Vintage Family Handyman Feature from 1986: New Building Techniques for Remodelers
Updated: Nov. 18, 2021To celebrate Family Handyman's 70th anniversary, we're sharing some of our favorite articles from the past. Check out these home-building innovations from the '80s.
New Ways to Remodel Homes
In honor of Family Handyman’s 70th anniversary, we looked back through some of our past magazines for intriguing construction innovations. This article from 1986 compared new, money-saving building techniques of the time.
Optimum Value Engineering
Optimum value engineering (OVE) decreased material and labor costs of home construction. According to this vintage piece, the “OVE-built house shows a direct cost savings of about 12 percent.”
Perimeter Insulated Raised Floor System
Perimeter Insulated Raised Floor System (PIRF) was another efficient building technique of the 80s. It involved insulating raised wood floors. Builders had shown “a savings of upwards of $400 per house when PIRF is compared against insulating the underside of the floor.”
Trus Joists
Warped and squeaky floors were fixed with new joists. “To eliminate these problems, the lumber industry has developed manufactured lumber products … The joist shown consists of two dadoed 2x2s with a plywood web between them.”
Plumbing, Heating and Electrical
These new building techniques stretched all the way to utilities. They lessened the amount of pipe needed, improved furnace air distribution and increased electrical convenience.
For more of our amazing vintage Family Handyman content, visit our 70th Anniversary Page.
