Fine Homebuilding Issue #328 Online Highlights
Here are the online extras from Fine Homebuilding’s December / January 2024 Issue #328:
On page 8 of issue #328, we featured a number of online videos, articles, and discussions and urged readers to check them out. Here are links to all of them:
| Online Extra: A European Perspective
Fernando Pagés Ruiz shares his experience at Batimat 2024, Europe’s counterpart to the International Builders’ Show. Check out the full article here. |
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Ambassadors: Carpentry Tips and Tricks
On the @finehomebuilding Instagram, Aron Jones shares a tip about how to add a rabbet to shelf nosing for rigid plywood shelves. |
| Shared on Social Media: We Want to Know
What’s one trade skill you wish you’d learned earlier? What’s your most- and least-used tool? Got any advice for first-day newbies? Every Wednesday, we ask our readers a trade-related question. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join the conversation. |
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Heard on the Podcast: Talking Shops
The team gets the inside scoop on Brian’s recent visit to Casey Knips’s tricked-out workshop. Check it out here. |
| As Seen on Video: Get a Durable Finish With Linseed-Oil Paint
In this video, learn the benefits of this plant-based paint, how to mix the first coat, and techniques for painting a restored window sash. Watch the full video here. |
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From the Forum: Are There Good Tools for People With Arthritis?
Hop onto the forum to chime in or to ask your own building questions. |
Check out more from
Fine Homebuilding Issue #328.
Making the Most of Minisplit Heat Pumps
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of minisplit systems, and installation best practices
Design More-Efficient, Comfortable Homes
Jordan Goldman, a specialist in energy modeling, HVAC systems, and mechanical design, leads this e-learning course designed to help you understand and install minisplit heat pump systems effectively. Originally presented at the Fine Homebuilding Summit, this course covers the strengths and weaknesses of minisplits, how to best integrate minisplit systems into well-insulated homes, and common mistakes to avoid during design and installation. Whether you're a building professional or a homeowner, by the end of this course you will have the knowledge and confidence needed to select the right system for your next remodeling or new-construction project, and to ensure it’s installed to achieve optimum performance. In addition to the course, an expert roundtable is included with purchase.
What You'll Learn
- How Minisplit Heat Pumps Are Designed to Work
- Choosing the Right Size and Type of Equipment
- Understanding Heat Pump Performance in Cold Climates and Conditions
- Installation Best Practices and Details to Avoid
1 AIA Approved LU Credit
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Jordan Goldman
Jordan Goldman is a specialist in energy modeling and mechanical engineering, and he manages the HVAC design practice for ZeroEnergy Design. He is fluent in building envelope strategies and energy-efficient construction systems, building science design principles, and mechanical system design, specification, and sizing for enhanced energy performance. Jordan is a Certified Passive House Consultant, has been recognized by the EPA for his achievement in systems design for green buildings, and has been featured on NPR. Jordan studied Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, where he received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering.
Build a Custom Deck Start-to-Finish Course
Whether you're looking to deliver more value for your clients or you're looking to build a pro-level deck for your own family or friends, this three-week intensive course will ensure you walk away from your next deck project with pride, knowing it was done right, that your time and money was well-spent, and that your project will endure.
Finish Carpentry Basics
Get Better Project Results With A Sharper Trim Skillset
In this comprehensive learning collection, craftsman Gary Striegler shares his 40 years of trim carpentry experience and explains how to effectively install doors, window and door trim, crown molding, chair rail, and wainscotting. Whether you're looking to quickly and competently train new members of your crew or to hone your own finish carpentry skills, this course will increase the efficiency and enduring quality of your work.
