How-To

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Get an overview of the main considerations—including generator type, fuel source, and electrical-connection options—so you can reliably supply your home with electricity when there's a power outage.
Professional engineer Mark Jussaume describes eight concepts to keep in mind when designing ductwork to increase efficiency and comfort. Strategies include planning for filtration, positioning outlets according to climate, and installing dampers in branch ducts rather than supply grilles.
A critical element in the HVAC installation process is making sure the HVAC system was installed according to the plan and is working at maximum efficiency for energy savings and whole-house comfort. Called HVAC commissioning, this process involves five steps. In addition to explaining how each step works, author Chris Hughes shares key questions to ask when designing an HVAC system in the first place.

HVAC

3 Pins
First figure out if the code considers it a garage or a storage building. Then figure out your means of disconnecting from the power supply.
Whether you're setting a recessed can overhead or a 4-in. box between joists or against one, here's how.
Avoid costly mistakes and failure-prone fixes with these in-floor heat best practices for bathrooms.

Installing Electrical

43 Pins
For the first time ever, unlock everything Fine Homebuilding has to offer. Trusted building advice. Anywhere. Anytime. Available to you instantly with membership. Try it for free today.  #FineHomebuilding #Construction #Homebuilding #DreamHouse #HomeDecor #Kitchens #FreeTrial #BuildingDetails
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Print and online publications, internet discussion boards, and an extensive network of tradespeople are all sources of tips, tricks, and techniques of the trade.

Starting a Construction Business

33 Pins
Lake Cabin – Fine Homebuilding
Kitchen Design 101 – Fine Homebuilding
Asian-Inspired Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel in a Craftsman Bungalow – Fine Homebuilding

Building a Beautiful Kitchen

342 Pins
Create strong, flush joints in your carpentry projects with this simple tool and its accompanying pocket screws. - Fine Homebuilding
Liquid flashing offers a seamless alternative to flashing tape. Here's how to do it.
Make a simple jig from scrap wood to make safe easy cuts at angles greater than 45 degrees with your compound miter saw or chop saw.

Mastered In A Minute

13 Pins
Roof overhangs, gutters, and grading are the primary defenses against rainwater.
Once a piece of PVC siding is set in place, secure it with 1-3/4-in. stainless-steel roofing nails driven into the center of the nail slot every 16 in. and left a little loose. Each piece connects to the piece to its left via a rabbeted half-lap joint. Tap the siding into place so that the bottom connects to the piece below.
Fasten the starter strip every 8 in. to 12 in., leaving a 1-in. gap at corners.

Roofing, siding, and exterior house details

139 Pins
Getting a first new home out of the ground can be a challenge, so we've assembled some pro tips for making the job go as smoothly as possible. - Fine Homebuilding
Getting a first new home out of the ground can be a challenge, so we've assembled some pro tips for making the job go as smoothly as possible. - Fine Homebuilding
Getting a first new home out of the ground can be a challenge, so we've assembled some pro tips for making the job go as smoothly as possible.

Building House Foundations

43 Pins
When it comes to purchasing a new water heater, most buying decisions are made quickly and under duress, which means efficiency falls by the wayside. This article gives a rundown of different types of energy-efficient water heaters—tankless electric and gas models, electric heat-pump units, and condensing gas models—and explains how their efficiency is measured, and which units make the most sense to purchase depending on the fuel source.
The combination waste and vent system is arguably the simplest. So why hasn’t it caught on? Probably because, until the International Residential code changed in 2018, you couldn’t connect a food-waste disposer to a combination waste and vent system - Fine Homebuilding #Code #KitchenIsland #VentFixtures #KnowTheCode #DIY
Replacing a trap is something you can handle yourself. It’s a straightforward plumbing task that requires a minimum of materials and can be done easily in an afternoon - Fine Homebuilding

Plumbing

45 Pins
Behind the brick lies an airtight envelope and an extravagant bath
Behind the brick lies an airtight envelope and an extravagant bath
By keeping the footprint of the house smaller, the FHB House team created a courtyard between the house and alley-loaded garage in the rear of the lot. This courtyard functions as an outdoor family room and entertainment space - Fine Homebuilding #HomeDecor #Design #Courtyard #SmallYard #YardDesign #GarageBar #FamilyRoom #YardPrivacy

