Archives: Home Improvement

DeWALT DW618B3 Three Base Router Kit Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

DeWALT 2-1/4 HP Three Base Router Kit We recently got our hands on the DeWALT DW618B3 2-1/4 HP Three Base Router Kit to test and evaluate. Routers are an essential power tool for any shop or woodworker and today there are countless models to choose from. The DW618B3 is a router kit that offers the…

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Save Money – Turn Off Gas Fireplace Pilot

By Todd Fratzel on Heating, Home Improvement Cost Savings

Turn Off Gas Fireplace Pilot We’re all looking for ways to save money this winter. One sure fire way to save some money this winter is to turn off the gas fireplace pilot. The pilot flame can burn as much as $10 per month when it is left on and burning. Here’s the thing, if…

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FastenMaster Cortex System for PVC Trim

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

Cortex Concealed Fastening System Last week I had the pleasure of attending another building trade show. One of the products that really caught my eye was the Cortex Concealed Fastening System for PVC Trim from FastenMaster. Anyone that’s been following this site knows that we’re huge fans of PVC trim on both residential and commercial…

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Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector Review

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews

Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector With all the talk about saving energy these days we wanted test a tool that helps you located potentially hidden problems with your buildings insulation. So we contacted Black & Decker and asked if we could test their TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector. The Black & Decker Thermal Leak…

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Tray Ceilings Add Elegance To Rooms

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Framing, Interior Decorating

Tray Ceilings Ceilings are typically quite boring unless you create some special details such as tray ceilings. We built a really elegant tray ceiling in the custom Energy Star ranch style home we’re building for a customer. As you can see in the photos the tray ceiling really adds a unique feature to the room…

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DeWALT Worm Drive Circular Saw Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

DeWALT DWS535 Worm Drive Circular Saw DeWALT recently introduced an all new worm drive circular saw, the DWS535 Heavy-Duty 7-1/4″ Worm Drive Circular Saw. Professional framers have long been fans of worm drive circular saws for their higher torques and better balance. Needless to say this new saw is an attention getter! DWS535 Worm Drive…

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Zar Ultra Polyurethane Review

By Todd Fratzel on Painting and Finishing

Zar Ultra Polyurethane – Fast Drying Several years ago when we built our new home we ordered custom Brazilian Cherry stair treads to match the houses Brazilian Cherry floors. We needed to apply our own polyurethane after the stairs were built so we chose Zar Ultra Polyurethane based on a recommendation at the local lumber…

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The Company Store Down Comforter Review

By Todd Fratzel on Interior Decorating

La Crosse Down Comforter Review The Company Store recently sent us one of their La Crosse Down Comforters to review. The Company Store sells Designer Quality Bed and Bath Linens. They sent us the La Crosse Down Comforter to show us how warm they are which turns out to be a great way to save…

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