Builder Magazine: How To

Balancing air-conditioning supply and return

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 12:58:40 EST

For best performance, air-conditioning supply and return airflows should match.

How to Backfill a Foundation

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:32:04 EST

Careful backfilling reduces risks and improves quality.

7 Strategies for Smooth Underlayment Installation

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:23:40 EST

When working with vinyl floorcovering, any blemishes below the surface are destined to show through, making it essential to properly prep the subfloor.

Accurate Rough Openings in 4 Easy Steps

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:24:33 EST

These simple tips will ensure precise, clean cuts in your sheathing every time.

6 Steps to Sheathing Success

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:22:46 EST

These smart installation techniques are key to ensuring a successful job underneath siding.

Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 01:21:55 EST

Doing this right is vital.

Tall Truss Heels

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:43:38 EST

Energy conservation is driving thick, high R-value ceiling insulation, which then requires tall truss heels to contain it.

Three-Coat Stucco Application Makes a Comeback

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 01:44:29 EST

It may take more time, but this way builders can avoid the consequences of a callback.

Cooling Your Roof

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 03:36:39 EST

Proper ventilation of the roof can save homeowners money.

ICF Bracing

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 03:37:26 EST

A good ICF job depends on proper bracing to avoid bends and blowouts.

Foundation Settling

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:30:52 EST

Foundation settling happens. Here's how to keep it from becoming an expensive problem and sinking your reputation.

Deck Ledger Flashing

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 02:20:40 EST

Keeping water away is the key to a well-built deck.

Avoid Bubbles in Your Flooring

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:12:00 EST

A bubble or upturned seam in a resilient floor signals a problem beneath the surface that may crop up within the warranty service window.

I-Joist Intricacies

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:54:04 EST

Engineered-wood, I-joists work differently than dimensional lumber concerning mid-span holes and notching.

Dry Sidewalls

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:50:51 EST

Water will inevitably get past and behind exterior cladding, so create sidewall assemblies that shed and vent moisture.

Pipe Leaks

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:51:14 EST

If a pipe's leaking while the house is still under warranty, it's likely that the seeds of the problem were planted during construction.

Sound Control

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:44:44 EST

Reducing noise from the outside or between rooms can boost comfort and marketability.

Drywall Woes

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 03:19:46 EST

Drywall cracks and nail pops can drain your profit margin with callbacks.

Ice Dams

Mon, 16 May 2011 03:58:19 EST

Here's how to fix or build a better roof to avoid costly callbacks.

Make a Custom Counter For $8 Per Square Foot

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:40:35 EST

Concrete specialist Fu-Tung Cheng tells builders how to easily and economically fabricate their own countertops.