November 2004 Table of Contents

Features
Building a Strong Cathedral Hip Roof Building a Strong Cathedral Hip Roof

A Massachusetts builder explains how he built a structurally sound vaulted hip ceiling without collar ties. Read more

Installing Stone Counters

When it comes to durability and lasting beauty, stone has no match. A veteran fabricator describes the tools and techniques she uses to prep and install granite countertops. Read more

Building a Reinforced Concrete Block Wall Building a Reinforced Concrete Block Wall

A mason describes how he detailed a pair of large block walls to carry severe lateral loads. Read more

Tool Test: Sidewinder Circ Saws

A longtime custom framer evaluates eight 7 1/4-inch saws and chooses his favorites. Read more

QuickBooks Pro vs. Contractor: Which Is Better? QuickBooks Pro vs. Contractor: Which Is Better?

The answer, says a Maine business-systems consultant, depends on whether you like packaged reports or prefer to customize the program to match the way you do business. Read more

Letters
Letters Letters

How to double compressed air output; key notes; compressor specs; long spans and tile Read more

News
In the News In the News

Fannie Mae under fire; an innovative structural system weathers Hurricane Charley; workers' comp crisis in Texas; new nailing requirement in Florida Read more

Q & A
Causes of Attic Mold Q&A Causes of Attic Mold

Q. I've been a builder for more than 20 years and have come across my first serious mold problem ? in my own home in Maine. The house was for sale and under contract pending a building inspection. The inspection revealed mold growth on one entire underside of the roof sheathing (the other side was not affected). The home has adequate soffit-to-ridge ventilation, and no signs of bath ventilation failure or roof leaks. However, there is a lake 75 feet away to the north, on the affected side. Could this be the cause? Can I remove the mold myself? Read more

Q&A Why Paper a Roof?

Q.What is the purpose of tar-papering a roof other than to keep water out until the shingles are laid down? It seems that if water does get past the shingles that the tar paper, having all of those staple and nail holes, would do little to keep the water out. Read more

Business
Legal
Protect What's Yours -- Incorporate Legal Protect What's Yours -- Incorporate

A lot of small construction companies are incorporated. There are so many advantages to being incorporated, it surprises me everybody doesn't do it. Read more

Kitchen & Bath
Kitchen & Bath Kitchen & Bath

Range hoods; laundry rooms Read more

Products
Products Products

Holiday gift ideas; foundation waterproofing; pools & spas; mud management Read more

Toolbox
Toolbox Toolbox

Collated screwdrivers; flooring tools; DeWalt 433 belt sander Read more

Backfill
Backfill: Dirt Is in the Eye of the Beholder Backfill: Dirt Is in the Eye of the Beholder

Down-and-dirty flooring goes upscale Read more

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