Customer Reviews
A little too Techy 
2008-05-04
I go this subscription while we were having our house built so I could understand the details. It's a bit too technical for the average person, but I got some good ideas from the articles and ads that we incorporated into the home. I dropped the subscription after the home was finished.
Good info 
2008-04-20
This is a great magazine for learning about the finer points of home building and improvement.
Excellent Homebuilding Resource 2007-12-30
This is my favorite magazine for homebuilding topics. It provides rich descriptions of general homebuilding topics. This magazine probably wouldn't be the right magazine for weekend DIY'ers as many of the topics cover longer term construction issues. It is a great resource for students of home design and construction, and I find myself looking back to old issues often. The magazine also does a nice job of explaining the "little things" that can get lost in this era of warehouse building supply stores, and cookie-cutter construction techniques.
For the weekend warrior, DIY'er and the pros 2005-08-22
I've been woodworking for over 20 years, and this magazine inspires me more than magazines geared for woodworking. The articles are clearly written; the pictures are crisp and to the point (show just what's necessary without slipping in paid name-brand product shots.) And the ads seem to be kept to a minimum (sure, they are in there, but not every other page.)
If you are simply looking for ideas to show a carpenter, or looking for tips this is the magazine for you. Each month you will find:
Safety tips
Q&A
Finishing Touches
Testing power tools
Product comparison
Building skills
Replacing the old (doors, windows, decks...)
It seems that every month there is at least one article that is beyond the scope of most subscribers. But I have found this the most useful, thus far. A couple of these articles have helped me view / approach a project from a different angle, and each with a far better result than my initial design. While most of us may not be able to DO all of the incredible things shown in the magazine, we can take away some great ideas and techniques that we can use in other projects.
The best thing is that two articles have already saved me more money than the one-year subscription cost me!
I highly recommend this magazine in conjunction with Handyman magazine. Together, you can build / fix just about anything.
Fine Homebuilding is the Best 2005-01-17
This magazine is for those who are interested in viewing how people working in the trades do it right. People who are willing to share their wonderful knowledge, projects, and homes. Not cookie cutter homes but homes that inspire its readers to take the higher road. For those who want to be involved in doing something the correct way.
Great information on tools and projects, as well as lots of ads and reviews for products that your local hardware store won't being carrying until you ask them about it. A magazine that you will save, treasure, and find yourself looking back through for many years to come to refresh yourself anew.
This magazine is best in its class! 2004-10-18
Skilled builders share tips, techniques and trade secrets that help readers build smarter...faster...better.
The 'Saveur' of Construction 2004-09-27
These days home improvement magazines, TV shows and books are everywhere. Most of them are terrible. The same 3 dozen tips and ideas repeated ad nauseum, always winding down with a failure to describe how to actually do anything that entails skill or risk. 'Your parents put it together' is the usual message behind anything more complicated than painting.
Not so with 'Fine Homebuilding.' Unlike most home improvement and construction-related magazines, this one is for the grownups. Professional tradespeople, homeowners and contractors alike can look here to find out how to actually build a house and do it very well. You'll find time-saving ideas as well as ways to spend a lot more time in order to do a better job than you thought you could. This is not a 'fast food' ethic. This for the true gourmands of homebuilding; the 'Saveur' of construction.
Brilliant star in it's class...for the DIY'er too 2004-01-08
An architect friend who redid their own bungalow turned us on to this great magazine. While it is not as well known as thoses magazines with a TV show attached, Fine Homebuilding really stands out for those interested in craftsmanship over quick & easy solutions. Popular within the trade (all the articles are written by contractors but most are accessible by anyone reasonably handy), they take a very loving approach to each task they focus on. We just love reading advice for people with as much passion for old homes as we have but with way more experience! Lauded as the magazine for "do-it-yourself'ers with taste, a budget and perhaps a need for scholarly debate on whether vinyl siding belongs on a fine home." If you really want to learn how to approach a project from multiple ways and you don't want to "muddle it", this magazine is for you. It's like having a kind contractor over your shoulder the whole way...we have a hard time ever lending this out. Our DIY library would not be complete without every issue.
Incredibly Useful 2003-07-15
Aimed at the professional builder, FH is also a great resource for the amateur and for the homeowner seeking to educate him or herself about quality construction and design. A recent issue on siding installation is a must-read for anyone thinking of having siding installed. I started reading it shortly after I bought my first house, and learned a number of things I used in repairing windows,m plastering, painting and so forth.
But where it really paid off was when I did a major remodeling job on my house, adding a second story and completely residing with cedar. Reading over back issues I found dozens of ideas for trim, insulation, a/c, siding and other details. I learned enough technique to install my own tile backsplash, install a lot of the electrical work, and do all the phone and data wiring.
Required reading for professionals, inspiration for the homewoner, and a great resource for the amateur. Six stars.
A exceptional periodical 2003-05-07
I have recommended this magazine to friends/co-workers/family that have shown an interest in architecture, woodworking, and custom houses. You do not have to be a professional to appreciate Fine Homebuilding, I happen to be in the high-end woodworking business, but I am always interested in other methods and techniques of the pro's and this periodical (in my humble opinion) is the best in its class.
Fine Homebuilding avoids the jargon and has some great writers. Their articles come from professionals with real world situations and solutions be it how to properly vent a roof to the best way to layout a kitchen. There are also some novel ideas that come from architects, designs, professionals, and homeowners.
Fine Homebuilding provided me with some excellent knowledge/methods that I have been able to apply to my profession and weekend house projects. I'm sure you will find yourself, as I do, checking the mail hopping your next issue has been delivered.
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