- Doors: Learn to install and trim common types of interior doors so they operate smoothly and look beautiful
- Windows: How to trim different kinds of windows, from standard double-hungs to arched-topped units, with basic and built-up molding packages
- Crown Molding: Learn how to install standard crown molding and how to elevate a room with custom, built-up crown molding details
- Chair Rail & Wainscot: Add classic style and craftsmanship to any space with chair rail molding or raised-panel wainscot
What You'll Learn In This Course:
- Install common types of interior doors
- Case interior doors with varying trim styles
- Install window stools, casing and extension jambs
- Dress up a window with a frame-and-panel apron
- Trim arched-top windows and windows with mullions
- Build a window seat
- Install basic and built-up crown molding
- Trim a room with chair rail
- Install raised-panel wainscot
- An Ultimate Training Guide For Mastering Interior Door and Trim Installations
- Over 9 hours of in-depth how-to video instruction
- Trusted tips and techniques to elevate your very next project
- 90+ pages of downloadable learning resources
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Gary Striegler
Second-generation builder Gary Striegler owns Craftsman Builders, a Fayetteville, Ark., company specializing in millwork and interior details. A frequent Fine Homebuilding contributor, Gary also teaches at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking (marcadams.com) where he focuses on the execution of custom architectural woodworking, presents at some of the industry's most prominent trade-show seminars, and volunteers for Mercy International in Honduras.
Decarbonizing Homes
As the demand for more sustainable homes intensifies, architects and builders are increasingly driven by state and federal incentives to reduce the carbon footprint of their homes and to tap into the national push toward electrification. Navigating the complex decision-making process to ensure the best performance of a home that delivers real environmental and economic results can be daunting. It doesn't have to be. In this course, renowned building science expert Marc Rosenbaum offers a clear roadmap for decarbonizing existing homes based on his own specific process and experience. Through this course you will gain a comprehensive understanding of what decarbonization is and how it applies to an existing project. You'll learn how to assess homes accurately, develop an appropriate retrofit plan, and make the most of renewable energy systems to successfully meet a project's performance and comfort goals.
Home Insulation
All The Information You Need To Insulate Efficient, Healthy and Durable Homes
The 2021 International Residential Code requires the highest insulating standards our industry has ever seen, putting new pressure on architects and builders to change the way they design and construct houses. This course will teach you how to interpret the new code and how to select the right insulation for your project based on budget and performance goals.
- Codes: New R-value and continuous insulation requirements for your climate zone.
- Products: Choose the right insulation based on budget, science and environmental impact.
- Details: Design proven building details for efficient foundations, walls and roof assemblies.
Course includes 3 hours of in-depth instruction and 5 AIA Approved HSW/LU Credits
The Sustainable Home Building Accelerator
Course Overview
This intensive, interactive online series of courses is designed to rapidly advance your knowledge of sustainable home design and construction. Whether you’re an architect, builder, or a homeowner, we'll give you the tools and confidence to design and build well-crafted, affordable homes that maximize performance and comfort.
Over 11 hours of video. AIA Approved 10 HSW/LU Credits. Resnet 10 PD Credits.
Design
COURSE INCLUDES: Over 3 hours of video lessons, digital construction graphics, and expert guests.
Take an in-depth look at Pretty Good House principles around site location and layout, and how to engineer an energy-efficient home while staying within a budget.
What You'll Learn
- Understanding your climate
- Regulatory and infrastructure constraints
- Building a design and construction team
- Location and site characteristics
- Establishing the optimum home size
- Designing for function, comfort, resilience, and security
- Calculating the economics of performance
Building Envelope
COURSE INCLUDES: Over 4 hours of video lessons, digital construction graphics, and expert guests.
Study ways to build a resilient, comfortable home using cutting-edge foundation and framing options and modern products and materials that are durable and resource-efficient.
What You'll Learn
- Foundation and framing options that maximize efficiency
- What goes in the walls: Insulation, electric, plumbing, HVAC ducting
- Air sealing and air barriers
- Water and vapor control above and below ground
- Window and door options and installation details
Mechanicals & Air Quality
COURSE INCLUDES: Nearly 3 hours of video lessons, digital construction graphics, and expert guests.
Learn to select the right-sized mechanical systems and how to incorporate renewable energy sources to achieve long term comfort and savings.
What You'll Learn
- Heating and cooling: demands and options
- How to right-size equipment to maximize performance
- Ventilation choices and design
- Dehumidification systems
- Water heating and distribution
- Renewable energy sources
- Efficient lighting and electricity options
