New Construction

These plastic-based barriers help to keep wind and water at bay, but only if you choose the right product and install it correctlyby Fernando Pagés Ruiz

Skim-coat plaster is a cure for drywall's shortcomingsby Sam Singer

Now available in a variety of colors and textures, this durable array of products won't rot, splinter, or crack. What's not to like?by Chris Green

Thanks to interlocking foam forms, you can form, pour, and insulate any small foundation in a single dayby Rick Arnold

34 steps to building cut-stringer stairsby John Spier

Factory-made trusses save time and give you a roof engineered for strength and stabilityby Larry Haun

Radiant-panel systems a carpenter can install are perfect under a wood floorby Rick Arnold

Whether it's the floor of a big house or a small addition, an accurate layout promotes smooth installationby Jim Anderson

Guidelines for working efficiently and knowing how good is good enoughby Larry Haun

Even if the foundation is not square or level, getting the mudsills right will get you back on trackby Jim Anderson

Tips from a custom framer make the engineered-lumber learning curve easier to negotiateby John Spier

If vinyl’s final, you’d best get the details right. A veteran builder shows how to make it water-resistant and attractive.by Mike Guertin

Structured wiring can link the phones, computers and TVs in your house right now, and who knows what else in the futureby Jerry Heesen

Knowledge of the code and a few tricks ease wiring circuits for standard receptacles and lightsby Clifford A. Popejoy

Simple shapes let ordinary sidewall shingles take flightby Mike Guertin

A thick mortar bed over a vinyl membrane makes a sturdy base for tile, but it pays to test for leaksby Tom Meehan

Waterproofing the foundation walls is only the first step; you also need a system of drains around the foundation that silt won't render uselessby Larry Janesky

Get help when you can, but if you have to install these unwieldy sheets by yourself, it pays to rent a liftby Pat Carrasco

Spacing the siding away from the housewrap promotes ventilation and drainage for long-lasting siding and paintby Mark Averill Snyder