Expert Home Improvement Advice
Miter Joint Shrinkage – Why Miter Joints Open Up I’m sure everyone has seen a miter joint that has opened up similar to the one in this image. I’d like to explain why this type of miter joint shrinkage happens so that you can try to avoid this unsightly problem. To understand this problem you…
Plywood Thickness Several readers have asked the question: How Thick is Plywood? I thought it would be useful to go over some of the different thickness plywood available on the market today. Plywood thicknesses vary drastically depending on the type of plywood and the use. Plywood can be divided into two different groups when it…
Framing Window Openings One of the most basic framing techniques involves framing window and door openings. Understanding the anatomy of a framed window opening will help you properly frame both window and door rough openings. The adjacent diagram shows a traditionally framed window opening from a recent project. Each of the major components are labeled…
Deck Contractors I get tons of questions from readers and friends about how to select a good deck contractor. This is an interesting topic worth discussing so that you find a good deck contractor if you decide to hire someone to build yours. Decks are extremely popular today so it seems everyone that doesn’t have…
Can Architectural Shingles Be Installed over Architectural Shingles? Several readers have recently asked me if they can have architectural shingles installed over existing architectural shingles during a re-roofing project. With the growing number of architectural shingles being used today it’s no wonder the question keeps coming up. So in this article I’ll go over this…
Cement Board Siding & Trim Cement Board siding and trim is becoming a real viable option for many home owners looking for an upgrade from vinyl siding while trying to avoid the maintenance issues of wood siding and trim. We’ve been installing James Hardie fiber cement siding for years now and it’s a great option…
Stone Wool Insulation Commonly Known as Rock Wool Quite a few readers have been asking questions about rock wool type insulation so I thought it was a topic worth discussing. If you’re not familiar with the term rock wool insulation, sometimes called mineral/stone wool insulation is fire resistant insulation product. In addition most stone wool…
Congratulations to Rick Monroe who won our Ridgid 18V Impact Drive Giveaway Contest. Special thanks to Ridgid for sponsoring this months giveaway! RIDGID 18V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver Kit Cordless Impact Drivers are all the rage and now’s your chance to try and win one FREE from RIDGID. One lucky reader from this site and our…
How To Insulate Basement Walls Insulating a basement properly is rather challenging in cold climates. In this article I'd like to discuss how to insulate basement walls in cold climates. Insulating basement walls in cold climates is a great way to keep your home warmer and drier. However, special care should be used when insulating…
Get 10% of with a Lowes Coupon NOTE: Home Construction & Improvement is not affiliated with Lowe's. Looking for a Lowes Coupon? Want to save 10% on a major purchase at Lowe's? Have you moved recently are about to move? If so this is an offer you can't afford to miss! How about a printable…
Tips for Deck and Fence Projects With Spring finally here many of us are considering deck and fencing projects. Maybe you're considering having a new deck or fence built. Maybe it's time to refinish your deck or add some new decorative touches to your tired deck. Spring is the perfect time to plan these projects…
New DEWALT Job Site Table Saws Models DWE7480, DWE7490X, and DWE7491RS DEWALT recently introduced a new line of portable table saws that include significant updates and features. The new line includes 3 new models; DWE7480 - 10" Compact Table Saw, DWE7491X - 10" Table Saw with Scissor Stand, and DWE7491RS - 10" Table Saw with…
I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.
Copyright © 2009-2023 Front Steps Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Home Construction & Improvement™ is a Trademark of Front Steps Media, LLC.
