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Issue 330 – April/May

On the Cover

Deck Details for Durability

Freestanding with boxed stairs, this small deck is full of ideas for a long-lasting entry that will look great for years to come.

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Features

  • Photo of a heat-pump water heater on the left and a filter on the right.
    FAQs on HPWHs

    Get the answers to common questions about heat-pump water heaters like efficiency, cost, sizing, and more.

  • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job

    A quick checklist for success with exterior coatings.

  • Big Doors Have Big Challenges

    Engineered materials and vacuum-press laminations prevent warping and keep a tall, flush-panel door from being excessively heavy.

  • Torched and Porched

    A small and dated house lends its foundation to a stylish new home with more than twice the space.

  • Hazard-Free Hot Tubs

    The electrical hookup is only one part of the equation; when installing a hot tub, there are a number of key requirements to keep in mind.

  • Woman wearing a hat with a pencil behind her ear measures a wall using a tape measurer.
    Hiring Entry-Level Employees

    Practical steps you can take to hire and develop entry-level workers and ensure long-term growth for your business, from fostering a supportive learning environment to creating clear career pathways.

Tips & Techniques

  • Drawing of a hand using a sander.
    Sand Smooth Contours

    Sand the recessed areas of a cabinet door without burning through raised edges using a homemade combination of sanding pads.

  • Stop the Slam

    Hinge restrictor clips prevent cabinet doors from opening past 90°, keeping them from marking up nearby walls.

  • Better Plumb Cuts on Hips or Valleys

    Make cleaner, more accurate plumb cuts by adjusting your saw depth for better stability on the second pass.

  • Prevent WRB Tears at Corners

    A piece of bevel wood siding pushes housewrap tightly into the corner without tearing.

  • Save Batt Bags for Reuse

    Empty insulation bags can serve as handy storage for cutoff scraps of insulation or as convenient trash bags for the job site.

  • Shim Trim With Screws

    Using screws instead of wood shims is an easier way to hang and adjust preassembled window trim.

Know the Code

  • Hazard-Free Hot Tubs

    The electrical hookup is only one part of the equation; when installing a hot tub, there are a number of key requirements to keep in mind.

Tools & Materials

  • Less Noise, More Torque

    DeWalt's hydraulic impact driver makes less noise without sacrificing power.

  • Simple Self-Adhered Protection

    Protecto Wall VP self-adhered water-resistive barrier uses a synthetic butyl adhesive tape rather than the typical acrylic, allowing installation in a wider temperature range and without the need for a primer.

  • Step Up Your Stair-Gauge Game

    The longer length of these 3-in. stair gauges makes it easier to ensure an accurate layout when working with waned lumber.

  • Listen for Leaks

    The Portascanner uses ultrasonic technology to isolate the smallest air leaks, making it easier to air-seal an enclosure.

  • Coil Holder That's a Cut Above

    The Trim Coil Holder from InnovaTools makes it easy to swap out trim coil and features a reversible, built-in guillotine cutter.

Shop Space

  • Shop Space: Five Readers Share Their Workspaces

    These personalized workspaces were designed to fit the unique needs and projects of their makers.

Building Business

  • Woman wearing a hat with a pencil behind her ear measures a wall using a tape measurer.
    Hiring Entry-Level Employees

    Practical steps you can take to hire and develop entry-level workers and ensure long-term growth for your business, from fostering a supportive learning environment to creating clear career pathways.

Keep Craft Alive

  • Tom Gensmer, Remodeler and Window-Repair Expert

    This window and door expert is committed to repairing and restoring newer window systems to preserve their value and extend their lifespan.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • HVAC for a Slab-on-Grade House
  • Hard-to-Use Electrical Outlets

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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