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Matthew Millham

Associate editor Matthew Millham learned most of what he knows about building houses at a trade school, where he was about twice the age of most of his classmates. He lucked into his first construction job, working for a straw-bale house builder in New York’s Catskill Mountains, and later picked up with a more conventional home building crew while on breaks from school. Prior to building, he spent more than a decade covering the U.S. military at home and abroad, mostly for the newspaper Stars and Stripes.

Podcast Episode 176: When Are Compromises on Quality Materials Worth the Savings?

The Fine Homebuilding editors swap stories about some of their own spring projects before–among other things–debating the pros and cons of affordable alternatives to fine home-building products.
How to Use a Drywall Router

Making cutouts for electrical boxes is quick and easy with this compact power tool.
Podcast Episode 175: Stair Stringers, Laser Levels, and Duct Design

The Fine Homebuilding editors offer advice about framing new stairs for a deck, choosing the right level for a whole-house construction project, and figuring out how to upgrade an old HVAC system for efficiency and comfort.
The Horizontal vs. Vertical Sheathing Debate

Does the direction you install plywood on a wood-framed wall affect how strong it is?
Safer stripper

Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover is environmentally friendly and easy to clean up.
Podcast Episode 174: How to Level a Sagging Floor

One podcast listener wonders if he should jack up his drooping joists or if he can just create a flat floor using tapered sleepers over the old subfloor.
How to Frame an Arched Doorway

Plywood and ripped-down studs provide solid backing to create drywall arches.
How to Test Paint Stripper for Your Next Refinishing Project

Save time and materials when stripping painted wood by figuring out the ideal wait time and application thickness before tackling the entire job.
Podcast Episode 169: Efficient Fireplaces, Healthy Humidity Levels, and Soundproofing Solutions

The FHB crew recaps details of a job-site video shoot they just wrapped up, and then address some listener questions about a variety of construction and remodeling projects.
Squeak-Free Subfloor Installation

Use the right adhesives, fasteners, and techniques to ensure that finished floors are quiet and solid.