From planning and layout to applying the finishes, a North Carolina general contractor describes the process of building his first house using insulated concrete forms. Read more
Excerpted from the recently published Lighting Pattern Book for Homes, this article shows how to lay out and choose fixtures and lamps for improved light quality and better energy efficiency. Read more
A skylight specialist walks through his procedures for retrofitting skylights in existing homes, including selling the job, layout, and installation. Read more
A few years ago, the main choices for rot-proof decking were redwood and pressure-treated lumber. Environmental concerns and the search for low-maintenance materials have spawned a host of new products, including new hardwoods, wood-plastic composites, and synthetic materials. Read more
Spreadsheet Basics
Are you still doing estimates and job-costing with pencil and paper? A builder and computer expert shows how to automate the process using a spreadsheet. Read more
Solutions to Common Framing Problems
Even experienced framers make mistakes. A wood-frame expert cites some of the most common errors he’s seen, and provides practical solutions for each. Read more
Q: I am doing renovation in a house that was flooded. Is it necessary to replace electrical receptacles that were under water? Read more
Q&A: Squash Blocks & Web Stiffeners
Q: I’ve been using wood I-joists for my floor framing. The designs have called for 1x4 crush blocking inserted between the top and the bottom 2x2 flanges and nailed directly to the OSB web. I’ve also heard of using 2x4s nailed to the face of the 2x2s, instead of being inserted between them. Which way is better? Read more
Infill housing — a stylish solution Read more
How to find good employees Read more
The ins and outs of small-claims court Read more
Contractor-built frameless cabinets Read more