Building

Structural insulated panels make stronger homes that go up faster and reduce energy bills dramatically by John Ross

Quick Curve Plates by Justin Fink

Build them on the floor, lift them with specialized jacks, and eliminate extra footsteps wherever possible by Lynn S. Hayward

by Bruce Harley

Forget the jacks and temporary framing; install the two-piece header one half at a time by Roger Ross

Rather than hiding a poured-concrete or block foundation with landscape plantings, show it off with stone veneer by Cody Macfie

Tailored to emphasize the surrounding views, this open floor plan executed in durable materials is sheltered by insulating concrete walls by Martin McBirney

Framing exterior openings precisely will make installing the windows and doors a breeze by John Spier

Smarter strategies can save money, speed construction, improve energy efficiency, and cut down on job-site waste by Joseph Lstiburek

by Andre O. Desjarlais

Hold back the earth with blocks, concrete, timbers, or stone. Here's how different systems stack up. by Eric Nelson

Delivered to your site, prefabricated panels can save time and improve quality on production houses or a custom home by Fernando Pagés Ruiz

New-generation panels mean decade-old notions are no way to choose sheathing. Here's what you need to know. by Sean Groom

Stack the deck to ensure efficiency by cutting and preassembling the parts you need by Jim Anderson