Picking the right paint color is a tricky business. It’s difficult to know what the color will look like on a wall when all you have to go on is a tiny paint swatch. One thing you may not expect is that some colors can actually make your walls look dirty, especially in the low-light …
Fall isn’t the best time for gutters. Leaves, twigs and debris clog gutters which can cause water to flow back up under the shingles. In winter, snow melt can’t safely run off the roof and water pools only to ice overnight. As the ice expands, it pushes up under the shingles and causes leaks. Cleaning …
You know paint doesn’t like extreme temperatures, so as we dip into cooler weather, here’s some items to add to your winter preparation list. Latex and acrylic paint and latex caulk will be useless once they freeze. Bring your paints and caulks into the workshop and ensure the temperature never dips below freezing. If you’ve …
When it comes time to sell the house, homeowners sometimes opt for DIY fixes hoping to save on costs and increase sales prices. Sadly, many of these common DIY projects go very wrong and contractors have to pick up the slack. Badly done DIY projects can actually devalue homes as prospective buyers simply add each …
Building materials don’t like water. Often, by the time we see water damage, it’s too late and we have structural damage. You can get ahead of mold and mildew by regularly checking these areas to ensure you don’t have a moisture problem. This is especially helpful when buying a home—these sources of moisture may stay …
We tend to focus on winter as the season to watch our energy consumption, but summer cooling and maintenance costs can be just as pricey. There are ways to reduce your fuel and energy consumption and the maintenance costs of your home or condo without a major capital outlay. Garden Smart Create a little oasis …
Every builder has some tips and tricks that can help to reduce waste, save time and improve your profit margin. Here are some classic tips that can help you streamline your building process. Draw a ruler on your workshop floor. It won’t be precise, but for rough cuts on large pieces of lumber, it can …
Gluing items is often a dirty job, but someone has to do it. If that someone is you, there are some easy tips and tricks that can help you to reduce the mess and create a higher quality product. From keeping your workbench glue-free to producing better quality projects, these tips will help you work smarter, not harder.
In the second installation on ways to increase productivity, we look at how equipment and planning can help to streamline your processes onsite to save you time and money.
If you are about to put your older home on the market, you will have to compete with new builds in your area. Spending a few dollars on some carefully-chosen renovations can earn you more in the long run and ensure that your home sells quickly.
