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How to Run Non-Metallic Sheathed Electrical Cable
Use these tips on your next electrical rough-in project to keep your Romex-style cable from getting all kinked.
Tour 6 Award-Winning Houses
Get an inside look at each of the 2013 Fine Homebuilding HOUSES Award winners, including the best new home, best remodel, best energy-smart home, best small home, best retirement home, and our editor's choice
Show Us Your Fireplace
Calling all carpenters, masons, designers, and other talented folks. Have a beautiful or unique fireplace you've created or renovated that you'd love to show off? Read on to see how and what you could win...
HVAC Duct Sealing and Leak Testing
Two experts from Conservation Services Group, Eric Wilder and Will D’Arrigo, explain how to seal duct seams with mastic and how to use a Duct Blaster to test duct tightness
How to Install Dense-Packed Cellulose Insulation in Walls
two representatives from National Fiber, Bill Hulstrunk and Chris White, share their tips for installing dense-packed cellulose in wall cavities
A New Approach to Concrete
A glass-fiber reinforced mix creates an elegant, lightweight vanity counter and sink
Can We Get Smarter About Job-Site Communication?
An inquiry into ways to eliminate waste and increase productivity on construction projects
Excavators Getting Their Groove On
If you are in need of a lighthearted distraction from your busy day and you like heavy machinery, you've come to the right place.
How to Do Everything: The Energy Nerd's Greatest Hits
If you plan to design, build, or remodel an energy efficient house, Energy Nerd Martin Holladay's collection of how-to articles is a must-read
Blower Doors Have Become Essential Home-Building Tools
Use one to measure a building’s airtightness, to locate leaks, or to comply with a green building program
Coming Soon: 2013 Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Conference in Boston
An all-star roster of experts will present workshops at the Building Energy 13 conference in early March
Airtight Wall and Roof Sheathing
In the early 1970s, residential builders knew almost nothing about air tightness. Nowadays, there's plenty of data showing why it's so important to air-seal houses.
Major Thermal Bypasses: Energy-Wasting Holes in Your House
Don’t worry about the cracks around your windows until you’ve sealed all of the big holes in your house
Top 10 Fine Homebuilding Videos of 2012
The numbers are in. See if one of your favorites is on our list of most-viewed videos of the year.
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Tool Hound on Your List
Browse Fine Homebuilding's 2012 tool reviews to find the perfect present for the builder or weekend warrior in your family
How to Bend Copper Chimney Flashing
Roofing project manager Dyami Plotke demonstrates how to fabricate complex pieces of flashing with a sheet-metal brake and describes the various pieces needed to make a chimney-to-roof connection watertight
Kitchen & Bath Design Resources
The Fine Homebuilding archives are full of design tips and material reviews that could help you to plan your dream project. Take a look at some of our favorite details in this collection from our design galleries
Member Videos: Kitchen Cabinet and Tile Projects
We've collected several how-to video series from our archives to help you finish those special details in your new or renovated kitchen
How to Air-Seal Doors and Windows with a Spray-Foam Gun
Remodeling contractor Mike Sloggatt demonstrates how to use a professional spray-sealant gun to make this patio door (or any door) more energy efficient
How to Remove an Old Bathroom Sink
Veteran plumber Mike Lombardi makes quick work of disconnecting this sink's water and drain pipes as part of our Project House bathroom remodel
Don't Miss the Excellence in Building Conference and EXPO
Mark your calendars — the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance will meet in Scottsdale, Arizona, on September 25-27
5 Tips for a Better Exterior Paint Job
We've collected five siding and exterior-trim painting videos from our archives to help you get a great finish on your house
How to Choose a Replacement Window
Should you order a custom-sized insert or a full-frame replacement window? Veteran remodeler Mike Sloggatt shares the info you need to make the best decision for your project
Garden Helpers: The Boxer Boys
Another couple of big dogs from the "gardens are job sits too" series...
The Trade-Offs of Downsizing
n this "Feedback" article, homeowner Marilyn Widner writes about how she and her husband moved from the 3000-sq.-ft. home where they had lived for 26 years and into a new 800-sq.-ft. cottage in the backyard.
VIDEO: 2012 HOUSES Awards - Best Energy-Smart Home
With passive-solar strategies at its core, the home that Chris Larson designed is just as much about the homeowners' lifestyle as it is about energy use...
