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Fine Homebuilding
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.
Professional engineer Mark Jussaume describes eight concepts to keep in mind when designing ductwork to increase efficiency and comfort. Strategies include planning for filtration, positioning outlets according to climate, and installing dampers in branch ducts rather than supply grilles.
A critical element in the HVAC installation process is making sure the HVAC system was installed according to the plan and is working at maximum efficiency for energy savings and whole-house comfort. Called HVAC commissioning, this process involves five steps. In addition to explaining how each step works, author Chris Hughes shares key questions to ask when designing an HVAC system in the first place.

HVAC

3 Pins
First figure out if the code considers it a garage or a storage building. Then figure out your means of disconnecting from the power supply.
Whether you're setting a recessed can overhead or a 4-in. box between joists or against one, here's how.
Avoid costly mistakes and failure-prone fixes with these in-floor heat best practices for bathrooms.

Installing Electrical

43 Pins
For the first time ever, unlock everything Fine Homebuilding has to offer. Trusted building advice. Anywhere. Anytime. Available to you instantly with membership. Try it for free today. #FineHomebuilding #Construction #Homebuilding #DreamHouse #HomeDecor #Kitchens #FreeTrial #BuildingDetails
Trusted building advice. Anywhere. Anytime. Available to you instantly with membership. Try it for free today. ✓ 1 year (8 issues) of Fine Homebuilding magazine sent to your home + free digital editions ✓ Unlimited access to FineHomebuilding.com ✓ Fine Homebuilding Online Archive ✓ Online access to The Visual Handbook Of Building And Remodeling ✓ Over 1,600 in-depth articles ✓ 750+ on-demand videos ✓ 1,700+ reader tips ✓ Builders Virtual Library ✓ Home Repair Guide free gift
Print and online publications, internet discussion boards, and an extensive network of tradespeople are all sources of tips, tricks, and techniques of the trade.

Starting a Construction Business

33 Pins
Lake Cabin – Fine Homebuilding
Kitchen Design 101 – Fine Homebuilding
Asian-Inspired Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel in a Craftsman Bungalow – Fine Homebuilding

Building a Beautiful Kitchen

342 Pins
Create strong, flush joints in your carpentry projects with this simple tool and its accompanying pocket screws. - Fine Homebuilding
Liquid flashing offers a seamless alternative to flashing tape. Here's how to do it.
Make a simple jig from scrap wood to make safe easy cuts at angles greater than 45 degrees with your compound miter saw or chop saw.

Mastered In A Minute

13 Pins
Roof overhangs, gutters, and grading are the primary defenses against rainwater.
Once a piece of PVC siding is set in place, secure it with 1-3/4-in. stainless-steel roofing nails driven into the center of the nail slot every 16 in. and left a little loose. Each piece connects to the piece to its left via a rabbeted half-lap joint. Tap the siding into place so that the bottom connects to the piece below.
Fasten the starter strip every 8 in. to 12 in., leaving a 1-in. gap at corners.

Roofing, siding, and exterior house details

139 Pins
Getting a first new home out of the ground can be a challenge, so we've assembled some pro tips for making the job go as smoothly as possible. - Fine Homebuilding
Getting a first new home out of the ground can be a challenge, so we've assembled some pro tips for making the job go as smoothly as possible. - Fine Homebuilding
Getting a first new home out of the ground can be a challenge, so we've assembled some pro tips for making the job go as smoothly as possible.

Building House Foundations

43 Pins
When it comes to purchasing a new water heater, most buying decisions are made quickly and under duress, which means efficiency falls by the wayside. This article gives a rundown of different types of energy-efficient water heaters—tankless electric and gas models, electric heat-pump units, and condensing gas models—and explains how their efficiency is measured, and which units make the most sense to purchase depending on the fuel source.
The combination waste and vent system is arguably the simplest. So why hasn’t it caught on? Probably because, until the International Residential code changed in 2018, you couldn’t connect a food-waste disposer to a combination waste and vent system - Fine Homebuilding #Code #KitchenIsland #VentFixtures #KnowTheCode #DIY
Replacing a trap is something you can handle yourself. It’s a straightforward plumbing task that requires a minimum of materials and can be done easily in an afternoon - Fine Homebuilding

