Issue 307 – June 2022

This building scientist offers insight and trade tools for forensic investigation

Dan is one of the principal minds behind the Pretty Good House movement, an approach to holistic home building that emerged from an informal building-science discussion group he has helped organize for nearly ten years.

Andy Engel reflects on the price and durability of tools over the years since he entered the trades in 1979.

Buster + Punch's modern aesthetic line of electrical finishes includes light switches, dimmer switches, plug sockets, USB outlets, custom plates and modules.

A wide variety of colors and a granite composite material make the Silgranit sink from Blanco a solid option for both durability and looks.

The Mesa Wall Mount Range Hood from Zephyr comes in three different colors with a variety of accessories to enhance both functionality and design.

Wide sliding glass doors, a low-slung roof, and strategic views characterize this Texas midcentury-modern home.

With an addition and some reconfiguration, the owners of this home were able to create a modern kitchen with better connections to the rest of the house and the backyard.

By connecting the home to the detached garage, the architects of this hillside home made space for a home office and guest area.

The new 18v GEX18V-5 and 12v GEX12V-5 finish sanders from Bosch provide ergonomic palm grips, easily accessible speed-selector dials, and side-mounted dust bags.

Get accurate measurements for fine finish-carpentry work with this precision furniture-maker's tool.

With its combination of bits and sockets, the Wera Tool-Check Plus kit better prepares me for almost any fastener I come across.

In recent IRC editions, some more obscure materials, such as straw-bale and light straw-clay, and methods were added.

Mark uses a spring clamp to help manage his unruly pneumatic nailer hoses and maintain safety.

Cutting small tiles comes with extra challenges. Learn how a simple addition to your saw's sliding table can make cutting small tile easier.

If you don't have clamps on hand, use a turnbuckle to pull posts together.

If you ever need to run more than one extension cord outdoors, this tip will come in handy.

Certain window installations can cause gaps that make flashing a nightmare.

Sometimes you want to clearly mark something, but also easily wipe it away when done.

Find online articles and videos on how to frame rough openings, tub and shower surrounds, and more.