Making durable patches in stucco finishes is as much art as science. A veteran stucco contractor shows how to use dry dusting, fog coats, and trowel mix plastering both to repair damaged stucco and to blend new stucco work with old. Read more
In small bathrooms, there may not be enough floor area for adequate radiant heating. An experienced hvac sub describes the products and techniques that can turn the walls and ceilings — and even some fixtures — into radiant heat sources. Read more
Should you use Items or Classes? Accrual or cash-based accounting? Budgets or estimates? This tour of the QuickBooks Pro setup procedure will steer you through the maze of options and help you make the right choices. Read more
A roof with intersecting hips and valleys will test the mettle of many a seasoned framer. Using examples from a recent project, a roof framing specialist explains the foolproof method he uses to lay out, cut, and install three complex configurations: valley-to-hip, valley-to-valley, and a “disappearing” valley. Read more
Tying Down the House
Properly installed, metal framing connectors provide good protection from earthquakes and hurricane damage. A field supervisor for a California construction company takes a step-by-step look at how to lay out and install common types of hold-down hardware. Read more
Q&A: Wide Ridge Vent
Q: I have a job with a ridge beam built-up out of four pieces of LVL. Is there a ridge vent available that will span the wide opening this requires in the roof? Read more
Q&A: Removing Old Grout
Q: Is there an easy way to remove old grout from a tub surround without working by hand with a grout saw? Read more
Custom cabinet design pitfalls Read more
Site rules for subcontractors Read more
Precautions against sexual harassment complaints Read more
Simple truss for supporting structural ridge Read more
Three new orbital reciprocating saws Read more