Fine Homebuilding Magazine App Reviews

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I can see every detail. This app is a must for anybody who loves Fine Homebuilding magazine, especially subscribers. The magazine is beautiful and helpful in equal measures, and so is this app. My eyesight isn't what it used to be and this helps me to search and zoom in on anything so I can read the fractions and any other small text and see the materials and design ideas up close. The best part is that it's free for me as a subscriber. It works well too. I guess the app was fixed recently, because nothing bad happened while I read the issues.

Excellent app with great support. I have found the Fine Homebuilding app to be a great replacement for the paper magazines which I kept misplacing. When I did have a problem with the app because of an iOS update, the Customer Service was incredibly good and very responsive. I can't say enough good things about both the app and its content.

app is wack otherwise great magazine. app is useless, doesn’t recognize my subscription and asking to purchase every issue i try to read

Very Happy. As an experienced carpenter I'm always trying to find better ways of doing my job. The magazine as well as other Taunton Press publications help me do just that.

Fixed with ios8. The app broke with iOS 8 but has now been fixed and works great. I love the magazine. I found the Taunton Press customer support to be very helpful and they kept me updated on the status of that app.

Great Magazine Marred by Buggy App. We subscribe to the print mag and get the digital as part of the subscription. Unfortunately I cannot use the digital version. After downloading a magazine, the App crashes on my iPad Mini after about the third page of the mag. I suspect it's a problem with the App trying to allocate memory that's not available. This would be a great Mag to have on the iPad if it were not for the buggy App that keeps crashing.

Just like the print magazine, only better. I have been a long time subscriber to FineHomeBuilding magazine. I had trouble finding the time to keep up with the magazines. This electronic format gives me the exact same content with color photographs and everything. This in a format that I can take with me everywhere.

Poor execution of a simple app. Seems to be designed to sell ad space and develop internal revenue. Won't link to the account I just purchased, meaning that it's worthless to me as a mobile app.

DOESN’T WORK. Magazine is excellent…APP is GARBAGE! Won’t let me access new issues or special issues. Customer service doesn’t know how to fix the problem, only suggests deleting and re downloading the app. FIX THIS OR GIVE ME A REFUND!!!

Amateurish developers. It works, mostly. But I’ve reported a problem about not having access to one issue three times over three months and the response is always “we’re very sorry. There’s a known issue and our developers are working on it.”

Doesn’t work on older devices. I have tried to send feedback to Taunton via their apps and via the web site, but neither works (I have screen shots if someone at Taunton wants details) so have resorted to a review. The new version of this app is a big step backward. The biggest problem for me that I am not seeing the latest issue of the magazine on older devices. I have an old iPad in my shop and there’s no way I’m going to replace it just for this. It used to work just fine. Another problem is that they have not thoroughly tested offline use. A couple of days ago I was away from net access and went to read the mag. It would not show me an issue I had previously downloaded because it could not connect to their site. Both of these are unacceptable. If these are not fixed by the the time my membership is up for renewal in a few months, I won’t be renewing. And they should fix the feedback/contact mechanisms too. I’m posting the exact same review for both FWW and FHB.

Crappy. Having similar issues. App won't open. After I put in my print subsc ID which verified. It first tried to charge me for current issue. Then didn't, but after I closed out of app I could never get back into it. Redownloaded and jumped through all the hoops again..... Same crap. Maybe because I won't let it access Facebook? You guys have my email. Drop me a message if you ever get this app to work.

Broken. Taunton Press should take some master classes from “Fine Software Engineering”

Listen to the ratings. Don’t waste your time if you are a subscriber looking to download the ‘free’ app. I should have paid attention to the write-ups creating a rating of 1.3

Crash on ipad 1?. This app crashes on my ipad1, which my kids have put way too many games on, but works great on my ipad2. It is great to be able to zoom in on the drawings and photos, love the tips videos. Look forward to more features.

Thumbs up. Love the magazine! Always have. The app is easy to use and read. Provides URL's for each product in the magazine, and just by touching the products in the magazine, it instantly takes you to the web for more information. Very convenient. Would love to be able to read articles from the Fine Homebuilding website straight from the app. That would be a great improvement.

Bad. Worse than useless

Professional publication. This is very impressive publication. It has great articles written by professionals with years of experience. I would highly recommend it.

App crashes, no support. I am surprised that at the poor quality from Taunton. This app crashes every time I open it on the iPad mini or the iPhone. I sent in a support request and I received an automated response that someone would contact me within two days. It has been nearly two weeks and nothing. Don't waste your time on this app until it gets fixed. :(

Like the mag, love the app. The iPad edition really brings Fine Homebuilding to life. Photos look even better and now I can get some additional video content with just a touch. Bugs for iPad 1 seem to have been fixed.

