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

Notching and drilling joists

Fine Homebuilding • See these and more at FINEHOMEBUILDING.COM/PROJECT-GUIDES

When Sears sold houses

QUIET CORDLESS COMPRESSOR

30 Years Off the Grid • Solar pioneers describe the evolution of their house and what they’ve learned about efficiently using power and water

Strategies for saving water

A design for reduced electrical demand

Crafting the Perfect Porch • The right design, a sturdy foundation, and durable trim details bring a porch addition to life

THE ELEMENTS OF GOOD DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS SUPPORT THE DESIGN

TIPS FOR SUCCESS WITH PVC TRIM

Choosing a Front Door The Basics and Beyond • Important considerations and worthwhile upgrades for getting the right entry door for any project

START WITH SWING • Getting the right entry door starts with establishing the door height and width, as well as the jamb width. You also need to determine if it will swing into the home’s interior or toward the exterior, and whether the door will be left- or right-handed.

CHOOSE THE MATERIAL • Once you’ve decided on a door’s size and swing, the next step is selecting the material. The good news is that all common materials can do the job of keeping out the weather and intruders, but what the door looks like and the labor involved in keeping it looking good vary with the material.

KNOW THE GOOD AND BAD OF GLASS

FACTOR IN PERFORMANCE

Flashing Takes Flight • This unique winged approach to chimney flashing offers a better chance of keeping water out of the roof

WINGS DIRECT WATER AWAY FROM THE CORNERS

CAPTURES THE CUT EDGES OF THE BASE FLASHING

Multi-Head Drills • It won’t be your first drill, but for challenging projects with expensive components, a do-it-all drill will make your life easier and improve your work

SMART STORAGE FOR DRILLS, CHUCKS, AND BITS

HOUSES BY DESIGN

ASK the EXPERTS

Check Out Our Latest E-Learning Courses

Defining jobsite leadership

SIX AREAS REQUIRING SITE SUPERVISION

Fine Homebuilding ALL ACCESS

Keep Craft Alive