Issue 291 – June 2020
Features
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Stripping Wallpaper
Use these pro tips to take your wall from paper to paint with minimal damage.
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The Evolution of a Pretty Good House
High-performance-home designer Michael Maines takes a detailed look at the new low-carbon edition of the grassroots building standard.
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How To Build a Craftsman-Style Fireplace Mantel
Simple joinery and layered construction create a rock-solid, refined centerpiece.
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Choosing an Efficient Water Heater
Heat-pump water heaters offer the most energy savings, but they still struggle for a toehold in the market.
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2020 Best Remodel: Two Structures, Two Treatments
A restored Massachusetts farmhouse receives a modern addition inspired by traditional New England barns.
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2020 Best New Home: Science Drives Design
The need for special indoor conditions affects the shape and layout of a new build.
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2020 Editor's Choice: Island Inspiration
An admirable team effort results in a modest, modern home at ease in its rural setting.
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2020 Readers' Choice: Contemporary Farmhouse
A narrow lot and custom garage drive the design of this four-volume home.
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Fine Homebuilding Issue #291 Online Highlights
Here are all of the digital extras from the June 2020 issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine: On page 8 of issue #291, we featured a number of online extras and…
Article
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Sash Stand
This jig is perfect for holding window sashes when painting, planing, or other works needs to be done.
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Magnetic Nail Holder
A tape measure holds nails in hard-to-reach areas until it can be started with a hammer.
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Protecting Communication Cable
Use this trick to avoid accidentally cutting cable when installing drywall.
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Effective Can-Light Cover
A bucket and spray foam is all it takes to air-seal ceiling electrical boxes and can lights.
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Shingle-Replacement Tool
A laminate-flooring bar fits under replacement shingles in places where a hammer won't reach.
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Save Those Shins
Hockey shin guards can protect your knees during tile-setting, baseboard installation, and more low-down work.
Tips & Techniques
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The Laundry Wall Laundry List
With the complicated arrays of wires, ducts, and plumbing pipes they conceal, laundry room walls are common places for building code violations.
Know the Code
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PPE Kit Checklist
Keeping a kit of personal protective equipment on the job-site helps you and your crew stay safe and comfortable.
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Speedy Paint Sprayer
The Graco Ultra cordless sprayer takes less time to set up than a spray rig, is easy to fill and clean up, and yields professional results on small jobs.
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Great Stapler for Sheet Goods
The Cadex V3/90.40 narrow-crown stapler is the best tool for attaching cabinet backs and building jigs with thin material.
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Wonder Wipes
MiracleWipes cleaning wipes eliminate handprints and smudges on walls and ceilings.
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Construction-Ready Cooler
The RTIC cooler comes in a variety of sizes and keeps ice solid for over a week on the job site.
Tools & Gear
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Deliberately Repurposed Boards
Centennial Woods sustainable, rustic wood paneling starts as highway snow fencing.
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Sliding Secret Door
Create a hidden passageway in your home with the MonoFlat Unison door kit from Sugatsune.
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Plumbing Peace of Mind
The Flo leak-detection-and-prevention system by Moen allows you to monitor and track water usage in real time.
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Slinky Shade Screens
Cascade Home Decor's coiled-wire-fabric curtains are an attractive and durable option for outdoor spaces.
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Efficient Water Distribution
The Viega Manabloc is adaptable to any size plumbing system and compatible with a wide array of connector types and sizes.
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Hands-Free Kitchen Drawers
The Blum Servo-Drive drawer system electronically opens drawers and doors with a single touch or light pull.
Spec
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Salvaging Trees for Lumber
From cutting the logs to milling, drying, and storing the wood, converting trees into lumber is a challenging process.
As-Built
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Keep Craft Alive: Maria Klemperer-Johnson, Builder and Instructor
Founder of a school of carpentry for women, this builder and teacher is working to shift the perceptions of a changing industry.
