Roof framing, window options, and a mechanical advantage add up to lower bills and a higher quality home

A rip of plywood, some blocks and a table saw will help you repurpose cruddy lumber from the bone pile into backing

A few minutes up front can save tons of time when you're in the air—and it can eliminate broken ribs, a broken back, or death

Tape layers should overlap shingle-style up the roof

 

The nuances of measuring is what separates the kids from the carpenters

Decking the field and delegating responsibility

 

Outside insulation is an effective way to keep heat in. The devil is in the details, such as this one

Brute strength will not win in a war with physics. Smart design predicts the resonance of a building and sidesteps the waves

Overlapping tapes with gravity in mind keeps water out of the house

Four straight 2x6s, a lot of glue, a mortiser, planer, sharp chisels, band saw, Forstner bits, a block plane, oscillating spindle sander, and a rubber mallet are all you need

"Build it right. If the wood can withstand seven centuries, I would build a house that is so constructed as to withstand a millennium. With this attitude, I would keep woodworking."

—Go Taek Yeong, Skill Holder

Streamline your stringline strategy

It turns out, 5/8 plywood is about the best window insurance you can buy