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Steel Hut, a startup founded by Marie and Kurtis Saldivar, is commercializing prefabricated Quonset‑hut homes that combine an arch‑based steel shell with recycled, low‑impact materials. Their first professional build, a 1,200‑sq‑ft guest house in Sisters, Oregon, cost about $275 per square foot, with the steel kit priced at $24,000. The design uses closed‑cell spray foam, glulam lofts, and high‑end windows, delivering a durable, energy‑efficient residence suitable for extreme climates. By offering flat‑pack plans from $5,000 to $15,000, Steel Hut aims to fill a market gap for affordable, resilient residential architecture.
ICON, a 3D‑printing construction firm, is completing a 12‑home neighborhood in Austin’s Mueller district in partnership with large builder Lennar. The gantry‑style printer extrudes a proprietary on‑site concrete mix, allowing simultaneous installation of structural ties, openings, and reinforcement while the...
The Fine Homebuilding podcast episode 727 dives into whole‑house dehumidification, freestanding‑tub wet‑room design, and crawlspace vapor‑barrier strategies. Listener Scott shares a successful DIY setup that pairs an AprilAire dehumidifier with a ducted HRV, while Ian and Randy field technical questions...
Stephen Morrison transformed a hobbyist timber‑framing operation into MoreSun Timber Frames, a specialized business focused on custom timber structures and historic restorations. After years of broad woodworking work, he rebranded to highlight timber framing, built a dedicated team, and shifted...
The article outlines practical steps for employers to boost retention, emphasizing clear role definitions, transparent career pathways, and regular communication of company vision. It recommends budgeting $1,000 per employee for professional development and hosting monthly skill‑building sessions. Compensation strategies include...
Homeowners often see leaves, moss and mold collect where the first deck board meets the house ledger, creating costly maintenance. Mike Guertin outlines three practical detailing methods: installing a taller ledger with a bevel‑rip and a ¼‑⅜‑in. gap, dropping the...
Homeowners experiencing sporadic smoke‑alarm activations often mistake nuisance alerts for real emergencies, risking complacency. The article explains how beep patterns differentiate smoke, carbon‑monoxide, and gas warnings, and outlines common triggers such as dust, humidity, insects, and wiring faults. It also...
Fine Homebuilding's April/May 2026 issue details a step‑by‑step method for glazing wood windows using traditional linseed‑oil putty. The guide emphasizes preparing the rabbet, kneading the putty, setting the glass, and securing it with glazing points, followed by careful tooling and...
Belgard introduced Diamond Pro Air retaining‑wall blocks, a lightweight version of its Diamond Pro line. The blocks retain the 8 in × 18 in face but weigh only 54 lb, about 30 % less than the traditional 80‑lb units. Built‑in top lugs and bottom recesses lock...