Will Not Open. Tried all possible means to correct, but to no avail, App will not open without crashing. Up to about 2 weeks it worked great. Has not worked worked correctly since getting new iPad Air and updating to lasted version of iOS. All other subscriptions and Apps working correctly. Like the magazine and will update my rating once this problem is corrected.

Taunton-How could you!?. This update is completely unsatisfactory. I have lost all my previous downloads and cannot view ANYTHING offline. Be fully advised, I will be contacting your advertisers.

FineHome Building is fantastic!. I have always enjoyed the magazine and the app brings a great product into the future! I have had no problems or crashes.

Great articles could use some work on the user interface.. Fine Homebuilding is awesome for the articles and the how to steps. The interface is the only reason I gave it four instead of five. When turned sideways the pictures don't alway line up like they put their magazine in a photo copier and and the crease is still in the digital print they let us have. The program has crashed numerous times while I'm flipping through pages. When I try to click on a link from a add in the magazine. It takes me to a different browser and stalls. I've even waited a while just to see if it finally links. It never has. Last but not least, and this may be a bit of wishful thinking, in the iBook app you can touch a picture or blow it up and resize it and it is always clear. When studying a certain construction process I love to study a picture to correlate the article description to what the pictures are showing. The only way to do that in this app is to blow it up and it stays grainy. Like I said the articles are fantastic. I'd just like to tweak the app a bit. Also I'm sure the advertisers would love the links to work.

DO NOT INSTALL. DO NOT - install this app you will loose all of your previous purchases and you will not be able to log in... please fix this...Update...called customer service several times, some functionality has been restored, then removed. App is still malfunctioning after many attempts...IMHO this app is poorly executed and poorly conceived.... very disappointed in an otherwise fine magazine. Take three after several calls to customer support, my previous purchases have still not been restored and now I cannot log in... this app is a mess...

Just an ad platform. Very slow, terrible navigation controls and web links to all of the stupid ads. Eventually you will accidentally click on one then there is no way to return to magazine beside killing the app!

Love it. The iPad newsstand digital version took some getting used to, but now that I've used it and mastered it, I'm a fan. When zooming in for details, the image stays nice and clear (thank you). Absolutely love the way it links to advertisers product sites for easy in depth exploration. Other publications available through this channel are just as nice. Already purchased decks and small homes. Nice work guys.

App fails to load on iOS 13 device after latest app update. Something happened with the latest update where the app now just crashes shortly after launching.

Great App, Better Magazine. The app is stable for me. It takes a while to download the magazine but that is be expected given the numerous pictures. More people need to read the magazine so they are more knowledgeable about their homes. The articles are timely. It always seems that if we are working on something FHB has exactly the information we need to do a better job. Highly recommended to DIYers and professionals.

Does not work at all. When I launch the app, my screen is filled with a photo of a beautiful house. Then, maybe three minutes later the app crashes. Happens every time I try to use it. That's a complete summary of my experience with the app. Love the magazine, but don't buy physical magazines anymore (live on RV and don't want to store them). Wish the app worked.

Fantastic App. This is by far one of my favorite apps. The team at Fine Homebuilding pleasantly surprised me with how effective this app is, connecting links in the magazine to stories on different pages, ads and even videos. The images are high resolution (used to be very high resolution but download would take forever so they must reduced it a little to decrease download time). They are far ahead of a lot of other major publications' apps. And it doesn't stop there. Their customer service is exemplary. Whenever I've had issues pairing my device or downloading an issue (maybe twice), they were quick to respond and updated me whenever the issue was resolved. For example, when iOS was updated to 8.0, there were some major issues but they kept me updated on their efforts. Well done, Fine Homebuilding!

Pass the buck. Don't do it......the mag download has failed a dozen times. I emailed apple about and got a we'll look into it response, that was two weeks ago. I emailed Tauton Press about it and they passed the buck back to apple. Over all very disappointed with the app. and the customer service. Tauton publications are not cheap and getting a refund is a joke....don't do it

Subscription generator?. I can barely differentiate sponsored content from member content. While the interface is littered with links to subscribe, it’s irritating as a member to have to scroll down to the bottom of a long pull down menu to log in every time I want to use the app, only to be directed to a website that returns an error. The app seems designed to sell advertising and generate subscriptions, as a member, it’s just plain insulting. Why not make an app for members to conveniently access content to which they have subscribed?