FHB House - Kentucky 2019

69 Pins
Large wooden deck connects house to outside art studio as well as surrounding trees.
Screened Porch
Garden Shed

Deck Building Ideas

238 Pins
his simple woodshed can be built in a weekend, and sized up or down as needed. A detailed drawing and materials list shows the type and dimensions of lumber and hardware needed for construction, while photographs illustrate the process of building the shed, from preparing the base on concrete and/or gravel, to cutting the parts, to assembling the floor, walls, and roof.
This 1880s barn was rebuilt with 80% recycled boards and timbers
Build an Antique-Style Post-and-Beam Shed with Modern Construction Details - Fine Homebuilding

Sheds and Barns

51 Pins
The Ultimate Modern Home - Fine Homebuilding
Start With a Steel Deck - Fine Homebuilding
Efficient, Strong Framing - Fine Homebuilding

FHB House - California 2018

29 Pins
On larger jobs, rather than fill-coat by hand, Myron uses taping boxes (also known as flat finishing boxes) that apply a consistently uniform amount of compound along the seams. They require a little more setup and cleaning afterward, but they make up for it with faster production.
To spread out a lot of compound over long seams, Myron sometimes uses a compound tube that acts like a huge syringe, squeezing out the compound through a specialized applicator head. He fills the tube with a mix of all-purpose compound thinned with a little water. As he applies pressure to the handle, the tube leaves a flat ribbon of compound about 2 in. wide and 1/4 in. thick over the seam.
For the fill coat, Myron uses a 10-in.-wide box filled with thinned-down lightweight compound loaded into the mouth of the box with a pump and box-filler attachment. If you don’t want to purchase a mud pump, you can pump compound into a taping box with a compound tube that’s equipped with a box-filler attachment.

Installing Drywall

58 Pins
Cracks, peeling paint, and bad patches disappear with a wide roll of adhesive mesh and two thin coats of joint compound.
Professional painter Philip Hansell shares the products and methods he uses for tackling the toughest parts of the job. - Fine Homebuilding
How to Cut Paint in a Straight Line - Fine Homebuilding

Painting a House

49 Pins
When strips lap onto adjacent walls at inside corners, smooth the strip into the first wall and tight into the corner, then cut the corner from top to bottom.
Stripping Wallpaper - Fine Homebuilding
Stripping Wallpaper - Fine Homebuilding

Putting Up Wallpaper

24 Pins
Exterior Trim Detail
Portico
Exterior Trim

Trim Details

72 Pins
Glass tile is beautiful but different from ceramic tile in some fundamental ways. In this article, a professional tilesetter explains the best adhesives to use, when to remove the paper facing (timing is critical here,) and proper grouting technique.
Installing Mosaic Tile - Start by measuring the height and width of the area where the tile will be installed. Center the design, and size it so that you have a combination of half or whole tiles at the edges—never less or more—surrounded by a fairly even border of field tile.  To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe's full articleHow to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash
Installing Mosaic Tiles -  Transfer the measurements to a large piece of cardboard, and draw a full size mockup of the area to be tiled.  To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe's full articleHow to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash  Read more: http://www.finehomebuilding.com/slideshow/installing-mosaic-tile.aspx#ixzz3KkjMOwGa Follow us: @fhbweb on Twitter | FineHomebuildingMagazine on Facebook

Tiles or Tiling

74 Pins
Natural builder Ben Graham and custom woodworker Mike Lamp demonstrate how they recently designed and built a 3-1/2-in.-thick R-10 wood door using salvaged cherry lumber.
The proportions of the jamb extensions should reflect the proportions of the door. I use a story pole to transfer rail heights from the door to the jamb extension. It’s important to note, however, that the extension has one more rail than the door.
Starting with a prehung door, you can create an elegant vestibule by adding frame-and-panel jamb extensions.

