Issue 313 – Feb/March 2023
Features
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Tips for Choosing and Installing a Woodstove
A highly efficient woodstove can be a great source of supplemental heat during the coldest months.
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6 Ways to Make a Small Lot Live Big
Strategic elements such as fences, framed views, and walled gardens can make constrained lot sizes feel both spacious and private.
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Dress Up a Ceiling With Reclaimed Beams
Old timbers get new life as a decorative element in a cottage renovation.
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The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Allison A. Bailes III
This Georgian author and educator brings building science down to Earth.
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5 Steps for Flashing a Deck Ledger
A multilayered approach keeps water out of the house at this critical connection.
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Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
A single steel column on a reinforced footing keeps homes standing during an earthquake.
Other
Tips & Techniques
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Mobile Kitchen Island on Furniture GlidesFurniture glides create a movable island for easier manuevering.
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Smart Deck SpacersA small block of wood glued to the spacer prevents it from falling through the cracks.
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Precut Shims for Faster Door HangingWith a tablesaw and miter saw, it only takes a few mnutes to make enough shims for several doors.
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An Easier Way to Measure Long SpansSplit the distance when working alone or measuring spans longer than your tape.
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Seal Toilets Partway to Detect LeaksTo caulk or not to caulk, that is the question.
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Makeshift Mud Mixer for DrywallElectrical wire in a drill forms a useful hand mixer for small batches of compound.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
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Compact Cordless CompressorMetabo HPT's 2-gal. cordless compressor is a useful back- and time-saver.
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Ergonomic Tape MeasureThis double-sided, high-contrast measuring tape is easy to read in all lighting conditions.
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Trip-Saving Tool HaulerThis combination wheelbarrow and dolly from Worx shines as a tool cart.
HOUSES by Design
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Innovative Design in Affordable HousingA barbell layout comfortably organizes this small, single-family home into its extremely narrow footprint.
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Modern and Geometric Home in New EnglandComprised of three simple, triangular forms, this minimalist Vermont house is infused with character and culture.
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Combining Design Aesthetics for an Island HomeThis home on Whidbey Island, Wash., marries an old farmhouse feel with more modern elements.
Spec
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Steel Brace for Roof TrussesThe TrussBrace system from FastenMaster removes the need for wood braces, making for a faster roof truss installation.
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Adding Color to Freestanding Bathtubs and SinksThis color-rich collection from House of Rohl draws on historical global architecture trends to upgrade bathroom features.
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Clever Kitchen Storage SolutionsThese two drawer and cabinet systems from Rev-a-Shelf bring organization to busy spaces.
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Get Stunning Views With Folding Glass DoorsGeneration 4 from NanaWall comes with greater opportunities for flexibility and energy efficiency to improve indoor-outdoor living.
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Reusable Flood Bags for Fast Bulk-Water ControlThese bags from Quick Dam arrive compact and swell to form a protective barrier on contact with water.