Useless app. Love the magazine, hate the app. I've been a subscriber since issue 86. The app makes you enter the subscription number each time you want to download an issue. Once you enter your subscription number, it reverts back to the current subscription. The app should have the ability to recognize your paid subscription information and allow you to download the issues you paid for with your print subscription.

Fine app. This is a good app. I enjoy that i can look at some back issues. It has crashed a few times. I run an older ios, that may be the problem.

Broken app. Cannot even sign in because there is no space to type the password. Basics people!

Hothomesfbg. Great magazine for anyone interested in home projects or building. I am a custom home builder and have been a subscriber for almost 10 years.

Terrible Update. I updated two months ago and lost all of my previous purchases and am still unable to log on, emailed customer service no response....great magazine but total amateur hour when it comes to the app

Informative Publication. As a "do it yourself-er" and general handyman for the family, I learn so much from this publication about design, building techniques and materials, codes, etc. If nothing else, it has given me a sincere respect and understanding for what the building industry professionals do and are worth. Before becoming a constant reader of this pub, I was under the impression I could figure it all out on my own and make the mistakes without paying someone else to make them. Now I research a lot more and can better decide whether or not to hire a professional and what to ask and expect out of the contractors I do hire. Thanks.

About the Guild. I'm a home builder and truly enjoy the guild that fine home building has also the new trends that has hit the streets I have and will continue to recommend both fine home building and fine woodworking to all who shows interest. A D Banks Sr. Schertz, Tx

Long time reader. This app has been running very smoothly on my iPad Air. Image quality is amazing. Borders on an experience not just a magazine

Version 6.2. Previous version of app worked fine on both iPhone (6.1.1) and iPad (5.1.1). Recently downloaded version 6.2 and now the app opens very briefly and then closes on both devices. All other apps work fine on both devices. Attempted all logical trouble shooting to include deleting the app and re-installing but the problem remains.

FH is the best. Reference magazine on the market, a bit pricey tho worth it if you are DIYer. What separates from others is the details and tips of the articles. If you haven't seen or heard of the magazine do yourself a favor a pick one up. Just started to use the online/app version so I really don't have a opinion them at this time...

Great update. I like the new interface. Very responsive when interacting with magazine pages. Downloads seem faster too. Thanks!

Why not link to online subscription. So I made an assumption that there would be an account with the app purchase that would be linked to the "online membership" account. But, it appears as if this was an incorrect ( but reasonable) assumption on my part. There are videos titles that I see on the website that I have no idea as to how to get to using the app. I should be able to use both the app or the web site to access the same articles, videos, etc. As of now, it seems like the app is a waste of money compared to what you get with the online version. I did notice a difference with the online version of about 2 or 3 bucks...which does not seem significant. Bottom line, fine homebuilding really should sink the the app and online subscription...without you having to purchase both. And if users can already do so, then how to do so needs to be made more clear and user friendly.

Login issues. Will not let me log into my account to view mobile magazines. Pop up says “log in failed. Operation could not be completed. Unsupported login type.

No response. This app does not work plus calls and emails to customers service are not responded to.

Quit working. Worked for a month or two then forced me to do a log in to re-subscribe each time for a month or two. Now it won't load at all. It never allowed me to have more than one issue in my news stand. It would take them back somehow. I am forced to download into safari to read them, which is not as good a presentation as the app and requires being near wifi rather than just clicking on the magazine in my newsstand when I am waiting for my wife to finish shopping. Never thought Taunton would put out something this shoddy and not fix it right away.

Doesn’t work.. I paid for my subscription on the website and went to sign in the app with my email as I was instructed to do and I cannot view the magazines without paying again. Hopefully when Monday comes their customer service can fix the problem..

This App Is A Disaster. Expected a MUCH better digital experience from Fine Homebuilding, which is an excellent magazine - but this app is a disaster (and apparently has been for years). When you try to log in with your Fine Homebuilding account you get an error and cannot, even though their help section says print subscribers can enter their “email address and last name” to gain access to digital versions of issues. In fact, there is no verification of your Fine Homebuilding subscription whatsoever - all you have to do is create a NEW account in the app, with ANY email (that you can check a verification message for) and password, and once you click that confirmation link in that email you can sign into the app and read a couple years back of issues! What happened here?! Did they have so much trouble getting it to work for paying subscribers that they just opened it up to anyone with a working email address (in other words everyone in 2023)?! Why are we paying for (quite costly, as far as magazines go) subscriptions to this magazine when anyone can install this app, sign up for free and read not just the current issue but the last two year’s worth?! I don’t know what they’re doing with all that subscription money, but they sure as heck aren’t putting even a small fraction of it into their app development. This is an embarrassment for an otherwise superb magazine. *UPDATE* You don’t even need to register or log in AT ALL. You can just install the app and you’re able to read the last year-and-a-half worth of back issues. Again, why are we paying for subscriptions when we can just read for free here??? Also, an IMPORTANT NOTE: The support email address listed in the app IS NOT the Fine Homebuilding support address listed on the website. I don’t know if the address in the app is intentionally wrong or just different, but emails to the address listed in the app go ignored/unanswered, while messages sent to the address listed on the website are actually read/replied to.

