December 2008/January 2009

Issue # 200

$7.99

Table of Contents

Articles	Page
EVERY HOUSE NEEDS AN ENERGY AUDIT by Jefferson Kolle Inspecting a house for inefficiencies is the first step toward optimized comfort and minimized utility costs	42
TOOL TEST: 16-Ga. FINISH NAILERS by Rick Arnold The right tool can improve the speed, accuracy, and quality of your trimwork	48
FRAME A CLASSIC SHED DORMER by John Spier If you start with a full-scale layout on the subfloor and plan for the finished details, the framing is relatively painless	53
GLASS-BLOCK SHOWER ON A CURVE by Tom Meehan This shower-stall alternative lets in the light, offers privacy, and makes a small space feel roomy	58
A FASTER, EASIER APPROACH TO CUSTOM CABINETS by Mike Maines Create desks, bookcases, pantries, and more with a slick hybrid design and problem-solving pocket-screw joinery	62
ATTIC-INSULATION UPGRADE by Mike Guertin Seal air leaks first; then add extra insulation for an energy-saving improvement with great bang for the buck	68
AN AMERICAN BUNGALOW: BEFORE AND AFTER by Michael Klement Transformed into a classic Craftsman home, this Sears kit house lives, looks, and performs better than ever	74
11 WOOD-FLOORING PROBLEMS, AND THEIR SOLUTIONS by Charles Peterson For flawless wood floors, avoid these installation and finishing mistakes	78

Departments	Page
CONTRIBUTORS	8
LETTERS	10
CROSS SECTION Fuel-comparison Web site, Fire-sprinkler code update	20
TIPS & TECHNIQUES Plywood sheet-metal brake, window installation	26
TOOLS & MATERIALS Miter saw, Chimney balloon	34
FINISHING TOUCHES Kindling creativity	84
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Direct water to gutters, Let drywall corners move	88
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Safety glasses, Trowels, Paintable caulk	94
BUILDING SKILLS Wrapping cords and hoses	102
DRAWING BOARD Designing stairs for an addition	108
MASTER CARPENTER Dress up cabinet face frames with a mitered integral bead	118
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS	125
GREAT MOMENTS Trimming the Tree	126
BACK COVER Sentry in the Snow

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