Building & Remodeling Magazines & Associations
Here are just a few of the covers of Fine Homebuilding. They put out two special issues each year, one about amazing houses and the other about dream kitchens and bathrooms. CLICK THE PHOTO to subscribe.
Construction Magazines & Articles
For topics concerning construction, there are many good magazines to read. One is called The Journal of Light Construction. This magazine is an excellent monthly publication directed towards smaller building and remodeling contractors.
However, any homeowner could easily follow each article. The articles are written using non-technical information. They attempt to show different installation techniques and/or how certain products (paints, caulks, shingles, etc.) should be installed.
A similar magazine, Fine Homebuilding, has an almost identical format. Many years ago when I first started to subscribe, issue 28, it focused on unique home building projects and large-scale remodeling projects. The articles are expertly written and edited. The photographs are spectacular.
Fine Homebuilding has gravitated more towards what the Journal of Light Construction has done for years. Now Fine Homebuilding focuses primarily on everyday topics and challenges that the average builder faces.
I've always loved the full-color 3D cutaway illustrations in Fine Homebuilding. A subscription to this magazine is money well spent.
Free & Fast Bids
Certain areas of construction have hundreds of books and articles. Concrete is one of these areas. The Portland Cement Association has a catalog of their publications. There are hundreds of books, pamphlets and videos available. While some are technical, quite a few are written specifically for homeowners.
The associations listed below have excellent literature. Your library has a wealth of books. Your newsstand has or can get numerous magazines.
Building & Remodeling Magazines
- Remodeling
www.remodeling.hw.net
An excellent trade publication. Free subscriptions are available to those in and around the remodeling field. Homeowners can purchase subscriptions as well. An excellent source of new product information and design ideas. Also, inside information on the business aspects of remodeling contracting. - Journal of Light Construction
www.jlconline.com
An excellent publication if you are an ardent do-it-yourselfer, or want to learn how things are done so that you can make sure you hire the right person. - Fine Homebuilding
www.finehomebuilding.com
This magazine is considered by many custom builders and remodelers as the ultimate publication. The articles are written by experts in their fields. Often the projects featured can offer you dramatic design ideas. You can always find this publication on my coffee table! - Kitchen & Bath Business
www.kbbonline.com
Everything you wanted to know about new kitchen and bath products and designs. It is primarily a trade publication available for free. If you wish to subscribe, you can as well. Great magazine if you want to be the first on your block with the "in" cabinets and tops. - Qualified Remodeler
www.qualifiedremodeler.com
A trade publication like Remodeling. Can be had for free if you are in the remodeling business. If not, you will have to pay!
Manufacturing & Trade Associations
Following is a partial list of manufacturing and trade associations. Virtually every one listed has an abundance of literature that speaks about their group. For example, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association has an incredible booklet that shows you just how your roofer should be installing your shingles. The same is true for just about every association listed. I highly recommend that you contact the associations that interest you and request literature. You will not be disappointed.
- Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
- National Association of Home Builders
- National Kitchen & Bath Association
- Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association
- Gypsum Association
- Portland Cement Association
- Window and Door Manufacturers Association
- Vinyl Siding Institute
- APA - The Engineered Wood Association
- Tile Council of America
- Carpet and Rug Institute
- National Wood Flooring Association
- Resilient Floor Covering Institute
- Home Ventilating Institute
- North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
- American Lighting Association
- Brick Industry Association
- National Paint & Coatings Association
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association