Plumbing

45 Pins
Behind the brick lies an airtight envelope and an extravagant bath
Behind the brick lies an airtight envelope and an extravagant bath
By keeping the footprint of the house smaller, the FHB House team created a courtyard between the house and alley-loaded garage in the rear of the lot. This courtyard functions as an outdoor family room and entertainment space - Fine Homebuilding #HomeDecor #Design #Courtyard #SmallYard #YardDesign #GarageBar #FamilyRoom #YardPrivacy

FHB House - Kentucky 2019

69 Pins
Large wooden deck connects house to outside art studio as well as surrounding trees.
Screened Porch
Garden Shed

Deck Building Ideas

238 Pins
his simple woodshed can be built in a weekend, and sized up or down as needed. A detailed drawing and materials list shows the type and dimensions of lumber and hardware needed for construction, while photographs illustrate the process of building the shed, from preparing the base on concrete and/or gravel, to cutting the parts, to assembling the floor, walls, and roof.
This 1880s barn was rebuilt with 80% recycled boards and timbers
Build an Antique-Style Post-and-Beam Shed with Modern Construction Details - Fine Homebuilding

Sheds and Barns

51 Pins
The Ultimate Modern Home - Fine Homebuilding
Start With a Steel Deck - Fine Homebuilding
Efficient, Strong Framing - Fine Homebuilding

FHB House - California 2018

29 Pins
Proper Drywall Prep - Fine Homebuilding
Drywall: Finishing an inside corner - Fine Homebuilding
Video Vault: Taping Drywall Seams - Fine Homebuilding

Installing Drywall

36 Pins
Cracks, peeling paint, and bad patches disappear with a wide roll of adhesive mesh and two thin coats of joint compound.
Professional painter Philip Hansell shares the products and methods he uses for tackling the toughest parts of the job. - Fine Homebuilding
How to Cut Paint in a Straight Line - Fine Homebuilding

Painting a House

49 Pins
When strips lap onto adjacent walls at inside corners, smooth the strip into the first wall and tight into the corner, then cut the corner from top to bottom.
Stripping Wallpaper - Fine Homebuilding
Stripping Wallpaper - Fine Homebuilding

Putting Up Wallpaper

24 Pins
Exterior Trim Detail
Portico
Exterior Trim

Trim Details

59 Pins
Glass tile is beautiful but different from ceramic tile in some fundamental ways. In this article, a professional tilesetter explains the best adhesives to use, when to remove the paper facing (timing is critical here,) and proper grouting technique.
Installing Mosaic Tile - Start by measuring the height and width of the area where the tile will be installed. Center the design, and size it so that you have a combination of half or whole tiles at the edges—never less or more—surrounded by a fairly even border of field tile. To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe's full articleHow to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash
Installing Mosaic Tiles - Transfer the measurements to a large piece of cardboard, and draw a full size mockup of the area to be tiled. To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe's full articleHow to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash Read more: http://www.finehomebuilding.com/slideshow/installing-mosaic-tile.aspx#ixzz3KkjMOwGa Follow us: @fhbweb on Twitter | FineHomebuildingMagazine on Facebook

Tiles or Tiling

74 Pins
Natural builder Ben Graham and custom woodworker Mike Lamp demonstrate how they recently designed and built a 3-1/2-in.-thick R-10 wood door using salvaged cherry lumber.
The proportions of the jamb extensions should reflect the proportions of the door. I use a story pole to transfer rail heights from the door to the jamb extension. It’s important to note, however, that the extension has one more rail than the door.
Starting with a prehung door, you can create an elegant vestibule by adding frame-and-panel jamb extensions.

Doors and Entryways - Mudrooms

9 Pins
An option—especially suited for a double-stud wall— is to create a stepped opening. Make the outer rough opening normal size and the inner opening wider than normal. This won’t enable the door to open a full 180°, but it will significantly increase the opening angle, and you can flare the inner portion for even wider access. A downside is that it reduces the amount of insulation near the door, though you can break the thermal bridge at the framing by adding a layer of rigid-board insulation on the interior side. Adjust the width of the inner rough opening and use a plywood gusset aligned with the wall to tie the two walls together.
Bedroom Door
doors

Doors and Entryways - Other

89 Pins
These trusses, which overhang the foundation wall, will have 2×4 blocking cut to fit between the top chords above the foundation. We check pairs of neighboring trusses for plumb (and temporarily brace if necessary) so the blocking pieces are cut and installed at the correct length.
When we have to move a truss that’s already nailed to the mudsill, we use a sledgehammer to coax the offending truss into alignment. A sacrificial board screwed to the end prevents damage.
flooring