VIDEO: 2012 HOUSES Awards - Best Small Home
2012 Best Small Home of the Year: Matt Hutchins of CAST Architecture
VIDEO: 2012 HOUSES Awards - Best New Home
2012 Best New Home of the Year Award: Anni Tilt of Arkin Tilt Architects
VIDEO: 2012 HOUSES Awards - Editor's Choice
2012 Editor’s Choice Award: Obie Bowman
VIDEO: 2012 HOUSES Awards - Best Remodel
2012 Best Remodel of the Year Award: Andrew Webster of Coldham & Hartman Architects
VIDEO: 2012 HOUSES Awards - Best Retirement Home
2012 Best Retirement Home of the Year: Duncan McPherson of Samsel Architects
Video-Series Preview: How to Build Deck and Shed Foundations
Learn reliable, time-saving techniques for getting your deck or shed project on level, solid ground in these free video episodes on building pier and block foundations
Project House Weekly Wrap, Episode 8: Sweating the Details - Windows, Doors, and Insulation
Editors Justin Fink and Dan Morrison review a smorgasbord of details at the Fine Homebuilding project house shop, including a mock up of how not to install fiberglass insulation, and the...
Project House Weekly Wrap, Episode 7: Story Poles and Other Ways To Get Siding Details Right
Executive editor Dan Morrison and carpenter Chris Green review pitfalls of a complex exterior siding and trim project at the garage workshop and discuss tools and techniques to get the job done...
Project House Weekly Wrap, Episode 6: How to Plan Siding Details for Rain Screen Walls
The Fine Homebuilding editors explain why laying out furring strips for shingles and clapboards on their garage shop was such a challenge
Project House Weekly Wrap, Episode 5: Housewrap and Exterior-Foam-Insulation Details
Fine Homebuilding editors Dan Morrison and Justin Fink discuss water-management, energy efficiency, and dealing with tricky wall transitions
Project House Weekly Wrap, Episode 4: A Unique Way To Build Carriage-House Style Garage Doors
Dan Morrison and Justin Fink show off two custom-built exterior doors, soon to be installed in the Fine Homebuilding Project House garage shop
How to bend baseboard around a curved wall
If you need to install baseboard along a curved wall, use string to measure and cut relief kerfs on the back of the stock so the baseboard will bend more easily.
Project House Weekly Wrap, Episode 3: Workshop Electrical Systems
In episode 3, we talk about adding an electrical system for the garage shop, including lighting, outlets, switches, and a subpanel.
Help Wanted: Plumber Needed for Fine Homebuilding's Project House Bathroom Remodel
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
Top 10 Fine Homebuilding Videos of 2011
We produced a record number of how-to and tool-tip videos this year. Here are the ten most-watched episodes from the past 12 months.
Video: How To Prime Cedar Siding To Control Bleeding Tannins and Other Staining Problems
Painter Jim Lacey shares some tips for covering the inevitable blemishes on cedar shingles
Vented siding section drawing: Cedar shingles above fiber cement; over exterior foam
This detail from Green Building Advisor was the basis of our front wall design..
Wall section at cantilevered window, exterior foam insulation
This is a 2D image of a sketchup model we used to mock up the front window in the Project House garage shop.
How To Use a Japanese-Style Pull Saw
An extrathin blade makes this saw great for any time you need to make a precise, easily guided cut in a piece of wood.
More on balance sheets (2): Collateral and revaluation
More on balance sheets Here, sal teaches us how...
How To Clean Up After October's Freak Snow Storm
The snow has almost melted across much of the Northeast; now it's time to repair the unprecedented and unbelievable damage caused by snow-laden trees.
Balance sheets (1): A look at your financial health
An overview of balance sheets
Mosaic Made Easy
Alexandra Immel’s vision for her new kitchen included a colorful backsplash that is definitely not off the tile-shop shelf.
Healthful Homes Need More than a Huge Hood Fan
Designer-builder Michael Chandler outlines three guiding principles for ensuring healthful indoor air in a house. First, choose healthful materials. Chandler recommends avoiding volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—which are found in paints, finishes, caulks, sealants, and cabinet sheet goods—and phthalate plasticizers, components of various household vinyl and plastic items. Second, handle and install materials with caution.
Cash Flow: How I Wrecked My Business, Screwed My Friends, and Almost Destroyed My Marriage (Part 2)
A former builder has some valuable lessons to share after surviving the collapse of his once-thriving construction company
Cashflow: How I Wrecked My Business, Screwed My Friends, and Almost Destroyed My Marriage - Part 1
Blaming the recession for my company's failure would be easy, but looking hard at my own mistakes is a lot more useful.
How to Remove a Damaged Roof Shingle
BY STEPHEN HAZLETT Some roof repairs—nail pops, for example—require replacing single shingles. Removing the damaged shingle without damaging the surrounding shingles is the tricky part...
Complete Guide to Roofs
This top-20 list of articles and videos covers everything you need to know to build or repair a roof right.
Framing Basics: 3 Simple Tips for Framing a Wall
Learn a few quick tips to frame any wall perfectly and quickly.
