Getting Ready For Drywall
Careful planning and properly detailed framing will prevent cracks, pops, sags, and ridges. Read more
Installing an Over-the-Post Handrail - Part One
Simple-to-make railing stands allow accurate assembly right in position. Read more
Remodeling for Aging In Place
Aesthetics and safety go hand-in-hand in thoughtful barrier-free design. Read more
Replacing a Bearing Wall With a Flush Beam
A shallow steel-reinforced beam preserved headroom in this low-ceilinged room. Read more
Seismic Retrofit For Cripple Walls
A good job addresses the building's weakest link - where the foundation attaches to the first floor. Read more
In the News
Solar incentives; Massachusetts sub vs. employee test; energy-saving lighting design guides; more Read more
Q&A
Moving an Electrical Box
What's the solution when the location of an electrical outlet needs to be adjusted by a few inches but there's not enough slack in the house wiring? Read more
Q&A
Prepping a Curved Shower Wall for Tile
Tile pro Tom Meehan breaks down two approaches to tiling a room with radiused walls. Read more
Q&A
Flooring for a Radiant Slab
Here's why you shouldn't try to combine wood floors, in-slab radiant heating systems, and passive solar. Read more
Business
Determining Your Break-Even Point
Like many small contractors, you probably want your business to grow and produce more profit. But growth entails risks, including the possibility that hiring more managers or office people could increase overhead to such an extent that profit declines. Read more
Decorative hardware; tile-setting problem-solvers Read more
Backfill
How to Dismantle a 400-Year-Old Fireplace
There is currently a major expansion and remodeling program taking place at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Read more
