Archives: Home Improvement

How To Install A Wall Safe

By Todd Fratzel on Closets & Storage, Safety

Installing a Biometric Wall Safe Many home owners choose to buy safes for their home to protect valuable jewelry, documents and even guns. One of the more popular choices today are the biometric wall safes. Installing a safe in the wall provides extra security and takes up very little room. In addition, the cost of…

Continue reading »

Selecting TJI Floor Joist Sizes

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Sizing Trus Joist TJI’s I’ve received dozens of emails asking me how you size TJI’s for a new home. Sizing Trus Joist brand TJI’s isn’t really that difficult once you understand the issues. Most people think that joists are sized based on minimum design loads. That is ultimately true, however, loading doesn’t usually govern the…

Continue reading »

Winter Window Condensation – Sweaty Windows

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Windows

What Causes Window Condensation Each winter I’m asked repeatedly why new energy efficient windows have condensation on them. I’ve written several articles about window condensation, Winter Window Condensation Problems, Window Condensation – Part II, and More On Winter Window Condensation, but I thought it was worth reviewing the issues because it seems to be so…

Continue reading »

Work Clothes – Carhart Quick Duck® Jacket Review

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews

Men’s Quick Duck® Woodward Active Jac Over the years I’ve come to rely on several great brands for my work clothes. Carhart, Dickies and LLBean to name a few. One of my favorite brands for jackets has always been Carhart and when I got the chance to try their new Quick Duck® Woodward Active Jacket…

Continue reading »

Asbestos Siding – Remove It or Leave It Alone?

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

Should You Remove Asbestos Cement Siding? Here in New England there are thousands of homes with Asbestos Cement Siding. Not only can it be really ugly but many home owners fear the obvious health risks and financial liability that may be associated with it. Many homeowners often ask whether or not they should have it…

Continue reading »

Foam Board Insulation Under Vinyl Siding

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation, Siding & Trim

Installing Foam Board Insulation Under Vinyl Siding Today more than ever before homes are being built with foam board insulation installed on the outside of the sheathing and under the siding. This detail is used with both new construction and also with renovation work. Below are some of the design details along with the benefits…

Continue reading »

The Home Depot Pro App – Jobsite Access

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement

The Home Depot Pro App – Sponsored Post 93% of general contractors and 87% of subcontractors use some sort of mobile device on the construction site. I also use a smart phone on the job daily which allows me access to all of my documents like estimates, plans, specifications and now more commonly accurate up…

Continue reading »

Comfortable, Durable, & Professional Looking Work-wear

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews

Dickies Work Clothes – Over 90 Years of Work-wear I spend lots of time and energy talking about the importance of buying quality tools and materials for the projects we do. From small home improvement projects to massive commercial jobs I believe we need to use the best tools and materials available on the market…

Continue reading »

Copyright © 2009-2023 Front Steps Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Home Construction & Improvement™ is a Trademark of Front Steps Media, LLC.