Simple Steps for Window- and Door-Framing Layout
Learn a few measuring shortcuts that make accurate rough-opening layouts a snap
Bathroom and Kitchen Design: How to Choose Tile and Plan Tile Layouts
If you're planning a tile project and want ideas for creating attractive patterns or combining the right colors, these two free chapters will help you get started.
Framing Basics: 3 Tips for Laying Out Wall Plates
Larry Haun and Scott Grice share some basic techniques and show off some unique tools in the latest edition of our framing-skills miniseries
Garage Conversions: Turning One House Into Two Homes
From a full garage conversion to just renovating an area to live in over the garage, these free chapters will clue you in on where to start.
Framing Basics: 6 Tips for Spreading Wall Plates on a Subfloor
Framers Larry Haun and Scott Grice demonstrate how to efficiently lay down, cut to length, and tack down wall plates before assembling new walls
Building Decks: Material Choices and Framing Details
Whether you're still trying to decide between composite decking, cedar, and hardwood, or if you're ready to fasten the first ledger board to your house, these chapters will help you get started.
A Garage Fit for a Queen
parking at a premium in this San Francisco neighborhood, the owners of this 1900s Queen Anne Victorian hoped to add a garage when remodeling.
Wire-Stripping Tips for Roughing in an Electrical Box
Electrician Brian Walo shows an easy way to strip non-metallic cable plus a great way to keep track of which wires do what.
Getting on board with fire sprinklers
Building official, Lynn Underwood, discusses the pros and cons of installing residential fire sprinklers.
Top 10 Tips for Wall Framing Layout on a New Subfloor
Framer Scott Grice and veteran builder Larry Haun hash out the the best way to measure and mark wall framing for a new Habitat for Humanity house.
Download the SketchUp Model of the Ultimate Miter-Saw Stand
Our readers helped design it, senior editor Justin Fink built it. See if this job-site saw stand is right for you, and find out how to build your own.
Fixing Framing Problems: Use Your Eyes to Find Crooked Studs, Headers, and Beams
In this "Building Skills" video framer Scott Grice demonstrates a few easy ways that you can use line-of-sight to identify serious issues before they're buried under drywall.
Door-trimming jig
The hinge side of a door must be trimmed to width at 90°. The latch side is usually trimmed at 5° off vertical for a beveled edge. Making these long cuts straight and smooth is easy with this...
Sill seal
I came up with a solution for weatherstripping a door bottom where a thick rug prevents a spring-loaded bottom sweep from retracting. I used a length of vinyl bulb weatherstripping, intended for a...
Easy door buck
Building a door buck (FHB #8, p.35) is a good idea if you find yourself dealing with a house full of door hanging from scratch, but for a quick setup, the answer is right in your toolbox. I use two...
Frictionless hinge
For me, the most .frustrating part of making and installing a heavy, handmade entry door has been finding the right hinges. Even with a good set of heavy butts, the hinge barrels begin to grind down...
Hinge-mortising jig
I use a router and a jig to mortise hinges in doors and casement windows. By using a 1/2-in. diameter hinge-mortising bit and a standard round-cornered hinge, I achieve a consistently clean fit that...
Radiused window casings
Recently, while building a half-circle window, I needed a way to make the casing and interior stops. Instead of transferring the curves from templates onto the stock and then joining these pieces, I...
Offset jig
Whenever I install door or window casings, I use the jig shown here to make sure that I get an accurate 1/4-in. reveal. It's made of two square pieces of hardwood, 1/4 in. thick, that are glued...
Installing a new threshold
It's important for a door to fit snugly against its new vinyl-gasket threshold, particularly if the system you're using doesn't include a door-bottom sweep. But fitting an old door with one means...
Holding a level plumb
I use a 6-1/2-ft. spirit level to plumb and straighten interior door jambs. In order to leave both hands free to handle the shims and to drive nails, I wedge the level against one of the jambs to...
Plumb-bob anchor
Whenever I'm hanging a door with wood jambs, I use a chisel or utility knife to lift a small sliver in the center of the head jamb. Then I use it to anchor the string on my plumb line, as shown...
Drilling foam-core steel doors
I had to drill holes for deadbolt locks in some steel doors that had foam cores, and I almost destroyed the first couple of doors using a standard hole saw because the 1/4-in. pilot bit would wander...
Locating latches
Here's a fast, accurate method that I use for locating the centerpoints for door latch and dead-bolt mortises. First I center a hole for a 6d nail in the end of a short piece of dowel (a 1-in. dia...
Better backing for doors
If you think about how most doors are mounted to most jambs and visualize the relationship of hinge-to-door and hinge-to-jamb, you may see some room for improvement. Standard butt hinges, heavyduty...
