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Get the answers you need to get the job done right. Home-building and remodeling pros and industry experts answer your questions about construction details, materials, tools, building codes, and more. Email Fine Homebuilding at [email protected] to have a question considered for publishing in the magazine.

Raising a Deck
Material lifts, commonly used to move HVAC equipment and other heavy items, make it possible to raise a deck in a controlled, safe, and pain-free way.
Widening Deck Stairs with Composite Materials
A skilled carpenter offers advice for framing a safe and code-compliant staircase when renovating an existing elevated deck.
Cutting Walls for Drywall Delivery
Be sure that you have sufficient access to doors or large windows, otherwise removing siding and sheathing might be the only way to get your new wallboard indoors.
Cover for Exposed Foundation Insulation
Prefinished foam-insulation products and stone or brick veneers are a presentable option for a visible foundation.
Fix for Poorly Installed Window Flashing
When water is leaking in around newly installed windows, chances are that there are some missing or improper flashing details that need to be corrected.
Rusting Galvanized Water Lines
If steel water pipes are clogged with rust, is replacement the only option?
White Dust on a Brick Fireplace
Are stains on brick and mortar a sign of water damage?
Drainable Housewrap Fire Risk Depends on Gap Size
Water-resistive barriers have a tiny air gap, but is it large enough to feed a flame?
Flooring Over Plank Subfloor
Whether or not you need plywood underlayment under engineered wood flooring depends on the condition of the original subfloor.
Phantom Flickering Bulbs
Static electricity, "leaky" dimmer switches, or one of several sources of electromagnetic radiation may be to blame for occasional flashes of light from fluorescent fixtures that are switched off.

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