique, modern home.

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CT Zero Energy Challenge Announces 2010-11 Winners

FHB_Building_News, contributor | January 19th, 20122 comments

ZEC prizes honor projects for energy efficiency, affordability, and low projected operating costs

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Design snapshot: Kitchen desk with a view

KHS, Contributor | January 19th, 2012

Architect Katie Hutchison shares a House Enthusiast "Design snapshot" of a kitchen command-center.

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Can a Slab Foundation be Insulated Without Rigid Foam?

ScottG, contributing writer | January 18th, 20123 comments

Energy efficient buildings typically incorporate insulation beneath their concrete slabs, and the go-to choice is sheets of rigid foam. Are there alternatives?

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Locate Your Building on a Plot Plan with SketchUp

TheTimberTailor, member | January 18th, 20123 comments

With the challenges of setbacks, easements, drainage planning, and other code compliance issues, it's important to get the location for a structure properly on the lot. Google's free 3-D modeling software has some features that make drawing a plot plan a snap.

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Patrick's Barn: A Perfect Place for a Party

patrick_mccombe, Associate editor | January 16th, 2012

My son's sixth birthday party was the first use of our new space.

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The Smart Meter's Contentious Opponents

FHB_Building_News, contributor | January 12th, 20125 comments

They still remain very much in the minority, but anti-smart-meter groups are prompting investigations and continue to voice concerns about security and safety

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Design snapshot: Engaging enclosed porch

KHS, Contributor | January 12th, 2012

Architect Katie Hutchison shares a House Enthusiast "Design snapshot" of a favorite enclosed porch.

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Self-Taught MBA: You Can't Be a Successful Builder Without Management Skills

FPR, contributor | January 11th, 20128 comments

Businesses do not have a tangible structure, like the frame of a house, but every business has a framework nonetheless. The purpose of management is to keep that framework functioning effectively.

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Garage Progress

RYagid, senior editor | January 11th, 20121 comment

We're making good progress on the garage shop at the project house. Drywall is hung, carriage doors are installed and the new front facade has been painted.

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Patrick's Barn: Siding for the Holidays

patrick_mccombe, Associate editor | January 9th, 201212 comments

With some extra days off, we put up a lot of siding.

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Does Super-Insulation Make Sense in New Orleans?

ScottG, contributing writer | January 9th, 20123 comments

A winning design for an energy-efficient house in the Deep South sparks a conversation on whether high R-values can make a house harder to cool.

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A Custom Built-In Entertainment Center

RYagid, senior editor | January 9th, 20122 comments

A modern built-in accomodates TV and stereo storage

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Canada's Solar and NZE Power Play

FHB_Building_News, contributor | January 8th, 2012

A solar simulator and a research initiative at Concordia University in Montreal focus on solar energy applications and strategies for bringing building performance to net zero energy

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Opportunity Accompanies Objections to Green Habitat Project

FHB_Building_News, contributor | January 7th, 20122 comments

Neighbors have stalled a 35-unit subdivision of energy efficient dwellings, but the delay gives a Habitat chapter time to refine its green building technique

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Design snapshot: Beach boardwalk

KHS, Contributor | January 5th, 2012

Architect Katie Hutchison shares a House Enthusiast "Design snapshot" of a path worth taking.

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Seattle Homeowners Build an Affordable Net-Zero-Energy House

FHB_Building_News, contributor | January 4th, 20124 comments

One couple’s quest for energy efficiency leads them to a relatively low-cost approach to design and construction

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Simplify Rafter-Pattern-Layout Math with Google SketchUp

TheTimberTailor, member | January 2nd, 2012

SketchUp can be a useful option for layout and planning for cutting rafters. Check out this process for doing the math and see if it fits into your "bag-o-tricks" for carpentry or design projects.

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