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Issue 300 – July 2021

On the Cover

Long-Term Lakeside Living

Large windows, an open-air room, and other architectural elements make for a versatile and beautiful retirement home.

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The Magazine

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Features

  • Safe beam replacement
    Safe Beam Replacement

    Personal protection, sturdy shoring, professional engineering, and careful planning mitigate the hazards when replacing overhead structural beams.

  • generator
    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.

  • circular saw on-site
    On-Site Carpentry With a Circular Saw

    Cutting in place saves time and trouble.

  • Kristof Irwin interview
    The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Kristof Irwin

    A professional engineer offers a consilient view of building science that prioritizes human thriving.

  • choosing paint colors
    How to Choose Paint Colors

    There are no rules, but a bit of color theory and some expert tips will make your decisions easier.

  • Prevent Spray-Foam Problems
    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

  • tool for running pipes under slabs
    Run Pipe and Wires Under Slabs

    A pressure washer attached to a length of pipe creates a tool for easily tunneling under driveways, patios, and more.

  • shop vac upgrade
    Vac Hack

    Adding shower-door rollers to the base of a shop-vacuum nozzel holds the vac off the floor for greater suction and faster cleanup.

  • self adherent wrap
    Finger Bandage

    To hold bandages in place, self-adherent wrap contours to your finger and forms a tighter seal than standard first-aid tape.

  • hair tie used as rubber band
    Better Rubber Bands

    Hair ties are less breakable and won't leave a residue when exposed to the weather.

Know the Code

  • code requirements for Energy Storage Systems
    Rules for Storing Your Own Electricity

    With an increase in the popularity of electric vehicles and solar panels, new building code requirements for safely housing systems to store excess energy have cropped up.

Tools & Gear

  • Shop-accurate on-site setup
    Shop-Accurate On-Site Setup

    Best for high-level production work, the Cut Hub work system yields accurate cuts and increased productivity with components built to last.

  • OnSet HOBO, UX100-003 Temperature/relative humidity data logger, $90
    Get Insider Information on Temperature, Humidity, and Airflow

    Humidity and temperature data-logging sensors can tell you what's happening inside the house at odd hours or over long periods.

  • Fine chalkline
    Fine Chalkline for Any Toolbox

    The Shinwa Neo chalk box has a pushpin tip and superfine line that leaves behind only the tiniest pinhole.

HOUSES by Design

  • House of rusted steel
    House of Rusted Steel

    Matching design details to standard-size Corten steel panels inside and out achieved a clean look with a minimum of metal fabrication.

  • Connected in Antiquity
    Connected in Antiquity

    Old 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.

  • Privacy on Demand
    A Custom Design for Privacy on Demand

    Multifunction walls and panels allow for both flexibility and privacy in this Oregon home.

Spec

  • Black air purifier in a kid's room
    Small But Powerful Air Purifier

    Airmega AP-1512HHS from Coway gets the job done with three-stage filtration.

  • 3 Moen faucets in blacl, silver, and brass
    Smart Faucets Are Getting Smarter

    Touchless faucets from Moen come with the ability to track water usage and control operation by voice command.

  • Square D Energy Center panel
    All-in-One Home Power Management

    The Square D Energy Center from Schneider Electric has all the components you need to manage home power.

  • White outdoor countertop next to bbq by a pool
    Weatherproof Kitchen Countertop

    The Outdoor Collection of kitchen worktops from Caesarstone is naturally nonporous with a resin that protects against color fading.

  • Dryer vent
    New Magnetic Dryer Vent

    This connector from MagVent takes the frustration out of ducting your dryer.

Building Matters

  • diversified workforce
    The Value of a Diversified Workforce

    A more diverse industry will help close the skills gap, offer more qualified workers to builders, and create much-needed social change.

Keep Craft Alive

  • Keep Craft Alive: John Abrams Design/Build Firm CEO and Co-owner
    John Abrams, Design/Build Firm CEO and Co-Owner

    The founder of this design/build company is committed to building the best homes he can with the most intentional impacts possible.

Online Extras

  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #300 Online Highlights
    Fine Homebuilding Issue #300 Online Highlights

    Find online articles and videos on windows and doors, drywall for doorways, and more.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Looking Out for Future Roofers
  • Building a Deck Without Treated Lumber
  • Demoing Spray Foam
  • Refinishing a Hardwood Deck

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 318 - October 2023
    • Make Mudsills Square and Level
    • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Lloyd Alter
  • Issue 317 - Aug/Sept 2023
    • Finishing Drywall With Seamless Results
    • A Flat Roof in a Cold Climate
    • Compact Cordless Shop Vacs
  • Issue 316 - July 2023
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps

Fine Homebuilding

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