Ask the Experts

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.

Will Insulating a Crawlspace Save Me Money?
A crawlspace doesn't have to be the exact same temperature as the rest of the home. Instead, focus on controlling moisture accumulation.
Setting Bases for Porch Posts
Prevent structural posts from cracking stone by following these tips when installing the anchor bolts.
How Many Outlets Per Circuit?
The rule of thumb in the field is based on commercial occupancies, and the real code requirements may surprise you.
Nesting Casement Window Handles
Overtightening the operating handle won't create a tighter seal and could lead to water infiltration.
How to Repair a Chimney Crown
Depending on the size and severity of the cracks, you might be able to use products to repair the cap, or you may need to remove the old crown and build a new one.
Adding Garage Outlets
The code-minimum standard is at least one 20-amp branch circuit supplying a separate receptacle outlet for each vehicle bay in a garage.
Tip-Proof Kitchen Island on a Concrete Floor
To secure an island on legs to a concrete floor, anchor a cleat to the floor and attach the cabinets to the cleat.
Can You Paint Electrical Panels?
Wallpaper or paint is OK on the panel cover, as long as it does not hinder functionality or hide required markings.
How to Avoid Sloped Stringers on Deck Stairs
Lumber shrinks, so adjust your stair-stringer layout to allow for the wood to shrink along its width.
Splicing Deck Joists Over a Beam
When joining deck joists over a center beam, overlapping them is the simplest, but butting them over the center beam will allow you to maintain one continuous line of fasteners.

Page 5 of 19 Previous

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Membership & Magazine

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Ask the Experts

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.