Builder Blunders
Nobody's perfect, but some builders are more imperfect than others. A veteran troubleshooter describes some memorable on-the-job mistakes. Read more
Building Poured-Concrete Homes
Forming and pouring four 2,500-square-foot houses is all in a day's work for this tract builder. Read more
Installing Fiber-Cement Siding
Fiber-cement siding is no fun to cut and handle, but its price and durability make it a good deal for spec houses. An experienced installer tells you how to work with it efficiently. Read more
Tool Test: Reciprocating Saws
A veteran carpenter tests and reviews the current crop of pro-grade recip saws. Read more
Repairing Slate Roofs
With good technique and matching materials, repairs to a slate roof can be invisible and as durable as the original roof. Read more
How to Flash a Chimney to an Exterior Wall
Here's a leakproof detail for the tricky joint between an exterior masonry chimney and the wall of the house. Read more
Reinforcing a Slab Over Disturbed Soil
Should rebar be added to a garage slab that spans a utility trench, or should the trench be mechanically compacted? The answer is yes. Read more
Q. One of the tile showrooms where my remodeling clients shop has tiles displayed in two sections, one for floors and one for walls. What's the difference between a floor tile and a wall tile? Is it possible to interchange the two? Read more
What if the homeowner wants to bring a sub on the job? Read more
