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

Tips & Techniques

Guidelines for garages

What counts as a garage?

SMART SIDING CUT TABLE

See air leaks in hard-to-reach places

Stop dropping screws

Chainsaw Retrofits Are Alive and Well • Cutting off the eaves to carry the air and thermal barriers from the wall sheathing to the roof plane is an effective performance upgrade for some old homes

10 STEPS TO A TIGHT ROOF

MAXIMIZE HVAC EFFICIENCY • This critical five-task commissioning process ensures forced-air heating and cooling is quiet, comfortable, and problem-free

Start with a successful design • Commissioning confirms that a system is working to spec, but it won’t improve a system that’s performing poorly because of a flawed design. In addition to egregious errors like rule-of-thumb sizing or intentional upsizing, there are subtle ways an HVAC design can deviate from actual heating and cooling loads. Before signing off on a system, confirm these design parameters when evaluating a prospective Manual J calculation.

Commissioning companion

A Sense of Place • Locally sourced materials, the use of AAC blocks, and careful siting create a home that complements the owners’ love of craft and folklore

SOURCING BIG LOGS FOR SOLID PINE ROOF BEAMS

A Strong Case for Wood Foundations • You may be skeptical of a foundation made of wood, but it’s fast and easy to build and more energy-efficient than concrete

BRING THE PANELS ON-SITE

LIFT, SET, AND SEAL THE PANELS

STRENGTHEN THE SYSTEM WITH INTERIOR WALLS AND FLOOR TRUSSES

Chelle Travis • This executive director champions the next generation of skilled tradespeople

Reusing Salvaged Wood • A historical-home renovation gives lessons into the process of reclaiming lumber, from careful demolition to remilling and refinishing

SALVAGE, PREP, AND PLAN

REMILL AND REFINISH

HOUSES BY DESIGN • ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

42 Years of projects, tips, and techniques for on-the-job success

SPEC • NEW AND NOTABLE PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS

CONTROL LAYERS FOR A REMODEL

ASK the EXPERTS

Check Out the Latest E-Learning Courses from Fine Homebuilding

PRETTY GOOD HOUSE A GUIDE TO CREATING BETTER HOMES

Eight myths about electrification

PROJECT GUIDES • Trusted, comprehensive guidance from the pros for building, design, and remodeling projects

Keep Craft Alive • CELEBRATING PASSION FOR BUILDING