Do It Together

Smart Home Security with Nest Pro || Outdoor Cams, Nest Secure & More

Products

Smart Home Security products just got a little, well, smarter and more connected with new offerings from Nest Labs. A look at the new Nest Secure alarm system, their outdoor security cameras...

by jb bartkowiak

How to Install a Nest Cam Outdoor Camera || Placement, Tips for Pros & More

On the Job

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is easy to install, but it requires some forethought. Plan ahead, and see these tips for the smoothest possible installation. Includes bonus coverage on the Works with...

by jb bartkowiak

OSHA’s Updated Silica Dust Standard and Tips for Managing Masonry Dust

Remodeling

What is Silica Dust? Why Does Your Contractor Care? OSHA's new Respiration Requirements based on Common Tools and Tasks. Plus Tips for managing dust in Masonry (Brick, Stone, Concrete, etc.) Projects. Read...

by Sean Lintow Sr

Restoring a Concrete Pond :: Repairing Cracks, Parging and Sealing with Epoxy

Remodeling

A look at paint-on pond liner - Pond Shield. Included are all steps required in repairing an old concrete pond that no longer held water. I discuss all options including possibly installing...

by jb bartkowiak

Installing a Manufactured Rain Barrel and Kit

Make-Maintain-Fix

As you know, your landscape constantly demands water. A rain barrel is a great way to collect water that would be otherwise wasted. It helps fulfill for those lawn and landscape watering...

by jb bartkowiak

How to Achieve a Long-Lasting and Beautiful Wood Floor :: Wood Flooring Care Best Practices

Wood floors do not require meticulous maintenance, but they cannot take care of themselves. You need to be careful and avoid damaging friction, and also adopt wood-safe cleaning practices. Wood floors are...

by Bruce MacDonald

The Scoop on Shovels :: A Visual Guide to Shovels

Since the beginning of time man has been working in the dirt. From the earliest cave-types, man has been digging holes. Our structures, houses, too maybe only a manipulation of our landscape...

by jb bartkowiak

pro tricks and tips for taking out a wall

Pro Tips and Tricks for Taking Out a Wall. Oh! & Removing a Pocket Door

Remodeling

While rare in these parts, I happen to know quite a lot about them. One of the nice items for many of them including this one is that none of the interior...

by Sean Lintow Sr

Replacing Roof Flashing at a SideWall :: On Wood Lap Siding after Jacking Up a Porch Roof

Make-Maintain-Fix

Ironically, when I cut open my ceiling, again earlier in the process of jacking up the roof, there were definitely signs of a roof leak/water damage on the porch's roof deck. So...

by jb bartkowiak

Rental Refresh: Big Bangs in Small Projects :: New Faucets and Countertop Paint for a Vanity Redo

Make-Maintain-Fix

Our long time tenant, let’s call her Pam, moved (actually buying a home with the help of real estate agent Mrs Moxie). She had been with us for her second stint of...

by jb bartkowiak

Mowing in the Know :: 5 Common Lawn Mowing Mistakes

Homeownership

Last Spring I visited with John Deere - Horicon Works - I learned that Deere, in part, had perfected the art of grass cutting. Here, Deere offers tips for avoiding mistakes that...

by jb bartkowiak

5 Remodeling Projects that Pay Off :: Looking at Financial Aspect of Remodeling

Home improvement contractors and remodelers might be wondering what the market’s looking like for jobs. With the housing crash from 2008 in the rearview, contractors have seen a rising real estate market...

by Andrea Davis