Archives: Design & Planning

Prefabricated Homes Save Time and Money

By Todd Fratzel on Framing, Home Improvement Cost Savings

Prefabricated Houses Today the crew finished sheathing the roof on the Ranch style home we’re building that I’ve been blogging about on the Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish. This house was built using prefabricated wall panels and the ZIP System Sheathing. I wanted to point out how using a combination of prefabricated…

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Wood Truss Erection Tips

By Todd Fratzel on Framing, Roofing, Safety

Truss Erection Tips Today on the Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish the crew erected the wood trusses. I’d like to share some wood truss erection tips that will keep you safe and save you time and money. I’ve written previously about Proper Erection of Residential Wood Trusses and Erecting Large Trusses Safely.…

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Preparation for Truss Erection

By Todd Fratzel on Framing, Safety

Today on the Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish I’d like to talk about preparing a house for truss delivery and erection. Preparing the house frame prior the truss delivery can make the erection process quicker and safer. Typically pre-engineered trusses come with a set of engineering plans. The plans contain information about…

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Walkout Basements

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Foundations, Framing

Walkout Basements Add Value Walkout basements are very popular in this part of the country. A walkout basement has many benefits but the biggest one is the ability to have normal doors and windows in the basement along some of the walls. Walkout basements are exactly what the title suggests, a basement that has an…

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Sears Coupons

By Todd Fratzel on Coupons

Sears Coupons If you’re looking for some great $5 off $50 with code SEARS5OFF50 in Appliances”>Sears Coupons then you’ve come to the right place. One of the most popular Sears Coupons is the $5 off $50 purchase. The following is a list of great Sears Coupons: $5 Off Sears Coupons $5 off $50 with code…

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National Fire Prevention Month

By Todd Fratzel on Safety

October is National Fire Prevention Month. Now is a great time to review fire prevention with your family. It’s also a great time to make sure you have all the right fire prevention tools at home. Making sure your home is safe for your family and friends is very important and a few items can…

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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…

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Fireplace Chimney Draft Stop Plug Balloon

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Energy Conservation

Chimney Draft Stop Balloon If you own a home with a large fireplace then you certainly know how drafty the fireplace can be in the winter. What’s concerning is the amount of heat that can be lost up through a chimney during the winter when you’re not using the chimney. Over the years I’ve seen…

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