Archives: Home Improvement

How To Install Bifold Doors

By Todd Fratzel on Doors, Finish Carpentry

Installing Bi-Fold Doors Installing bi-fold closet doors is an easy DIY project. In this article you can Learn How To Install Bifold Doors yourself with simple tools. The level of effort in installing bi-fold doors really depends on the condition and type of door jambs you already have. In new construction this is pretty straight…

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Cable TV Signal Booster

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

When we built our new home I installed structured wiring to each room. The structured wiring consists of two CAT5 and two RG6 cables bundled together. This allows each room to have access to phone, internet, networking and cable TV. The problem with this however is we have eight different rooms being fed by one…

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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

By Todd Fratzel on Roofing

Today it’s snowing again! We’ve already had 3 major snow events here in New Hampshire and it’s not even Christmas yet! Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to see it white here for Christmas for my little guy. But the snow is wreaking havoc on all of my construction projects at work. We are currently…

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New Construction Square Foot Costs

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement Cost Savings, House Plans

Every day someone asks me what is the average square foot cost for new home construction. Or they ask can you build me a house for $150 a square foot. The answer is, it depends! Trying to set a standard square foot cost for new home construction is like trying to say there is a…

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Radiant Barrier Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Insulation

Attic Radian Barrier Radiant barrier sheathing called TechShield Radiant Barried by LP is an exciting new product. I stumbled upon this product today doing some research and I thought it was a great idea. Next to windows the roofs on our homes are a huge source of energy loss. Whether you’re trying to keep out…

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High Efficiency Gas Fireplace

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Interior Decorating

Installing a high efficiency gas fireplace is a great way to add supplemental heat and an attractive aesthetic feature to your home. Vented gas fireplaces can operate up to 90% efficient, meaning for every dollar of gas you buy 90% of it will end up as heat in your home. Vented gas fireplaces use 100%…

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More On Winter Window Condensation

By Todd Fratzel on Windows

I’ve written about window condensation and ice a couple of times, Winter Window Condensation Problems and Winter Window Condensation. In both segments I wrote about how new energy efficient windows are also prone to these problems. I’ve received many questions about window condensation so I thought I’d review the basic problems that cause this winter…

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Save Heating Costs – Use Window Treatments

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation, Home Improvement Cost Savings

Window Treatments Save Heating Costs The weather here in NH this week is COLD! It feels like January right now and the cold temperatures have me thinking about ways to save money on my energy bills. The windows in your home are probably the weakest link in the thermal envelope. By using window treatments properly…

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