Family Handyman

When it comes to home improvement, you need information you can trust. Inside each issue of The Family Handyman, you’ll find see-and-solve expert repair techniques, a variety of projects for every room and step-by-step, do-it-yourself photos.

WE PUT THE “O” IN DIY • How many times have you used a shop project as an excuse to escape? Quality time alone with your table saw can be a good thing. For me, it helps clear my head of deadlines, and I’m happy to trade my clean office space for a well-worn workshop. Do-It-Yourself is therapeutic; maybe tools should qualify as health-care expenses.

WHAT’S NEW?

STUFF WE LOVE • OUR FAVORITE DIY TOOLS, MATERIALS + GEAR

HANDY HINTS • CLEVER SOLUTIONS FROM OUR READERS

A TESTING ZONE FOR INNOVATIONS

AS BIG AS A HOUSE • PROMISES, PRIDE & PREDICAMENTS

MEET THE BUILDERS • The makers of the Getaway, contributing in countless ways to help a home come to life:

BUDGET HOMEWORK

PLAN YOUR GETAWAY • AND KEEP YOUR DREAM DREAMY

BUDGET HOMEWORK

DIY OR NOT? • HERE’S WHAT WE DID AND WHAT WE HIRED OUT

GROUNDBREAKING • SITE PREP FOR SUCCESS

FOUNDATION • STRONG, STRAIGHT, SECURE

FRAMING • SAVE MONEY, BUILD STRENGTH

WINDOWS • DECODING THE NUMBERS TO MAKE A GOOD DECISION

WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY FOR?

CHOOSE WINDOWS THAT SUIT YOUR CLIMATE AND LOCATION • When you’re window shopping, understanding these terms will help you find windows that will perform well in your climate. For in-depth, location-specific information for your house, use the window selection tool from the National Fenestration Rating Council at efficientwindows.org. What is “fenestration,” you ask? Generally, it means any opening in a surface, such as a wall.

SIDING • HOW TO INSTALL DURABLE & STYLISH STEEL SIDING

INSULATION • ACHIEVE THE R-VALUE YOU NEED

WRAPAROUND DECK • TO BUILD IT WELL, START WITH A DETAILED PLAN

INSTALL MODERN CABLE RAILING

METAL ROOFING • GET THE LAYERS RIGHT FOR A LONG-LASTING ROOF

WINDOW TRIM • HOW TO ACHIEVE TRIMLESS WINDOW STYLE

BATHROOM • AN EASY SHOWER INSTALL

KITCHEN ISLAND • BUILD YOUR OWN WITH READY-TO-ASSEMBLE CABINETS

SINK & COUNTERTOPS • DIY LAMINATE COUNTER WITH AN UNDERMOUNT SINK

LIGHTING • ASSESS YOUR NEEDS ROOM BY ROOM

MECHANICALS • HVAC & PLUMBING PLANS

ROLL-UP DOOR • OPEN-AIR LIVING

LANDSCAPING • TREE RECYCLING & AN OUTDOOR BENCH

RESOURCE GUIDE • THE PRODUCTS THAT HELPED US BUILD

CUT METAL LIKE THE PROS • THE RIGHT TOOLS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

THE GEAR WE USED • We tried a lot of tools at the Getaway—here are some of our favorites for metal work.

THE DIRT ON SEPTIC SYSTEMS • WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE & AFTER INSTALLATION

IN COLD CLIMATES, PROTECT YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM FROM FREEZING • Like water pipes, your septic system can freeze. Here are some tips to prevent your septic system from freezing.

READER INFO

Family Handyman

IF THE TREE FALLS, WILL ANY ONE HEAR YOU YELL?

A BIT OF A PROBLEM

WALLPAPER QUACK-UP