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Issue 291 – June 2020

On the Cover

A Case for Double-Stud Walls

Straightforward construction, common materials, and low embodied carbon are just some of the benefits of this superinsulated assembly.

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Features

  • Stripping Wallpaper

    Stripping Wallpaper

    Use these pro tips to take your wall from paper to paint with minimal damage.

  • 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.

  • How To Build a Craftsman-Style Fireplace Mantel

    Simple joinery and layered construction create a rock-solid, refined centerpiece.

  • Choosing an Efficient Water Heater

    Heat-pump water heaters offer the most energy savings, but they still struggle for a toehold in the market.

  • 2020 Best Remodel: Two Structures, Two Treatments

    A restored Massachusetts farmhouse receives a modern addition inspired by traditional New England barns.

  • 2020 Best New Home: Science Drives Design

    The need for special indoor conditions affects the shape and layout of a new build.

    Article

  • 2020 Editor's Choice: Island Inspiration

    An admirable team effort results in a modest, modern home at ease in its rural setting.

  • 2020 Readers' Choice: Contemporary Farmhouse

    A narrow lot and custom garage drive the design of this four-volume home.

  • 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…

    Tips & Techniques

  • Sash Stand

    This jig is perfect for holding window sashes when painting, planing, or other works needs to be done.

  • Magnetic Nail Holder

    A tape measure holds nails in hard-to-reach areas until it can be started with a hammer.

  • Protecting Communication Cable

    Use this trick to avoid accidentally cutting cable when installing drywall.

  • Effective Can-Light Cover

    A bucket and spray foam is all it takes to air-seal ceiling electrical boxes and can lights.

  • Shingle-Replacement Tool

    A laminate-flooring bar fits under replacement shingles in places where a hammer won't reach.

  • Save Those Shins

    Hockey shin guards can protect your knees during tile-setting, baseboard installation, and more low-down work.

    Know the Code

  • 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.

    Tools & Gear

  • PPE Kit Checklist

    Keeping a kit of personal protective equipment on the job-site helps you and your crew stay safe and comfortable.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Wonder Wipes

    MiracleWipes cleaning wipes eliminate handprints and smudges on walls and ceilings.

  • Construction-Ready Cooler

    The RTIC cooler comes in a variety of sizes and keeps ice solid for over a week on the job site.

    Spec

  • Deliberately Repurposed Boards

    Centennial Woods sustainable, rustic wood paneling starts as highway snow fencing.

  • Sliding Secret Door

    Create a hidden passageway in your home with the MonoFlat Unison door kit from Sugatsune.

  • Plumbing Peace of Mind

    The Flo leak-detection-and-prevention system by Moen allows you to monitor and track water usage in real time.

  • Slinky Shade Screens

    Cascade Home Decor's coiled-wire-fabric curtains are an attractive and durable option for outdoor spaces.

  • Efficient Water Distribution

    The Viega Manabloc is adaptable to any size plumbing system and compatible with a wide array of connector types and sizes.

  • Hands-Free Kitchen Drawers

    The Blum Servo-Drive drawer system electronically opens drawers and doors with a single touch or light pull.

    As-Built

  • Salvaging Trees for Lumber

    From cutting the logs to milling, drying, and storing the wood, converting trees into lumber is a challenging process.

    Keep Craft Alive

  • 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.

More? View Past Issues

    Ask the Experts

  • Can You Install Tile Over a Porch Floor?

  • How Efficient Are Heat Pumps, Really?

  • Steel with Wood Framing?

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 298 - April/May 2021

    • Butt Boards for Smooth Ceilings
    • Help Installing Gutters
    • Safety Bucket
  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls

Fine Homebuilding

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