Who Should I Hire?: Project Manager, Contractor or Interior Designer
Who Should I Hire?: Project Manager, Contractor or Interior Designer Depending on your project and your background, you might need all, none or any of the combinations. First, what do they all do? Interior Designer: They make spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and
Beat the Summer Heat: Safety Tips for your Construction Project
Beat Summer Heat! With the summer knocking on the door, are you wondering whether it is safe enough to go on with your DIY or professional construction project in the scorching heat? Rather than stopping your construction work, you can take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and the other people safe on a construction
Renovating vs Restoring: Whats the difference?
Renovating vs Restoring: Whats the difference? Terms get thrown around all the time, some in context, others not. So, renovating vs restoring, whats the difference? And, just to make sure the conversation is complete, how does remodel fit into the conversation? Just a quick article to shed some light on the subject. Restoring is bringing something
Should I do my Home Renovation Myself?
Should I do my Home Renovation Myself? Generally, YES! But, its conditional. First, you have to know your level of expertise. This is critical so you don’t either get yourself hurt or get in over your head. Be honest about your experience. Sometimes it pays to learn a trade or two through classes at the
Schlage Touch Keyless Touchscreen Lever
Schlage Touch Keyless Touchscreen Lever with Camelot trim and Flair Lever Total Price: $151.60 Time to Complete: 20 minutes (including clean-up) Level of Project Complexity: Very Basic Overall Rating: (5.0 of 5.0) Excellent. Great keyless lock for most any keyless lock with a handle. Link To Amazon: Schlage Touch Camelot Lock with Accent Lever (Aged Bronze) FE695
Unifi AP AC Lite by Ubiquiti (UAP‑AC‑LITE)
Unifi AP AC Lite by Ubiquiti (UAP‑AC‑LITE) Total Price: $79.93 Time to Complete: About 1 hour including the installation of management software and configuration. Level of Project Complexity: Install, Basic. Configuration, Overall Rating: (4.0 of 5.0) Good, but lack of 802.af POE support is a bummer. Link To Amazon: Schlage Touch Camelot Lock with Accent
WinDor vs La Cantina BiFold Patio Doors
WinDor vs La Cantina Bi Fold Doors Bi Fold (Bi-Fold) patio doors are amazing and WinDor vs La Cantina is a good place to start. These manufacturers (three if you add Western Doors, see bottom of article) are building great products. Jeld-Wen recently acquired La Cantina and Shea Homes started installing WinDor. Here is why I decided to buy
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller (Gen2)
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller knocks it out of the park. It is easy to install and easy to configure. The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller allows you to take control of your yard watering. The Rachio app and website provide incredible analytics on water usage. Adjust run times, start and stop
Rev-A-Shelf Trash Can
Rev-A-Shelf Trash Can | Double Bottom Mount Aluminum Waste Containers Total Price: $212.65 + $11.99 shipping Time to Complete: 2.0 hours (including clean-up) Level of Project Complexity: Basic Overall Rating: (5.0 of 5.0) Excellent. This is a great garage door opener and the mobile integration is satisfactory. Link To Amazon: Rev-A-Shelf 5349-18DM-217 Double Bottom Mount
5 Tips To Make Your Home More Green
5 Tips To Make Your Home More Green Of all the energy consumed in the United States every year, 40 percent is consumed by homes and businesses and most of that is from fossil fuels. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the average American will spend $2,000 each year on electric alone.
