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

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Contributors • THE VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

Letters • READER FEEDBACK

Considering the conversation

Tips & Techniques

A history of U.S. building codes • MASTER THE RULES OF HOME BUILDING

BUILT OVER TIME • Great moments in the evolution of building codes

A TRUCK THAT POWERS THE JOB • NEW AND NOTEWORTHY PRODUCTS

Make a tight squeeze a breeze

Frustration-free hole saw

Lightweight but functional pry bar

Deeper cuts in concrete

Finishing Drywall With Seamless Results • Combine proven techniques and specialized tools to improve your work with tape and compound

TAPING FLAT SEAMS • Whether tapered or butt, seams are covered with drywall tape that is embedded tightly against the drywall in a layer of heavier all-purpose joint compound. Successive layers of a lighter-weight compound (such as USG’s Plus 3) are then applied to fair out the initial coat.

TAPING INSIDE CORNERS

Modern and Efficient on a Budget • A three-bedroom house in a cold climate challenges conventions with SIP wall construction, a unique floor plan, and a flat roof

Placing and Finishing a Heated Slab • Proper site prep, thick insulation, and skilled finishing make a concrete slab that’s easy to clean, comfortable to work on, and ready for heavy loads

BEFORE THE POUR • Extra time spent securing the tubing and tying the reinforcement saves time and headaches during placement.

POUR PLANNING • Before the concrete starts flowing, all tools and workers should be assembled, and everyone should know who is pumping, who is spreading, and who is screeding the concrete. The work takes place in approximately 16-ft. by 20-ft. sections.

SLICK FINISHING

CONTROLLED CRACKING • Concrete shrinks as it cures, often leading to unsightly random cracks. Control joints encourage controlled cracking that’s hidden from view. The saw cuts provide a score line that’s later extended through shrinkage cracks.

Compact Cordless SHOP VACS • These superportable, 18v, toolbox-shaped vacuums make cleanup fast and easy

Why Care About Carbon? • Choosing materials and methods that lower upfront emissions is key to reducing our climate impact

HOW HOMES CONTRIBUTE TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Carbon in conversation

USE A BETTER MIX AND USE LESS OF IT

AVOID FOAM WHEN YOU CAN

HOUSES BY DESIGN • ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

COMPACT CONCEALED FRIDGE • NEW AND NOTABLE PRODUCTS

MORE SMALL-SPACE SOLUTIONS • Small spaces stimulate the imagination. This collection of products offers creative solutions for living larger with lower square footage.

Ask the EXPERTS • YOUR QUESTIONS // PRO ANSWERS

Managing job-site conflict • PERSPECTIVES FROM THE FIELD

Keep Craft Alive • CELEBRATING PASSION FOR BUILDING