Doors and Entryways - Mudrooms

9 Pins
Bedroom Door
doors
big white colonial bright color door

Doors and Entryways - Other

88 Pins
These trusses, which overhang the foundation wall, will have 2×4 blocking cut to fit between the top chords above the foundation. We check pairs of neighboring trusses for plumb (and temporarily brace if necessary) so the blocking pieces are cut and installed at the correct length.
When we have to move a truss that’s already nailed to the mudsill, we use a sledgehammer to coax the offending truss into alignment. A sacrificial board screwed to the end prevents damage.
flooring

Flooring

74 Pins
The inspiration for this built-in bench at the foot of the stairs came from the Samuel Tilton Staircase in Newport, RI by McKim, Mead & White, masters of the "Shingle Style".  Built in 1881, the historic house is known for its beautiful textured surfaces and open floor plan.  The timberframe, warm wood tones and richly colored fabrics in the home featured here create a welcoming space to move through or to pause and reflect. Design by MaClay Architects. Photo by Susan Teare.
The wood treads on this open stairway add just enough warmth to balance the cool tones of the surrounding concrete walls. Designed by Rehkamp Larson Architects, Minneapolis, Minn. Photo by Ken Gutmaker.
The twin staircases could hardly be more straightforward, yet each is refined by a surprising number of subtle details. The most obvious being the tapered newel posts and bottom tread the wraps around the stair wall. Design by Estes Twombly Architects of Newport, R.I. Photo by Ken Gutmaker.

Stairs and hallways

71 Pins
Pendant light $129
Benches. Island. Light.
Strip tape is revolutionizing the way designers light countertops, built-ins, and architectural details. - Fine Homebuilding

Lighting

31 Pins
How it Works: Wall Framing - Fine Homebuilding
Bringing Back Balloon-Framed Walls - Fine Homebuilding
Framing Tips - How to Straighten a Wall - Fine Homebuilding

Framing a House

104 Pins
Cozy up to this fireplace for the holidays Production Overview: The site is surveyed, a 3D model is made, steel is water-jet cut, sandblasted, sanded and painted with a custom patina solution - Fine Homebuilding
Use these tips to design and create a long-lasting, heat-throwing firebox based on the traditional Rumford fireplace. - Fine Homebuilding
These three separate outdoor spaces provide examples of ideal fire feature placement while highlighting expansive views. - Fine Homebuilding #Outdoor #Landscaping #OutdoorEntertainment #HomeDesign #OutdoorDecor #Fireplaces #Pool #EntertainmentArea

DIY Fireplaces

44 Pins
Should Your Old Wood Windows Be Saved? - Fine Homebuilding
Replacing a Basement Window - Fine Homebuilding
Replacing a Basement Window - Fine Homebuilding

