Issue 224
Features
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How it Works: Standby Generators
Whether you’re trying to keep the water running during a power failure or the lights on and the air conditioner humming during a blackout, a standby generator can be an invaluable addition.
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Flawless Drywall Finish
A final skim coat of compound creates a surface as smooth as plaster but at a lower cost.
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Standby for Power
A generator can provide days of emergency power. Here's how to choose the right one.
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Installing a New Window in an Old Opening
A leak-free installation depends on compatible materials and multiple layers of defense.
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It’s Time to Switch to Cap Fasteners
Gone are the days of hammer tackers for installing housewrap and roof underlayment.
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Incorporating Best Practices
How the best builders adopt new materials and building techniques to boost quality and profits.
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Building Better Affordable Homes
How to increase style and efficiency on a modest budget.
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Stormproof Your Roof
Self-adhering underlayment provides critical protection in vulnerable locations.
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Shinto Shed
The extreme simplicity of the ancient shinmei-zukuri style of Japanese architecture inspired Glenn Montgomery’s 9-ft. by 12-ft. shed.
Article
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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.…
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What's the Difference: Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout
Although it’s available in more than 100 colors, only two types of cement-based grout are used to fill the gaps between tiles: sanded and unsanded. The choice is determined mostly…
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How to Choose the Right Sandpaper
Learn the pros and cons of the 3 common abrasive materials to pick the type of sandpaper that best matches your project.
What is the Difference
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How To Use a Japanese-Style Pull Saw
Pull saws aren't every-day tools, but they can come in handy on occasion.
Building Skills
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Framing an Octagonal Turret Roof
This roof shape may look complicated, but it's basically the same process as framing a common 45-degree bay-window roof.
Master Carpenter
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Popular Period Windows Styles
Architect Lynn Hopkins describes both the characteristic and uncharacteristic features of four common American house styles.
Drawing Board
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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…
Energy Smart Details
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Tailgate: Chuck Miller, Editor
After 30 years at Fine Homebuilding, Chuck Miller calls it a day. Here’s our exit interview.
