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Blogs

Mud Math: Figuring Concrete Volume with SketchUp

TheTimberTailor, member | February 4th, 2012

When figuring concrete for bidding or pouring it's important to get a reliable volume amount. Use SketchUp to do your "mud math" for confident results when you call for that big white truck...

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It's Show Time!

patrick_mccombe, Associate editor | February 3rd, 2012

I'm heading to the Super Bowl of building products.

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Help Wanted: Plumber Needed for Fine Homebuilding's Project House Bathroom Remodel

FHBdotcom, editor | February 3rd, 2012

If you can rough in and install bathroom fixtures and hydronic heating, live in NY or southern New England, and would like to appear in how-to videos, drop us a line

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Design snapshot: Winter white

KHS, Contributor | February 2nd, 2012

Architect Katie Hutchison shares a House Enthusiast "Design snapshot" of an all-white house exterior.

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Using Pivot Hinges for a Master Bedroom Closet

Matt Risinger, Blogger | January 31st, 2012

Pivot hinges make a bold statement in these floor to ceiling veneered closet doors, see how we used them in the Master Bedroom of a 60's remodeled house.

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Self-Taught MBA: Inspired Reading

FPR, contributor | January 31st, 20122 comments

Helpful business books categorized by the eight divisions of business management.

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Should Rafters be Encapsulated by Spray-Foam?

ScottG, contributing writer | January 30th, 2012

Even experts continue to be confused about the permissible thickness of foam insulation sprayed onto the underside of a roof deck

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Tool Guide Update: 14 Circular Saws Waiting for Your Reviews!

JFink, Senior Editor | January 27th, 2012

Even after narrowing down the list of available 7 1/4-in. sidewinders currently on the market, we still ended up with 14 tools to test. We had to make a decision: Option 1 - Pack all 14 saws into the...

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Kitchens & Baths Call For Entries Deadline is Rapidly Approaching

reeni, FHB editorial admin | January 27th, 2012

It's not too late to submit your entry for consideration for our 2012 Kitchens & Baths Annual issue!

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Design snapshot: Piles, piers, and poetic sheds

KHS, Contributor | January 26th, 2012

Architect Katie Hutchison shares a House Enthusiast "Design snapshot" of a seasonal perspective.

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How to Calculate Rafters for Intersecting Roof Planes the Easy Way

TheTimberTailor, member | January 26th, 2012

Using SketchUp as a visual calculator can simplify rafter layout for intersecting roof planes. While common rafter layout is fairly quick and straightforward using a framing square and construction calculator watch this video to see how easy it is to layout a non-typical rafter.

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CT Zero Energy Challenge Announces 2010-11 Winners

FHB_Building_News, contributor | January 25th, 20121 comment

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

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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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