December 1994/ January 1995

Articles		Page
CHOOSING ROOFING by Jefferson Kolle Up in the air about using asphalt, wood, slate, tile or metal to keep out the rain? There are lots of choices, and they all have advantages		46
PLUMBING, LINING AND BRACING WALLS by Scot Simpson A framing contractor explains his efficient sequence for keeping walls straight and true		52
A STAIRBUILDER'S TOOLS AND TIPS by Michael von Deckbar-Frabbiele Modified tools and custom jigs expedite staircase assembly		56
DECODING BUILDING CODES by Paul Fissette Common sense and open lines of communication unravel the tangle of regulations that restrain many construction projects		60
ENERGY-SAVING DETAILS by Kip Park A demonstration house in Canada shows new approaches to energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive construction		62
A SMALL HOUSE OF CONCRETE BLOCK by Kelly Davis Manipulation of scale and space makes the most of a small floor plan		66
SHOPPING FOR DRILL BITS by Bruce Greenlaw Rebuilding a chimney in a new location and moving the front door were the keys to a workable floor plan		76
TILING A TUB SURROUND by Michael Byrne Substituting backer board for the traditional mortar bed makes the job easier without sacrificing durability		80
A CUSTOM BUILDER IN THE AGE OF STEAM by Scott McBride Charlie Hawkins paid his men 17 cents an hour, ordered stair parts from Montgomery Ward and powered his tools with steam		86
- Steam power		98
A REDWOOD REMODEL by Julie Erreca & Pierre Bourriague Meticulous trim carpentry adorns a Craftsman-style redwood house with cathedral ceilings and a trellised deck		90
Departments		Page
LETTERS Merits of roof trusses, Shallow skylights cause overheating		4
Q & A Laying out an octagon, Preventing frozen pipes		16
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Mudbucket storage trays, Improved drywall patch		28
CROSS SECTION Wheelchair-lift design, Finger-jointing green lumber		36
FINISHING TOUCHES Animal Carvings		96
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Fein corner sander, GFCI extension cord		106
REVIEWS Custom Cabinets, Construction Forms & Contracts		110
GREAT MOMENTS For the Birds		150

Choosing Roofing; Plumbing, Lining and Bracing Walls; A Stairbuilders Tools and Tips; Decoding Building Codes; Energy-Saving Details; A Small House of Concrete Block; Shopping for Drill Bits; Tiling a Tub Surround; A Custom Builder in the Age of Steam; A Redwood Remodel