Avoiding Project Creep and Budget Overuns

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Home Improvement Cost Savings

Project Creep Equals Busted Budgets Ever heard the term Project Creep before? Project Creep is defined as a break down in the management of a construction project that loses sight of the original goals. Typically it puts a project in jeopardy by slowly growing the scope with small changes. The small changes may seem insignificant…

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Serious Demo Circular Saw Blade

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Diablo Demo Demon The folks at Diablo Tools have introduced an impressive new demolition quality circular saw blade called the Demo Demon. You’ve got to check out the following video to see how impressive it is. Any contractor that does demolition understands how quickly saw blades can get destroyed cutting through nails, roofing materials and…

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Is Radiant Heat More Efficient?

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning

Radiant Floor Heat Radiant Heat is very popular today especially with new home construction. I’m often asked “Is Radiant Heat More Efficient” compared to forced hot air systems or baseboard hot water systems. The answer might surprise you. First let me qualify my answers and say that this is solely my opinion based on my…

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Windows as Picture Frames

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation, Windows

Creating Great Views PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – Residential home designer Marla Bruemmer has a unique viewpoint on the placement of windows in the houses she creates. “I use windows as picture frames in very specific locations within the home to produce great views,” says Bruemmer, owner of Design Evolutions. For more than 20 years Bruemmer…

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Free Stair Stringer Calculator

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Framing

Stair Stringer Calculator – Spreadsheet Recently I wrote an article about how to build stairs. Since then I’ve had inquiries about some type of calculator or spreadsheet to quickly calculate the rise and run measurements for the stringers. So I sat down and put together a quick Excel spreadsheet that helps you calculate the total…

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Paslode T250A-F16 Angled Finish Nailer Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Paslode 16 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer Paslode continues to role out new products including the all new Paslode T250A-F16 16 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer. We got our hands on this lightweight finish nailer recently and put it to the test. The Paslode T250A-F16 is the only 16 gauge pneumatic angled finish nailer on the market…

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DAP Seal ‘N Peel Review

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation, Product Reviews

DAP Seal ‘N Peel – Removable Weatherstrip Caulk DAP Products continues to release new caulking products that help improve the quality of caulking and sealing projects. Properly sealing windows and doors is one of the best and easiest ways to save energy and money around your home. According to the EPA’a Energy Start Site: Improving…

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Fypon Urethane Millwork Review

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews, Siding & Trim

Fypon Urethane Millwork Fypon Urethane Millwork is a great alternative to regular wood millwork for interior and exterior applications. I’ve used their products on both commercial and residential applications with great success. Fypon manufacturers low-maintenance urethane millwork and PVC Trim as solutions to decorative millwork needs. Fypon produces an extensive line of millwork to fit…

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