April 1997 Table of Contents

Features
Compacting Problem Soils

Improper soil compaction leads to a host of concrete failures, from cracked pavements and slabs to leaking basements and settling foundations. A concrete expert tells how to avoid these problems by identifying the soil type, using the proper amount of moisture during compaction, and choosing the right kind of compaction equipment. Read more

Fifteen Rules of Remodeling

Taking care of business before, during, and after the job is the key to good referrals and repeat customers. A veteran contractor discusses fifteen ways to keep your customers happy. Read more

Framing for Corner Windows

A corner window interrupts the framing at a critical load path. The solution is cantilevered headers, properly sized and anchored to resist roof and wind loads. Read more

Seismic Support for Old Foundations Seismic Support for Old Foundations

Strengthening old foundations against earthquake damage requires hardware, tools, and techniques that work well in tight quarters. Here’s how one California builder does it. Read more

Trouble-Free Stairs

In stair-building, most finish headaches start out as framing foul-ups. A veteran builder shows how to accurately figure rise and run, locate landings, and install squeakless treads and risers. Read more

Watertight Skylights in Metal Roofs

Standard flashing kits for curbed skylights don’t accommodate standing-seam metal roofing very well. This site-fabricated system uses mechanical interlocks instead of soldered joints to form a low-profile, watertight seal. Read more

Letters
Letters

Marking up allowance overruns, OSB skeptic Read more

News
Notebook

California condo debacle, builder returns to Vietnam, new OSHA scaffold standard Read more

Q&A
Q&A: Grounding Steel Studs

Q: Are there any special requirements for electrical grounding when using metal studs? Read more

Dressing Up A Pier Foundation Dressing Up A Pier Foundation

Here's a skirt detail that you can use to conceal piers or posts supporting a deck or addition. Read more

Design
By Design: Affordable Lessons

Refining affordable house plans Read more

Business
Strictly Business: Careful Contracts Win Good Customers

Thorough contracts protect both builder and client Read more

Reviews
Resources: Cold-Climate Construction

Guides for cold-climate builders Read more

Kitchen & Bath
Products
Products

Temporary kitchen for remodeling clients, cordless nailer for metal connectors, hand-held span calculator, prefab basement window well Read more

Toolbox
Toolbox: A Pair of New Compound Miter Saws

A look at two new compound miter saws Read more

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