Chiseling hinge mortises
I typically use a router and a template to cut mortises or to enlarge existing mortises for new door hinges. But for small jobs where it doesn't make sense to cart along a lot of gear, I use a...
Solo window installation
I was recently faced with installing windows in a new house, all by myself. Here's how I did it, First I cut a couple of 2x4s about 8 in. longer than my widest window. Then I measured the distance...
Installing tall doors
Faced with installing some 60, 3-ft. by 8-ft. prehung doors, I developed the jamb-setting fixture shown in the drawing. Not only did the fixture keep the hinge jamb and the head jamb at 90°, but...
Putting a new window in an old brownstone
In Brooklyn, where turn-of-the-century brownstones and bricks are the norm, window replacement often calls for some ingenuity. I have used both Bonneville and Andersen brick-to-brick replacement...
Hanging solid-core doors
When I have to muscle a solid-core door into or out of its hinges, I let a drywall lifter (a tool designed for placing drywall on walls) do the heavy lifting. Unlike a flat bar, a drywall lifter...
Quick, accurate shims
Obtaining the right-size shims for a job can be quick, easy, and precise if you put in about 10 minutes’ preparation. Begin with the shim stock. A proper shim has grain running its entire...
Shim gauge
In home building, square, level, and plumb are admirable goals, but we sometimes fall a little short of the ideal. As a consequence, we turn to shims. They are vital for adjusting the fit of prehung...
Get a grip on window installations
The last thing I want when struggling with a heavy window during installation is to drop it. Even small falls can fracture the flange, making for a time-consuming repair. After watching my glass guy...
Fixing warped doors
A warped cabinet door can be a real pain. When you have spent hours matching panels, colors and grains, the last thing you want to do is remake a door. My approach takes a couple of hours and $5 in...
Drying rack
We preprime and varnish a lot of the trim we install in houses, and finding a good place to let the material dry without getting in the way used to be difficult. To solve the problem I came up with...
Routing hinge mortises
I had a fair number of doors that needed hanging, and I wanted to take advantage of my router and my 3/4-in-dia. straight bit to make quick work of the hinge mortises. I had tried freehanding the...
Door butt gauge
For accuracy and speed when hanging doors from scratch, I use a butt gauge (see drawing) that I made out of 1-in. aluminum angle stock. Bending one leg of the angle over 90° just 1/8 in. down...
Redrilling a door for a new lockset
I was recently confronted with the task of replacing a houseful of interior-door locksets. All the doors had three holes bored in their stiles -- a 3/4-in. hole for the spindle and two smaller...
Door-holding jig
This is a sketch of a jig I use to hold doors while routing them for hinges or planing them to fit. It automatically adjusts to doors of different thicknesses and holds them securely. The weight of...
Screw-clamp door buck
Sometimes we forget that a tool can be used to advantage for other than its original purpose — the ubiquitous screw clamp, for instance. I needed to plane the edge of a small door recently and...
Replacing a door jamb
Occasionally I'm hired to replace door jambs that have been damaged by burglars. Often, only one jamb leg is damaged (the strike side of the door). The other side jamb and head jamb remain...
Replacing garage-door panels
My frame-and-panel garage door had a nasty gouge in one of the bottom panels. My job was to figure out a way to remove the 1/4-in. thick panel without ruining the rest of the door. To do so, I turned...
Garage-door safety cable
When an overhead garage-door spring breaks, it can do considerable property damage. But the potential for personal injury is even greater. Because of this possibility, whenever I service or install a...
Sink clips as clamping devices
When a new customer referred by one of our local sawmills asked me to make some storm windows for her screened porch, I said sure. Then I went out to look at her place.Her cottage was on the banks of...
Garage-header installation made easy
The Parallam beams used as headers atop Simpson garage-door walls are heavy. They are typically 31/2 in. wide by 16 in. deep by 22 ft. long. I don't want to move one of these beams around any more...
Improvised paint shield
I don’t paint enough trim to have the steady hand required to paint windows and trim without some kind of masking. Usually, I reach for my paint shield for some help. It has a bladelike...
Spade-bit rosettes
I'm building an apartment in a commercial building that dates back to 1851. To remain true to the original detailing, the casings around doors and windows needed rosettes at the corners. So I checked...
Installing fixed windows
As builders of passive-solar homes in a severe climate, we combine heavily insulated concrete and stud walls with fixed glass windows on the south side for direct gain.Large areas of insulated glass...
Better garage-door weatherstripping
I've always been disappointed with the weatherstripping products for garage-door openings. In my experience, they're expensive and too fragile to accommodate the play in garage doors. The only piece...
