Issue 260 – June/July 2016
Features
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FHB House: A Valuable Resource for Designers And Builders
The FHB House is not a show house. The FHB House is a demonstration house that designers and builders can refer to when navigating the challenges of their own projects.…
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A Difficult Site Shapes the House
The undeveloped lot in a neighborhood usually has its shortcomings. This one slopes steeply down from the road, and the surrounding area drains into it. Wetland and property-line setbacks left…
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A Good Fit for the Neighborhood
With low eaves on a steep roof punctuated by dormers and an inviting front porch, the FHB House’s farmhouse style fits into the neighborhood of Capes and ranches from the…
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An Open, Flexible Floor Plan
Designer Michael Maines’ challenge was to incorporate a flexible floor plan of about 1800 sq. ft. into a house inspired by a traditional farmhouse. The floor plan had to adapt…
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Bringing Back Balloon-Frame Construction
This retro framing technique is a good fit for today’s superinsulated walls.
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Remodeling a Staircase
Rebuilding these stairs in place preserved a finished ceiling below but added other challenges.
Article
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A Rural Electric House That WorksA tight building envelope and plenty of insulation mean low energy bills, even for a Minnesota home with electric heat.
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It's Time To Consider Helical Pile FootingsThese threaded steel piers make new projects easier to get out of the ground, including new decks, sheds, and even houses.
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Smoother WallsSpraying primer/surfacer can be faster and less expensive that skim coating drywall when you want a perfect paint job.
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Long-Lasting Gravel DrivewaysGet the drainage and base right, and gravel can be an economical alternative to asphalt.
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Tool Test: Twin-Stack Air CompressorsIf you choose wisely, your go-to air compressor can be quiet, durable, and easy to operate.
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Meet the Design/Build teamA high-performance house like the FHB House requires the collaboration of a talented team. We’ve pulled together an exceptionally well-qualified group to ensure excellent design and quality craftsmanship. The designer…
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FHB House SponsorsFine Homebuilding’s FHB House is being supported by a host of industry sponsors. We’ve taken a careful approach to these partnerships. As a brand, we’re not comfortable telling you to…
Tools & Materials
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Capable Cordless JigsawCutting curves and scribed lines on a job site requires a jigsaw. From my original Elu to my current Bosch, I’ve always insisted on a barrel-grip model because it gives…
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Tough DrywallThis high-performance drywall is one of the strongest out there.
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Tool TransporterWhen it comes to storing and transporting tools, everybody has to decide what works best for them. As a do-it-all remodeler, I need to carry a lot of different stuff.…
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What's the Difference: Spray LubricantsLITHIUM GREASE A mix of lithium hydroxide and oils, lithium grease is ideal for metal-to-metal contact, especially when pressure or a heavy load is involved. It works great in places…
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Timber-framing TomeInterested in learning the craft of timber framing? If so, check out Learn to Timber Frame by Will Beemer, Fine Homebuilding author, founding member of the Timber Framers Guild, and…
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Tiny ToiletDesigned for a 10-in. rough-in, the new PeeWee high-efficiency toilet from Gerber is a perfect fit for childrens’ bathrooms. With a 10-1/4-in. seat height, the recently introduced model uses 1.28…
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Smooth SanderAs a finish carpenter and cabinetmaker, I sand things by hand every day. To make the process faster and easier, I use the Preppin’ Weapon by Time Shaver Tools. The…
