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Other stories by Dave Holbrook

  • Kitchen & Bath: Bathroom Trends from the K&B Show

    What’s new from the KBIS show in Chicago

  • Resources

    Managing the subtrades; building problems primer; self-help for builders; more

  • Products

    New prefinished hardwood strip flooring; NFL hardhats; concrete anchors to withstand seismic vibration; airtight attic hatch; shears for asphalt shingles; contoured underlayment for vinyl siding; no-drip faucet connectors; strap-on sandals for gripping roof surfaces; more

  • Shopping for Recessed Lights

    For a few extra dollars, a typical off-the-shelf recessed fixture can be upgraded to provide more effective light for a variety of tasks. We look at how various bulbs, trims, and housings affect performance.

  • Products

    Cheap live-current tester; underground electrical splice kit; new compact whole-house AC; ICF bolt holder; squeak-free floor fastener; ridge-vent installs with nailgun; undercabinet halogen lights; fancier thermostats

  • Resources: Small Business Accounting

    Small business accounting manual; guide to working alone; builder’s field guide

  • Products

    Stepladder tool pouch; vinyl board & batten siding; fold-away urinal; new-tech utility knives; polyethylene garage doors; and more

  • Products

    Inflatable knee pads; truck bed extender; caddy for extension ladders; roof guardrail; track for heavy pocket doors; finish works on wet wood; mortarless brick veneer; elegant aluminum balusters; more

  • Resources

    Steel framing guides

  • Tying In a New Foundation

    A builder describes his proven method for adding a full-height basement to a crawlspace foundation.