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Illustrated Construction Details

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Fine Homebuilding
The metal straps are nailed across the footings, and then the bracket locations are set by plumbing down from the stringlines. Don’t cap off the footing because pressure from the concrete will lift it out of the ground. Instead, pour the wall in lifts.
Straps and Brackets Support the Wall Forms
The metal straps are nailed across the footings, and then the bracket locations are set by plumbing down from the stringlines. Don’t cap off the footing because pressure from the concrete will lift it out of the ground. Instead, pour the wall in lifts.
the roof venting doesn't work
Roof Venting Doesn’t Affect Cooling Loads
In a vented cathedral ceiling, the air entering the soffits is, as you guessed, at the outdoor air temperature. But by the time the air is one-third of the way up the roof, the temperature of the air in the ventilation channel is much higher than the outdoor air. The conclusion: Ventilation doesn’t result in significant cooling of the roofing or of the roof sheathing.
a diagram showing the components of a pipe and its connection to an outside wall, including insulation
How to Create a Sealed Crawlspace
Unvented Crawlspace: Code requires the walls of an unvented crawlspace to be insulated. In most cases, there is then no need to install any insulation between the floor joists above the crawlspace. Some code authorities require rigid foam to be protected by a layer of 1⁄2-in. drywall, but an exception is often made for Thermax, a brand of polyisocyanurate that has passed fire-safety tests.
a man on a ladder working on an air conditioner with the words how to control mold in misplits
Controlling Mold in Minisplits
Humidity problems or leaks can be caused by clogged drain pans, broken condensate lines, or out-of-level units. But if mold issues persist, dehumidification is key.
an image of a house being built with wood framing and insulation information on the side
Anatomy of a Balloon-Framed Wall
This method of balloon framing makes constructing gable walls both safe and efficient.
a diagram showing how to build a fire hydrant for the homebuiling
Ways to Detail Durable Porch Piers: The Block Method
Beams set on concrete blocks or continuous posts set on round piers are both sturdy ways to support porch floors and roofs if you get the details right.
the diagram shows how to build a house with water coming out of the roof and into the wall
Is There Any Alternative to Roof Gutters?
Rather than having a traditional gutter attached to the house, you can create a ground-gutter system, sometimes referred to as an inground gutter. It won’t help with groundwater getting into your basement, but it will perform most of the duties of a roof gutter without the aesthetic and maintenance drawbacks.
an image of a roof that has been cut into pieces and is labeled in the text below
Is Through-Fastened Metal Roofing a Good Idea?
Yes, as long as it's well detailed it should last as long as a more expensive standing-seam roof.
Although the essential components for attic ventilation are straightforward, mistakes are common. Believe it or not, sometimes it’s as simple as the fact that the roofers forgot to cut back the roof sheathing at the ridge before they installed the ridge vent. Here are some key points to remember.
Attic-Ventilation Strategies
Although the essential components for attic ventilation are straightforward, mistakes are common. Believe it or not, sometimes it’s as simple as the fact that the roofers forgot to cut back the roof sheathing at the ridge before they installed the ridge vent. Here are some key points to remember.
the diagram shows how to install stair railings and handrails with wood slats
Anchoring Wood to a Steel I-Beam
Steel beams can carry much more weight than solid or engineered lumber, so they’re often used in home building. But anchoring wood to steel can be time-consuming. John has replaced the most common method — packing the web with lumber — with a far faster method incorporating top-mount joist hangers.
an advertisement for a roof venting company with the words, a crash course in roof vent
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.
an image of a wooden bench with instructions on how to build the seat and frame
Details for a Sweet Entry Porch
In this article, Minnesota carpenter Brian Campbell demonstrates how he demolished an old concrete stoop and built a simple and stylish entry porch in its place.
an image of the parts of a cabinet door
Anatomy and Proportions of Wainscot Paneling
On-site measurements and off-site production yield a traditional wainscot look at a more affordable price. Panel size depends on the moldings you’ll use. The bottom rail is sized to show about 2 in. of wood above the base molding, enough to hide discrepancies between wainscot and base molding that follows a floor that may not be flat or level. The top rail receives a 5/4 cap supported by a panel molding, & the top rail is wide enough to leave a 3-in. exposure, matching the width of the stiles.
an image of a man working on a window sill with the instructions to make it
Basement Windows
Framing A Basement
Window Jamb
Basement Window
Trim Carpentry
Diy Construction
Fine Homebuilding
Finish Carpentry
Door Casing
Build Out Jambs to Accommodate Windows in Thick Walls
Montana builder and remodeling contractor Chris Whalen displays his method for building out jambs to accommodate windows in thick walls. Chris starts by building a deep stool extension, then cuts and attaches the stool. Then, using biscuit joints, he attaches the top and side jambs with an offset. Finally, Chris completes the work by attaching the head casing.
the diagram shows how to build a house with wood framing and flooring in it
Dormer Bathroom
Winder Stairs
Dormer Roof
Pitched Ceiling
House Upgrades
Knee Wall
Attic Insulation
Ceiling Storage
Make the Most of Hallway Storage: A Workaround Approach to Kneewall Built-Ins
Without modifying the framing, a carpenter tucks storage and style beneath the roof in a second-floor hallway. Adding built-ins that protrude into this home’s small rooms would mean losing valuable floor space. This contractor suggested turning attention to the narrow second-floor hallway at the top of the home’s steep winder stairs. The 4-ft.-high kneewall under the sloped ceiling left us with an unclaimed triangle of attic space to work with—or, perhaps more accurately, to work around.