June/ July 2003

Issue # 156

$7.99

Table of Contents

Articles		Page
CAREFUL LAYOUT FOR PERFECT WALLS by John Spier Everything from rafters to kitchen cabinets fits better when you get the walls square and the studs in the right places		52
HIDE THOSE UGLY WINDOW SHADES by Mike Guertin A valance of MDF and crown molding hides an unsightly shade		58
PLUMBING UNDER A CONCRETE FLOOR by Dave Crosby Layout is critical when the pipes are cast in stone		60
Achieving perfect pitch		63
ROOMS WITHOUT WALLS by Sarah Susanka Ceiling heights define spaces in an open floor plan		66
PLUGGING INTO THE SUN by Joe Provey Solar electricity was always a good idea. Is it finally affordable?		72
Will photovoltaics work on your house?		74
REPAIRING ROTTEN TRIM by John Michael Davis Don't replace the whole board; cut out the damage and make a perfect patch		77
FINISH NAILERS UNPLUGGED by Gary M. Katz Six tools let you unhook from the hose		80
AN ARGUMENT FOR EXERCISE by Fernando Pag�s Ruiz If building provides all the workout you need, why does getting up in the morning hurt so much?		84
FOUR HOMES UNDER ONE ROOF by Paul B. Ohannesian A new bungalow in an old neighborhood makes four town houses look like one home		90
NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD FLOOR by Charles Peterson How to prepare a wood floor for a new finish		110

Departments		Page
LETTERS		6
BREAKTIME		16
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Supporting a deck without attaching it to the house, Steam heat		20
TIPS & TECHNIQUES Caulk-gun holder, Hassle-free door painting, Short-point measurement		30
DRAWING BOARD Remodeling: rethinking existing spaces		36
CROSS SECTION FHB live, Home sales down		44
FINISHING TOUCHES Building in the wow factor		100
TOOLS & MATERIALS Waffle-head hammers, Chalkline helper, Pneumatic hose		104
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Wood-floor finishes, Wall switches		116
REVIEWS Design and Build a Great 18th Century Room, Pattern books		126
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS		132
GREAT MOMENTS A slice of bread		134

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