Issue 283 – June 2019
Features
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Fine Homebuilding Issue #283 Online Highlights
Find online articles and videos on a high-tech timber-frame joinery machine, built-in cabinets, and more.
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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.
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Tying in an Addition to an Existing Home
Use these tips and tricks to match new floor heights to old and get everything square.
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Build a Desk Bed
This practical built-in allows you to quickly convert your home office into a bedroom.
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The Power of Good Design
Building houses and community with New Urbanism
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21st-Century Modern Farmhouse Gets the Big Things Right
This compact, innovative home manages design and construction best practices on a budget.
Article
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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.
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Best Small Home 2019: Small and Skinny Spec Home
This 1650-sq.-ft. urban home challenges market norms with a thoughtful modern design.
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Best Traditional Home 2019: House of Tudor
A blandly-styled, ho-hum home is gutted and reborn.
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DIY Passive House
This is the story of an energy-efficient house, a rain tank, an incredible view, and two determined homeowners who didn’t quite realize what they were getting themselves into.
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Editor's Choice 2019: Rugged Modernism
Ricon Ranch is a home that was inspired by and is exceptionally sensitive to its fragile surroundings.
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Timberline Transformation
A dated ranch house adopts energy-efficient upgrades, building-science strategies, and an open floor plan.
Online Extras
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High-Tech Timber-Frame Joinery Machine
Watch a 90-ft.-long custom CNC machine make all the precise cuts for a timber rafter.
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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
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Grout-Space Raking Tool
Modified tool removes thinset and makes for better tile joints.
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Staple Standoff
Improvised and improved stapler for securing wiring
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Modify a Small Paint Roller for Spreading Glue
Make your own glue roller to lay down PVA glue quickly and consistently.
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Drying Painted Shelves
A better way to paint and let shelves dry.
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Cut Tile Underwater
Cut down on dust and cracks when drilling tile.
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Making Vent Hood Lamps Work
How to deal with and prevent future stubborn vent hood lamps.
Tools & Materials
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Infrared Paint Remover
Speedheater Cobra Infrared paint remover softens paint for removal without the high heat of a torch or heatgun.
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No-Slip Kneepads
Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Knee Support stays in place and does a better job than tradition knee pads.
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Cutting-Edge Router
The compact Bosch GKF12V-25 12v cordless router shines for edge profiling.
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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.
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Safer stripper
Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover is environmentally friendly and easy to clean up.
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An Inside Look at Work Boots
See what construction details and materials make boots safer, more durable, and more comfortable.
What is the Difference
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Drill Bits: From Common to Specialty
Learn what makes each type of bit unique to help you choose the right one for every project.
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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.
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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
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A Natural Alternative to Wallpaper
All-natural grasscloth wallpaper from twenty2 is deeply textured and rich in tone.
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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.
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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.
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Recessed Minisplit
Mitsubishi MLZ ductless minisplit
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Acoustical Sound Barrier
Mass-loaded vinyl is a low-profile solution for stopping sound transmission.
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Old School Meets Digital
These mod Bluetooth speakers by Urbanears can work alone or be paired together in Multi Mode.
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This Industrial-Style Range is a Classic Fit for Any Kitchen
Big Chill's Classic Line mixes modern technology with 1930s style.
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Quick Connectors for Timber Framing
These aluminum brackets are sleek, modern solutions for creating solid joints in heavy timber structures.
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One Sink, Four Configurations
This versatile NativeStone kitchen sink is durable yet relatively lightweight.
Building Matters
Keep Craft Alive
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