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Issue 218

On the Cover

Member Only

Structural Solutions for Small Bump-outs

With the right support, foundation-free additions can make a big impact.

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The Magazine

Ultimate Miter-Saw Stand

You designed it and we built it, with the help of some great accessories.
Save Energy with a Cool Roof

Reflective roofing improves comfort and reduces cooling costs in the Deep South and anywhere the sun shines.
Fasteners for Grooved Decking

Grooved boards and hidden fasteners combine for a blemish-free surface
Replace an Old Entry Door

Preinstall the trim and get the flashing details right to create a long-lasting, welcoming entrance to your home.
Smart Phones for Smart Builders

A restoration contractor shares the 11 iPhone apps that keep his truck neat, his subs in line, and his crew out of the rain.
Tool Test: 12v Li-Ion Compact Drills

Each of these eight pint-size tools is light, powerful, and affordable, but which is the best?

Article

Designed for Density

A big house on an infill lot embraces its historic neighborhood and proves that buyers are willing to pay for energy efficiency.
How it Works: Urban heat island

An urban heat island can cause a host of problems, including smog formation and the excessive reliance on air-conditioning in summer months.

What is the Difference

What's the Difference: Asphalt repair

Cracks, depressions, and holes
What's the Difference: Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)

Receptacle vs. breaker

Building Skills

Building Sturdy Sawhorses

Sawhorses are a staple of virtually every job site and are called on to assist in a variety of tasks. In this "Building Skills" article, associate editor Patrick McCombe describes…

Master Carpenter

Laminating Curved Stair Stringers

Freestanding curved stairs are a masterful display of building prowess. After St. Louis builder Joe Hawkins built a set of these stairs for a client, he decided to use the…

Drawing Board

Transitioning with exterior gateways

Although we don't always think of them, we frequently use exterior gateways on our way to entering a house. Architect and designer Katie Hutchison offers a survey of various entry…

Energy Smart Details

Preventing Ice Dams

Ice dams are a sign of an inefficient house

Tailgate

Tailgate: David Crowe, Economist

The National Association of Home Builders’s chief economist sees conditions improving, but slowly.

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