Replacing Giant Columns
A methodical approach yielded masterful results in this oversize remodeling project. Read more
The Eight-Hour Kitchen Remodel
Meticulous planning was the key to profitability on this multi-unit job. Read more
Trenchless Excavation
In the hands of a skilled operator, a horizontal boring machine can solve tough drainage problems without damage to the landscaping. Read more
A Cost-Effective Energy Retrofit
With careful air-sealing and the right insulation details, a leaky older home becomes a tight and thrifty one. Read more
EPA delays enforcement of lead-safety requirement; employee-misclassification crackdown; showerhead uproar; more Read more
"Ghost" Striping on a SIPS Roof
Frost stripes are common on SIPs roofs. What causes them, and can they do any damage? Read more
Duct Chases and Electrical Wiring
Why it's okay to install Romex in an HVAC or chimney chase, but not in ductwork. Read more
Business
Strategic Budgeting and Your Break-Even Volume
Take a look at your “break-even volume,” which is the bare-minimum volume of work that you need to complete (and get paid for) in order to keep your doors open. Read more
Products
Fiberglass Lath
In contrast to traditional metal lath, woven fiberglass SpiderLath is rustproof and unlikely to cut the installer. Read more
Products
Cordless Paint Sprayer
The new ProShot one-quart sprayer — made by Graco for Sherwin-Williams — is powered by an 18-volt lithium-ion battery for easy portability. Read more
Products
Wind Turbine for Home Electricity
According to the manufacturer, this turbine has the lowest installed price per kilowatt-hour of any unit in its class. Read more
Products
Low-Formaldehyde MDF
UltraStock-Free MDF by Temple-Inland has no added urea formaldehyde, meaning that it contains only trace amounts naturally found in the wood-fiber ingredient itself. Read more
Products
Pourable Floor Leveler
Pro Spec Level Set Deep Pour 3 is a self-leveling non-gypsum underlayment that can be poured up to 3 inches thick in a single lift. Read more
Products
Softer Faucet Washers
Delta Rim Composites’ Yellowbead washers are made of silicone rubber. Read more
Products
Quieter Bath Fan
Broan’s new Ultra Silent Series QTRE080R retrofit bath fan is designed to be installed from below the ceiling. Read more
Products
Additive for Longer Lasting Paint Jobs
Polymatrx is an elastomeric paint additive that can make an exterior paint job last 20 years or more, says maker Gulf Synthetics. Read more
Products
Automatic Exhaust Fan Control
The DewStop bath-fan control by GTR Technologies monitors air for high humidity and activates the room’s exhaust fan as needed. Read more
Products
No-Leak Masking Tape
3M’s latest masking tape, ScotchBlue Advanced, has a moisture-activated additive that reacts with the water in latex paint to better seal along the tape edge. Read more
Products
Lighter Backerboard
U.S. Gypsum has replaced its Durock backerboard with a version called Durock Next Gen. Read more
Products
Better Paint Bucket
Bercom’s Handy Paint Pail offers a couple of advantages over painting right out of the can. Read more
Last year I replaced my cellphone with an Apple iPhone, a smartphone that allows me to check my e-mail and go online. Read more
Toolbits
Tramex MRH III Moisture Meter
Tramex's MRH III noninvasive moisture meter measures the moisture content of most building materials, including wood, concrete, masonry, plaster, and drywall. Read more
Toolbits
Alum-A-Pole Alum-A-Brake Ultima Plus Bending Brake
Shape aluminum and vinyl coil stock with the Alum-A-Brake Ultima Plus bending brake. Read more
Toolbits
Malco FCC4 Guillotine Shear
Cut fiber-cement siding without a cloud of hazardous dust with the FCC4 Guillotine Shear by Malco. Read more
Toolbits
Midwest Snips MW-CT Combo-Tool
With the MW-CT combo-tool from Midwest Snips, you can switch between settings to alternately punch nail slots and snap locks in vinyl and aluminum siding. Read more
Forget the 5,000-square-foot beach house just out of sight in the photos. Read more