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Issue 212

On the Cover

How it Works: Building Loads

Houses are framed so that they will be strong enough to resist forces, called building loads, that would otherwise ruin them. In this "How It Works" article, engineer Rob Munach…

The Magazine

The Rotproof Porch

Water management is the key to keeping a porch standing for decades.
Heat-Pump Water Heaters

A new breed of water heater uses time-proven heat-pump technology to cut energy consumption in half.
Recovery Remodeling

20 practical improvements that will pay off—personally and financially—when the market bounces back.
Spray or Brush?

Consider prep time, conditions, and cleanup to determine the fastest way to tackle an exterior paint job.
The Ever-Evolving House

On a steep slope in the Blue Ridge Mountains, an architect delivers a family retreat for every stage of life.
Hinge Jigs

Not every door is prehung, so we evaluated nine single-hinge and full-length-hinge router templates to choose the best.

Article

Start Your Railing Right

Fasten posts for a deck railing you can lean on for years to come.
Built-ins, Anywhere

Outfit a mudroom with functional storage that looks good enough for any room in the house.
Multimedia Wiring

With this step-by-step guide, you can make telephone, Internet, video, and audio connections anywhere in the house.
Q&A: The EPA's New Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule

Remodeling work in most pre-1978 homes is now subject to new lead-safety regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Any remodeling work that disturbs painted surfaces must now comply…