Tips & Techniques

Tips & Techniques is a collection of methods, tools, and jigs that our readers have devised to get things done on their own construction projects. Email photos and descriptions of your tips to us at [email protected]; post them with the #FineHomebuildingTips hashtag on Instagram; or upload them to FineHomebuilding.com/reader-tips for a chance to have them featured in an issue of Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Plus, we pay for any tips we publish.

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A Resilient Roof Assembly That Can Handle Moisture

Ben Bogie explains this unique framing assembly and how its design promotes drying for a long-lasting, superinsulated roof.
Cutting Out Drywall for Doorways

In this video, Myron Ferguson introduces a drywall saw as an alternative to using a router when cutting out doorways.
Drywall Spanning a Band Joist

Avoid cracking and hard-to-hide seams with smart panel placement and by using drywall adhesive instead of screws at the band joist.
Hang Drywall on the Ceiling the Right Way

Follow along as Myron explains how to make straight seams and accurate holes for electrical boxes when hanging ceilings.
Why You Should Use Screws Instead of Nails for Drywall

Screws are superior and faster, especially when using a collated screw gun.
Plan Ahead: Accessing a Drywall Job Site

Evaluating your job-site access before drywall delivery will save you time and labor.
How to Hang Drywall Solo

Using a “wall lift” can save time and energy all while getting a perfect fit.
Safety Bucket

Five-gallon buckets keep first-aid kits and fire extinguishers easy to identify and access on the job site.
Pulling Nails From Redwood

Use pieces of scrapwood to free nails without bending the nails or splitting the wood.
Ladder Leveler

This wedge-shaped platform safely balances a ladder on sloped ground.