Adding a Cantilevered Bay
A steel frame anchored to a new concrete foundation provides support. Read more
Decorative Shingling
Distinguish your sidewall work with this easy-to-build diamond design Read more
Practical Plaster Repair
Use plaster washers, joint compound, and drywall to repair cracked or broken plaster Read more
Restoring Wood Floors Without Sanding
Preserve the patina and renew the luster of wood floors using only a buffer Read more
Q&A
Mounting a Wall-Hung Sink on a Steel-Stud Wall
Here's how to reinforce a steel-stud wall with a stud or track and add blocking so it can safely support a sink. Read more
Q&A
Proper Water-Heater Temperature
Q: I recently learned that building codes in my state now require that newly installed water heaters be set at 140°F. But up until now, with concerns about energy conservation and scalding safety, 120°F was the normal setting. Why the change? Read more
Q: Is there any legal way to work off the forks of an all-terrain forklift - for instance, in a steel cage that's safely secured to and supported by the forks? Read more
Q: I'm in the process of renovating a home with traditional louvered shutters. Some of them need to have the tilt rod replaced, but I'm not sure how best to reattach the staples that connect the individual louvers to the rod. Is there a special tool that can be used to squeeze the staples in place? Read more
Business
Talking to Clients About Money
Talking to clients about money; selling remodeling jobs; the color-coded offic Read more
Legal
Allocating Risk With "Additional Insureds"
You're starting to get contracts on bigger and bigger jobs, even — can you believe it? — government contracts. Good for you. But it's important to know what you're getting into: These contracts may contain terms you don't typically see on smaller jobs. Read more
Flooring options; lighting Read more
Backfill
The Nail Gun Is Born
According to Marvin Hirsch, who was present that evening in the mid-1950s, it all began when a group of veterans meeting at the Winsted, Minn., Legion Hall came to the sage conclusion that they could buy a lot more beer if they had more money. Read more
