Fine Homebuilding Magazine

07/25/2025

A high-performance rainscreen is crucial to building a successful stucco wall assembly. Tag along as Doug Cameron of Render ATX shows you how to get it done.

This is the best rainscreen for a stucco wall assembly; it features an integrated lath material that improves drainage, minimizes rot, and more.

07/25/2025

Omitting the slab in a new house requires rethinking of subfloor details, but it replaces costly concrete with energy-saving insulation.

Randy Williams of Willcon Inc. recently contacted me regarding a project he is wrapping up in northern Minnesota. I was intrigued because he has eliminated the concrete slab foundation altogether, which, given the material’s carbon load, is a design decision I fully support.

07/25/2025

Clamp a jigsaw upside down for safer, two-handed control on small, tricky cuts.

This simple DIY scroll saw trick makes cutting small pieces of stock simple and precise; you'll get two-handed control for tricky cuts.

07/25/2025

An alternative is to trim around a regular flanged window. Prefabricating the trim makes installation easier and can save a lot of trips up and down the ladder. That’s a big benefit, especially if you’re working high off the ground.

Read: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/siding-exterior-trim/prefabricating-exterior-window-trim

07/25/2025

Don't want to replace the whole clapboard? Here are a few simple steps you can take to remove just the damaged portion.

Don't want to replace the whole clapboard? In this video, learn a few simple steps you can take to remove just the damaged portion.

07/25/2025

While a nice luxury, there are many health, safety, and building-longevity concerns associated with having a heated garage attached to a home. These problems are avoidable if you control both liquid water and water v***r and pay attention to air-sealing.

Build attached garages as if they are a separate home because you do not want the air from the garage to have any affect on the air that is in the home.

07/24/2025

Issue 333 of Fine Homebuilding is live! From high-performance walls to smart built-ins, this issue is packed with expert advice and step-by-step how-to’s.

Featured on the cover: This practical take on Dr. Joe Lstiburek’s “Perfect Wall” uses a mix of cavity and exterior insulation, v***r-permeable materials, and careful detailing to deliver high performance on a modest budget. Thoughtful ex*****on with standard materials proves you don’t need a big budget to build a durable, energy-efficient wall.

Here's what else is inside:

🪑 Built-ins That Work: Smart design and thoughtful prep lead to beautiful, functional built-ins. Gary Striegler shows you how to make seating and storage that works.
📘 Drafting the 2027 IRC: Check out what’s coming in the next code update: stairs, room sizes, decks, and more.
💡 Landscape Lighting: From planning a safe, beautiful outdoor lighting to limiting light pollution, we've got you covered.
🪟 Modern Window Repair: Your existing windows likely can be saved with the right tools and techniques.
🌬️ Clear the Air: Get expert advice on choosing the right HVAC filters for cleaner, healthier air.

Read the full issue online: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/issue/2025/07/issue-333-august-september-2025

07/24/2025

A dehumidifier from the appliance store is often fine for keeping a basement room dry, but high-capacity dehumidifiers have long-lasting components and improved control. Scott Gibson describes the different installation methods for these capacity systems.

Learn the different installation methods for high-capicity systems, and how to choose the right dehumidification system for the space.

07/24/2025

The Overture system from Broan-NuTone monitors air quality and brings in fresh air when needed. Check them out.

Broan-NuTone's Overture is a system of indoor air quality sensors that turns on your home ventilation system when air quality is poor.

07/24/2025

When you combine a freestanding tub and a curbless shower, use these strategies to reduce the water load in vulnerable areas.

When you combine a freestanding tub and a curbless shower, use these strategies to reduce the water load in vulnerable areas.

07/24/2025

This lightweight scaffolding adjusts to uneven terrain, offering stability and portability for various job sites.

Home energy auditor and contractor, Randy Williams, gives an honest review of Broncos all-terrain scaffolding by ReechCraft Access Solutions.

07/23/2025

Few pieces of heating and cooling equipment have won as much attention in the last few years as the ductless minisplit, a variety of air-source heat pump that’s often the first choice of builders who specialize in all-electric, high-performance houses.

Unlike conventional heat pumps, these newer versions have inverter-driven, direct-current compressors that can operate at different speeds. Learn more, here.