Building Extended Floating Roof Overhangs: Design and Construction Techniques for Deep Canopy Systems

Standard roof overhangs typically extend 12 to 24 inches beyond the exterior wall, providing basic weather protection and modest shading. But when architects and homeowners want deeper coverage, unconventional solutions are required. The floating roof canopy approach from projects like those by Taproot Architects on Washington’s Whidbey Island demonstrates how deeper-than-average roof overhangs can be […]

Designing a Luxurious Master Suite Bathroom with a Wet Room

The Case for a Wet Room in a Master Suite Bathroom A wet room is one of the most transformative design decisions you can make in a master suite bathroom. Unlike a conventional bathroom where the shower is enclosed in a separate stall or tub-shower combo, a wet room opens up the entire space by

Cable Railing Around Deck Post Corners: Professional Installation for Tight Straight Runs

Cable railings have become a go-to choice for modern decks, offering an unobstructed view and a sleek aesthetic that traditional wood balusters cannot match. Running those cables around corner posts presents a challenge that separates a professional installation from an amateur one. Cables that sag, pull unevenly, or appear misaligned at the corners can ruin

Exterior and Interior Finishes for Custom Homes: Design Lessons from the Kentucky Fine Homebuilding House

The 2019 Fine Homebuilding House in Louisville, Kentucky, represents a careful balance of historic Southern architectural traditions and modern building performance. Situated within the Norton Commons development, this custom home demonstrates how thoughtful selection of exterior cladding, interior finishes, and outdoor living spaces can create a cohesive residence that serves its occupants across every season.

Cross-Laminated Timber: The Engineered Wood System Reshaping Modern Residential Construction

As residential construction evolves toward greater sustainability, efficiency, and structural performance, builders and designers are increasingly turning to engineered wood products that challenge traditional framing methods. Among these innovations, cross-laminated timber (CLT) has emerged as one of the most transformative building systems available today. Originally developed in Europe and now gaining momentum across North America,

CFL Bulb Flicker When Off: Ghost Lighting Causes and Simple Fixes for Builders

Have you ever noticed a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) flickering in a lamp that is switched off, or even after you have unplugged the fixture entirely for several days? This strange phenomenon, often called phantom flickering or ghost lighting, is surprisingly common in homes and can puzzle even experienced builders and electricians. The bulb appears