All How-To Topics
FHB_WEB
Newtown, CT, USmember
Contributions
Four Solutions to Kitchen-Storage Problems
Innovative fixes for kitchen-storage dilemmas
Which Rigid Insulation Should I Choose?
Not all rigid foam performs the same. Learn the differences between EPS, XPS, and ISO.
Use Barstools at a Kitchen Counter to Save Floor Space
Seating Innovations barstools are a space-saving solution.
How to Retrofit a Ceiling Fan Electrical Box
Before installing a ceiling fan, electrical code requires that you use a fan-rated outlet box that will support the extra weight and the motion associated with a fan. A fan-rated box will be labeled as such inside and typically can support up to 70 lb. . . .
Corrosion-Resistant Paint
Polyvinylidene fluorides, or PVDFs, are acknowledged in the industry as the best resins for coating metal.
Use a Subpanel to Update an Electrical System
Sometimes, adding a subpanel is the best way to integrate new wiring with an old electrical system.
Use the Metric System on Your Next Complex Project
Lumber is sized and sold based on the English system, so it makes sense to build with an English tape measure—most of the time. However, when I’m doing a framing project...
Man coughs up nail after 30 years
Now, I've never been one to repost other people's content, but since this is home building related, I thought the above would be of interest to our readers. And, since Fine Woodworking's readers responded highly to a GlueTube blog post featuring a YouTube video on "Tablesaw techniques that (editor Matthew Kenney) wouldn't recommend," I thought I'd give it a try.
A Homeowner's Story: Did Going Green Make Sense?
As electricity costs go up, the payback period shortens; at payback, future electricity is essentially free. And there is great satisfaction in watching your electric meter run backward.
What is Open Building?
In the early 1990s that I bumped into a marvelous little book by the Dutch architect John Habraken titled Supports. He argued passionately that the process of making housing must preserve the “natural relationship” that humans need to have with the place where they live. . .
Is Synthetic Decking Right for You?
The pros and cons of synthetic decking
How To Clean Up Mold
When it comes to cleaning up mold, where do you start? First, you need to know that you can tackle most small jobs (less than 10 sq. ft.) yourself. But, big jobs require a professional.
How to Set Deck and Shed Footings with Plastic Piers
Plastic piers require no concrete or cinder blocks, and they can handle a load of 10,000 lb. as soon as the hole is backfilled.
What's the Difference Between a Standard and Low Angle Block Plane?
Learn which of these two block planes you should grab for your next woodworking project.
Do copper countertops belong in a kitchen?
Copper countertops are a good midprice alternative to slab stone. They have the benefit of minimal joints because the backsplash and the nosing are integral to the copper’s profile.
Call for Entries: In-laws, outlaws and mothers-in-law
We’re working on a new book about "mother-in-law" units and would like to hear about any that you've designed, constructed, or owned. These dwellings might be basement, garage, or attic conversions; bump-outs; carve-outs; or separate, stand-alone structures. The units we’re seeking should be modestly sized—from 250 to 900 sq. ft.—but size is less important than the space's livability, ingenuity, and level of craftsmanship.
Announcing our Before and After contest winners
Fine Homebuilding editors are a finicky bunch, and opinionated too. So the task of narrowing down the nearly 150 entries from our “Before and After: What’s Old is New Again,” kitchen and bath contest to just five winners wasn’t easy.
How to Remove Paint From a House
Learn how to remove paint using hand scrapers, power scrapers, chemical strippers, and heat.
Five Quick Showerhead Replacements
To change the look and feel of your shower, all you need are ChannelLock pliers, Teflon tape, and a new showerhead. Here are five showerhead options to consider in various styles and price points.
Use a Suntube to Brighten a Windowless Bathroom
A tubular skylight can bring natural light into an interior bathroom.
How to Convert a Closet into a Laundry Room
Turning a closet into washer and dryer space
How To Control Drywall Dust: Six Products That Help Contain the Mess
The basics, such as tape and plastic, can be found at your local hardware store. Professional-grade products might have to be purchased from a retailer specializing in remodeling...
Who cuts drywall with a circular saw?
I was just watching TV and there was a report on about tainted Chinese drywall, which by most estimates, could be in as many as 60,000 homes. I wasn’t shocked by the revelation, but what...
How to Make Basic PEX Connections
Learn the basics of how to connect PEX to copper and existing metal pipe as well as how to make PEX to PEX connections to create a branch line or add a valve.
How to Make a Cutting Platform for Sheet Goods
Supported on a pair of sawhorses, this platform provides flat, stable support for full and partial sheets of plywood and other panels: the perfect complement to an edge guide and...
The House that FedEX Built
Customize your designs with orders from online retailers
Can Moldy Framing Lumber Cause Rot?
