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Issue 185

On the Cover

Green Building Resources

Learn more about sustainable building from the listings below

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Features

  • trowel handle used to set the finished flange
    A Sloping Floor for a Barrier-Free Bath

    An old-fashioned mud job and a high-tech membrane team up for a leakproof floor.

  • Cordless Framing Nailers

    Four brands, five reviewers, and 25,000 nails shed some light on the pros and cons of unplugging from the air compressor.

  • Remove sash stops
    Installing Replacement Windows

    Measure, insulate, and caulk. Do it right, and cut your energy bill by 25%.

  • What Does Green Really Mean?

    Rising energy costs, climate change, and a new social conscience are complicating the way we build.

  • Maximize Pantry Storage

    Replace shelves with shallow drawers, and you can stop diving deep to find the soup.

  • Unlikely Addition
    A Hillside Cabin’s Unlikely Addition

    A three-story tower solves steep-site problems by bringing the house to the cars.

Article

  • Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

    All 12v lighting systems are safe, but quality components and careful installation make the difference over the long haul.

  • Curved Ceiling? No Problem.

    Bend 1x4s between the walls to get an expensive look without a lot of extra work.

  • 5 Roofs That Will Last a Lifetime

    These premium products offer time-tested longevity, so your choice depends on price, appearance, and installation requirements.

Letters

  • Reader Feedback: Issue 185, February/March 2007

    Don't mess up a good thing Regarding your editor’s note in the last issue (FHB #184, p. 8), titled “The Future of Magazines,” we subscribers value Fine Homebuilding for what…

Building Skills

  • How to Trim the Bottom of a Door

    When you need to cut the bottom of a door, use a straightedge, a circular saw, and these tips for an accurate and clean job.

Great Moments

  • Home Alone

    Great moments in building history: Some people just can't be left unattended

Video

  • Slate Roofing and Repair Techniques

    Slate specialist John Mahan shows how to cut, punch, and replace slate shingles.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Tongue-and-Groove Paneled Ceiling Tips
  • Reducing the Risk of Cracks in Concrete Slabs
  • Where is the Humidity Going?

Readers Tips

  • Adjustable-Height Sawhorse
  • Joist Hanger Helper
  • Make Your Own Shim Gauge
  • Finding Out-of-Square Miter Angles
  • Toilet-Pulling Made Easier
  • Temporary Gutters Bail Out a Siding Crew
  • Keeping Track of Paint Colors

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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