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Issue 186

On the Cover

Doghouse Dormers: Framing From the Ground Up

Assembling parts on the ground and cutting the roof at the last minute provide a low-stress route to a high-value project.

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Features

  • electrical boxes
    Problem-Solving Electrical Boxes

    Cleverly designed boxes can get you out of trouble quickly during rough-ins and retrofits.

  • A Fast, Foolproof Method for Fitting Doors

    With plywood strips and hot-melt glue, you can make a template that guarantees a perfect fit.

  • Inside the Hobbit House

    This modern-day folly has all the charm and craftsmanship of the mythical cottages of The Shire.

  • The Kitchen-Deck Connection

    A small addition with a sunny deck builds a bridge to the backyard.

  • 23-gauge Pin Nailers Change Everything

    These pneumatic trim guns are compact and lightweight, and fire nails so small that they barely leave a trace.

  • A Beautiful Floor from Wood Scraps

    Achieving the intricate geometry of a parquet floor doesn't require much more than a tablesaw, kraft paper, and wallpaper paste.

Article

  • An Energy-Smart Foundation in Two Days
    An Energy-Smart Foundation in Two Days

    A compacted gravel footing is the only prep work required, and you don't have to wait for the weather.

  • Comparing Rot-Resistant Framing Materials

    Copper- and borate-based preservative treatments have proven effectiveness, but structural plastics are more durable.

  • A TV Complicates the Mantelpiece

    Tips on trim details and new design tools from a big project.

  • So Easy Even a Carpenter Can Do It

    Installing precast concrete foundation wall panels set on gravel footings

  • Weatherproofing Dormers

    Use peel-and-stick bow-ties to flash a dormer.

Cross Section

  • Houses That Roll With the Punches

    A Japanese company takes a new approach to earthquake-proof homes

  • But what about climbing a ladder with a chainsaw?

    Ladder manufacturer studies fear of climbing ladders

  • How many legislators does it take to unscrew 50 million lightbulbs?

    California and Connecticut lead the charge to ban inefficient bulbs

  • Casa y Comunidad: Latino home and neighborhood design

    Fernando Pages Ruiz reviews Henry G. Cisneros's lastest book, Casa y Comunidad

Tools & Materials

  • A housewrap and rain screen in one

    Delta-Dry weather-resistant barrier

  • Plastic hinge shims

    Quick align hinge shims

  • Curved walls done quickly

    Quick Curve Plates

  • Metal-connector nailer is a leap forward in technology

    MCN 150 StrapShot

  • Better Fast-Acting Glue

    2P-10 Adhesive

Letters

  • The remodeled FineHomebuilding.com

    Editor Kevin Ireton introduces the new FineHomebuilding.com

  • Reader Feedback: Issue 186, April/May 2007

    Turn off the water when you lather up The essay “Down the drain” (FHB #183, p. 8) and the subsequent letters (FHB #185, pp. 8, 12) debating low-flow showerheads all…

What is the Difference

  • What's the Difference: Layout chalk

    Why settle for what's left in your chalkline when a variety of colors await your discovery?

Building Skills

  • Mix Concrete by the Bag
    Mix Concrete by the Bag

    A reliable and back-friendly approach to smarter concrete-mixing.

Master Carpenter

  • Interlocking-weatherstripping techniques

    A step-by-step guide to making your entry door waterproof and windproof

Great Moments

  • Mrs. Fremont's Special Beeswax Formula

    Great moments in building history: Sometimes, just saying the right words can land you the job of a lifetime

Drawing Board

  • Planning a Small Master Suite Bathroom
    Planning a Small Suite Bathroom

    Sean Groom shares some tips for getting the most out of limited bathroom square footage.

Video

  • mixing concrete in a wheelbarrow
    Mixing Concrete in a Wheelbarrow

    A simple wheelbarrow, a stiff rake, and a reliable process transform the task of mixing concrete from backbreaker to no-brainer

  • build a mantelpiece in sketchup
    Build the Mantelpiece in 3D First

    A free 3D drawing tool helps visualize difficult projects before you make your first cut

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Fireplace mantel and surround clearances
  • Waterproofing a Basement From the Inside Can Be a Challenge
  • Replace an ugly metal railing

Readers Tips

  • Siding a House Solo Using Adjustable Hooks
  • No-Hassle Vented Frieze Blocks
  • Tailgate Gravel Shield
  • The Simplest Trim Rack Ever
  • Another approach to installing prehung doors
  • Emergency ice shield for driveways
  • Magnetic hammer handle
  • Four eyes for old eyes

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

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