Archives: Home Improvement

Building Material Costs Are Still Rising

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement Cost Savings

You would think that the slow down around the Country in the building industry would suggest that building material costs should be coming down. Well you would be wrong with that assumption. Today I read an interesting article, Builder’s ‘Dumbfounded’ By Continuing Cost Increases, that reveals a significant increase in building material costs this year.…

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Sheathing Interior Garage Walls With Plywood (Updated)

By Todd Fratzel on Garages, Insulation

Sheathing the interior garage walls with plywood is a great alternative to drywall. Let’s face it, garages take some abuse and when I see drywall inside the garage I just cringe. Drywall doesn’t do well when it get’s wet, it certainly won’t do well when you slam something against it and it’s a real pain…

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Recommended Hardwood Floor Installation Tools

By Todd Fratzel on Flooring, Power Tools

DIY Floor Installation Tools Installing hardwood floors is a great DIY project that will add value to your home and save you money at the same time. Most flooring sub-contractors get between $2 and $6 per square foot to install hardwood flooring. That’s just the labor cost not including the cost of the actual wood…

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How To Buy A Table Saw

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

How To Buy Table Saws If you don’t own a table saw then go out and buy a table saw! I can’t think of one tool in my workshop that is more important than the table saw. Having said that it’s important to buy a table saw that has all the features you need and…

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John Deere 40-Inch Plug Aerator Review

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Product Reviews

John Deere Plug Aerator – 40″ Tow Behind Model I recently purchased a John Deere 40-Inch Plug Aerator to tow behind my John Deere X300 riding mower. Lawn Core Aeration is an important lawn care process which removes small plugs of grass, roots and soil. By removing the small plugs oxygen, water and nutrients are…

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Mosquito Fogger Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

I was sent a mosquito fogger to use and write a review on. With all the rain we’ve had this summer there is still a pretty good crop of mosquitoes flying around our property. So I decided to give this piece of equipment a try and see how it works. The product that I’m reviewing…

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Getting Bids When You Build A New House

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement Cost Savings

As I continue this series, Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish, I want to focus on getting bids and estimates for the work that needs to be performed. You’ve finally got your blue prints so now you’re ready to get bids and estimates from contractors. Now getting bids and estimates can an overwhelming…

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Kreg K3MS K3 Master Pocket Hole Jig System

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

The Kreg K3MS K3 Master Pocket Hole Jig System is one of those tools that is a must have for carpenters that enjoy building fine furniture and casework. This kit contains everything you need to create really strong pocket hole connections. The Kreg Jig contains: Pocket hole joinery combination kit; everything you need in one…

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