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Excellent source of current information.. This publication has been a source of building information for me for some years, now the digital format means I can look things up on the job site.

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Not kept up to date.. What more can I say.

Enjoy it!!. This magazine reads well and is easy to navigate. I think I may subscribe to the online version exclusively. Since I am constantly referring back to articles I really like having everything at my finger tips in such a condensed format.

It doesn't work. Wasted too much time waiting for a download that never happened. I'd like to see this fixed so I get some value out of my subscription.

Pretty Good. Love the digital version of the magazine and the online site. Lots of actually useful information. The advertising is getting a bit heavy. Not too fond of the extra books with jacked up prices filled with articles from the year thus far that one already read. Find most of the other offers from the publisher bombarding one's mailbox to be in bad taste. What can ya do?

Inspirering. I take many of my abilities from reading the Fine Homebuilding magazine.

Can't even view this on my iPad. Tried every fix in the book, still crashing on my new mini. Works fine on my iPhone, but who wants to read a magazine on a phone?

Beware!. Purchased a digital content subscription, thinking that it would allow me to view and search previous issues. That worked okay on the website. Not great but okay. But when I tried to look at archived issues from the iPad app it wanted me to pay! Called support and they told this is how it works. Unbelievable. I’m still in disbelief that this is true so if anyone knows otherwise I’d love to know. The description says “if you are currently a print subscriber you can get access to digital editions FREE - - absolutely no extra cost “ They don’t point out that is only true for very recent editions! The print magazine is wonderful but I’ll stay away from this nonsense until they come to their senses.

Anyone els having problems with this app. Anyone having problems with the app, I have Fine Cooking, Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking and all apps seam to have the same problem quite often of closing when scrolling trough the magazines. Live their magazines, but when they close up for no apparent reason you need to reopen them and re scroll to find your location. Very annoying. App performance 1 star, magazine articles I would say 4.5 to 5 star. Please look at fixing this app.

Digital dreams. I am a first time subscriber to FHB. I have used digital magazine subscriptions before from other formats. I did not like them. I don't even know if they're still in business. This app is simple and clean. I read my first issue and it was great. I use my iPad. I think this is the way to go. I have not looked into searching for specific articles via an archive. Long-term use might be a different story.

Almost there. The magazines is superb, the podcast excellent and the emails very interesting. However, the online press and app are disappointing. The app doesn't work on a pc and I can't get full access to all the online material. I still give it a 4 star because what I do get is excellent

Great App. This is a great app, love the interactive pages and links to websites.

This subscription is money well spent.. I have subscribed to Fine Homebuilding for almost 15 years. The money spent on subscriptions has been repaid many times over, through the techniques that I have learned from this superb resource. I am still getting used to the app, but that is a minor learning curve issue.....the content is all there, and having access on my various Apple products is very handy. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

Doesn't work. I have the print magazine delivered and love it but this iPad version doesn't work. Unfortunate, shoddy work for such a great magazine.

Fine home Building. Crashes, crashes, crashes. Can't even open. Very disappointing..

Love FH, but the app is junk.. Couldn't download this app and now it's stuck in installing status. Such a beautiful magazine, too bad about the app.

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Fine Homebuilding. Works great in my IPad 2 and the content remains excellent

Love the App. Wish I had room in my house for these in print but I love to be able to read these on my IPAD.

Does not work on iPhones. After the run around with customer service at Taunton they finally admitted the app does not support the iPhone, only the iPad. This really reduces the value of a subscription since accessing the content on an iPhone is a major selling point.

Great app!. Love the magazine and now it's handy to have several months stored to look at anytime that I want.

Good magazine, horrible app. Updating the library is dreadful, takes forever. Past issues erase sporadically for no reason. Once in an issue behaves nicely and as always, it's a fine magazine.

Slow, crashes. Love the content, wish it was a more reliable and faster app

Crashes. Too many crashes, if rather have the paperback.

Crashes. Can't give it more than a 1 because i can't open it. Crashes. I'm sure it'll be fine if you can figure out the problem.

Will not open. Will not open since last update.

Broken. This app does not work under iOS8, and customer support has been nil. Taunton Press charges high prices but does not deliver.