Replacing a Kitchen Sink - Part 2: Installation, Caulking, and Plumbing
Now that the fixtures are on the sink, see how to lay it into position, seal the edges, and connect the waste and water lines.
How to Live Comfortably Off the Grid
A builder in British Columbia will soon be building an off-the-grid house for an island couple. Although the house will be heated primarily with wood, it will still need a backup system, and he looks for advice on the best approach.
Replacing a Kitchen Sink - Part 1: How to Install Faucets and Drains
See how to prepare an opening in a counter top, and learn how to seal and fasten all the fixtures, before you drop your new sink into place.
Electrical Subpanel Safety Tips: What You Can and Can't Touch When Installing Circuit Breakers
Electrician Brian Walo gives a quick but important tour of a typical subpanel.
How to Make Your Kitchen Look Better and Work Harder on a Budget
Get the most out of your cabinets and counter tops without spending an arm and a leg. Download this free book chapter on smart kitchen planning.
How to Remove an Old Kitchen Sink That Won't Sit Flat on Your Countertop
Plumber Bruce Norman will walk you through the steps to remove an old kitchen sink, and help you decide what to do next.
UPDATE: Ultimate Miter-Saw Stand -- And the Winner is...
Fine Homebuilding is on a mission to design and build the perfect miter saw rig There’s no shortage of collapsible, portable job site miter saw stands on the market. Some are costeffective...
Building Skills: How to Build an Arched Rough Opening
Carpenter Scott Grice shows how easy it is to frame an arched doorway using a few backer blocks and two plywood arcs.
How to Draw An Arc When Framing an Arched Doorway
Cut perfect plywood arcs to frame curved window or door rough openings. All you need is a tape measure, a pencil, and these simple layout tips.
And the Building-Blunders Contest Winner Is...
Thank you to all who voted in our latest gallery challenge. See which lucky person took home three of our popular Graphic Guides to Construction.
Free Download: "Hot Water" Chapter From The "Cut Your Energy Bills Now" eBook
There are many ways you can save energy, and keep more money in your pocket, by improving your home's hot-water system. Read this FREE eBook chapter to get some great tips.
Framing Tips - How to Straighten a Wall
Builder Scott Grice shows how to use a 2x4 brace and kicker to get your new framed walls plumb and straight.
How About a Low-Flow Landscape?
I’m a stranger to the homebuilding world, but it’s nice to see you folks paying so much attention to important issues like water conservation. Low-flow fixtures and waterefficient...
Vote for Your Favorite Exterior Trim and Siding Details
The time has come to pick the winner of this recent gallery challenge. Take a look at the four top entries and help us decide which one deserves the new Senco cordless trim nailer.
Get 50% Off Admission to West Coast Green 2010
We've been asked to offer a great deal on tickets to the world's leading interactive conference on green innovation for the built environment.
Podcast: Liability and Lead-Safe Remodeling -- Insurance, Anyone?
In this episode we’ll finish up our our series on lead paint. In the first two episodes of this three-part series we talked about tools, OSHA, and costs. In this episode we talk...
Podcast: The New Cost of Lead-Safe Remodeling
Welcome back to the Lunch Pail Podcast series. In this epidode, we continue our series on lead paint. Last episode, we talked about tools; now we'll talk about costs. In the next, and final, episode...
Podcast: Lead-Safe Remodeling Tools and Equipment
Welcome back to Fine Homebuilding’s lunchpail podcast. We’ve been on a bit of a vacation lately and we’re back now. This week we’ll begin a series on lead paint and the new...
What's the Best Way to Control Indoor-Air Quality and Humidity in a House?
The tighter the house, the greater the need for whole-house ventilation. But what system would work best for your house?
Is Formaldehyde-Foam Insulation Safe?
When high-performance builders talk about spray-foam insulation, they’re typically talking about polyurethane. But it turns out there’s more than one kind of spray foam used in...
Read Home-Building and Remodeling Books on Your Smartphone, PC, or iPad
The Taunton store now has eBooks! Download a FREE sample chapter on building drawers from 'Building Kitchen Cabinets', and browse our collection of digital publications.
Q&A Spotlight: Getting a Fair Shake on a Green House
Many people are having trouble getting loans to build better houses because appraisers and lenders won't put real value on energy efficiency and durability.
BUILDING SKILLS: How to Scribe Beadboard Wainscot Around Window Trim
Fitting complex joints in trim and paneling can be easier than it looks if you have a few simple tools.
How to Install Vertical Siding over Rigid Foam Insulation?
Board and batten siding is a popular choice, but how do you install it over foam sheathing? Do you use extra long screws, furring strips, or both?
