Nothing enhances a house’s appearance like properly proportioned cornice trim. Here’s how a custom builder in Vermont laid out and installed durable traditional cornices on a large custom home. Read more
When it comes to sales, conventional wisdom isn’t for everyone. A builder and remodeler describes the sales techniques that work for him — even when they fly in the face of “expert” advice. Read more
Most chimney problems stem from a few root causes, such as improperly mixed mortar and poorly constructed crowns. Unfortunately, once done, the resulting damage can be expensive to repair. A chimney expert shows how to recognize and prevent Read more
Residential sprinklers systems are unobtrusive and effective, but are not usually installed because of cost. One way to make them more affordable is to use plastic piping, as described in this article by a California fire marshal. Read more
Working With Thin Solid Surfacing
Solid surface veneers provide the look and performance of full-thickness solid surfacing at much less cost. A fabricator explains how to laminate and install a thin solid surface counter. Read more
Q: Is it necessary to put housewrap behind vinyl siding on new construction? Read more
Q: I’m confused by the term "dry rot." It seems contradictory since rot occurs when wood is wet. Or is there a kind of rot that happens to wood that is too dry? Read more
Designing roofs: stick-framed or trusses? Read more
Visualizing Gross Profit
Learn how to come up with a selling price that will cover your costs and earn you a profit. Read more
Five contract clauses for pricing the job Read more
Using spreadsheets to transfer data Read more
Installing hold-downs for shear walls Read more
Among the thousands of new building products introduced each year are some that help you build faster, better, and more economically. Here’s our pick of some of the best. Read more
Pneumatic nailers for steel framing Read more