Issue 332 – July 2025
Features
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Fight House Fires Through Design
Smart construction decisions and material choices can significantly improve occupant safety and survival in the event of a fire in the home.
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Making the Move to Multifamily
A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.
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Picture-Perfect Pergola
Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.
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Eichlers Get an Upgrade
Performance improvements for the prized homes of an influential developer who wanted us all to be able to own one.
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Mortar for Old Masonry
Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.
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Outdoor Lighting
Lighting up an exterior isn't just about ambiance— it's also about code compliance. Here is what the code says about safety and efficiency when it comes to outdoor lighting.
Tips & Techniques
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Custom Cabinet Pullout DrawerHere's a space-saving idea for a bathroom vanity.
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Shoulder Your BucketsAdd a strap for easy carrying and pouring when working with 5-gal. buckets.
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Hand-Sanding HackUse a velcro strap to turn a sanding disk into a hand-sanding tool.
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Simple, Site-Made TrussesCutting angles in common 2x12s makes framing a small, low-pitch roof less complicated.
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Control Your Tape RollJoint compound keeps paper drywall tape from unrolling before the next use.
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Old-Sock Safety KitMake a PPE kit with a pair of earplugs, a pair of glasses, and a pair of old socks.
Tools & Materials
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Space-Saving Sink DrainThis fully stocked sink drain kit is engineered so the drain pipes can adjust around dishwashers, disposals, and odd sink shapes.
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Right-Sized Gas FurnaceThis compact furnace has low Btu ratings for both heating and cooling, offering a solution for small and high-performance projects.
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Simple and Discreet Countertop PowerA new code-compliant, spill-safe outlet from Legrand offers a sleek solution for a kitchen island plug.
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Two Tapes in OneThis double-sided containment tape grabs poly like duct tape but peels off walls like painter's tape.
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Versatile ViseThe IQ Vise has angled jaws, a simple locking mechanism, and solid holding power.
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One-System WonderThis air-to-water heat pump from Stiebel Eltron combines heating, cooling, and hot water in one compact, self-contained system that's built for cold climates and tight spaces.
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A Practical Approach to Exterior InsulationDiscover a cost-effective system for applying continuous insulation that can help you achieve targeted R-values.
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Prep Faster With Peel-and-StickSchluter Ditra-PS now offers peel-and-stick adhesive, eliminating the need for thinset and making tile installations quicker and cleaner.
HOUSES by Design
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Guest Suite With a Garden HouseThis 654-sq.-ft. ADU combines vaulted ceilings, reclaimed materials, and efficient design, offering a flexible guest suite and home office above a new garage.
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Keeping It Cottage-SizedThis 2000-sq.-ft. home takes full advantage of its steep site with a contemporary design that blends seamlessly into the neighborhood.
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Townhouse TransformationA sleek, modern redesign maximizes space and light while preserving the building's historical charm.
Know the Code
The Restorationist
Keep Craft Alive
Online Extras
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