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Issue 304 – Dec 2021/Jan 2022

On the Cover

Why You Need Blower-Door Testing

Understanding where structures leak is the first step toward building tighter, more energy-efficient homes.

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Features

  • Performance for the People
    Passive-House Standards for Everyone

    A builder brings affordable, near-zero-energy homes to the most in need through a career at Habitat for Humanity.

  • get rid of rot
    Window Replacement With a Side of Rot Repair

    What started out as a leaky window replacement snowballed into replacing a big chunk of wall.

  • rainscreen system illustrated
    Rainscreen Systems for Stucco

    If you want to install stucco and not rot your walls, choose one of these products to create a drainage plane and ventilation space between the water-resistive barrier and the stucco.

  • Foolproof Insert Cabinet Doors
    Foolproof Inset Cabinet Doors

    With the right tools and techniques, there's no need to be afraid of these traditional doors.

  • A Fresh Take on Tradition
    A Fresh Take on Tradition

    A renovation with a focus on increased space and sustainable systems transforms a historical home.

  • Conditioning an Attached Garage
    Conditioning an Attached Garage

    To maintain healthy living spaces in the home, isolate the garage by building it as if it were a separate house.

Tips & Techniques

  • sawhorse pipe vise
    Sawhorse Pipe Vise

    Drill a hole through the center of the sawhorse's top rail and use a wrench on either side to hold pipe for threading.

  • straightening studs
    Straighten Studs

    Use a small bar clamp to add leverage and straighten studs for easier trim installation.

  • Magnetic Fingertips

    Tape a magnet to the back of your finger to hold several screws and nails.

  • ladder tool tray
    Ladder Tool Topper

    Create tool tray and attach it to the top of a stepladder to minimize ups and downs.

  • sawblade holder
    Sawblade Sheath

    An S-cleat typically used to join ductwork makes the ideal blade holder.

  • hose holder
    Vacuum Hose Holder

    Tape a vacuum nozzle to the top of your shoe to minimize dust on the job without bending over.

  • Goggles for Glasses

    Ski goggles make great personal protective equipment if safety goggles don't fit over your eyeglasses.

Know the Code

  • regulations for irregular stairs
    Safety Regulations for Irregular Stairs

    Building codes address the hazards of using ship's ladders, alternating tread devices, and more unusual stairs.

Tools & Gear

  • innovative circular saw
    Innovative Circular Saw

    Flex Tools' latest circular saw implements a smaller blade size with the handle mounted on top of the motor

  • Small, Sturdy Handsaw
    Small, Sturdy Handsaw

    Tajima's G-Saw folding saws are handy for general woodcutting and fine carpentry.

  • Air-Leak Tracer
    Air-Leak Tracer

    The Fog Puffer is a smoke pencil that helps find air leaks during blower-door tests.

HOUSES by Design

  • back of house
    Durable and Efficient Island Retreat

    A remodel of a home on Block Island, R.I., offers a classic look with a modern twist.

  • front of house
    House of Four Gables

    The remodel of a 140-year-old two-story home maximizes floor space and is designed to take on another 100 years.

  • front of house
    A Midcentury-Modern Reoriented to the Outdoors

    This 1962 Roger Lee-designed home now features re-envisioned open spaces and utilizes outdoor areas.

Building Matters

  • Black and white photo of four hand tools
    The Trouble with the Instructions

    Oftentimes, instructions do not provide the clarity or convenience needed to get the job done.

Keep Craft Alive

  • Brian Ciciora
    Brian Ciciora, Product Designer and Builder

    Truewerk offers new workwear for the job-site to help keep Larry Haun's legacy alive and support the #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship Fund.

Spec

  • Four handles of descending size in the color black
    Edgecliff Pull Made from Recycled Brass

    The sleek lines and geometric design of this cabinetry pull from Schoolhouse add a touch of simple sophistication to any room.

  • Black and white photo of a toilet in a bathroom
    A Quiet and Water-Efficient Toilet Option

    The new line of Shadow toilets from Niagra makes for an easy install for builders, remodelers, and plumbing professionals.

  • Versatile and Compact Recessed Lighting

    Lithonia’s Wafer LED recessed lights fit in tight spaces, have multiple color-temperature settings, and even work in wet locations.

  • InsulPure from CertainTeed is resistant, lightweight insulation.
    Lightweight Insulation With Easier Installation

    CertainTeed’s formaldehyde-free fiberglass batt and roll insulation allows contractors to maximize work efficiency with less mess and an easier installation process.

  • A person installing batten furring strips by a window
    Better Battens for Open-Joint Siding

    Benjamin Obdyke redesigned their polypropylene Batten UV furring strips to give more flexibility and durability to rainscreen siding installations.

Online Extras

  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #304 Online Highlights
    Fine Homebuilding Issue #304 Online Highlights

    Find online articles and videos on blow-in insulation, straw-bale construction, and more.

  • Jig base is clamping surface
    Different Ways to Mortise Hinges

    Get the information you need to know about different methods for creating hinge mortises, along with recommended templates from the experts.

  • Butt hinge
    Easy Router Jig for Perfect Hinge Mortises

    Get an accurate, consistent depth that perfectly fits the hinge leaves with this shopmade three-sided template.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Replacing a Damaged Clapboard
  • Mounting a Minisplit in an Out-of-Level Ceiling
  • Do Subway Tiles Need to Be Spaced?

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

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