Flooring

74 Pins
The inspiration for this built-in bench at the foot of the stairs came from the Samuel Tilton Staircase in Newport, RI by McKim, Mead & White, masters of the "Shingle Style". Built in 1881, the historic house is known for its beautiful textured surfaces and open floor plan. The timberframe, warm wood tones and richly colored fabrics in the home featured here create a welcoming space to move through or to pause and reflect. Design by MaClay Architects. Photo by Susan Teare.
The wood treads on this open stairway add just enough warmth to balance the cool tones of the surrounding concrete walls. Designed by Rehkamp Larson Architects, Minneapolis, Minn. Photo by Ken Gutmaker.
The twin staircases could hardly be more straightforward, yet each is refined by a surprising number of subtle details. The most obvious being the tapered newel posts and bottom tread the wraps around the stair wall. Design by Estes Twombly Architects of Newport, R.I. Photo by Ken Gutmaker.

Stairs and hallways

71 Pins
Pendant light $129
Benches. Island. Light.
Strip tape is revolutionizing the way designers light countertops, built-ins, and architectural details. - Fine Homebuilding

Lighting

31 Pins
How it Works: Wall Framing - Fine Homebuilding
Bringing Back Balloon-Framed Walls - Fine Homebuilding
Framing Tips - How to Straighten a Wall - Fine Homebuilding

Framing a House

104 Pins
Cozy up to this fireplace for the holidays Production Overview: The site is surveyed, a 3D model is made, steel is water-jet cut, sandblasted, sanded and painted with a custom patina solution - Fine Homebuilding
Use these tips to design and create a long-lasting, heat-throwing firebox based on the traditional Rumford fireplace. - Fine Homebuilding
These three separate outdoor spaces provide examples of ideal fire feature placement while highlighting expansive views. - Fine Homebuilding #Outdoor #Landscaping #OutdoorEntertainment #HomeDesign #OutdoorDecor #Fireplaces #Pool #EntertainmentArea

DIY Fireplaces

44 Pins
Should Your Old Wood Windows Be Saved? - Fine Homebuilding
Replacing a Basement Window - Fine Homebuilding
Replacing a Basement Window - Fine Homebuilding

