Builder CAD For Less Than $1,000
Two old-school and two new-school approaches to 2-D and 3-D design. Read more
The most innovative new products at the tool dealers' Read more
Tool Test 16-Gauge Finish Nailers
Look for a tool that sets nails consistently and has a good line of sight Read more
Heating a Home With a Tankless Water Heater
Even in a cold climate, these efficient units can provide both domestic hot water and whole-house heating. Read more
Retrofitting A Structural Ridge
Reinforced light-gauge steel beams provided the strength needed to open up the attic in this small home. Read more
Construction emissions face scrutiny in California; paint-related lawsuits multiply; licensing in Georgia; more Read more
Guarding Against Rust on Painted Steel Roofing
Is it necessary to coat the edges of cut painted steel roofing panels? Read more
Waterproofing Under Stone and Tile Countertops
Should you use an uncoupling membrane when installing a tile countertop, or is a regular waterproofing membrane OK? Read more
Q: Twelve years ago, we sided a house with vertical-grain cedar treated with a solid oil stain. When mildew started to appear, we were asked to return and apply a second coat of stain. The house cleaned up nicely when we washed it with a bleaching solutio Read more
Q: With a cavity wall assembly consisting of load-bearing 8-inch CMUs (concrete masonry units), 2 inches of rigid foam, a 2-inch air space, and 4-inch concrete bricks covered with cementitious stucco and an acrylic color coat, how important is dampproofin Read more
Many contractors complain bitterly about their lack of cash flow. That's no surprise, given that employees, subs, and vendors all expect to be paid — whether or not the customer has paid the company. Read more
Legal
Protect Your Lien Rights
Consider this scenario: During the course of a project, the homeowner pays the contractor, but the contractor doesn't pay his subs or material suppliers. One of the subs or suppliers then files a construction lien on the property. The homeowner, of course, goes crazy. He has already paid, he says, and clouding his title is unlawful. He threatens to sue the sub for damages. Read more
Cooking; tiling Read more
Backfill
The Truth About Thomas Crapper
It sounds like a straightforward trivia question: Was the flush toilet invented by a Victorian Englishman named Thomas Crapper, and is his name the source of the slang expression for that invention? Read more
