The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

A Visual Guide for Deck Inspections

We are proud to join NADRA & many deck professionals across the country in recognizing May as National Deck Safety Month. One of the tools we have promoted is a 10 point Safety check for homeowners. This year we thought we would bring it to life with some pictures. If you spot any issues listed […]

Wacky Weds: Common Framing Issue Seen via Infrared

Below are two infrared shots of an easily avoidable issue The root cause of this issue? Unfortunately this is a picture of a new house being constructed that I was in last week. While one could still insulate this properly by drilling holes through the studs into the cavity & then blowing in fiberglass or cellulose… this will probably end […]

Guest Post: Skills Alabama Recap

As I got taken to the Tool Shed for last years piece on the Alabama Skills competition, why not see if they would like this years piece directly? Well I am humbled & pleased to say that they did and this years recap of the 2013 Alabama State Skills Championship is now live on the mikeroweWORKS […]

KBIS Picture Recap

Welcome to KBIS New Orleans 2013 It is always interesting checking out the local displays – amazing woodwork, journey & cause Even if you don’t sign up for classes, there are always some good learning opportunities on the floor. Modenus group talking about Blog Tour finds & upcoming designs & materials seen in Cologne, London, […]

Wacky Wednesday; KBIS teaser & what is it

Call it an interesting “what in the world is it?” This was a picture taken at KBIS in there “best of show” area. As for the answer, well feel free to guess below & look for the answer in this Friday’s recap article. Speaking of KBIS & recaps, look for a video interview I did […]

Did You Know? Consider checking out a park near you on Earth Day

Did you know that there are national parks in 49 of 50 states & most of us live within 100 miles of one?  Did you know that national parks include everything from seashores, battlefields, to historic homes?  Did you know that the country’s highest peak, lowest point, tallest tree, deepest lake, and longest cave are […]

A look at NAHB’s “Recommended Code Amendments”

In a recent email sent to NAHB members, I couldn’t help but click on the piece entitled; “NAHB’s Recommended Code Amendments Can Save Home Buyers and Home Builders Big Bucks”. Why that sounds so great, a deal where everyone wins… sweet. So is this really a win-win, win-lose, or plain lose-lose? Well let’s take a closer look at these […]

Wacky Weds: Safety Training?

Take 5, Tailgate aka Toolbox talks, & crossword puzzles??? Sorry, I am not giving away who uses this gem for their tool box talks, but seriously who’s idea was this? No, I am not kidding, it even has a room for a signature that said employee actually did it… While one should document their safety […]

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Having lived in numerous areas, that statement definitely has a ring of truth to it. Even if you happen to have great neighbors now, nothing says that you always will or they won’t get some new pet that just loves digging up your yard. It can be difficult for many homeowners to sort through the […]