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 Slabs
A pressure washer attached to a length of pipe creates a tool for easily tunneling under driveways, patios, and more.
-
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.
-
Finger Bandage
To hold bandages in place, self-adherent wrap contours to your finger and forms a tighter seal than standard first-aid tape.
-
Better Rubber Bands
Hair ties are less breakable and won't leave a residue when exposed to the weather.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
-
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.
-
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 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
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
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.
-
A Custom Design for Privacy on Demand
Multifunction 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 Smarter
Touchless faucets from Moen come with the ability to track water usage and control operation by voice command.
-
All-in-One Home Power Management
The Square D Energy Center from Schneider Electric has all the components you need to manage home power.
-
Weatherproof Kitchen Countertop
The Outdoor Collection of kitchen worktops from Caesarstone is naturally nonporous with a resin that protects against color fading.
-
New Magnetic Dryer Vent
This connector from MagVent takes the frustration out of ducting your dryer.
Building Matters
Keep Craft Alive
Online Extras
More? View Past Issues
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
