January 1999 Table of Contents

Whether you’re trying to eliminate condensation in cold weather or solar gain in hot weather, or both, there’s a window that fits the bill. An energy expert makes sense out of the variety of glass coatings, edge spacers, and frame materials, and helps you choose the right window for your climate. Read more

We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

A profitable cabinet installation depends on having the right tools and a well-thought-out procedure. Here’s how one builder gets the job done. Read more

With all their usual overhead obstructions, basements don’t automatically make good living space; it takes a good imagination and in some cases, sleight of hand. A veteran remodeler shares some tricks for blending ductwork, girders, and low ceilings into the design. Read more

We put professional-duty 14.4-volt cordless drill/drivers through their paces, including a look at the latest battery technology. This side-by-side comparison will help you make the right choice. Read more

Stucco weep screed detail, piggyback truss bracing, stud sensor clarifications, termites & foam, site safety reminder Read more

Getting ready for the next economic downturn, Category 5 wiring, hurricane-resistant concrete houses, sun exposure warning Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: We asked a dozen builders and remodelers across the country about their experiences in starting and growing their businesses. Here is their wisdom, gleaned from the school of hard knocks, on everything from hiring and delegating to estimating and charging for design. Read more

Q: I’m building a home for a client who is concerned about toxic offgassing from the OSB in the wood I-joists we’re using for the floor. Is this a real concern? Read more

Q: On a recent basement remodel, I wanted to use steel studs to frame out the exterior walls, but my framer advised against it. He cited a similar project involving steel studs, where, after time, an outline of each steel stud appeared through the drywall and finish. Any idea what may have caused this "shadowing" effect? Read more

An easy & inexpensive way to organize your jobs Read more

Guarding against liability for defective products Read more

Job control software for small companies Read more

A civil engineer lays out the basics of building a road for access to a muddy construction site. Read more

Basic business guide, contract-writing help, construction drawing primer, engineering basics, electrical references Read more

Wet-weather gloves, decorative cement floors, flat-roof sky-lights, easy stucco patching, low-cost tile panel Read more

A cordless drill for tight corners Read more