Fine Homebuilding Magazine

America’s trusted resource for residential building, remodeling, and home improvement. Convenient digital delivery includes unique bonus features and enhancements: linkable and searchable content, techniques videos, slide shows, tutorials, new products, digital tools, and more.

Out of Print • BUILDING BEYOND THE MAGAZINE’S PAGES

Contributors • THE VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Letters • READER FEEDBACK

Tips & Techniques • HANDS-ON ADVICE FROM READERS IN THE FIELD

DIY MINISPLIT INSTALLATION • NEW AND NOTEWORTHY PRODUCTS AND GEAR

The easiest deck you’ll ever install

Pencil-compass combo

Lift for the long haul

Set windows solo, from the inside

Environmentally friendly concrete

Indoor-safe screed

Barn Transformation • A steel catwalk holds up the roof while opening up the space below

HOLDING UP THE ROOF WHILE OPENING UP THE ROOM

OLD PATTERNS, NEW MOVES

I-Beam to the Rescue • When a common remodeling project can’t be accomplished with a common material, this builder turns to the strength of steel

Save With a Smart Thermostat • The technology has become affordable, offering easy access to energy-and money-saving features, not to mention comfort

HIGH-TECH CONTROLS • A step up from basic programmable thermostats, smart thermostats offer some improvements to the way we control HVAC equipment. These tech-first thermostat manufacturers offer features that can increase comfort, energy efficiency, and convenience, and that can be helpful in an emergency—and yes, you can talk to some of them.

AND, FROM THE HVAC FOLKS…

Bracing for the Storm • Insurance industry research shows that stout roofs, strong windows, and metal connectors can help protect houses from high wind, hail, and hurricanes

ELEMENTS OF A FORTIFIED ROOF

UPGRADES IN A FORTIFIED HOUSE

A Tale of Two Energy Audits • How the work of a home-performance professional can result in a path toward improved energy efficiency, durability, and health

THE MUGFORD HOUSE ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS • Even though this home had been remodeled in this century, it had some common issues that we verified with a thermal imaging camera, a blowerdoor test, and indoor air quality monitors.

THE WEITZENFELD HOUSE UPGRADE OPTIONS • The new owner of this home hopes to improve the house by reducing energy use and improving indoor air quality, and by remodeling the kitchen, adding a first-floor bathroom, and potentially converting the walk-up attic to living space.

10 ENERGY RETROFIT MISTAKES • Here are ten things we commonly see homeowners do when they have not completed a bona-fide energy audit prior to home improvement projects. At best, they’re not prioritizing their spending. At worst, they’re wasting their money or causing a fire or health hazard.

The serious stuff…

A Guide to Subfloor Sheathing • For a stable, flat, and squeak-free floor, you’ll find that most new products are OSB

BRANDED INNOVATIONS IN SUBFLOORING

A FASCINATING FACTORY TOUR • While researching this article, I was invited by the folks at Huber Engineered Wood to visit one of the mills where they make their sheathing products, including all their subflooring. Here’s a look at the production process for AdvanTech X-Factor panels, which begins with logs delivered by the truckload.

HOUSES BY DESIGN • ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Ask the EXPERTS • YOUR QUESTIONS //PRO ANSWERS

Building Matters • PERSPECTIVES FROM THE FIELD

Keep Craft Alive • CELEBRATING PASSION FOR BUILDING