Issue 318 – October 2023
Features
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Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
Learn what induction is, what you need to know about making the switch from gas or electric, and top products to consider.
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The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Lloyd Alter
This author and architect discusses achieving carbon reduction in the home-building industry through radical sufficiency and using less.
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Dialing In a Job-Site Tablesaw
Tune up your saw and add a few simple jigs for an efficient, accurate, and dependable tool.
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Passive House Homestead on Protected Land
This Montana homestead is a study in environmental stewardship and sustainable building practices.
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7 Ways to Tie Home to Land
Thoughtful consideration of location and the natural surroundings goes a long way toward nestling a home into its setting.
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Fine Homebuilding Issue #318 Online Highlights
Find online articles and videos on the podcast, installing PVC trim, and more.
Tips & Techniques
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Chewproof WeatherstrippingKeep rodents from chewing garage-door weatherstripping with this cladding.
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Keep Cabinets DryA piece of waterproof tile underlayment prevents water damage to a sink cabinet.
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Good-as-New Grout FloatTrimming the edges of a worn grout float can extend its life.
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Nail-Set UpgradeMake your Spring Tools nail sets easier to find by adding some color.
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Protect Deck JoistsA rubberized sealant provides inexpensive protection for the tops of decks joists.
Know the Code
Tools & Gear
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Speedy PEX ExpanderThe M12 ProPEX expander from Milwaukee is the fastest expanding tool.
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Well-Balanced Cordless Belt SanderDeWalt's DCW220B cordless belt sander offers plenty of speed and power, and the absence of a power cord allows for more finesse.
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One-Hitch HaulingNot only is the Rhino Hitch an ultra-adjustable trailer hitch, but its adjustments can be made without wrenches.
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Hands-Free FlashlightStreamlight's Stinger Switchblade is a battery-powered, portable, hands-free work light with three different settings.
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New Workboot on the BlockBrunt Workwear's Marin Brunt Toe work boots provide all-day comfort and come with inserts that can change each shoe's width.
HOUSES by Design
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Small and Minimalist Cottage TowerThis one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage on New York's Fishers Island provides panoramic ocean views and a private setting amid woodlands, fields, and ponds.
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Practical and Sustainable Prefab HomeTwo boxes make up the plan for this modular house: One has the kitchen and common area, while the other includes two bedrooms and two baths.
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Lakeside Retirement RetreatA large deck with a screened porch below it enables this open-concept, two-level home to take advantage of its setting at the edge of Lake Champlain.
Building Matters
Keep Craft Alive
Spec
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Hand-Crafted Pendant LightsMade from pelletized glass, the U.S.-made Parallel Collection from Hennepin Made is a versatile overhead lighting addition to any home aesthetic.
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Stay Cool With a Prefab Plunge PoolMade of cast concrete with hand-tiled interiors, Soake Pools are excellent for creating a custom backyard oasis.
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Airtight Kneewall Access DoorThe kneewall access door from Fakro ensures proper insulation between conditioned and unconditioned spaces in homes with vented attics.
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Durable and Sustainable Zinc Roofing and CladdingPrePatina EcoZinc from Rheinzink uses 50% less CO2 than its predecessor and only gets better with age.
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Monitor Both Outdoor and Indoor Air QualityThe sensors and mapping tool from PurpleAir can help residents strategically use existing air filters.