Irritrol Rain Dial Irrigation Controller
Irritrol Rain Dial Irrigation Controller Product & Installation Overview Installing, replacing or simply re-configuring your Irritrol Rain Dial controller can save a ton of hassle and water. We’ll walk through just how easy it is to replace or to install an Irritrol rain dial watering controller. The model we installed is the RD600-EXT-R but the instructions
Dewalt Tile Saw Review
Dewalt Tile Saw Review D24000 Quick note: Dewalt makes only one tile saw so if you choose Dewalt, this is your saw. Product Reviewed: Dewalt Tile Saw model D24000 & D24000S (which is the stand). Cost: $729.99 with free shipping. The stand is $49 more but worth buying. Overall Rating: (5.0 of 5.0) Expensive but feature rich
Kohler Tresham Vanity Review
Kohler Tresham Vanity (Model K-2604-F69) Product Reviewed: The Kohler Tresham Vanity and the Tresham Surface with the 8″ widespread faucet drilling. Cost: $464.03 and includes free shipping. Overall Rating: (4.5 of 5.0) Fantastic vanity and vanity top. Great construction, solid wood, slow close hinges, easy to install, looks fantastic. The only reason this isn’t a 5.0
Fuji Q3 Gold HVLP Sprayer Review
Fuji Q3 Gold HVLP Sprayer Review Product Reviewed: Fuji Q3 Gold HVLP spraying system (model 2893-T75G). Cost: $845.00 with free shipping. Overall Rating: (4.5 of 5.0) Inexpensive, easy to install, high quality. Great replacement and upgrade!! Note, if you spray a lot of latex paint, consider the Fuji Q4 Gold paint system. Link to Amazon (Q3 Gravity Feed): Fuji
Kidde Smoke Detector i4618 Review
Kidde Smoke Detector i4618 Review Product Reviewed: Kidde Smoke Detector i4618 hardwired smoke detector and alarm. Cost: From $12.30 per unit to $10.17 per unit depending on quantity ordered. Overall Rating: (5.0 of 5.0) Inexpensive, easy to install, high quality. Great replacement and upgrade!! Link to Amazon: Kidde i4618 Firex Hardwire Ionization Smoke Detector with Battery Backup
Toto Clayton Toilet Review
Toto Clayton Toilet Product Reviewed: Toto Clayton Toilet in both the 1.28 GPF and 1.6 GPF models. Note: When viewing the product number, the SF stands for “standard flush” and the EF stands for “ecoflush”. Cost: Prices range from $474.25 to $478.59 INCLUDING shipping and slow close toilet seat. Overall Rating: (5.0 of 5.0) Amazing toilet, flushes very
Hunter Royal Oak Ceiling Fan Review
Hunter Royal Oak Ceiling Fan Product Reviewed: Hunter Royal Oak Ceiling Fan model 54018. Note, the model 54017 is also available with a different finish. Cost: $199.00 with free shipping. Overall Rating: (5.0 of 5.0) GREAT FAN! Inexpensive, easy to install, high quality. Great option for a fan that has no light kit and is whisper
TCA 002: Kitchen Design Trends Tips and Tricks with Dee Ogburn
http://traffic.libsyn.com/theconstructionacademy/TCA002.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | EmbedIn this episode we are joined by Dee Ogburn who brings her 26 years of kitchen design experience to the table and we discuss all things Kitchen Design and Kitchen Design Trends. Whether you are building a new home, remodeling an existing home or just want to
TCA 001: Introduction to The Construction Academy and Chris Holbrook
http://traffic.libsyn.com/theconstructionacademy/TCA001.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | EmbedIn this episode we will spend just a few minutes getting to know Chris Holbrook the founder of The Construction Academy including what inspired him to found the company in the first place. We also discuss Chris’s favorite trade (carpentry) and discuss in some detail his vision for
Graco FinishPro HVLP Sprayer Review
Graco FinishPro HVLP Sprayer 9.5 Review Product Reviewed: Graco FinishPro HVLP Sprayer 9.5. It is the same as the other models but has three fluid tips. Cost: Price is currently $1,359.00. Overall Rating: (4.5 of 5.0) Expensive but very well designed. It has a powerful turbine, puts down a substantial coat of paint and is easy
