Self Storage Savings - Build a Shed Are you surrounded by off-site storage businesses like I am? Within a fifteen-mile radius of my rural home in central New Hampshire, there are thousands of storage spaces in metal buildings one can rent for a king’s ransom. Self-storage is the key to saving huge money. There are […]
Bathroom Condensation Causes Mildew Do you wage a constant war against mold and mildew in your home, especially in your bathroom? You’re not alone. Millions of people fight this scourge, and businesses have tried to develop all sorts of products to slow or stop the growth of this ugly, black organism. Your chances of slowing […]
Repair Wood Rot - There are Different Methods Do you have wood rot happening at your home? It’s a very common problem. Wood rot, in my opinion, is getting worse each year because new wood is more susceptible to rot, and many tradespeople are not coating the fresh cut ends of wood with paint or […]
Finish Nail Guns - Affordable and Amazing A few months ago, I brought my 20-ounce hammer and a traditional nail set tool with me to church. A six-penny finish nail, driven by a carpenter in the late 1800s through a piece of oak trim, had worked its way out of the wood about 1/8 inch. […]
Contractor Scams & Incompetence Each week, I extract homeowners just like you from horrible encounters with contractors. I do this via a short consult phone or video call. The situations range from faulty roofing work, new cracked or spalling concrete, wet basements, shoddy tile work, etc. The common denominator in every situation is trust. The […]
Best Way to Clean Glass - Soapy Water & a Squeegee I’m willing to wager a two-step hot fudge sundae made with mocha chip ice cream that you struggle to get the glass in and around your home perfectly clean. I’m talking crystal-clear glass that looks invisible. It might be glasses you drink from, the […]
Baseboard and Casing Installation This past weekend, I had the good fortune to show my son how to install wood baseboard and interior door casing. We’re in the final stages of finishing over 1,000 square feet of finished living space in the basement of his three-year-old home. We only work on Saturdays because of his […]
Basic Tools for Home Repair - They Can Save Your Bacon and $$$ I’ve been helping several single women and single moms for the past few years. One has been featured in this column at least once in the past year. I’m pleased to report that she’s gaining confidence and tackling projects on her own […]
How to Pay Contractors - Avoid Getting Screwed I’m a regular guest on the Happenings radio show broadcast on WLIP in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The show is streamed live on WLIP.com. This allows you to benefit from the tips and entertainment no matter where you live. Last week, the hosts Frank, Kim, and Reanna asked me […]
Starter Home Solution - Build Very Small Simple Homes We have a true crisis unfolding here in the USA. It’s very difficult for a young person or couple in their mid-twenties to purchase a home. My youngest daughter, who is thirty-three, is facing this grim reality. My other two children own a piece of the […]
Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Complete the form below and each week you'll get:
Unsubscribe at any time. We respect your email privacy.