Now broken in iOS7. The latest updates seem to have broken the app for users still in iOS7. The app now tells me my subscription does not exist and that I have never purchased any issues. This seems to happen every time there is an update of the app or iOS. It is amazingly frustrating to plow through all the seemingly related FAQ, following the supposed fixes to find that nothing works. I have wasted so much time on trying to fix this problem and to no avail.

very useful app. great app, useful, easy access to content both in and out of the magazine!

App Crashes. The app started crashing after the new version was updated. Please fix this glitch.

Not the best. Not the best layout. Hard to work.

No good. Doesn't provide option for which issues to download. Shows ALL past issues being downloaded when in fact they are not. Can't stop app from indicating "downloading". The Fine Woodworking app works great. I don't get it Taunton!

Garbage. Had it for less than 5 minutes on the iPad and it won't even open. Works good on the iPhone but it doesn't read too well on such a small screen.

Regretfully still not able to open. The 6.2.1version has not helped. App still doesn't open for more than a second. Would love to buy the next issue ... But can't . Why don't you contact the crew that did Fine Woodworking?

Hangs and freezes when launched. Does not get past loading screen

App hangs. App hangs tried reloading and updating tho os ... But no success They are still advertising the app in the print version ... Think they would want it to work first

Broken now?!!. Had all my issues and now constantly says no issues set up...and, " there are currently no issues on the magazine" where did they all go?! Help please or give me my full subscription fee back! Since you took away all my issues!

Very Happy. As an experienced carpenter I'm always trying to find better ways of doing my job. The magazine as well as other Taunton Press publications help me do just that.

First Time Out. Thought I would try a magazine on my IPad. Works great and I like the information in the magazine.

Cannot stay open. Repeatedly shuts down when I reach third page. Great mag, please fix.

No offline use. They can’t restore. Don’t upgrade!. They finally got some of my issues back. But only if you are connected to the internet. No offline viewing on the airplane. Used to work. Reason for digital subscription. .... Lost all of old issues. Do not upgrade. No email support. Tried their email support. Response was to contact iTunes. How, was my response. Then they gave me a case number. Case id: 34207475 Again I ask, who do I contact to get this resolved? What use is a case Id with no poc. I’ve been in contact with them for the past month. They keep trying to restore my 2 years of back issues. They even asked for my iPad serial number. They just can’t do it. They tie it to an email but can’t seem to find my subscription information. Granted it has just expired but I won’t renew if they can’t give what they owe in back issues. 5 magazines restored one measly one at a time starting with the old ones not the recent ones. Painful very painful and only restores one at a time. Though not reliable and why can’t they restore all at once? Missing several years worth.

Doesn't work. Doesn't work, won't accept already paid print subscriptions

Keeps asking for money.. FH. Is a great mag in the print version but the app doesn't allow access even after paying for the on line supplement. Costs $7.99 any time you want to see anything. And there's no easy way to contact a human to fix things.

Crash Victim. Crashes by third page please fix ASAP!

Thank you. Love this magazine. Happy to see it on iPad!

Needs To Be Update for IOS 10.3.2. According to Apple this app may slow down your iPad. It runs slow on mine.

Crashes. Opened app on my iPad, then entered my profile info, when I entered my birthday and country, then app crashed and wouldn't reopen with out immediately crashing every time I tried to open the app. I deleted app, and started over, with exactly same result. I trusted Taunton Press, so what a huge disappointment.

One of the best magazine apps around. Very well executed, this app makes reading FH a pleasure on my iPad.

Great App and publication!. By far and away my go to publication for our home. Immersive content and top notch writing.

Energy efficient homes. Worthless

Needs Lots Of Help. While Fine Homebuilding comes up with many excellent ideas for homebuilding, they are in need of some serious help when it comes to designing an iPad app.

Real Buggy. Nice cover...won't launch! That's all I could see!

Good companion to print edition. This app basically displays a high res PDF of the print edition, plus hotlinks/navigation, plus some videos. So while not perfect it does add some extras over the paper edition.

Terrible app. Fix your app. Unreal.

Launches without crashing now. This update fixed the constant launch-time crashing, so updating my rating from 1 star to 3 stars.

Where are the issues?. I linked my print subscription with the app, as instructed. But none of my issues appear on the "shelf.". What's up, Taunton? Are you serious about this app?

Enjoyed every issue. Well done publication. Several great tips and ideas

Yes, Broken. Version 6.2.8 broken in iOS 8.1

Not Worthy to Download. Don't waste your time downloading this app. It doesn't do anything but cycle you straight to purchasing the current month magazine. At $8, why?