Author Profile

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

All Posts by Robert - Page 13

Rigid Insulation Board – Basement Insulation

By Robert Robillard

Basement Wall Insulation Using Rigid Foam Board Best practice for basement wall insulation [best insulating and vapor barrier system] is closed-cell foam, the second-best is using foam board, especially if you’re trying to save money. Using a rigid foam board creates a good vapor barrier along with an insulation layer that won’t promote mold growth. Rigid…

Continue reading »

Contractor SCAM

By Robert Robillard

How To Avoid A Contractor Scam True Story: A group of men, reportedly with Irish accents, have been knocking on doors around town offering residents services to work on their home, from chimney work to roofing. They promise to cut you a deal on work around your home, demand cash upfront, then jack up the price once…

Continue reading »

How To Use DAP Pro System 600 Spray Foam kit

By Robert Robillard

DIY Spray Foam With DAP System 600 Froth Pack If you only have a small area to insulate like a small addition, bathroom or a basement remodel hiring a spray foam contractor can be expensive and not a viable option. In these situations, I  purchase a spray foam froth pak, like the DAP Touch ‘n…

Continue reading »

Sealing And Insulating Rim Joists

By Robert Robillard

Sealing and Insulating Rim Joists – BEST PRACTICE Rim Joists [also called band joists] and sill plates are often an overlooked and under-insulated location in a house. The rim joist is a box-like cavity that the floor joists connect to and sits on the foundation sill and wall. Rim joists and sill plates, if not sealed, are…

Continue reading »

Cutting Concrete Block To Install Window

By Robert Robillard

Installing A Basement Egress Window In Concrete Wall We recently were asked if we were interested in cutting concrete blocks to install a window. The client had an existing single pane glass window that was much narrower and shorter than the opening required to install two new Anderson windows that they had acquired. Concrete Wall…

Continue reading »

Crescent Extendable Layout Tool

By Robert Robillard

Crescent 2 in 1 Extendable Layout Tool Review By Ralph Mroz If you look at the picture of this new layout tool from Crescent, it’s pretty much self-explanatory.  (Crescent calls it Crescent Extendable Layout Tool a “layout tool” because “speed square”, which is what we all call it, is actually a trademark of another company.)  It’s obvious…

Continue reading »

How to Build a Hot-Box

By Robert Robillard

Keep Caulking and Glues From Freezing How do you keep your caulking, glue, drywall mud and paint from freezing? It’s starting to get cold here in Concord, MA and it’s the time of year when yoIf you’re like me, you bring in my caulking and glue to protect them from freezing. At the end of a long…

Continue reading »

Build An Elegant Fireplace Mantel

By Robert Robillard

How To Build a Fireplace Mantel We recently were asked to assist in the refacing of a 17th Century Colonial fireplace. The project entailed covering the brick facing with soapstone and then adding a simple, but elegant fireplace mantel. Fireplace Facing Material Fireplace facing material, immediately surrounding a fireplace, must be non-combustible. Materials such as…

Continue reading »

© Copyright 2019 A Concord Carpenter · All Rights Reserved