the midcentury ranch for a new generation
2 min readNothing shows the importance of insulation like an IR thermometer. It is best used when the temperature differential between inside and outside is greatest – mid summer or winter.Â
Since it was 20 degrees outside all day yesterday, I took some readings of the window frame before finishing the insulation seal in and around the window framing. The difference was pretty dramatic.
(Note: you also FEEL the difference dramatically with your hand but that shows up less well in a blog post.)Â Continue reading “Fun with an Infra Red thermometer”
2 min readNot all 2x4s are created equal and when you are taking on a construction project its important to start with a bunch of good ones. Â
Life is hard enough without dealing with bowed, cupped, or twisted studs.  I’m getting ready to start framing the new walls in the basement and I wanted to get the job started well by picking the right lumber for the job.  Continue reading “How to Choose the Right 2x4s for your DIY Wall Building Project”
4 min readScraping, sanding and painting your wooden house is not a job for the faint of heart but with these tools you can get the job done!
Scraping, sanding and painting your wooden house (especially if it’s in rather bad shape) is not a job for the faint of heart. Â It’s hot, sweaty, dusty work that requires at least SOME ladder work. Â If you like pinching pennies and feeling a sense of accomplishment, by all means take it on. Â If you are looking for easy, fun DIY that people will admire … maybe choose another project.
For me, painting a beat up wall in an ugly color into a new smooth color of my choosing is about the most fun I can think of, and is well worth the labor. Â Stay tuned for my discussion of how high on ladders you have to climb to paint a single story ranch in an upcoming post!
Continue reading “The Tools You Need To Scrape and Sand Exterior Wood Siding”
4 min readHere’s what you’ll want to have on hand in order to take own your own basement demolition. You can get most of these for under twenty bucks, and with them, you’ll be set to tear about nearly any basement.
Even if you plan to hire contractors to do your remodeling work, you can save money and feel a sense of ownership for the project by chipping in labor during demolition. Â With a few of the right tools (and some common sense) removing an out of date “finished” basement before replacing it with a new one is a task most homeowners can tackle with success. Continue reading “The Five Tools under Twenty Dollars You’ll Need to do Your Own Demolition”
