Archives: Building Materials

Vinyl Beadboard Soffit for Porch Ceilings

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim

This article has been updated with additional photos and details at the request of readers. Vinyl Beadboard Porch Ceiling Our new home has almost all vinyl products on the outside of it. We have vinyl windows, siding, trim, shutters, porch posts, railing, vented soffit, solid soffit and beadboard soffit. Vinyl siding products can actually look…

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Cost Of Asphalt Driveways

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

Asphalt Driveway Update: This article was written in 2009. This article has been updated for current 2014 prices. However, it should be noted, the prices are averages and will vary greatly depending on geographical location, and size of the job. Asphalt Driveway Cost First let me point out that this article is only a guide…

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DIY Foam Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

DIY Foam Insulation for Basements Basement Insulation is one of the toughest things to accomplish correctly for a reasonable price. The best approach for insulating basements is having a professional install spray foam. However, it can be quite expensive and it’s a project best left to professionals which flies in the face of many of…

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Asphalt Driveways

By Todd Fratzel on Driveways

Long Lasting Asphalt Driveways Here in the northeast asphalt driveways are the standard without exception. Asphalt driveways can provide a long term, reliable driving / parking surface and increase your homes value. However, not all driveways are created equal so this article will point out what you need to be aware of in order to…

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Risk of Asbestos in Home Remodels

By Todd Fratzel on Safety

Asbestos Risk Guest Article The following is a guest article by Ben Stillwater The scourge of asbestos exposure has always been about the microscopic fibers that asbestos materials can give off when they deteriorate or are disturbed in some fashion by cutting, tearing, sanding or scraping.   Microscopic asbestos fibers that make their way into the…

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Colonial Home Exterior Design Features

By Todd Fratzel on Design, House Plans

Colonial Home Design Recently a friend of ours shared a photo he took of our home last fall. I wanted to share it here and point out some of the design features of our colonial home. When it comes to two story homes the colonial style is by far the most cost effective type of…

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TJI Framing

By Todd Fratzel on Building Materials, Framing

TJI Floor Joist Framing Engineered lumber continues to become more and more popular in today’s construction industry. TJI’s (engineered wood I joists) are my preferred framing members for floor systems. TJI’s offer many benefits compared to traditional dimensional lumber joists including: almost no twisting or warping, very little dimensional shrinkage, stiffness and strength. Framing a…

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Basement Flooring Options | Finished Basements

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Flooring

Finished Basement Flooring Finished basements are very popular today for a good reason. Properly finished basements can significantly increase the amount of living space in your home without the need for an addition. The key is the proper selection of techniques and materials to ensure a mold free, dry, healthy space for you and your…

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