Design The Perfect Home Networking Panel
Design The Perfect Home Networking Panel Your home network is the foundation for your telephone, wireless, television, home automation, home theater, distributed audio and sometimes home security. The design and specifically the layout of your home networking panel can impact its ability to meet current and future needs. Here are some tips and tricks to help
Venstar ColorTouch Thermostat Review
Venstar ColorTouch Thermostat Product Reviewed: Venstar ColorTouch Thermostat, models T5900 and T5800. The models are identical but the T5900 includes humidity control. Cost: Prices range from $165.00 to 225.00 depending on model and features. Overall Rating: (4.0 of 5.0) Really nice thermostat, lots of features, a tad hard to navigate the menu. Link To Amazon (T5900
Kitchen Pendant Lights on a Budget: Reinvent Your Space
Kitchen Pendant Lights on a Budget: Reinvent Your Space Adding these kitchen pendant lights cost a grand total of $235.21 and they reinvented the space. Total Price: $235.21 (Includes Pendant Lights, Pendant Shades, Bulbs, and various electrical components) Time to Complete: About 3 days. Mostly waiting for drywall topping compound to dry. Level of Project Complexity: Medium,
Amp Up your Mojo with Music
Are you one of those people who is fired up all the time? Do you get out of bed every morning ready to kick ass and take names? If so, I absolutely hate you. Sorry, that wasn’t very nice. I don’t actually hate you, I’m just envious because I’m not that guy. I’m not even
Light Bulb Review, Test & Buying Guide for your Can Lighting
Light Bulb Review, Test & Buying Guide for your Can Lighting Are you curious about the claims that LED and CFL light manufacturers make about their energy consumption and light output? Are you unsure which bulb type is the best investment? I was, so I bought four different types of bulbs from the local Home
Wood Grain Tile Flooring that Transforms Your House
Wood Grain Tile Flooring that Transforms Your House This project overview will cover everything you need to complete a wood grain tile flooring project yourself or make an informed decision on a vendor to complete the work for you. Let’s dive in. Total Price: $2,300 for 277 sq/ft, or $8.30 per. This included all the
Top 15 Mistakes When Hiring Contractors
Top 15 Mistakes When Hiring Contractors Although it may be obvious, every activity on this list should be completed BEFORE you hire a contractor. The minute you sign a contract you immediately lose the negotiating leverage to define the relationship and the outcome of your project. It seems logical that most of your energy should
How to Repair Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
How to Repair Low Voltage Landscape Lighting – Project Overview In this article I will demonstrate how to remove a damaged light and replace it with a new upgraded one. The project is simple and relatively inexpensive. Step 0: Pre-Project. You will need to make sure you have purchased a landscape light that is both compatible
The Complete Guide to Plumbing 5th Edition – Book Review
The Complete Guide to Plumbing 5th Edition – Book Review Title: The Complete Guide to Plumbing 5th Edition Author: N/A Publication Date: 2012 Cost: $19.40 (at time of review) from Amazon.com. Overall: (4.5 of 5.0) This book covers the full spectrum of plumbing projects, techniques and tools. Its a great resource for any DIY’er when plumbing is in your project
Kichler Landscape Lighting 15310AZ 12V Dome Review
Kichler Landscape Lighting 15310AZ 12V Dome Review Product Reviewed: Kichler Landscape Lighting 15310AZ in Architectural Bronze. I purchased the pack of 6 since I was doing a whole yard upgrade, product 15310AZT6. Cost: $72.00 each (at time of review) from Amazon.com or $432.00 for the pack of 6. Overall Rating: (4.0 of 5.0) Good. Great light
Custom Hanging Mirrors That Make Your Bathroom Pop!
