April 2006 Table of Contents

Features
Getting Ready For Drywall 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 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 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 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 Seismic Retrofit For Cripple Walls

A good job addresses the building's weakest link - where the foundation attaches to the first floor. Read more

Letters
Letters

Borate-treated lumber; illegal day laborers; slanted-news charge; of lawyers and engineers Read more

News
In the News In the News

Solar incentives; Massachusetts sub vs. employee test; energy-saving lighting design guides; more Read more

Q & A
Moving an Electrical Box 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

Prepping a Curved Shower Wall for Tile 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

Flooring for a Radiant Slab 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

On the Job
Outdoor Detour On the Job Outdoor Detour

Girder truss to the rescue; outdoor detour Read more

Business
Determining Your Break-Even Point 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

Legal
Legal: Idiot-Proof Your Contracts Legal: Idiot-Proof Your Contracts

Idiot-proof your contracts Read more

Kitchen & Bath
Kitchen & Bath

Decorative hardware; tile-setting problem-solvers Read more

Products
Products

Pneumatic fasteners; skylights; instantaneous water heaters Read more

Toolbox
Toolbox Toolbox

Grip-Rite joist-hanger nailers; masonry tools; storage Read more

Backfill
How to Dismantle a 400-Year-Old Fireplace 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

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