Archives: Home Improvement

Dremel 4000 Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool The Dremel rotary tool has been around for years and become one of the most popular DIY tools that we know of. We were very excited when Dremel asked us to review the all new Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool. The Dremel 4000 is the newest, most powerful rotary tool they have…

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Blocked Proper Vents Causing Ice Dams

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation, Roofing

With winter quickly approaching I thought it was time to discuss one of the problems that causes ice dams. Ice dams cause significant amounts of damage each year and most of them can be avoided if you understand the root cause. The following information should help you understand some of the causes of ice dams.…

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American Standard Speed Connect Drain – Product Review

By Todd Fratzel on Plumbing

Speed Connect Drain by American Standard Recently we had the pleasure of installing an American Standard lavatory faucet equipped with the all new Speed Connect Drain. Anyone that’s installed a faucet before knows that the drain assembly was the hardest part of the job. You needed to get the drain stopper linkage set up just…

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Home Improvement Tool Gift Suggestions

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Tool Gift Suggestions With the holiday season quickly approaching I thought I’d share some home improvement tool gift suggestions. If you have a friend or family member that enjoys home improvement then buying a new home improvement tool or gadget is a great gift idea this year. Buying tools is extremely easy and convenient online…

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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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