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Issue 307 – June 2022

On the Cover

How to Raise a Post-Frame Home

This time-tested building system creates a lot of square footage, fast.

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The Magazine

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Features

  • Trimming Deck Stairs
    Trimming Deck Stairs

    When it comes to trimming deck stairs, emphasis on quality materials and installation methods yields a high-quality and attractive finish.

  • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
    Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope

    In replacing a failed wall assembly, this builder chose wood-fiber insulation as the thermal layer in a high-performance retrofit.

  • mobile tool storage
    Build a Mobile Tool-Storage System

    Maximize productivity with custom work carts that roll right off the truck and onto the job site.

  • View of the house and the landscaping
    High-Performance Demonstration Home

    A designer-turned-contractor showcases the benefits of a small, all-electric, healthful home.

  • Living, dining, and kitchen area of a net-zero home
    Systems and Products for an All-Electric Small Home

    Learn how to choose windows, doors, HVAC, plumbing systems, and finishes with sustainability and healthful materials in mind.

  • Framing and sheathing on a net-zero home
    Detailed Assemblies for an Airtight Small Home

    Designer Amber Westerman shares drawings and details for building a high-performing slab-on-grade foundation, double-stud wall, and truss roof with nontoxic materials.

Article

  • The FHB Interview: Kohta Ueno
    The FHB Interview: Kohta Ueno

    This building scientist offers insight and trade tools for forensic investigation

Keep Craft Alive

  • Dan Kolbert, Builder
    Dan Kolbert, Builder

    Dan is one of the principal minds behind the Pretty Good House movement, an approach to holistic home building that emerged from an informal building-science discussion group he has helped organize for nearly ten years.

Building Matters

  • A Bosch saw
    I Wish Tools Were More Expensive

    Andy Engel reflects on the price and durability of tools over the years since he entered the trades in 1979.

Spec

  • Five metal light switches from Buster + Puch
    Switches With Attitude

    Buster + Punch's modern aesthetic line of electrical finishes includes light switches, dimmer switches, plug sockets, USB outlets, custom plates and modules.

  • A person washing a black silgranit sink
    Low-Maintenance Engineered-Stone Sink

    A wide variety of colors and a granite composite material make the Silgranit sink from Blanco a solid option for both durability and looks.

  • gold range hood
    Statement Range Hood for a Modern Kitchen

    The Mesa Wall Mount Range Hood from Zephyr comes in three different colors with a variety of accessories to enhance both functionality and design.

HOUSES by Design

  • View of the front of a midcentury-modern home
    Realizing a Retro Ranch

    Wide sliding glass doors, a low-slung roof, and strategic views characterize this Texas midcentury-modern home.

  • Remodeled house with white and black siding
    Staying Put By Remodeling

    With an addition and some reconfiguration, the owners of this home were able to create a modern kitchen with better connections to the rest of the house and the backyard.

  • Garage and main home connected by an infill addition
    Infill Addition to a Classic Farmhouse

    By connecting the home to the detached garage, the architects of this hillside home made space for a home office and guest area.

Tools & Gear

  • Bosch GEX18V-5 $130 (bare tool) (left) and Bosch GEX12V-5 $100 (bare tool) (right
    Cordless Random-Orbit Sanders

    The new 18v GEX18V-5 and 12v GEX12V-5 finish sanders from Bosch provide ergonomic palm grips, easily accessible speed-selector dials, and side-mounted dust bags.

  • 4-in. square
    Small, Problem-Solving Square

    Get accurate measurements for fine finish-carpentry work with this precision furniture-maker's tool.

  • Complete bit sets
    Complete Bit Sets

    With its combination of bits and sockets, the Wera Tool-Check Plus kit better prepares me for almost any fastener I come across.

Know the Code

  • codes for alternative construction
    Methods of Alternative Construction

    In recent IRC editions, some more obscure materials, such as straw-bale and light straw-clay, and methods were added.

Tips & Techniques

  • pneumatic nailer hose management
    Hose Management

    Mark uses a spring clamp to help manage his unruly pneumatic nailer hoses and maintain safety.

  • cutting small tile
    Cutting Small Tile

    Cutting small tiles comes with extra challenges. Learn how a simple addition to your saw's sliding table can make cutting small tile easier.

  • pulling posts into position
    Pull Posts into Position

    If you don't have clamps on hand, use a turnbuckle to pull posts together.

  • protect cord connections
    Protect Cord Connections

    If you ever need to run more than one extension cord outdoors, this tip will come in handy.

  • flashing tricky window trim
    Flashing Tricky Window Trim

    Certain window installations can cause gaps that make flashing a nightmare.

  • Non-Permanent Markers

    Sometimes you want to clearly mark something, but also easily wipe it away when done.

Online Extras

  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #307 Online Highlights
    Fine Homebuilding Issue #307 Online Highlights

    Find online articles and videos on how to frame rough openings, tub and shower surrounds, and more.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Adjusting Siding Exposures
  • Installing Joist Hangers With Inconsistent Lumber
  • Keeping Cathedral-Ceiling Walls From Bowing

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 330 - April/May
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop
  • Issue 326 - October 2024
    • Paint Behind Strike Plates
    • Conceal Cut Ends
    • Ladder Slip Solution

Fine Home Building

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