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Issue 325 – August/September 2024

On the Cover

The Cali Valley Heads East

Construct the intersecting gable on the main roof for a faster, easier-to-build assembly.

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Features

  • A Deep Dive Into Continuous Exterior Insulation

    From durability to energy efficiency, continuous exterior insulation is an accessbile approach to a high-performance wall.

  • Secrets of Thermal Imaging

    Diagnose comfort problems and building deficiencies without tearing the house apart.

  • Money Matters for Owner-Builders

    Understand the difference between estimating and cost planning, and don't let your sweat equity evaporate into budgeting mistakes.

  • Pocket Doors Never Looked So Good

    Installation tips and trim details for a modern-style pocket door.

  • Straighter, Stronger Shelves

    Add a rabbet to shelf nosing to keep plywood shelves rigid and free from curves.

  • Storage-Bin Solution

    Organize your tools and hardware on the wall by hanging unused bins on this variation on a French cleat.

Tips & Techniques

  • Ladder-Top Tool Holders

    Powerful magnets attached to the top of a ladder allow easy access to hammers and pliers.

  • Keep Self-Leveler in Place

    When there are gaps in a soon-to-be-tiled subfloor, a self-adhered membrane applied on top will keep self-leveler from pouring through the cracks.

  • Problem-Solving Stretch Wrap

    A roll of plastic wrap can be used for material bundling, binding shut doors and drawers for transport, making insuation easier to carry, keeping router bits from getting dull in a tool box, and many more useful tasks.

  • Sharper Shovels

    Use a flap disc on a grinder to create a sharp edge that will slice through soil.

Tools & Materials

  • Hybrid-Powered Router

    Metabo HPT's dual-powered plunge router offers the option to plug in an otherwise-battery-operated tool for production work.

  • Automatic Fresh Air

    Automated casement and awning windows from Marvin can be opened and closed with switches, set up to operate on a schedule, and programmed to react to temperature and humidity levels.

  • Unmistakable Extension Cord

    Bad Ass Extension Cords makes quality cords in different lengths and thicknesses, with bright color options as well as customizable branding to keep cords from being lost on the job.

  • Portable Power Washer

    The new DeWalt Power Cleaner can be hooked up to a garden hose or conveniently set up to pull water from a bucket if there's no nearby water source.

  • Convenient Dust Collection

    The Bosch TS1004 Dust Bag is designed to attach to a tablesaw's dust port to collect up to 70% of the dust, without the need to haul and set up a vac or dust extractor.

HOUSES by Design

  • Wood and Steel in Seattle

    This home's open spaces feature architectural concrete walls supported by substantial wood and steel beams.

  • Sited in the Trees

    This home features dramatic interior spaces enhanced by views of the surrounding trees and stream.

  • Slide-By House

    A minimal, straightforward layout with simple materials and details defines this net-zero-energy, single-level home.

Know the Code

  • The What and Where of Fireblocking

    The code requires installing an approved material to slow the spread of fire between floors and adjacent vertical and horizontal cavities — here are the allowed materials and required locations.

Building Matters

  • When the Unexpected Happens, Have a Plan

    Don't buy in to the TV show nightmares—when you uncover something unforeseen on a remodeling project, take these steps to keep the process moving and fix the issue.

Keep Craft Alive

  • Leah Karmaker, Design and Project Coordinator at Just Housing

    This designer of zero-energy homes is passionate about healthy, durable, and accessible housing.

Online Extras

  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #325 Online Highlights

    Here are the online extras from Fine Homebuilding’s August/September 2024, Issue #325: On page 8 of issue #325, we featured a number of online videos, articles, and discussions and urged…

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Supporting Doors Over Foundation Foam
  • Painted Wallpaper Predicament
  • Rafter Strength After Removing and Replacing Solar Panels

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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