August 18, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Model Remodel Show: 4 MORE Energy Efficient Construction Tips Roof framing, window options, and a mechanical advantage add up to lower bills and a higher quality home Framing HVAC & Mechanicals Insulation & Air Sealing Windows & Doors Video video
July 9, 2018 Updated: August 24, 2023 Overlap Drip Edge Metal Like A Boss A drip edge overlapping strategy that won't catch the eye Roofing WRB & Flashing Video video
June 23, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Model Remodel Show: Four Smart Energy Upgrades for Compact Houses Simple upgrades to steps you take anyway can significantly boost the energy performance of a home Insulation & Air Sealing Video video
June 6, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Cutting Just a Smidge from Construction Stock: Deflect the Saw Blade Sometimes a blade thickness is waaay more than you need to cut off. If you need to take 1/32 off the end of a board, here's how to do it quickly. Trimwork & Cabinetry Siding & Exterior Trim Video video
April 17, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 The Right Tin Snip for the Job Left-, right-, and straight-cutting snips with single- and compound-leverage each have their place on a jobsite HVAC & Mechanicals Roofing WRB & Flashing Video video
April 9, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Trim-Out Tip: Screw Placement (mark your square with a pencil) Quality, speed, and safety can work together Siding & Exterior Trim Video video
March 23, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Trim-Out Tip: Cleaner Tile Cuts (Sandpaper for Ceramic) Diamonds are ceramic tile cutter's best friend. Ok, they are not, but they sure can improve a sanding pad. Tile, Flooring, Drywall Video video
March 20, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Tool Pick: Bahco Insulation Knife and Saw A saw and a knife that cut rockwool insulation like a "laser" Insulation & Air Sealing Tools Video video
February 23, 2018 Updated: October 13, 2023 A Better Way to Let Windows Drain Water often finds its way into holes in the wall. It is your job to help it get out. Construction Phase Article
January 26, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Vinyl Siding Secret: Let Cool Vinyl Warm Up Work WITH thermal properties of a material, not against them Siding & Exterior Trim Video video
January 23, 2018 Updated: June 15, 2023 Tool Pick: Pica Dry Construction Pen Marking tile and other slippery surfaces Tile, Flooring, Drywall Tools Video video
January 17, 2018 Updated: May 21, 2024 Sheet Metal Secrets: Drip Edge Flashing (jobsite origami) How to bend a lock-hem drip edge on a sheet metal brake Roofing WRB & Flashing Video video
December 8, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Duct Mastic Installation Tip: Use a Workbench The trick to better duct sealing? Better planning and glopping it on thick HVAC & Mechanicals Video video
November 27, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Framing Tip: Placing Roof Sheathing (snap a line with fascia in mind) Draw a full-scale mockup and snap a line with fascia in kind Framing Video video
November 22, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Flashing Tip: Heat is Your Buddy Cold tape doesn't stick and hot tape stick like sh—well, you know what it sticks like. WRB & Flashing Video video
November 3, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Framing tip: Wood Moves, Toilets Don't What's worse than a plumber with a Sawzall? A carpenter who causes it. Framing Video video
October 25, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Jobsite (Photography) Tip: Embiggen Your Battery Capacity Tie your camera into your cordless tool system Editor's Notes Video video
October 3, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Bahco Insulation Knife and Saw: "Works Really, Really, Really Well" For cutting rockwool insulation, retire your old bread knife and pick up a pair of these Insulation & Air Sealing Tools Video video
September 11, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Jobsite Tip: Old Insulation and Hot Showers Don't Mix Rinse off with cold water before the hot shower. Insulation & Air Sealing Demolition Video video
August 30, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Demo Tip: Take Your Time Take your time. Work slow. Be organized. You will get done faster. Demolition Video video
August 15, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 A Simple Balanced Ventilation System Two fans talk to each other to replace stale air with fresh air HVAC & Mechanicals Details in 4D detail
March 24, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 A Deck Screw Jig for Straight Lines Consistent deck screw placement and spacing between deck boards comes from a system of jigs and spacers Decks & Porches Video video
March 14, 2017 Updated: July 19, 2024 How To Cut A Deck Board Six tips for clean and accurate decking cuts Framing Decks & Porches Video video
February 20, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 Modified Larsen Truss Retrofit: I-Joists on a Roof Framing a roof with I-joists over the existing roof makes a ton of room for insulation and offers a short lesson in vapor movement through assemblies Framing Insulation & Air Sealing Video video
February 13, 2017 Updated: June 15, 2023 A Modified Larsen Truss Using I-Joists on a Passive House Retrofit Screwing I-joists to the outside of a wall—really—makes a lot more room for insulation on a deep energy retrofit in NW Connecticut Framing Video video