BUILDING SKILLS: How to Scribe Trim to Fit Against a Wall
A pencil and a scrap of wood are all the tools you need to mark molding before cutting it to fit flush with an uneven surface.
Vapor Barriers Are a Good Thing, Right?
Builders once routinely stapled up sheets of polyethylene plastic on interior walls before the drywall went up to stop the flow of moisture-laden air into exterior walls. With moisture stopped in its...
The Goldilocks Approach to Tight Houses: Is There A 'Just-Right' For Leakiness?
Many say "Tight houses need to breathe." To which, tight house advocates say "Where should I poke the hole, and how big should it be?"
Great Moments: An Evening with the Ambassador
BY EVERETTE M. HILL Forty-three years ago, I left college with a diploma in my hand and a plan in my mind. I would marry my college sweetheart, who was in on the plan, and she would work to put me...
A Back-Page Favorite Finds a New Home
For more than 25 years, you’ve been sharing your best building know-how with us, letting us know how you make your projects look so great. You’ve also been taking us behind the scenes to...
Q&A Spotlight: Can Solar Heat Be Stored for Next Winter?
Solar collectors crank out plenty of hot water during the summer, and can even make some contribution to space heating in winter. But conventional solar systems can’t store enough heat to make...
Q&A Spotlight: How Do I Choose the Best Energy-Efficient Window?
There was a time when opening, closing, and letting in light was all that any good window had to do. Nowadays, windows are anything but simple.
Q&A Spotlight: How Green Are Tankless Water Heaters?
If your super-efficient tankless system gives you an endless supply of hot water, you might actually be more likely to waste energy and water.
Heat Pump, Schmeat Pump
Ground source heat pumps don't save energy because the electricity used by the 'pump' isn't part of the equation. Moreover, electricity is one of the least efficient ways of making power.
BUILDING SKILLS: Tape Housewrap Seams to Keep Water and Air Out
Learn how to seal building paper seams for water-tight exterior walls.
Manufactured Deck Railings Look Good, But Do They Last?
Read about deck railing designs, systems safety, and materials. Build custom deck railings that look great and last long. Pros and cons of different deck railing systems.
Does Rigid Foam Insulation Trap Moisture in the Walls?
You can seriously cut your home's demand for energy by adding rigid insulation, but will wrapping your home with foam cause the walls to rot?
A Victorian Porch Wins Our Outdoor Project Contest!
With its beautiful period details and perfect proportions, this adaptation of an original 19th century porch won our latest gallery challenge by a landslide.
Help Us Pick the Outdoor Project Contest Winner
We're having a tough time deciding the winner of our Outdoor Project Contest. Vote today and help us choose!
BUILDING SKILLS: Wall Framing Layout
Remodeler and Fine Homebuilding editor Justin Fink shows us a straightforward way to measure and mark your plates before framing a wall.
BUILDING SKILLS: Cutting a Door
Building Skills: Seasoned builder Mike Guertin shows a simple way to make a clean, straight cut when trimming a door to height.
From "Great Moments" to great builders
When I started working at Fine Homebuilding in 1994, I had been a homeowner for less than a year and was petrified of doing any type of work on my house. Nearly 16 years later, I’m still...
New from the Tiling a Shower Video Series: Install a Shampoo Niche
Learn tricks for locating a shampoo niche, cutting the tile backer, building the sides and ensuring the base won’t collect water.
UPDATE: Winners Chosen in our 'Toward a Zero Energy Home' Book Givaway
Leave a comment here by 1pm, Tuesday, May 18, for a chance to win the book "Toward a Zero Energy Home", a complete guide to energy self-sufficiency at home.
Zero-Energy Homes Start With Air-sealing, Insulation, and Weatherproofing
Basements, walls, and roofs that keep weather out and heat in are the foundation of a durable, energy-efficient home. Read this introduction to how heat, air, and water move and how to control them.
Play Fine Homebuilding's Game "The Inspector"
Help the Inspector find five ways to keep this deck on solid ground.
Tool Guide Survey Could Earn You Some Great Prizes
Pick your favorite tools in a short survey and you might win a great prize.
Man Wins Big Money in Table Saw Law Suit
Ryobi's parent company was sued because their tablesaws do not have "flesh-detecting technology" that would prevent serious injuries.
Jewel of a Tool Winners Announced!
The three winners of our most recent gallery contest are steeped in history and still sharp after all these years. See who took home the top honors.
Your Gem of a Story Could Win You a Jewel of a Tool
Enter our latest gallery challenge today and you might walk away with one of three Stanley low angle block planes.
Predictions 2010: The Building Industry Outlook for the Decade Ahead
Fine Homebuilding editors ponder the future of the building industry, from the economy to best practices to upcoming trends in tools and materials
Announcing Your Best Built-ins & Cabinets
See who took home the top prize in our Best Built-ins & Cabinets gallery contest.