Window Installation and Inspiration

92 Pins
Cellular PVC is a common building material, but is relatively new as a siding. This article discusses the wood-like look of cellular PVC siding as well as the durability and resiliency benefits in areas with weather events, as well as specifics of one brand of siding’s interlocking joints and installation process.
The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
Cellular PVC is a common building material, but is relatively new as a siding. This article discusses the wood-like look of cellular PVC siding as well as the durability and resiliency benefits in areas with weather events, as well as specifics of one brand of siding’s interlocking joints and installation process.
When it makes sense for inspections, extra protection, or sequencing demands, you can install a window before the WRB and still make it weathertight.
Installing Windows Before Housewrap
When it makes sense for inspections, extra protection, or sequencing demands, you can install a window before the WRB and still make it weathertight.
The process of properly applying a penetrating oil finish to a wood-sided home involves stripping the old finish and cleaning the house with a chemical stripper and brightener, soft-washing with water, and then applying the stain. Professional painter Noah Kanter describes the different choices when it comes to transparent stains, the benefits of penetrating stains over film-forming finishes, and how to complete the process of staining a home from start to finish. Wood, Exterior, Solid Stain, Siding, Downspout, Wood Species, House Siding, Cleaning Chemicals, Building A House
Finish for Wood Exteriors
The process of properly applying a penetrating oil finish to a wood-sided home involves stripping the old finish and cleaning the house with a chemical stripper and brightener, soft-washing with water, and then applying the stain. Professional painter Noah Kanter describes the different choices when it comes to transparent stains, the benefits of penetrating stains over film-forming finishes, and how to complete the process of staining a home from start to finish.
Roof overhangs, gutters, and grading are the primary defenses against rainwater. Roof Overhang, Roof, Defense, Quick, Science, Primary
Effectively Manage Rainwater with Roof Overhangs, Gutters, and Grading
Roof overhangs, gutters, and grading are the primary defenses against rainwater.
Once a piece of PVC siding is set in place, secure it with 1-3/4-in. stainless-steel roofing nails driven into the center of the nail slot every 16 in. and left a little loose. Each piece connects to the piece to its left via a rabbeted half-lap joint. Tap the siding into place so that the bottom connects to the piece below.
Installing PVC Siding
Once a piece of PVC siding is set in place, secure it with 1-3/4-in. stainless-steel roofing nails driven into the center of the nail slot every 16 in. and left a little loose. Each piece connects to the piece to its left via a rabbeted half-lap joint. Tap the siding into place so that the bottom connects to the piece below.
Working at a staging area Design, Improve, Refinished, How To Plan, Lumber, Homeowner, Projects
How to Effectively Reuse Salvaged Wood
Using a recent gut-and-expansion project as an example, builder Jim Wolffer explains how his company reuses salvaged wood. He covers how to assess whether lumber is worth saving or not, the importance of developing a reuse plan that includes the homeowner, and setting up an area for de-nailing, remilling, and refinishing the salvaged lumber.
Cracks, peeling paint, and bad patches disappear with a wide roll of adhesive mesh and two thin coats of joint compound.
Make Old Walls Smooth and Sound
Cracks, peeling paint, and bad patches disappear with a wide roll of adhesive mesh and two thin coats of joint compound.
Begin by assessing what material can be saved from demolition. In this case, the existing farmhouse had gone through many renovations over the years, so there wasn’t much in the way of period moldings or detailed millwork to save. Instead, we opted to go after material such as the original flooring and structural lumber and timber. (If you’re reusing older painted material, take appropriate lead-safe precautions.) de-nailing salvaged wood Home, Timber, Structures, Demolition, Over The Years, Reuse
Incorporate Salvaged Wood in Your Home
Begin by assessing what material can be saved from demolition. In this case, the existing farmhouse had gone through many renovations over the years, so there wasn’t much in the way of period moldings or detailed millwork to save. Instead, we opted to go after material such as the original flooring and structural lumber and timber. (If you’re reusing older painted material, take appropriate lead-safe precautions.) de-nailing salvaged wood
Glass tile is beautiful but different from ceramic tile in some fundamental ways. In this article, a professional tilesetter explains the best adhesives to use, when to remove the paper facing (timing is critical here,) and proper grouting technique. Ceramics, Beautiful, Techniques, Garten, Tips, Ceramic Tiles, Adhesives, Good Things
