The Swordsman and the Spiral Staircase … sounds like a Grimm Fairy Tale, right? Thanks to my good friend Wikipedia, I recently learned a swashbuckling fun-fact about the history of spiral stairs. Way back in medieval times, spiral staircases were generally made of stone and they typically wound in […]
Home Improvement
Color911 App for the Decoratively Challenged
I am one of the decoratively challenged. I do lots of home improvements, but when it comes to determining a color scheme for those improvements, I defer to my wife Shanna. For example, I was recently packing for a work trip to Las Vegas when my wife saw the outfits I had laid out for […]
Focus on Flood Preparation
I’m happy to say I’ve never lived in an area that is susceptible to flooding, so I’ve never experienced that particular type of natural disaster. I’m kind of a news junkie, though, so I’ve seen enough devastating flood footage to know I never want to see one up close. With the beginning of spring, […]
Alternating Tread Stairs
Ever heard of “alternating tread stairs”? Until yesterday, I had not. They aren’t exactly common in the United States, probably due to the fact that they don’t meet the strict code requirements that most municipalities impose on stair construction. Whether or not the design of these stairs meets code in your area is determined by […]
Remodeling Show/Deck Expo Highlights
The EHT staff spent a few days in Chicago in October at the 2013 Remodeling Show/Deck Expo. We were on the lookout for new products and interesting technologies. And we found some. Here are a few highlights we saw at this year’s convention. ClipStone ClipStone is a stone veneer you can install yourself with simple […]
The New Home Depot Pro App
Post sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are my own. Professional contractors who do business at the Home Depot have a slick new smart-phone app to make life in the construction biz a little easier. The new Home Depot Pro app lets you interface with Home Depot while on the job site. […]
Fixing Rot on Wooden Windows
Wood rot is caused by a type of fungus that destroys wood. It is as damaging as termite or other insect infestation, and can wreak havoc on wooden windows. If the windows aren’t maintained with paint, caulk and glazing, then wood rot can take hold and completely ruin the casing. However, in some cases you […]
DIY Roof Inspection Tips
Our friends at GAF, North America’s largest Roofing Manufacturer based in New Jersey, offers these tips for how to get your roof ready for the cold winter. 1. Start off by checking the roof framing structure to make sure it is not compromised. Visually scan the roof for any sagging or uneven […]
New Video: Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows
Horse First, Then Cart: New Energy Star Guidelines for Windows & Doors
In the South we have the expression: “Don’t put the cart before the horse.” It reminds us to keep things in the right order, to avoid confusion, because when things get mixed up they don’t work well. When it comes to windows and doors, the latest Energy Star regulations may be putting the cart before […]