August 2012 Table of Contents

Features
Building a Tapered Craftsman-Style Newel Post Building a Tapered Craftsman-Style Newel Post

Pocket-screwed frames attached to an inner plywood column made for efficient assembly Read more

Building Accepted Fire Barriers for Multifamily Homes Building Accepted Fire Barriers for Multifamily Homes

Construction details that prevent fires from spreading from one unit to another. Read more

Getting Started in Multiifamily Housing Getting Started in Multiifamily Housing

One- to four-unit apartment buildings are a good option for single-family home builders looking to invest in real estate. Read more

Weatherstripping Double-Hung Windows Weatherstripping Double-Hung Windows

Stop drafts and restore the operation of old wood windows with this straightforward approach Read more

Window Trim and Flashing That Works Window Trim and Flashing That Works

This approach speeds the work and guarantees a durable, weathertight installation Read more

Q&A
Controlling Whole-House Remodeling Costs Controlling Whole-House Remodeling Costs

Be patient and proactive in your estimate, but don't be afraid to withdraw if you need to, especially when working with an inexperienced architect. Read more

Matching Old and New Cabinet Finishes Matching Old and New Cabinet Finishes

Scott Burt's proven method for matching the color of new wood cabinets with the darker, older wood on existing cabinets. Read more

On the Job
Supporting a Brick Chimney With Structural Steel On the Job Supporting a Brick Chimney With Structural Steel

A pair of I-beams support a three-story brick chimney in this basement remodel. Read more

What's the Payback for Becoming a Home Performance Contractor? What's the Payback for Becoming a Home Performance Contractor?

A successful drywall installer explores the pros and cons of adding home performance contracting to his business Read more

Products
Eco-Downlight Versatile LED Eco-Downlight Versatile LED

The Eco-Downlight delivers 2,200 lumens of light from just 30 system watts of power, says the maker. Read more

SoftSound VC 97 Variable-Speed Modulating Gas Furnace SoftSound VC 97 Variable-Speed Modulating Gas Furnace

According to the maker, the SoftSound VC 97 Variable-Speed Modulating Gas Furnace provides steadier heat than single-stage furnaces Read more

RetroTreads Hardwood Stair Treads RetroTreads Hardwood Stair Treads

If your clients want to replace their carpeted stairs with hardwood, these treads are an economical option Read more

Self-Stick Housewrap Self-Stick Housewrap

This vapor-permeable, water-resistive air barrier requires no mechanical fasteners. Read more

Radiant in a Box Radiant in a Box

This unit is essentially a pre-assembled mechanical room that you can hang on the wall. Read more

Ecoshel Smart-Shingle System Ecoshel Smart-Shingle System

These shingles are squared and fastened to each other in 45-inch-long panels. Read more

PVC Post Covers PVC Post Covers

These PVC wraps make it easy to trim out wood or steel columns. Read more

Wolf PVC Deckboards Wolf PVC Deckboards

Wolf has added two tropical-hardwood colors to its PVC Deckboard collection. Read more

No-Hassle Storm-Door No-Hassle Storm-Door

This kit eliminates much of the cutting and measuring required for a storm-door installation. Read more

Versatex Exterior Moldings Versatex Exterior Moldings

Six profiles have been added to the Versatex line-up of exterior moldings. Read more

Heavy-Duty Pull-Down Ladder Heavy-Duty Pull-Down Ladder

This attic ladder supports up to 300 pounds and comes in six sizes. Read more

Flex-Drain Expandable Drain Pipe Flex-Drain Expandable Drain Pipe

Flex-Drain holds its shape like a giant bendy straw, eliminating the need to cut pipes and insert fittings. Read more

Toolbox
Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Max SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Max SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer

This tool lives up to its billing as a step up from the Bulldog Xtreme. Read more

Toolbits
Paint Brush for Low-VOC Paint Brush for Low-VOC

This brush makes it easier to produce a high-quality finish, says the maker. Read more

Infrared Camera Infrared Camera

Flir's upgraded i7 exceeds the proposed RESNET resolution standards for energy auditing, says the company. Read more

Industrial Metal Master 20 Portable Sheetmetal Brake Industrial Metal Master 20 Portable Sheetmetal Brake

The Industrial Metal Master 20 has the deepest throat on the market, says the maker. Read more

Digital Inspection Camera Digital Inspection Camera

The M-Spector 360 has a rotating LCD screen so you don't have to stand on your head to figure out what you're looking at. Read more

Backfill
Restoring a Milk Bottle-Shaped Restaurant Restoring a Milk Bottle-Shaped Restaurant

A Spokane builder repairs a fire-damaged historic structure. Read more

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