Window Installation and Inspiration

83 Pins
When problems arise or when a floor fails, it can be costly, but the good news is that if you take your time, use the appropriate tools and techniques, and understand wood acclimation, you can create a floor that lasts a lifetime.
11 Wood-Flooring Problems and Their Solutions
When problems arise or when a floor fails, it can be costly, but the good news is that if you take your time, use the appropriate tools and techniques, and understand wood acclimation, you can create a floor that lasts a lifetime.
An alternative to sawhorses and workbenches, this shop cut table is made from just four sheets of plywood. Woodworker Peter Polcyn explains how to prep the pieces the most labor-intensive part of the process with a detailed construction drawing, and then describes the assembly of the gridded top, apron, dust trays, and legs.
How to Build a Sturdy Shop Table
An alternative to sawhorses and workbenches, this shop cut table is made from just four sheets of plywood. Woodworker Peter Polcyn explains how to prep the pieces the most labor-intensive part of the process with a detailed construction drawing, and then describes the assembly of the gridded top, apron, dust trays, and legs.
two men working on a roof with the words crafting a copper roof above them
Crafting a Copper Roof
Roofer Andrew Grace discusses working with copper, from the specifics of the material and its aging and handling processes to the step-by-step installation of a field-locked standing-seam copper roof over a bay window.
a man installing a dishwasher in his kitchen with the words how to install a dishwasher
How to Install a Dishwasher
Replacing an existing dishwasher is usually a straightforward job: The opening between cabinets should already be the correct width, as most dishwashers are the same size, and the electrical and plumbing lines can usually be reused. If you are installing a dishwasher where there was none before, your main task will be to prepare the opening.
an advertisement for a construction project with the words, mastering floor design and construction tips from industry experts webinar
Design
Framing Design
Floor Framing
Floor Design
Join Us
For Free
Mastering Floor Design and Construction: Tips from Industry Experts
Join us on October 16th for an in-depth webinar with Weyerhaeuser Trus Joist, where an expert panel will guide you through the key elements of floor framing design and construction. Register for free!
a man is working on the side of a building
Rafter Square
Standing Seam Roof
Fine Homebuilding
Roof Edge
Drip Edge
Copper Roof
Standing Seam
How To Craft
Metal Roof
Cutting and Forming Standing-Seam Copper Pannels
The center seam where the pairs of side panels meet should be located in the center of the side roof facet for the best finished look. We mark the center on the drip edge and continue the line up the roof using a framing square. The panels edges are aligned to the mark.
an advertisement with the words how to rain screen for a durable wall assembly
Wood
The Details
Wall
Foolproof Rainscreen for Durable Wall Assembly
Builder Bryan Uhler dives deep into the details of wood and moisture and explains why he uses the Slicker Classic from Benjamin Obdyke on many of his wall assemblies.
Synopsis: Carpenter Tim Uhler describes his method of balloon framing, which he defines as tall walls uninterrupted by a floor system. He explains the advantages of building walls tall, including safety for the workers, who can do more building on the ground; a reduction in the amount of hardware needed; and improved performance because the roof diaphragm is directly attached to the wall system. House Framing, On The Ground, The Roof, Do More, Roof, Building
House Framing
On The Ground
The Roof
Do More
Roof
Building
A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
Synopsis: Carpenter Tim Uhler describes his method of balloon framing, which he defines as tall walls uninterrupted by a floor system. He explains the advantages of building walls tall, including safety for the workers, who can do more building on the ground; a reduction in the amount of hardware needed; and improved performance because the roof diaphragm is directly attached to the wall system.
an advertisement for a roof venting company with the words, a crash course in roof vent
Roof Vents
Construction Details
Crash Course
A Crash Course in Roof Venting
Building scientist Joseph Lstiburek explains when to vent your roof, when not to, and how to execute them successfully.
a privacy fence with appeal is shown in this ad for the company's website
Craftsman Bungalows
Build A Privacy Fence
Carpentry Details
Information About Space
Bench Clamp
Vinyl Privacy Fence
Home Building Tips
Privacy Fences
Dutch Door
How to Build A Privacy Fence with Appeal
Learn the carpentry details of building a Craftsman-style privacy fence from western red cedar
the front cover of an architectural magazine with stairs and wood trimmings on it
Create A Color Palette
Color Consultant
Yellow Dining Room
Choosing Paint Colours
House Planning
Choosing Paint
The Color Wheel
Colour Consultant
How to Choose Paint Colors:
When choosing colors for paint and décor, there’s much more to consider than just hue: color brightness, paint sheen, and even the light in the room will affect the outcome. Architectural color consultant Amy Krane discusses the basics of color theory, the relationships of the colors on the color wheel, and the differences between “tone,” “shade,” and “tint.” This article shows some ways to create a color palette that suits the architectural style of a space.
a man laying concrete paver in front of a house with the words laying a concrete paver walk way
Concrete Pavers Walkway
Driveway Apron
Belgian Block
Concrete Walkway
Paver Walkway
Deck Stairs
Brick Veneer
Large Tile
How to Layout a Concrete Paver Walkway
The concrete walkway to the front door was past its prime. The poorly prepared, uneven base led to extensive cracks with vertical displacement; water undermined the concrete in several spots; and the surface was pitted and spalling. Rather than replace the walkway with another of poured concrete, the homeowners and I opted to install concrete pavers. Pavers are widely available, highly durable, and most important, more visually interesting than an ordinary poured-concrete surface.
a brick wall with instructions for laying out a herringbone brick pattern on the outside
Herringbone Brick Pattern
Herringbone Brick
Brick Columns
Building Foundation
Masonry Work
Porch Roof
Brick Pattern
Wooden Posts
How to Layout a Herringbone Brick Pattern
Creating a herringbone brick pattern begins with a single centerline that bisects the field front to back. Next, a field brick is set on this line, 45° to it near the border. Mark where the brick crosses the centerline and extend 45° lines out from that point. Learn the full process in this article.
a man standing on a ladder next to a brick building with the words water tight chimney cricket
Home Repairs
Roof Pitch
Brick Chimney
Plywood Sheets
Free Math
Roof Framing
Pitched Roof
Water Flow
Watertight Chimney Cricket
The purpose of a chimney cricket is to divert any water that runs down the roof above the chimney to the sides, preventing water from pooling against the chimney and causing leaks. In this article, a mason walks through the process of framing a chimney cricket using his math-free technique of matching the cricket to the roof pitch. #Chimney #RoofFraming #HomeRepair
the brick wall is being built with different types of bricks
Concrete Steps
Wood Post
Corrugated Metal
Refacing Concrete Steps With Brick
A level may be a mason's best friend, but to cover up an unsightly set of concrete steps, an experienced eye takes over.