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Issue 249 – Feb/Mar 2015

On the Cover

Making Hot-Water Recirculation Pay

With new pump technology, hot-water recirculation is about to get more efficient.

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The Magazine

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Features

  • The Passive House Build: Getting the Mechanicals Right

    A carefully designed mechanical system rounds out this house’s heating and cooling load.

  • Smart-Home Revolution

    Connectivity is at the door. Are you ready to let it in?

  • Tool Test: 12-in. Compound-Miter Saws

    With a host of innovative features, one saw rises to the top.

  • Air-Sealing Can Lights Safely
    Air-Sealing Can Lights Safely

    Common air-sealing enclosures can lead to melted foam, shorted wiring, and even fire; here's how to build a safe enclosure.

  • The Path to Becoming a High-Performance Builder

    It can be daunting. It can be hard. It can be deeply rewarding.

  • framing a grade level deck
    Framing a Grade-Level Deck

    Building close to the ground demands tighter tolerances.

Finishing Touches

  • All-Around Warmth: Fireplace Design

    When Charles Orr of Hutker Architects met with his clients to discuss the design for their new home, on their wish list were fireplaces for the living room, the porch,…

What is the Difference

  • pressure treated lumber
    What's the Difference: Pressure-Treated Lumber

    Learn more about the various types of pressure-treated lumber, where you can find the retention level, and why making the right choice is so crucial.

Building Skills

  • Tying Down Loads

    Yes, there really is a knot called the trucker's hitch—and it can keep your cargo safe and secure while you're driving down the road.

Master Carpenter

  • person working on wiring
    Wiring a Bathroom

    Electrician Cliff Popejoy explains best practices for running wire, nailing boxes, and installing fixtures.

Drawing Board

  • grade level deck designs
    Design a Grade-Level Deck

    To get the most out of your deck, you need to carefully consider how it will be used and plan accordingly.

How it Works

  • How it Works: Septic Systems

    The mechanics of your septic system.

Project Gallery

  • A Little Bungalow Grows Up

    When Anna and David Howard of Howard’s Custom Home Renovations stumbled upon a quaint yet outdated bungalow for sale in Charlotte, N.C., they knew that it had the good bones…

Energy Smart Details

  • Attic-Ventilation Strategies

    Energy advisor Martin Holladay offers some key points to consider when venting a roof.

Tailgate

  • Gene Myers, Zero-Energy Builder

    This builder’s Denver-based company recently won its second grand award in the DOE’s Housing Innovation program.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Filling Knot Holes in Flooring
  • Is Through-Fastened Metal Roofing a Good Idea?
  • Regrouting with Epoxy
  • Can I recoat a fiberglass ladder?
  • How do you air-seal recessed can lights that you can’t access from above?

Readers Tips

  • The Simplest Drying Rack Ever
  • Backing Out Stripped Screws
  • Make a Screwdriver Slot
  • Cheap and Easy Door Sweep
  • No-Freeze Cleaning Fluid
  • Hanging Drywall on a Two-Stud Corner
  • Precise Drywall-Ceiling Cutouts
  • Clean Up Blocked Spray Cans

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • 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 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

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