School Addition Goes Green with Radiant Heat

By Todd Fratzel on Heating

Radiant Heat Keeps School Comfortable and Healthy Radiant heat has long been classified as a Green Construction method for several reasons. Most importantly is the elimination of duct work which potentially creates poor air quality. Additionally radiant heat is considered by many to be a much more efficient heating system. We recently designed and built…

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Remodeling Expected To Accelerate In 2011

By Todd Fratzel on Remodeling

Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) According to the Joint Center For Housing Studies at Harvard University there may be some good news for the remodeling industry as we move into 2011. According to their study it appears homeowners are beginning to feel more optimistic and likely to start investing in their homes again. The…

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Colonial Style Fluted Window & Door Trim

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Doors, Finish Carpentry, Windows

Window & Door Trim Today’s mass produced homes rarely use architecturally pleasing window and door trim. Most homes today are built with a very basic colonial trim with mitered joints. Obviously this is done in an effort to reduce building costs while providing a basic look. Older homes traditionally featured very ornate and detailed window…

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Milwaukee® 8 Piece Screwdriver Set Review

By Todd Fratzel on Hand Tools, Product Reviews

Milwaukee® 8 Piece Screwdriver Set Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation recently introduced the 8 Piece Screwdriver Set as part of its new line of hand tools. Similar to the 11 in 1 Screwdriver that launched in April 2010, the new set features patented ECX™ bits to perfectly fit the hybrid specialty screws users often encounter in…

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Stanley Quick Change Nail Set Review

By Todd Fratzel on Hand Tools, Product Reviews

Stanley FatMax Quick Change Nail Set Stanley recently introduced the FatMax reversible nail set (58-501).  Most carpenters, woodworkers and serious DIY’ers have a set of 3 standard nail punches floating around between their tool pouch, tool box and truck console. So when Stanley introduced this all new reversible, quick change nail set I was very…

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Cupolas Create Curb Appeal

By Todd Fratzel on Curb Appeal, Design

Cupolas Add Value Adding a cupola to your home or garage is a great way to create  curb appeal that is sure to get your neighbors attention. Cupolas are making a come back in the industry and it’s obvious why. This small architectural feature gives home owners many options to show off their style and…

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Deck Makeover for Early Fall Entertaining

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches

Makeover An Old Deck with Trex Decking For less than a third the cost of a new deck you may be able to “makeover” your deck just in time for Labor Day weekend and early fall entertaining with some tips from eco-friendly Trex decking. Deck renovations are often cheaper, and a lot cooler, in the…

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PORTER-CABLE Introduces the QUIKJIG

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

TOWSON, Md. (Aug. 30, 2010) – PORTER-CABLE introduces the QUIKJIG Pocket Hole Joinery System (model 560), a heavy-duty bench-top tool solution that is revolutionizing pocket hole joinery. The new tool features an intuitive design that is easy to use and sets up quickly for accurate and repeatable results. “Pocket holes are quickly becoming one of…

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