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Mike Guertin

Fine Homebuilding Ambassdor

Remodeler/Builder/Trainer/Writer
East Greenwich, RI

The only thing Fine Homebuilding editorial advisor Mike Guertin likes better than building new homes is remodeling old ones. After 35 years, he’s still challenged every day to find more-efficient ways to build things better. Like a true Rhode Islander, he doesn’t take jobs farther than 15 minutes from his home in East Greenwich. Mike’s written over 100 articles for FHB and appears in dozens of videos.

Instagram: @mike_guertin

Website: www.mikeguertin.com

Keep Water Out or Nothing Else Matters: Focus on Roofing

Remodeling expert Mike Guertin demonstrates reliable details for building a weathertight roof–arguably the most important and challenging part of any home construction project.
Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.
Best Practices for Building a Deck-Stair Landing

Remodeling expert Mike Guertin offers suggestions for sturdy ways to support stair stringers that terminate at a ground-level walkway or landing.
To Vent or Not to Vent?

I recently purchased a 1930s-era home that has a low-pitch hip roof over an enclosed porch that has been opened up to the living space. The roof is unvented and,…
Reinforcing an Existing Deck Guardrail

Secure a weak guardrail system by installing metal connectors or blocking and screws to reinforce the structural guardrail posts.
Code-Compliant Guardrail Post Connections

Resource guide for guardrail post framing connections using metal hardware
Shop Class: Critical Deck-Framing Connections

In this 10-part series, home-building pro Mike Guertin outlines the details you need to make a deck safe, solid, and code-compliant.
Attach a Deck Ledger Over Brick, Foam, and Other Thick Claddings

A trio of hardware options for installing a ledger-supported deck over non-structural claddings.
Deck Footing Options

Sort through the code-approved solutions for supporting the structure and loads of a deck.
Options for Fastening Deck Posts to Footings

These hardware and fastener options are as much about lateral loads and uplift as they are about solid bearing surfaces.