The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

Wacky Weds: What a waste

I was riding my bike the other day & besides stop signs, not much can stop me in my tracks… well then there was this. What I originally took as radiant barrier film is actually a foam product with a radiant barrier applied – to bad it is all worthless. Why? Well… since you asked […]

Going green with deregulation?

This week we have an interesting guest post from Elizabeth Eckhart. Elizabeth is a freelance blogger and aspiring author. Her writing interests include home improvement, the energy crisis, and in general spreading ways to improve the world around her. I got to say when I first heard the idea I replied back that sure I would […]

Wacky Weds: Deck Issues 101

Next week I am at the Remodeling & Deck Expo, so why not have a few interesting shots of a 6′ 6″ cantilevered deck – care to play spot the issues? I will place nice on this one; No, there is no flashing above, so yes all the leaves & water is caught by those […]

Why Bigger is Not Always Better With Air Conditioning

This week we have Jason Wall who has spent more than 23 years working as an HVAC technician with Griffith Heating and Air. He specializes in working in older and historic properties which includes his own 1920’s Pennsylvania house. In a recent piece for Home Energy Magazine Jason said “At one point not too long ago, it […]

Energy & Building Science Resource List

One of the biggest issues many people have is finding reliable information when it comes to Energy Efficiency, Green Building & Building Science is what works, what doesn’t and where can I turn. When I do presentations, I always include a list at the end with my contact info for others to learn more. So with […]

Wacky Weds: You have to be kidding me

Got to love seeing how others build in other parts of the country, for example in Chicago all exteriors have to be sheathed in gypsum. No worries as that is common in Commercial, but using plastic to wrap the exterior & venting a B-Vent through the wall like that…  Yeah not to smart & the […]

Basic Bathroom Questionnaire

The bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms when it comes to cost per Square Foot. In many case it even rivals ones kitchen with all the appliances & cabinets. In many cases the amount of time spent making decisions can even rival that room even with all its myriads of choices. That is one […]

Proper Care for Septic Systems

Proper septic system care and maintenance is one of the most overlooked items on most traditional home maintenance sites. Granted most of these sites are from places located in a city, but with 1 in 4 Americans basically are on one… Well this week the EPA has decided to try to raise awareness by holding their 1st annual […]

Wacky Weds: Come on Man…

You know I used to love calling & messing with my brother up in Philly as he always seemed to have a few second delay on the Football game. Well I got it paid back in spades at a local bar for the Monday night for the Bronco’s Raiders game… Oh and it gets better, […]

Basic Kitchen Questionnaire

One of the biggest issues people have when they go to remodel their kitchens, is just where in the world should they start & once they get started is dealing with all the myriads of choices. That is one reason why we handed all our potential clients a basic questionnaire to help get them started. […]