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Issue 226

On the Cover

How To Build A Distinctive Stair Rail

Create a stain-grade and sturdy custom railing, balustrade, and newel posts on site with stock lumber.

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Features

  • Home Energy Diet for an Old Victorian

    Sealing the crawlspace and plugging holes cut a big home's heating bill in half.

  • Dress Up a Garage Door with Insulated Carriage Doors

    These custom doors add energy efficiency and style.

  • Build It Right: Lessons From New Orleans

    Hurricane Katrina can teach us many things. Make It Right wants safe, affordable, energy-efficient building to be one of them.

  • How to Install Inset Cabinet Doors

    Create the perfect fit for kitchen-cabinet doors by trimming one side at a time.

  • Bring Advanced Framing to Your Job Site

    Less lumber means lower construction costs and more room for insulation.

  • Vino de silo

    Out of the ordinary wine storage.

Article

  • How It Works: Electric Motors

    Learn what the differences are between brushed and brushless electric motors.

  • 10 Tips to Paint Like a Pro

    Professional painter Philip Hansell shares the products and methods he uses for tackling the toughest parts of the job.

  • Attic Uplift

    A dark, dated attic is turned into a bright master suite and workspace.

What is the Difference

  • What's the Difference: Primers

    Learn the difference between latex, oil-based, and shellac-based primers and how to choose the right one for the job.

Building Skills

  • Pick and Prepare Joint Compound

    Learn how to choose and prepare joint compound

Drawing Board

  • Designing Built-In Living Spaces

    While a house can be filled with beautiful rooms, many homeowners long for a small away space where they can read, enjoy a view, or relax

Energy Smart Details

  • Insulate a Cold Floor
    How to Insulate Cold Floors

    For better energy performance, homes built on piers, rooms above garages, and cantilevered bays need properly air-sealed and insulated floors.

Tailgate

  • Tailgate: Brian Vanden Brink, Photographer

    In a career spanning more than three decades, he’s captured houses at their best—and sometimes worst.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Edge Flashing for Roofs

Readers Tips

  • Never Be Short of Shims Again
  • Replacing an Air-Hose Fitting
  • Souped-Up Ladder Standoff
  • Managing Excess Caulk
  • Protect Electrical-Box Screw Holes
  • Skylight Retrofit
  • Stop Paint From Bleeding Under Masking Tape

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

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