Foundation Drainage
A concrete contractor and consultant explains how proper finish grading and footing drain details keep surface runoff and underground water away from the foundation. Read more
Installing Hardwood Strip Flooring
A flooring expert provides tips and tricks for installing perfect hardwood floors over plywood and concrete. Read more
The stress homeowners experience during a remodeling project can lead to misunderstandings, shouting matches, or worse. This successful remodeler explains how to take control of your client's emotional ups and downs. Read more
This old farmhouse attic was under-built and out of level. Using sistered rafters and an ingenious sleeper system, a Vermont contractor solved the structural problems without busting the budget. Read more
For complex roof framing, calculators are starting to take the place of framing square tables or trig. A veteran California framer shows how to make a complete hip-rafter cut list using the Construction Master foot-inch calculator. Read more
Custom Stairs From Stock Parts
Stair specialist Jed Dixon describes how to lay out, cut, and install treads, risers, and elegant post-to-post stair railings using stock parts. Read more
Q: When replacing old double-hung windows with vinyl replacement units, what’s the best way to insulate the counterweight cavity? Read more
Q&A: Granite Tile Countertops
Q: We are planning to use 1-foot-square granite tiles in a kitchen counter application because it is more affordable than granite slabs. Can I install the granite right over plywood, or do you recommend Durock as an underlayment? What type of grout would work best? How wide a space should we leave between tiles? Thank you for any advice you can offer. Read more
Q&A: Condensation on Ceiling
Q: Often my customers request that we insulate vaulted ceilings when we’re reroofing. These roofs usually have 4x6 rafters, 2x6 T&G planks exposed to the inside, and composition shingles on the outside. Our technique has been to strip the roof, lay out 2x4 or 2x6 rafters over the open beam area, install R-30 rigid insulation in the bays, then install plywood and shingle roofing above. Recently, I had a problem with one of these roofs. In an area about 2 feet down from the peak of the living room ceiling, the paint started to peel and mold spots are growing. I checked with a moisture meter and found that water is condensing on the surface of the ceiling. Do I need to somehow vent this assembly? Read more
Liability for accessible designs Read more
Software for sizing structural components Read more
Calculating loads on overhanging joists Read more
Angle finder for crown molding Read more