Custom Hanging Mirrors That Make Your Bathroom Pop! This project overview will walk you through the steps required to update your bathroom with custom hanging mirrors on a budget. Note: Because of the amount of work we were doing in our bathrooms it was impossible to leave the mirrors in place and build a frame
Tauntons Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing (by Jeff Jewitt) – Book Review
Tauntons Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing (by Jeff Jewitt) – Book Review Title: Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing Author: Jeff Jewitt Publication Date: 2012 Cost: $29.14 (at time of review) from Amazon.com. Overall: (5.0 of 5.0) Simply one of the best books I have read on any construction topic. Jeff is incredibly detailed on a wide variety of
Baldwin Madrina Door Hardware Review
Baldwin Madrina Door Hardware Review – Prestige Series Product Reviewed: The whole line of Baldwin Madrina Door Hardware was installed and tested which includes eight different door set types. Cost: Costs range from $17.22 to $152.82 depending which door hardware set you need. Overall Rating: (5.5 of 5.0) Incredible high quality and good looks at a reasonable
Refinish Your Front Door to Avoid a Curb Appeal Disaster
Refinish Your Front Door to Avoid a Curb Appeal Disaster In many cases you can handle this project yourself but even if you choose to hire a contractor, this article should give you an idea of what to expect and how to plan. The BEFORE is on the left, the AFTER is on the right.
Artificial Turf & Putting Greens That Transform Your Yard
Artificial Turf & Putting Greens That Transform Your Yard Why did we ultimately decide to add artificial turf? Our natural grass was completely unusable, had trip hazards, and was a maintenance disaster requiring huge amounts of water. (Note: 30% of my household water went to this little grass area!) We live in Arizona where lawn care
Drywall Revised and Updated (by Myron R. Ferguson) – Book Review
Drywall Revised and Updated (by Myron R. Ferguson) – Book Review Title: Drywall Revised and Update, 4th Edition Author: Myron R. Ferguson Publication Date: 2012 Cost: $17.71 (at time of review) from Amazon.com. Overall: (4.0 of 5.0) A great book to understand the basics of hanging and finishing drywall, all the tools you’ll need, the various materials available and a
Dewalt DCF886 Cordless Impact Driver Review
Dewalt DCF886 Cordless Impact Driver Review Product Tested: DCF886D2 (DCF885C2 is the old model) which is the kit with with two batteries, charger and the impact driver. Cost: $212 (at time of review) from Amazon.com Overall Rating: (5.0 of 5.0) Excellent! An absolute must have tool (see Buying Guide at the Bottom of this article).
Sea Gull Lighting Uptown in Blacksmith Bathroom Vanity Collection Review
Sea Gull Lighting Uptown in Blacksmith Bathroom Vanity Collection Review Product Reviewed: Three Sea Gull Lighting products are included in this review. They include the two bulb (44471), three bulb (44472) and four bulb fixture (44473). These are incandescent fixtures but self ballasted CFL fixtures are also available. Bulbs are NOT included. Cost: $109.80, $127.80 & $169.64 (two, three
Spray Finishing Made Simple (by Jeff Jewitt) – Book Review
Spray Finishing Made Simple (by Jeff Jewitt) – Book Review Title: Spray Finishing Made Simple Author: Jeff Jewitt Publication Date: 2010 Cost: $18.15 (at time of review) from Amazon.com. Overall: (4.0 of 5.0) Good. The book provides an overview of spraying a variety of finishes with both compressed air and turbine HVLP equipment. Link To
Impact Driver vs Drill vs Hammer Drill: Why So Many Similar Tools?
Impact Driver vs Drill vs Hammer Drill: Why So Many Similar Tools? There are three different types of drill/drivers to choose from based on your project requirements. Why three different drill/drivers? Do I want or need all three? Let’s take our time to understand the differences, why each is so unique and why you might
Moen Voss Faucet Series Review
Moen Voss Faucet Series Review Product Reviewed: Three products were reviewed all of which are part of the Moen Voss Series. All faucets tested were in ORB or Oil Rubbed Bronze. The Voss series is also offered in Brushed Nickel and Chrome. Cost: Prices ranged from $267.86 for the one piece, 4″ spaced set, $395.36
Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Review
Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Review & Project Overview – Model WD832KEV Total Price: $295.77 (all three parts, tax & shipping – prices may fluctuate) Time to Complete: 2.5 hours (including clean-up) Level of Project Complexity: Basic Overall Rating: (4.5 of 5.0) Very Good. This is a great garage door opener and the mobile integration is satisfactory.