2009 In Review: 5 Most Dangerous Home Building Videos
Don't try this at home. Catch the five most nail-biting home building videos from the year past.
Creative Kitchen Islands: We Have a Winner!
Big curves and beautiful butcher block win the day.
Win a Stanley Prize Package!
Enter our "Best Built-ins & Cabinets" contest for a shot at winning one of three prize packages from Stanley.
Timber-Frame Challenge: We Have Our Winner
When we said "It's All in the Details," this builder took it to heart.
Fine Homebuilding Timber-Frame Contest
Enter our latest gallery challenge for a chance to win an FHB prize package worth over $200.
UPDATED: Profile Photo Contest
What do you want to see in video and online? Post your thoughts using a new profile image for a chance to win a copy of the 2009 Fine Homebuilding Magazine Archive.
Sheetrock Over Foundation Insulation
A simple way to provide nailing surface behind sheetrock.
Today's Wood Products are Easy for Mold to Eat
As wood goes through the refining process, susceptibility to mold increases.
What do the tax credits for energy efficiency and renewable energy mean for you?
Several provisions in the economic stimulus bill that are relevant to energy saving improvements made by homeowners, remodelers, and builders.
How to Build a Built-up Cornice
Although the combinations are nearly infinite, most complex cornice designs share common parts. Components can be added or subtracted, depending on the scale and size desired. . .
Two Energy-Efficient Ways to Get Hot Water Faster
Recirculation systems are practical, whole-house solutions for providing instant hot water.
Where are you getting your green building-product information?
It is our job as competent, trustworthy green builders to do our homework. Builders should look closely at sources of product information. Does it come from a book, an article, a credible Web site? Is it the manufacturer? The source may well be trustworthy, but it couldn't hurt to corroborate their information.
Hammering away at housewrap
Proper housewrap installation is critical to the historic-house project I’m working on. First, as a secondary drainage plane, the housewrap will help to ensure that any water that finds its way behind the siding will not get into the framing lumber, and second. . .
The optimism starts here
I attended the USGBC's Greenbuild Expo in Boston last month with 30,000 folks that were enthusiastic about the green-building movement.
What were they thinking? (Part 2)
We’ve uncovered a few more “What were they thinking?” items that I thought would be interesting to share before moving on.
Green tax credits for builders and homeowners
Getting tax credits for building a green home or for giving your current home an energy upgrade is like having an extra birthday. Here's a breakdown of the credits you’re eligible for if you build a green home or upgrade your home to these standards.
What were they thinking?
Every once in a while, you come across work done on a house and wonder “what were they thinking?”
Instructions for Using the Gallery (beta)
Here's how to create a free account, upload your photos, edit posts, and share all posts with your friends.
Bungalow Interior Photos
Here are some pics from the interior of a 1928 Sears kit home that was remodeled and featured in Fine Homebuilding #200, "An American Bungalow: Before and After." If you want to read more about this...
Stone and Shingle-style Carriage House
A welcoming glow radiates from the band of windows circling the turret of this American shingle-style carriage house. Tucked inside the rough-cut shyfieldstone...
Cool fireplace built by mason Lew French
Big stone fireplaces tend to be monolithic, unless they’re the creation of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., mason Lew French. French’s definition of rock leaps from boulder to pebble to...
Calling all window experts: Suggestions, please!
One of the most cost-effective energy upgrades to an existing house is replacing the old windows. Not only do replacements provide more insulation, but their installation also...
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New on Fine Homebuilding
Cherry Mantle
cargle | June 18th, 2013_sqs.jpg)
This is our new fireplace
RoyalJD | June 18th, 2013
NYC Buildings 'Must Become Stronger'
ScottG | June 18th, 2013
Recent comments
Re: iPad Magazines Are Here, Now
Android and Windows Versions Are Coming Soon
posted: 9:45 am on September 4thwolfman999: Yes, we are working on versions of the magazine for Android and for Windows 8, so all tablet users can enjoy the digital editions soon. We don't have the launch dates yet, but it should be sometime in October or November.
Re: iPad Magazines Are Here, Now
Several Ways To Get the iPad Editons
posted: 9:41 am on September 4thThe way this works, there are several ways to get the iPad editions of Fine Homebuilding:
1. If you have a print subscription, you can get all of the issues that you get in the mail on the iPad
2. If you have a subscription to FineHomebuilding.com, you can get the iPad editions while your online subscription is active
3. You can go directly to the Apple app store, download the iPad edition, and pay for a year's subscription directly in the app (this would just get you the iPad edition--not the print magazine mailed to your home--so you get the most for your money with one of the 1st 2 payment methods)
4. You can even download the app and buy individual iPad issues right in the app, if you don't want a subscription
So, to recap, there's:
1. Print + iPad
2. Online + iPad
3. iPad only
4. individual issues on the iPad
Re: Smart Phone Apps for Builders: Velux Skylight Planner
Thanks carpguy,
posted: 11:15 am on December 21stWe corrected a technical glitch and the correct text is available now.