Mold growth on studs is mostly a surface phenomenon and can be washed off with soap, water, and an abrasive pad. But, Decay, or rot, is caused by fungus that can attack the cell walls of wood and eventually cause structural failure.
Is Your Heating System an Energy Beast?
Here’s how to spot the signs and boost the efficiency of your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. I'll also answer some commonly asked questions about each system.
Contest Rules -- Before and After Home Remodels
Have you put an avocado-green, 1970s kitchen out of its misery, or transformed a flamingo pink bathroom from ick to slick? If so, we want to see details of your quality kitchen and bath remodels.
Mini Reciprocating Saws
A once-skeptical remodeling contractor reviews the new reciprocating saws from Milwaukee, Hitachi, and Ridgid
Wall Sheathing 101: When to Measure and When to Wing It
Determining what to do with window and door openings
How to Design a Better Kitchen Island
In addition to being functional, a kitchen island should also make an aesthetic contribution to the room without overpowering it.
Three Designs for PEX Plumbing Systems
Incorporating manifolds into the layout can save water and energy because you eliminate most of the pipe between the water heater and the faucet. . .
Eliminate Concrete Cracks with a Well-Prepared Base
Most concrete cracks can be minimized if the base is well prepared.
Drill Holes Easier with a Dot Laser
The Stabila HL-100 Laser Hole Locator makes quick, easy work of locating holes for plumbing and electrical rough-in, even in poor lighting conditions.
How Much Will My Solar Hot Water System Cost?
Cost is a key consideration when weighing the merits of renewable energy; www.findsolar.com is an excellent place to find information on hot-water systems.
Call for Bloggers: Write for Us
If your are an expert in your field and want to make the change from FineHomebuilding.com reader to Fine Homebuilding.com contributor, we should talk.
A Visit to Home Depot Expo
Since the HGTV-bubble has burst, Home Depot announced last month that they are closing their 34 Expo centers and liquidating their contents. I made a visit this past Saturday to find out exactly what their advertisements prominently announced as 30-percent off everything*.
Call for Entries: Dead Tools Walkin'
What's happening to the millions of home building tools that aren't in use now that the housing industry has come to a near halt?"
A familiar Greek Revival House
A "brand-new very old house," featured in the New York Times today, was first billed as "Creating a New Old House," by us two years ago.
_lg_sqs.jpg)
Ten Cool Tools and Materials from IBS 2009
Here are 10 products that caught our attention at the International Builders Show held in Las Vegas last week.
Save Money with Free Home-energy Audits
Ask the Energy Expert Video Series: Take one energy expert, add questions, and get really smart answers
Energy Star Kids
You’re never too old to start thinking green or to get into the habit of recycling paper, metal, plastic, and glass, but it seems that one of the most efficient ways to instill such good habits is to start while you’re young.
|
|
New on Fine Homebuilding
Builders Promote the All-American House
ScottG | May 23rd, 2013
Beautiful Fireplace
royalholland | May 23rd, 2013
Homes Can Survive Tornadoes
patrick_mccombe | May 23rd, 2013
Recent comments
Re: Manufactured Deck Railings Look Good, But Do They Last?
Thanks for the clarification.
posted: 10:09 am on April 29thRe: Do copper countertops belong in a kitchen?
@CarletonPope -- The price a few years ago was in the ballpark of $27-$30/foot, but the price of copper varies.
posted: 10:02 am on April 14th@Asturiano -- good point about the olive oil. I know chefs add olive oil to pans to prevent rust, but then again, they are heated over and over again.
and interesting points about grounding and seaming.
Re: Do copper countertops belong in a kitchen?
@cvuxton -- I'll check with the author and post the gauge of copper used.
posted: 4:47 pm on April 13thRe: Who cuts drywall with a circular saw?
@wcontracting -- Thanks for the comment. In related news, I heard a news story that some of this drywall has been found in many post-Hurricane Katrina homes.
posted: 11:32 am on April 13thRe: Kitchen remodel
Hi Ted,
posted: 12:42 pm on April 9thWe made our selections and the winners will be announced on Monday, April 13th on the homepage and in our eLetter (mailed the same day).
Jean Paul
Re: Contest Rules -- Before and After Home Remodels
For this contest, you can enter more than once, but only one prize per winner will be awarded. So just to clarify, you can enter five projects, but you are only eligible to win one prize.
posted: 10:55 am on March 30thGood Luck!
Re: Call for Bloggers: Write for Us
Thanks for all the entries so far. The response was overwhelming and I'm working my way through the emails. I will email each of you back as soon as possible and post more news in the next few days.
posted: 3:54 pm on February 17thBest, Jean Paul