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Issue 276 – July 2018

On the Cover

Member Only

How to Install an Electrical Subpanel

A neatly wired electrical panel is safer and easier to troubleshoot.

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The Magazine

How to Wire an Instagram-Worthy Electrical Subpanel

Neatness counts, both for impressing clients and for future service.
Siding to Last a Lifetime

Rainscreen details that improve the durability of any lap-siding installation.
Good-Looking, Long-Lasting Lap Siding

Clever details and flawless installation means this rainscreen wall assembly will weather the biggest storms.
Fine Homebuilding Issue #276 Online Highlights

Digital exclusives: video, construction business tips, podcasts, and architectural photos.
All You Need Is a Track Saw

Learn how to break down plywood and other sheet goods efficiently and accurately without a tablesaw.
How to Break Down Plywood With a Track Saw

Follow this step-by-step sequence for cutting sheet goods to accurate sizes, all without a tablesaw.

Article

Vent Flashing Done Right

Back up roof vent boots with flashing, counterflashing, and proper shingling to prevent leaks.
A Guide to Better Boot Flashings

Use a better plumbing vent pipe boot flashing to last the lifetime of a new roof.
Back Up Your Vent Pipe Flashing

Use flashing tape and additional underlayment to backstop your flashing boot.
Small Home in Eastern Oregon Suits Its Site

This compact, panelized home takes its design inspiration from the vast Western landscape and local building traditions.
How to Make a Small House Work

With a 960-sq.-ft. footprint, this building’s tall ceilings, interlinked spaces, and long vistas across rooms and the outdoors make this compact home feel expansive.
How to Budget Home Construction on Target, Every Time

Bucking industry norms, these builders stay on budget with up-front, fixed pricing on every new home and remodel.
Better Bidding for Residential Construction and Remodeling

Why “cost-plus” builders should consider getting to a firm price faster.
How to Install a Tankless Water Heater

Pluses include endless hot water and a compact design, but the installation means a lot of pipes in a small space.
Floating Shelves Made Strong and Simple

These grain-matched, mitered floating shelves slide onto a cleat for easy installation and a clean, modern look.

Tools & Materials

More Horses for Colt Routers

There’s a new Bosch Colt on the market, and its variable-speed, soft-start motor has been beefed up.
DeWalt’s 60v Saw Is Not Quite Ready for Production Framing

A very nice piece of gear that would serve many carpenters well. But not in a production-framing environment.
Perfect Pencil

I’m always just a quick spin away from having a sharp point.
Killer Construction App

Builder’s Helper has all the features I need and at $15, it’s less expensive than a construction calculator.
Covercraft’s Carhartt Custom Duck Weave Seat Covers Offer Fair Price, Stout Protection

Protect your car from job-site grime with these bib overalls for your truck.
DeWalt Self-Leveling Rotary Level Features an Easily Seen Laser

Easy being green: The DW079LG is rated with an indoor-visibility range of 250 ft. and a detector range of 2000 ft.

Project Gallery

Project Gallery: Special Spaces

A third-floor sauna, a curved eyebrow dormer home office, and a jungle gym above a garage.

Musings of an Energy Nerd

New Homes: 9 Things You Don’t Need, and 5 You Do

Energy Nerd: Houses are changing. Anyone buying a new home in 2018 expects it to be quite different from one built in 1918, of course.

Building Skills

Hand-Nailing Tricks

Building Skills: Tips for better driving and for a finished look.
Building Skills Video: Tips for Hand-Nailing

A carpenter shows tricks of the trade to keep hand-driven nails from bending and wood from splitting.

Design/Build

Shed Dormers, Explained

Design/Build: Here are some guidelines for getting your shed dormers right.

Keep Craft Alive

Keep Craft Alive: Jon Day, Restoration Carpenter

"I take jobs that a normal contractor looks at and says, ‘Oh, gee … I’m not sure.’ "

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