Fine Homebuilding Magazine

01/12/2026

Portland, Ore., designer Joel Fraley includes wood elements in almost all of his kitchens. One of his favorite techniques is to build a recess into the countertop so a piece of butcher block can be slid in. That lets homeowners slide it out for cleaning.

Read a guide to wood countertops: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/kitchens/guide-to-countertops-wood

01/11/2026

Building scientist Joseph Lstiburek explains when to vent your roof, when not to, and how to execute each common roof-venting approach successfully.

Learn how to construct a vented attic. Review the theory behind venting. Understand when to vent your roof and when not to.

01/11/2026

Most cathedral ceiling failures come down to air leaks and thin insulation. These five assemblies show how to get it right.

Learn how to insulate a cathedral ceiling with 5 different assembly options that address R-value requirements, rafter depth, air-sealing, and more.

01/11/2026

Balanced mechanical ventilation is the healthiest and most efficient way to provide fresh air for a home.

Learn how to install an ERV or HRV like a pro for a balanced mechanical ventilation system that can offer efficient air exchange and IAQ.

01/11/2026

Faster, cleaner, and more efficient—induction cooking is changing the modern kitchen. Here’s what sets it apart and how to choose the right cooktop.

Learn what induction cooking is and what factors to consider when exploring the purchase of induction cooktops.

01/11/2026

Here are some thoughts on 4 must-have jobsite power tools, with tips for choosing and using them.

Veteran trim carpenter and tool ju**ie Gary Striegler shares the four tools every trim carpenter needs to have and how to use them properly.

01/10/2026

Most shutters get it wrong. From sizing and louver direction to hardware and spacing, these classic details only work when they’re done right.

The shutters attached to many houses look haphazardly flung on and bear no relation to the house they cling to. In the drawings and text of "Drawing Board" article, architects Reid Highley and Jim Compton tell you how to get shutters right.

01/10/2026

A heat-pump and solar-PV system transformed this 100-plus-year-old home into an energy-efficient all-electric house on its way to net-zero. Here's how.

A heat-pump and solar-PV system transformed this 100-plus-year-old home into an energy-efficient all-electric house on its way to net-zero.

01/10/2026

Is closed-cell spray foam risky under a new roof? Will spray foam make the vented assembly obsolete? If so, is it essential to seal off ridge and soffit vents, or is there a viable hybrid option? And what should you plan for now if you won’t finish the attic for 10 years?

Andrew sent these questions to the FHB Podcast crew as he continues to renovate his 1889 Victorian home, now with a historic preservation grant to tackle the attic. We take them on in the latest episode.

Listen in everywhere podcasts play 🎧
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fine-homebuilding-podcast/id1127408595

01/10/2026

Straightforward construction, common materials, and low embodied carbon are just some of the benefits of this superinsulated assembly.

Learn how to build a vapor-open double-stud wall assembly with cellulose insulation for affordable and eco-conscious moisture management.

01/09/2026

Let this be your sign to take time to appreciate the craft this year. Here’s to slowing down, leaning into the work, and building with care.

Justin Fink shows exactly that, replicating molding for a restoration project when the home center didn’t have a matching profile. All it took were a few simple tools, some smart techniques, and a little time. See how: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2025/10/10/matching-old-moldings

01/09/2026

Follow these guidelines to install circuit-interrupter receptacles to protect either a single outlet or outlets downstream from risks of electric shock or fire.

Follow these guidelines to install circuit-interrupter receptacles to protect either a single outlet or outlets downstream from shock & fire.