May 2007 Table of Contents

Features
Drywall Finishing For Small Jobs Drywall Finishing For Small Jobs

Get most of the nasty work done in one day with setting compound and a few specialized tools. Read more

Faster Jamb Extensions Faster Jamb Extensions

Learn how using drywall screws to establish plumb and level can help you install jamb extensions more quickly and easily. Read more

Making the Most of a Narrow Bathroom Making the Most of a Narrow Bathroom

Raising the ceiling and tweaking the floor plan opens up a cramped space. Read more

Remodeling's Deadliest Sins

Nine common business mistakes and how to avoid them. Read more

Running a Timber-Framing Business Running a Timber-Framing Business

Modern tools bring this traditional building method into the 21st century. Read more

The Ultimate Work Trailer The Ultimate Work Trailer

This custom-made rig stores tools and supplies, hauls material, and serves as a workstation. Read more

Letters
Letters Letters

Testing spray-foam jobs; ridge beams and collar ties; safety reminder; more Read more

In the News
In the News In the News

Big builder goes solar; restoration show; affordable-housing index; more Read more

Q & A
Sizing the Birdsmouth on a Rafter Sizing the Birdsmouth on a Rafter

How both the roof's pitch and code requirements must be taken into consideration when determining the length of a rafter's seat cut. Read more

Q&A Exposed Gas Line

Q: A client wants to install an outdoor gas fireplace. The most logical route for the gas supply extends from a roof-mounted furnace 60 feet along an exterior parapet wall and then down. Are there any requirements for lightning protection in such an expos Read more

Is Fiberglass Insulation A Health Hazard? Is Fiberglass Insulation A Health Hazard?

If you have to work around the stuff, an approved dust mask is a safe bet. Read more

Q&A Aluminum Roofing

Q: How common is aluminum standing-seam roofing? It seems that this profile would be better suited for heat-related expansion and contraction than corrugated aluminum panels fastened through their face, but my local suppliers carry only steel standing sea Read more

On the Job
On the Job: A Weathertight Basement Door On the Job: A Weathertight Basement Door

A weathertight basement door; matching asbestos siding Read more

Design
A Successful Kitchen Redesign Design A Successful Kitchen Redesign

Many view design as largely subjective, but when it's done well it can be broken down into realistic, objective directives. These deal not only with aesthetics — form — but also with function, especially for kitchens. Read more

Business
Business Selling the Company

In 1983, after working on my own for several years, I started Buck Brothers Construction (BBC) with my brother, Joe. We built the company slowly: At first we did all the work ourselves; then we started subbing out the mechanicals; then we hired carpenters; and finally we developed an office staff. Read more

Legal
Beware Mistakes That Bind Legal Beware Mistakes That Bind

Here's the scenario: A contractor hires a new estimator and he makes a bid on a remodeling job. Unfortunately, the bid is way off the mark. By the time the contractor notices the mistake, the customer has signed the contract and given him a check, which he's deposited. Read more

Kitchen & Bath
Kitchen & Bath

Retro refrigerators; urinals Read more

Products
Products

Landscaping; energy conservation Read more

Toolbox
Toolbox Toolbox

Panasonic lithium-ion drivers; Festool TS 75 EQ; FatMax sawhorses; finish carpentry; drywal Read more

Backfill
Gentlemen, Start Your Trowels! Backfill Gentlemen, Start Your Trowels!

With those words, the competitors in the fifth annual Bricklayer 500 were off and laying brick at a pace never seen on job sites. Read more

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