Tips and Techniques for Installing Glass Tile
Glass tile is beautiful but different from ceramic tile in some fundamental ways. In this article, a professional tilesetter explains the best adhesives to use, when to remove the paper facing (timing is critical here,) and proper grouting technique.
Get an overview of the main considerations—including generator type, fuel source, and electrical-connection options—so you can reliably supply your home with electricity when there's a power outage.
Advice for Choosing and Using a Backup Generator
Get an overview of the main considerations—including generator type, fuel source, and electrical-connection options—so you can reliably supply your home with electricity when there's a power outage.
Fasten the starter strip every 8 in. to 12 in., leaving a 1-in. gap at corners. Learning, Pvc, Stripping, House Exterior, Thing 1, Cellular, Exterior Trim
PVC Starter Strip
Fasten the starter strip every 8 in. to 12 in., leaving a 1-in. gap at corners.
Bracing trusses for strength Construction, Success, Custom Homes, Duct, System, House Made, Hvac Duct
Successful Floors With Trusses
These trusses, which overhang the foundation wall, will have 2×4 blocking cut to fit between the top chords above the foundation. We check pairs of neighboring trusses for plumb (and temporarily brace if necessary) so the blocking pieces are cut and installed at the correct length.
Exterior door made out of salvaged cherry lumber Ideas, Inspiration, Windows, Doors, Wood Exterior Door, Entry Doors, Exterior Doors With Glass, Exterior Front Doors
Build a High-Performance Exterior Door
Natural builder Ben Graham and custom woodworker Mike Lamp demonstrate how they recently designed and built a 3-1/2-in.-thick R-10 wood door using salvaged cherry lumber.
If you want a fire pit for practical reasons, such as disposing of leaves and large branches, consider making a pit with a 4-ft.-diameter or larger opening (check to see that it’s legal to burn yard debris in your community before going through the trouble to build such a pit). For a smaller recreational fire pit, a 30-in. to 36-in. inside diameter is a good size. For any fire pit, take into account that the overall diameter will be 2 ft. larger than the inside opening (1 ft. on each side). Pit, Fire, Masonry, Building, Masonry Work, Backyard
Build a Fire Pit: Design and Planning
If you want a fire pit for practical reasons, such as disposing of leaves and large branches, consider making a pit with a 4-ft.-diameter or larger opening (check to see that it’s legal to burn yard debris in your community before going through the trouble to build such a pit). For a smaller recreational fire pit, a 30-in. to 36-in. inside diameter is a good size. For any fire pit, take into account that the overall diameter will be 2 ft. larger than the inside opening (1 ft. on each side).
When we have to move a truss that’s already nailed to the mudsill, we use a sledgehammer to coax the offending truss into alignment. A sacrificial board screwed to the end prevents damage. Floor Plans, Sledgehammer, Flooring, Hvac, Board
Aligning Trusses
When we have to move a truss that’s already nailed to the mudsill, we use a sledgehammer to coax the offending truss into alignment. A sacrificial board screwed to the end prevents damage.
The key to durable trim and a safer and faster job is to assemble the trim first and install it later. Window Trim Exterior, Exposed Wood, Exterior Primer, Exterior Windows, Window Trim Styles, Choosing Siding, Craftsman Style Trim
The Efficient Way to Trim Exterior Windows
The key to durable trim and a safer and faster job is to assemble the trim first and install it later.
Dry-Stack Retaining Wall Concrete Block Retaining Wall, Retaining Wall Blocks, Diy Retaining Wall, Building A Retaining Wall, Concrete Retaining Walls, Dry Stack Stone, Concrete Blocks
General Prep for a Dry-Stack Retaining Wall
Dry-stacking a stone wall can take as much time as building a mortared wall because each stone takes more time to fit and each void has to be filled. That said, it is easier to build and repair a dry-stack wall because there’s no need to mix mortar and stage those materials and you can spread the work over several weekends.
You have one chance to protect a roof against the elements: during installation. This article details nine methods for making an asphalt-shingle roof more weather-resistant—improving the drip edge, using adhesive at the edges, maximizing nail placement, eliminating the overhang, selecting the right shingles, using better nails, securing the hip and ridge, getting the right ridge vent, and using roof cement as a cold-weather backup.
9 Upgrades to Windproof Your Roof
You have one chance to protect a roof against the elements: during installation. This article details nine methods for making an asphalt-shingle roof more weather-resistant—improving the drip edge, using adhesive at the edges, maximizing nail placement, eliminating the overhang, selecting the right shingles, using better nails, securing the hip and ridge, getting the right ridge vent, and using roof cement as a cold-weather backup.
