Oil Vs. Propane Fuel Calculator

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Energy Conservation

This is a post from last winter that’s been extremely popular. With Fall here and Winter heading our way I thought it was worth sharing again. Choosing between Oil and Propane Fuel is a hard decision. This Oil Vs Propane Fuel Calculator can help you make a decision. Fuel Calculator Recently I wrote about Heating…

Continue reading »

Dremel Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

The Dremel Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool is one of those tools that you’ll wonder how you managed home improvement projects without. Dremel tools have been around for quite some time and they are a proven home improvement and DIY must have tool. I compare a Dremel tool to owning a reciprocating saw. The Dremel…

Continue reading »

Foundation Drainage and Damp Proofing

By Todd Fratzel on Foundations

Proper foundation drainage and damp proofing is critical in keeping your basement dry. This post is another in the Total House Construction Series – Foundation To Finish in which I’m documenting the construction of an energy efficient ranch style home. Having a dry basement is one of many requirements in order to maintain a healthy…

Continue reading »

Home Network with Structured Wiring

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

I’ve written about the structured wiring used when we built our new home. Structured wiring is a great way to create a very stable and functional home network. My wife and I both work at home quite a bit between our real jobs and online ventures so having a home network setup is extremely useful.Setting…

Continue reading »

Buy A Snow Blower Before Winter Storms Hit

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Maintanence, Power Tools

Winter is almost here in New England and that means snow! If you lived here last year then you probably are still have nightmares about the quantity of snow we received. Buying a snow blower is one of the best ways to keep your driveway cleared this winter without breaking your back. It never fails,…

Continue reading »

SpacePak Winter Supply Shut-Off

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Maintanence

We use the SpacePak air conditioning in our new home to cool the house in the summer. The SpacePak system is only used for air conditioning so there are two steps to take each fall in preparation for winter. Because the SpacePak system is not used for heating the house it sits unused all winter.…

Continue reading »

Dewalt Reciprocating Saw Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

The Dewalt DW304PK Heavy-Duty 10 Amp Reciprocating Saw is one of my favorite demolition tools. If you’re going to do any serious home improvements or house construction then you’re going to need to buy a reciprocating saw. Most people call a reciprocating saw a “sawzall” but Sawzall is a model name for the reciprocating saw…

Continue reading »

Tools For Coping Moldings

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Power Tools, Product Reviews

The best way to get a professional looking inside miter corner for moldings is to cope one piece to fit into the other. Whether you’re installing crown molding or baseboard the coped inside corner creates a very professional look. Using a coping saw is the most basic and proven way to cope moldings. You can…

Continue reading »

Copyright © 2009-2023 Front Steps Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Home Construction & Improvement™ is a Trademark of Front Steps Media, LLC.