Issue 304 – Dec 2021/Jan 2022
Features
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Passive-House Standards for Everyone
A builder brings affordable, near-zero-energy homes to the most in need through a career at Habitat for Humanity.
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Window Replacement With a Side of Rot Repair
What started out as a leaky window replacement snowballed into replacing a big chunk of wall.
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Rainscreen Systems for Stucco
If you want to install stucco and not rot your walls, choose one of these products to create a drainage plane and ventilation space between the water-resistive barrier and the stucco.
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Foolproof Inset Cabinet Doors
With the right tools and techniques, there's no need to be afraid of these traditional doors.
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A Fresh Take on Tradition
A renovation with a focus on increased space and sustainable systems transforms a historical home.
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Conditioning an Attached Garage
To maintain healthy living spaces in the home, isolate the garage by building it as if it were a separate house.
Tips & Techniques
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Sawhorse Pipe ViseDrill a hole through the center of the sawhorse's top rail and use a wrench on either side to hold pipe for threading.
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Straighten StudsUse a small bar clamp to add leverage and straighten studs for easier trim installation.
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Magnetic FingertipsTape a magnet to the back of your finger to hold several screws and nails.
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Ladder Tool TopperCreate tool tray and attach it to the top of a stepladder to minimize ups and downs.
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Sawblade SheathAn S-cleat typically used to join ductwork makes the ideal blade holder.
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Hose HolderTape a vacuum nozzle to the top of your shoe to minimize dust on the job without bending over.
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Goggles for Glasses
Ski goggles make great personal protective equipment if safety goggles don't fit over your eyeglasses.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
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Innovative Circular SawFlex Tools' latest circular saw implements a smaller blade size with the handle mounted on top of the motor
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Small, Sturdy HandsawTajima's G-Saw folding saws are handy for general woodcutting and fine carpentry.
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Air-Leak TracerThe Fog Puffer is a smoke pencil that helps find air leaks during blower-door tests.
HOUSES by Design
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Durable and Efficient Island RetreatA remodel of a home on Block Island, R.I., offers a classic look with a modern twist.
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House of Four GablesThe remodel of a 140-year-old two-story home maximizes floor space and is designed to take on another 100 years.
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A Midcentury-Modern Reoriented to the OutdoorsThis 1962 Roger Lee-designed home now features re-envisioned open spaces and utilizes outdoor areas.
Building Matters
Keep Craft Alive
Spec
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Edgecliff Pull Made from Recycled BrassThe sleek lines and geometric design of this cabinetry pull from Schoolhouse add a touch of simple sophistication to any room.
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A Quiet and Water-Efficient Toilet OptionThe new line of Shadow toilets from Niagra makes for an easy install for builders, remodelers, and plumbing professionals.
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Versatile and Compact Recessed LightingLithonia’s Wafer LED recessed lights fit in tight spaces, have multiple color-temperature settings, and even work in wet locations.
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Lightweight Insulation With Easier InstallationCertainTeed’s formaldehyde-free fiberglass batt and roll insulation allows contractors to maximize work efficiency with less mess and an easier installation process.
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Better Battens for Open-Joint SidingBenjamin Obdyke redesigned their polypropylene Batten UV furring strips to give more flexibility and durability to rainscreen siding installations.
Online Extras
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Fine Homebuilding Issue #304 Online HighlightsFind online articles and videos on blow-in insulation, straw-bale construction, and more.
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Different Ways to Mortise HingesGet the information you need to know about different methods for creating hinge mortises, along with recommended templates from the experts.
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Easy Router Jig for Perfect Hinge MortisesGet an accurate, consistent depth that perfectly fits the hinge leaves with this shopmade three-sided template.
