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Issue 224

On the Cover

Member Only

Taking Wainscot Up Stairs

Raised MDF panels and stock moldings bring this elegant trim detail to the rest of the house.

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The Magazine

How it Works: Standby Generators

In this "How It Works" column, a companion to Sean Groom's article, Standby for Power, (FHB#224), senior editor Rob Yagid looks into the way standby generators function. A control module…
Flawless Drywall Finish

A final skim coat of compound creates a surface as smooth as plaster but at a lower cost.
Standby for Power

A generator can provide days of emergency power. Here's how to choose the right one.
New Window in an Old Opening

A leak-free installation depends on compatible materials and multiple layers of defense.

Article

It’s Time to Switch to Cap Fasteners

Gone are the days of hammer tackers for installing housewrap and roof underlayment.
Incorporating Best Practices

How the best builders adopt new materials and building techniques to boost quality and profits.
Building Better Affordable Homes

How to increase style and efficiency on a modest budget.
Stormproof Your Roof

Self-adhering underlayment provides critical protection in vulnerable locations.
Shinto Shed

The extreme simplicity of the ancient shinmei-zukuri style of Japanese architecture inspired Glenn Montgomery’s 9-ft. by 12-ft. shed.

What is the Difference

What's the Difference: Amp hours

The rise in popularity of lithium-ion batteries in power tools over the past six years has brought consumers voltage options ranging from a compact 3.6v up to a muscle-packed 36v.…
What's the Difference: Sanded vs. unsanded

Although it’s available in more than 100 colors, only two types of cement-based grouts are used to fill the gaps between tiles: sanded and unsanded. The choice is determined mostly…
What's the Difference: Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and ceramic

Although manufacturers still use a few natural minerals, such as garnet, synthetic abrasives coat most of the sandpaper we buy.Manufacturers have concentrated their new-product development on aluminum oxide and newer…

Building Skills

Use a Pull Saw

Pull saws aren't every-day tools, but they can come in handy on occasion.

Master Carpenter

Framing an Octagonal Turret Roof

There's no denying that an octagonal turret roof is a challenging project. For builder Rick Arnold, taking a little time to understand the framing was all he needed to get…

Drawing Board

Character-Defining Windows

In this "Drawing Board" column, architect Lynn Hopkins describes both the characteristic and uncharacteristic features of four broad house styles.

Energy Smart Details

An Unvented, Superinsulated Roof

In this "Energy Smart Details" article, FHB senior editor Martin Holladay describes the best way to approach building an unvented, superinsulated roof. Holladay says that one of the best ways…

Tailgate

Tailgate: Chuck Miller, Editor

After 30 years at Fine Homebuilding, Chuck Miller calls it a day. Here’s our exit interview.

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