Practical Solutions To Everyday DIY Challenges!
Smart Technology for the Smart Home The stuff that you only saw in the movies before are now becoming a home-reality – home features are getting more intelligent. Almost everywhere, houses are being built with advance technology that can be controlled by a push of a button. “Smart” features in a home can include technology like, Wi-Fi operated light bulbs, security cameras, and remote controls for just about anything you can think … [Read more...]
Spend-A-Little Save-A-Lot Home Improvements: Money-Saving Projects Anyone Can Do A friend of mine, Brad Staggs, recently wrote his own home improvement book. Brad Staggs has written, produced and directed feature stories for The Nashville Network and also produced and hosted features for Decorating with Style and Today at Home on HGTV. Today, Brad is seen on HGTV's HGTVPro.Com Weekly and on the syndicated Rebecca's Garden and The … [Read more...]
BASF Green Sense™ Concrete technology for sustainable concrete BASF Construction Chemicals recently developed a process that results in new levels of performance, profitability and sustainability for concrete pouring that results in a high performing, economical concrete with the least environmental impact. The Green Sense Concrete technology a combination of recycled materials and tailor-made chemical admixtures needed to improve the … [Read more...]
EcoStud Track & Stud Framing System A Green Framing Solution I first saw the EcoStud® Track & Stud System at a trade show. I was intrigued it's innovative and practical approach to solving interior, non-load bearing walls or partitions. EcoStud is made from 100% recycled resin (post-consumer and post-industrial content), and is ideal in moisture prone environments like basements and coastal areas. Installing … [Read more...]
I'm always asking myself the same question with left over remodeling materials or with old items I remove from houses. What to do with items you don't need or want? Should I save it or is it more beneficial to scale down on the amount of "STUFF." My friends over at GREENBAGPICKUP.COM, a local company, are committed to being green in everything they do. I use GREENBAGPICKUP.com for several reasons: They're a local … [Read more...]
Programmable thermostats help you reduce heating or cooling consumption. Plus they’re GREEN! I recently installed a LUX TX500E Programmable Thermostat. The LUX comes pre-programmed with a default schedule that's designed to you money in heating and cooling costs. LUX claims that this thermostat, if used properly, can save you approximately $500 in energy costs per year. I like the programmable function … [Read more...]
Basement Insulation And Vapor Barriers Dear Concord Carpenter, I'm refinishing my basement and am at the step where I start insulating the walls. The walls are 1/2 below ground, with field stone being the section underground and cinder block above ground. I framed 2x4 studs a few inches from the wall and will be using faced, fiberglass insulation. My question is: Do I need an additional plastic vapor barrier? … [Read more...]
Dear Concord Carpenter, I own a Dutch Colonial style two-story house. It is brick on the lower story and 1960s era Masonite type siding on the upper story. Roof is Gambrel. The windows were replaced by the previous owner and do not have visible sills or casing. I want to replace the windows as well but don't know what to do that would truly be traditional. But my primary question at this time is that I want to remove all siding, building … [Read more...]
Robert Robillard is the Editor of A Concord Carpenter, Host of the Concord Carpenter cable tv show and the Principal of Robert E. Robillard Finish Carpentry & Renovation, LLC, a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts.
He writes on all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for all aspects of home maintenance.
In his spare time he enjoys reviewing new tools and products and restoring old tools back and using them on projects: A Concord Carpenter.
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