FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Issue 319 – November 2023

On the Cover

Nearly Net-Zero ADU

A low-carbon, all-electric accessory dwelling unit demonstrates the benefits of small-home living.

Subscribe View the Digital Issue

The Magazine

  • Subscribe
  • Renew Subscription
  • Gift Subscription
  • Online Membership
  • Magazine Index
  • View Past Issues
  • View the Digital Edition Archive
  • Contact Customer Service
  • Author Guidelines
  • Advertise

Features

  • coffered ceilings
    An Easy Approach to Coffered Ceilings

    Careful layout, accurate framing, and preassembled parts simplify a traditional trim detail.

  • A Vent for Every Roof
    Understanding Types of Roof Vents

    Ventilation is considered standard practice, but not all building scientists think vents do much or agree on the best ventilation products.

  • Before and after of a porch to mudroom conversion
    Convert a Porch to a Mudroom

    The key to this budget-friendly and comfortable entry remodel is a new airtight and insulated floor system

  • Planning and Prepping for Basement Flooring
    Planning and Prepping for Basement Flooring

    Managing moisture is key, but choosing the appropriate product and creating a suitable surface are also crucial factors in establishing a long-lasting, comfortable basement floor.

  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #319 Online Highlights
    Fine Homebuilding Issue #319 Online Highlights

    Here are the online extras from Fine Homebuilding’s November 2023, Issue #319: On page 8 of issue #319, we featured a number of online videos, articles, and discussions and urged…

  • Katie Hughes, Founder, Girls Build

    In 2016, this carpenter started a program that introduces girls from eight to 15 to the basics of carpentry and other trades.

Tips & Techniques

  • Gauge Blocks for Planing Boards
    Gauge Blocks for Planing Boards

    Gauge blocks ensure that multiple boards are planed to the same thickness.

  • Miter-Saw-Stand Worktop
    Miter-Saw-Stand Worktop

    A piece of plywood with bench-dog holes is clamped to a miter-saw stand for a useful work surface.

  • More Bang for Your Bucket
    More Bang for Your Bucket

    Lay your trash receptacle on its side before putting in your narrow rips and cutoffs.

  • Weatherized Wall Framing
    Weatherized Wall Framing

    Protect the top of newly framed walls from snow with strips of water-resistive barrier or a similar material.

  • Caulk-Tube Crevice Tool
    Caulk-Tube Crevice Tool

    An empty caulk tube can serve as a small crevice tool for a wet/dry vac.

  • Plywood Cut Support
    Plywood Cut Support

    When you are cutting plywood by yourself, scrap pieces of rigid foam can come in handy.

Know the Code

  • Fire Separation Distance
    Fire Separation Distance

    Learn how the IRC addresses ways to prevent the spread of fire from one property to another.

Tools & Gear

  • Dust-Collecting Sliding Miter Saw
    Dust-Collecting Sliding Miter Saw

    The Makita LS1219L makes precise repetitive cuts and can handle wide and heavy timbers.

  • Work platform from Werner
    Elevated Efficiency Work Platforms

    Werner's AP-2030L Aluminum Work Platforms have adjustable legs and can be linked together for a longer surface.

  • Paint Wipes That Work
    Paint Wipes That Work

    Miracle Wipes for Paint have a textured surface that traps paint and many sealants and adhesives in the fibers.

  • A Brilliant Tape Measure
    A Brilliant Tape Measure

    This new tape measure from Milwaukee has several great features, but the best one is a built-in LED light.

  • Fulton's Stablemate sawhorse
    Superstable Sawhorse

    Fulton's Stablemate sawhorses are durable and reliable, lasting longer than other brands.

HOUSES by Design

  • Exterior of Front of Home at Dusk
    Scenic Views in Austin

    This house west of downtown Austin, Texas, has floor-to-ceiling glass with no window treatments but uses the topography as a privacy screen.

  • open concept living room with big windows, a gray couch, and a large light fixture
    Sea Ranch Open Plan

    The owners of this 1600-sq.-ft. house in Sonoma County, Calif. selected the site based on its double view: meadow and ocean in front, woods in back.

  • old home renovation
    Double Dormer Transformation

    This historic schoolhouse was transformed into a stunning four-bed, three-bath home with ocean views and a modern open-concept design.

Other

  • sustainable countertops
    Sustainable Solid Interior Surfaces

    Silestone's new Le Chic and Urban Crush collections feature surfaces made with 100% renewable energy and 20% recycled materials.

  • drop-ceiling tiles
    Refined Drop-Ceiling Tiles

    Ceilume's ceiling tiles are made from thermoformed vinyl and offer an attractive alternative to standard mineral-fiber drop-ceiling tiles.

  • Premium Wall Vent
    Larger Wall Vent That Blends In

    InOvate's Premium Wall Vent is suitable for kitchen range hoods and other larger ducting applications and is available in white, tan, black, and brown.

  • organize radiant heating system
    Organize Great Tubing Runs

    The PEX-Pal helps to organize the tubing for a radiant heating system and prevent it from kinking.

  • sustainable stucco
    Sustainable Stucco Veneer

    StoneCoat's Smooth is a stucco veneer that uses limestone plaster instead of Portland cement.

Building Matters

  • A man working on the mudsill of a house that has Zip sheathing
    Advice For Future Owner-Builders

    An FHB senior editor shares what he learned when he and his wife decided to build their own house.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Avoiding Frost Heave on an Unprotected Foundation
  • Fastening Outside Corner Bead
  • Do I Need a Gutter Apron?

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

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

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
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in