Re: How To Use a Japanese-Style Pull Saw
Yutmori,
posted: 2:55 pm on December 7thThank you for sharing your insight into the use of a Japanese saw in this nontraditional way, and for sharing the link with the wonderful photos of how they are typically used Japan (http://vicdiy.com/tool_select/001/001.html). I'm glad you found our adaptation interesting enough to mention it on your own website.
- Rob Wotzak, web producer
Re: How To Hang Drain Lines so They Stay Straight and Secure
We went to plumber Bruce Norman with your concerns about this tip. Here's his response:
posted: 10:42 am on May 9thIn this case, we are using vinyl plumber's tape as strapping, so no metal is in contact with the drain pipe. The vertical pipe that the vinyl plumber's tape is threaded through resists the upward thrust. This setup is 100% compliant with the UPC and a common practice here in Portland OR.
Re: Bosch's 360-Degree Dual-Plane Laser Level is Affordable and Versatile
kurtthetileguy,
posted: 8:30 am on April 27thJust like some of the less expensive straight-line levels, each laser in the Bosch GLL2-80 is in a vial that hangs on some sort of fulcrum. If you lean the body of the level, the vials can only tilt so far before they rest against the sides of the fulcrums. This means you can set the device on a surface that is slightly out of level, but it will warn you if it's leaning too much. As far as precision goes, you're right, a water level is very accurate and fairly fool proof. But, it seems that plenty of people are willing to give up a little precision for a tool that you can just set on the ground and go.
Re: Scrap Your Nail Set and Make Your Hammer Work Harder
Yes. Please don't try this at home.
posted: 11:07 pm on April 1stRe: Download the SketchUp Model of the Ultimate Miter-Saw Stand
I apologize to all who were expecting a full set of plans, and I'm sorry it was not immediately obvious that the model was an additional feature of the Ultimate Miter-Saw Stand article linked to above. I've made the link to the article more prominent, and I've made sure the article is free to view by any of our readers.
posted: 2:36 pm on March 24thIf you stay tuned, Matt Jackson plans to post a free tutorial in our Digital Job Site blog about working with dimensions and plan views in SketchUp models. Once his tutorial is complete, I'll be uploading a new version of the model with dimensions and with simple buttons that will allow you to toggle through different views of the stand.
Rob Wotzak
Web Producer
Re: Play Fine Homebuilding's Game "The Inspector"
BigRed56,
posted: 2:13 pm on March 9thThanks for the game-topic suggestions. I can't make any promises that we'll cover all of them, but I'll certainly put your ideas on our list.
Thanks,
Rob Wotzak
Re: My Story Through Houses: The Dugout
robinkaren,
posted: 3:34 pm on January 7thI'm glad you and other folks have been sharing similar stories about early American life. Larry described a sod home in one of his earlier posts that seems more like what your family must have built. I added a link to the post at the end of this article (entitled "The Soddy"). I believe he reserved the term "dugout" for the more primitive dwellings he had seen years ago.
Re: How to Make Your Kitchen Look Better and Work Harder on a Budget
Sorry about the broken link!
posted: 9:42 am on January 3rdIt should work fine for everyone now.
Re: Corner cabinet custom pull-out
Great idea! It's nice to see someone creatively use what they've already got.
posted: 3:44 pm on December 30thRe: What's Worse: Air Leaks or Not Enough Insulation
1chipster,
posted: 10:55 am on December 29thAerogels are pretty impressive materials, but they seem to be best suited to situations where low weight and high light transmittance are important. They are very expensive, so it's usually more economical to modify a house to fit a larger quantity of a conventional insulation than to pay the premium price for the aerogel. That may change someday, but for now, aerogels are not a silver bullet for residential insulation retrofits.
Re: Fine Homebuilding Live Seminar
After the event, you can return to this page for a link to the archived video.
posted: 9:46 am on April 23rdRe: Play Fine Homebuilding's Game "The Inspector"
cutdude2, true it is a trick question but if you notice you don't loose any points no matter what your answer is (unless of course you answer outside the box).
posted: 3:02 pm on March 1stRe: Heart Pine Doors
@ scoutmaster55 -- I thought those angle planks might be a backing layer.
posted: 9:44 pm on November 24th@ allijl -- Nice work! Could you give us some insight to the hardware you used?