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.

Subscribe View the Digital Issue

The Magazine

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
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
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

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

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

Drawing Board

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When Anna and David Howard of Howard’s Custom Home Renovations stumbled upon a quaint yet outdated bungalow for sale in Charlotte, N.C., they knew that it had the good bones…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

Readers Tips

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

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

Membership & Magazine

© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

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

X

X

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.