Issue 283 – June 2019
Features
-
Fine Homebuilding Issue #283 Online Highlights
High-Tech Timber-Frame Joinery Machine Video; Built-in Cabinet Effortlessly Converts from Desk to Bed
-
Waterproof Your Windows with Liquid Flashing
Learn how to install liquid-applied flashing to thoroughly seal a rough opening while also leaving a path for water to escape when it does get in.
-
Tying in an Addition to an Existing Home
Use these tips and tricks to match new floor heights to old and get everything square.
-
Build a Desk Bed
This practical built-in allows you to quickly convert your home office into a bedroom.
-
The Power of Good Design
Building houses and community with New Urbanism
-
Best New Home 2019: 21st-Century Modern Farmhouse Gets the Big Things Right
This compact, innovative home manages design and construction best practices on a budget.
Article
-
Best Remodel 2019: A Greek Revival is Born Again
Within the existing footprint and with respect for its historic character, an 1850s home is revived from disrepair and reconfigured with a modern floor plan.
-
Best Small Home 2019: Small and Skinny Spec Home
This 1650-sq.-ft. urban home challenges market norms with a thoughtful modern design.
-
Best Traditional Home 2019: House of Tudor
A blandly-styled, ho-hum home is gutted and reborn.
-
Best Energy Smart Home 2019: DIY Passive House
This is the story of a house, a rain tank, an incredible view, and two homeowners who didn’t quite realize what they were getting themselves into.
-
Editor's Choice 2019: Rugged Modernism
Ricon Ranch is a home that was inspired by and is exceptionally sensitive to its fragile surroundings.
-
Readers' Choice 2019: Timberline Transformation
A dated ranch house adopts energy-efficient upgrades, building-science strategies, and an open floor plan.
Online Extras
-
High-Tech Timber-Frame Joinery Machine
Watch a 90-ft.-long custom CNC machine make all the precise cuts for a timber rafter.
-
Built-in Cabinet Effortlessly Converts from Desk to Bed
This custom Murphy Bed built by trim carpenter Nathan Rinne allows a spare bedroom to conveniently double as an office.
Tips & Techniques
-
Grout-Space Raking Tool
Modified tool removes thinset and makes for better tile joints.
-
Staple Standoff
Improvised and improved stapler for securing wiring
-
Modify a Small Paint Roller for Spreading Glue
Make your own glue roller to lay down PVA glue quickly and consistently.
-
Drying Painted Shelves
A better way to paint and let shelves dry.
-
Cut Tile Underwater
Cut down on dust and cracks when drilling tile.
-
Making Vent Hood Lamps Work
How to deal with and prevent future stubborn vent hood lamps.
Tools & Materials
-
Infrared Paint Remover
Speedheater Cobra Infrared paint remover softens paint for removal without the high heat of a torch or heatgun.
-
No-Slip Kneepads
Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Knee Support stays in place and does a better job than tradition knee pads.
-
Cutting-Edge Router
The compact Bosch GKF12V-25 12v cordless router shines for edge profiling.
-
Superdurable Tool Tote
The sturdy and flexible Veto DR-XL tool bag makes it easy to keep your small job-site tools close at hand.
-
Safer stripper
Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover is environmentally friendly and easy to clean up.
-
An Inside Look at Work Boots
See what construction details and materials make boots safer, more durable, and more comfortable.
What is the Difference
-
Drill Bits: From Common to Specialty
Learn what makes each type of bit unique to help you choose the right one for every project.
-
Choosing the Right Hand Float for Your Next Concrete Project
Wood, resin, magnesium, and aluminum versions of this essential masonry tool all have their pros and cons.
-
The Right Cable for Each Job
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable and metallic-sheathed cable each have their place in home electrical systems.
Know the Code
As-Built
Spec
-
A Natural Alternative to Wallpaper
All-natural grasscloth wallpaper from twenty2 is deeply textured and rich in tone.
-
Easy-to-Air-Seal Electrical Box
The Airfoil electrical box provides a safe and convenient way to stop heat and moisture from leaking through your walls.
-
Zip System Gets Some Competition
LP WeatherLogic panels–the latest offering in the world of weather-resistive sheathings–looks surprisingly similar to some familiar building products.
-
Recessed Minisplit
Mitsubishi MLZ ductless minisplit
-
Acoustical Sound Barrier
Mass-loaded vinyl is a low-profile solution for stopping sound transmission.
-
Old School Meets Digital
These mod Bluetooth speakers by Urbanears can work alone or be paired together in Multi Mode.
-
This Industrial-Style Range is a Classic Fit for Any Kitchen
Big Chill's Classic Line mixes modern technology with 1930s style.
-
Quick Connectors for Timber Framing
These aluminum brackets are sleek, modern solutions for creating solid joints in heavy timber structures.
-
One Sink, Four Configurations
This versatile NativeStone kitchen sink is durable yet relatively lightweight.
