Issue 300 – July 2021
Features
-
Safe Beam Replacement
Personal protection, sturdy shoring, professional engineering, and careful planning mitigate the hazards when replacing overhead structural beams.
-
Advice for Choosing and Using a Backup Generator
Get an overview of the main considerations—including generator type, fuel source, and electrical-connection options—so you can reliably supply your home with electricity when there's a power outage.
-
On-Site Carpentry With a Circular Saw
Cutting in place saves time and trouble.
-
The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Kristof Irwin
A professional engineer offers a consilient view of building science that prioritizes human thriving.
-
How to Choose Paint Colors
There are no rules, but a bit of color theory and some expert tips will make your decisions easier.
-
How To Prevent Spray-Foam Problems
Prep the space, test the equipment, keep the subcontractors happy, and verify coverage to get your money's worth when installing polyurethane foam insulation.
Tips & Techniques
-
Run Pipe and Wires Under SlabsA pressure washer attached to a length of pipe creates a tool for easily tunneling under driveways, patios, and more.
-
Vac HackAdding shower-door rollers to the base of a shop-vacuum nozzel holds the vac off the floor for greater suction and faster cleanup.
-
Finger BandageTo hold bandages in place, self-adherent wrap contours to your finger and forms a tighter seal than standard first-aid tape.
-
Better Rubber BandsHair ties are less breakable and won't leave a residue when exposed to the weather.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
-
Shop-Accurate On-Site SetupBest for high-level production work, the Cut Hub work system yields accurate cuts and increased productivity with components built to last.
-
Get Insider Information on Temperature, Humidity, and AirflowHumidity and temperature data-logging sensors can tell you what's happening inside the house at odd hours or over long periods.
-
Fine Chalkline for Any ToolboxThe Shinwa Neo chalk box has a pushpin tip and superfine line that leaves behind only the tiniest pinhole.
HOUSES by Design
-
House of Rusted SteelMatching design details to standard-size Corten steel panels inside and out achieved a clean look with a minimum of metal fabrication.
-
Connected in AntiquityOld and new is combined in this modern take on the classic connected farmhouse, with a Greek-revival home at one end and a barn at the other.
-
A Custom Design for Privacy on DemandMultifunction walls and panels allow for both flexibility and privacy in this Oregon home.
Spec
-
Small But Powerful Air PurifierAirmega AP-1512HHS from Coway gets the job done with three-stage filtration.
-
Smart Faucets Are Getting SmarterTouchless faucets from Moen come with the ability to track water usage and control operation by voice command.
-
All-in-One Home Power ManagementThe Square D Energy Center from Schneider Electric has all the components you need to manage home power.
-
Weatherproof Kitchen CountertopThe Outdoor Collection of kitchen worktops from Caesarstone is naturally nonporous with a resin that protects against color fading.
-
New Magnetic Dryer VentThis connector from MagVent takes the frustration out of ducting your dryer.