Assembling the walls of a fire pit Yard Art, Rebar, Wall, Garden And Yard
Building a Fire Pit: Assembling the Walls
Fire pits are not likely to fail. The circular design is inherently strong, and there is no force on the fire-pit wall from soil being retained. By carefully locating the fire pit and properly preparing its base, drainage and other water-related issues are easily dealt with. For these reasons there is no need to incorporate a large footing or rebar.
First figure out if the code considers it a garage or a storage building. Then figure out your means of disconnecting from the power supply. Garages, Electric, Home Repairs, Storage Ideas, Detached Garage, Garage, Detached
Running Electricity to a Detached Garage
First figure out if the code considers it a garage or a storage building. Then figure out your means of disconnecting from the power supply.
Moving a large stone
Picking Stones for a Stone Wall
A 4-ft.-high wall takes about 1,000 lb. of stone per linear foot, and the options vary by region. First, look for stones of a size you can move, and keep in mind that those with one longer dimension work better. Flat stone doesn’t necessarily equal good stone, and round or irregular stone doesn’t equal bad stone.
Chiseling a stone with a brick hammer Natural Curves, Stone, Stone Wall
Making Curved Stonework
To create a curve onto the face of stones take the sharp edge of a brick hammer and chip away the face of the stone in a downward motion on the left and right side of the stone. Some stones will have a natural curve to them, which can save you a lot of work. Train your eye to look for these stones and take advantage of them whenever possible.
Fine Homebuilding cover from issue 321 Camping, Structural Insulated Panels, Deck Railings, Home Building Tips, Built In Desk, Rigid Insulation, Shed Plans, Screened Porch
Fine Homebuilding Issue 321 Out Now
Fine Homebuilding Issue 321 is out now featuring: 8 Building Science Mistakes to Avoid, The Science and Art of Better Home Lighting, The Pros and Cons of a Panelized House, and more.
Get tips for choosing the right tools, materials, and construction details to complete basic repairs to existing stucco walls. Walls, Stucco Walls, Stucco, Exterior Siding, Tools, Patches
How to Patch Cracked and Crumbling Stucco
Get tips for choosing the right tools, materials, and construction details to complete basic repairs to existing stucco walls.
Slide the can to fine-tune its position. Tighten the screws to lock it in place. Ceiling Fixtures, Diy, Recessed Lighting, Recessed Lighting Fixtures, Junction Boxes, Ceiling Lights, Ceiling, Wall Boxes
Installing Ceiling Boxes
Whether you're setting a recessed can overhead or a 4-in. box between joists or against one, here's how.
Stone wall being built Brickwork, Dry Stone Wall, Stone Wall Design, Plaster Walls, Building Foundation, Dry Stone
Stone Walls That Stay Built
Brian Post is a Master Craftsman–level waller, certified by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. In this article, Post describes the five essential rules of stone walling, and how they can help you build walls that will last centuries.
Avoid costly mistakes and failure-prone fixes with these in-floor heat best practices for bathrooms. Bathrooms, Heated Floors, Avoid, Energy Retrofit, Heat, Mistakes, Floor, 10 Things
10 Dos and Don’ts for Electric In-Floor Heat
Avoid costly mistakes and failure-prone fixes with these in-floor heat best practices for bathrooms.
Three-way switches allow you to operate a light from two locations. They’re often used at the top and bottom of a set of stairs or at two entrances to a room. If you get confused about which wire goes where, make a drawing of your own. Lights, Home Electrical Wiring, Three Way Switch, Diy Electrical, Switches, Diy Home Repair
Wiring a Three-Way Switch
Three-way switches allow you to operate a light from two locations. They’re often used at the top and bottom of a set of stairs or at two entrances to a room. If you get confused about which wire goes where, make a drawing of your own.
The proportions of the jamb extensions should reflect the proportions of the door. I use a story pole to transfer rail heights from the door to the jamb extension. It’s important to note, however, that the extension has one more rail than the door. Carpentry, Layout, Extensions, Simple, Prehung Doors, Paneling
Use the Door to Lay Out the Jamb Extension
The proportions of the jamb extensions should reflect the proportions of the door. I use a story pole to transfer rail heights from the door to the jamb extension. It’s important to note, however, that the extension has one more rail than the door.
Starting with a prehung door, you can create an elegant vestibule by adding frame-and-panel jamb extensions. Woodworking, Vestibule, Approach
A Simple Approach to a Paneled Passageway
Starting with a prehung door, you can create an elegant vestibule by adding frame-and-panel jamb extensions.