February 2006 Table of Contents

For greater comfort, look for pads that fit the work you do and try before you buy. Read more

Compact tankless water heaters free up valuable space and save energy, but sizing and installation require a unique approach. Read more

Get the sequence right and you can make serious time. Read more

One simple full-scale drawing contains the information you need to cut balusters and newels accurately. Read more

Case of the missing beam; thinner sheathing and nail pops; strength of OSB vs. plywood; adequate air for spraying finishes; more Read more

Communities grapple with day-labor issues; Katrina wind-damage reports; roofing-tile installation manual; circ-saw recall; more Read more

Thinner rim joist stock requires additional fasteners, but the flooring system inside might be a bigger worry. Read more

Q. Same Windows, Different Climates? As a HERS rater working in north-central New England, I've noticed that the U-values of the windows that most builders are installing are quite good — below .35 — but they have low SHGC (solar heat-gain coefficient) values. While it seems that windows with higher SHGC values would be a good idea in cold climates, I've found that most manufacturers offer only low-E windows with these relatively low SHGC values. Why? Read more

Membrane deck flashing; quick brick shelf Read more

I've long appeciated the advantages of design/build. This approach to construction removes you from the rat race of competitive bidding. Read more

When there's a disagreement between a contractor and client, resolving it with mediation is less expensive and less risky than binding arbitration or litigation. Read more

Cooktops; jetted tubs Read more

Columns; specialty fasteners; adhesives Read more

Metabo KGS 305 miter saw; extension cords; finish carpentry Read more

With little - literally - to recommend them, Sebastopol, Calif., builder Jay Shafer's Tumbleweed Tiny House designs delight similarly small-minded clients. Read more