The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

Create your own custom Trivet

Trivet’s are great to avoid damaging your countertops – but trying to find one that matches your décor or will work great for large pans… Well that can be difficult. In my case I had some extra materials laying around after my kitchen remodel so I simply created a few of my own. In this […]

7+ Questions not to ask your Contractor

A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Theresa & Mark Clement of My Fix It Up Life if I wanted to participate on one of their Google Hangouts. While I am not a big fan of getting my picture taken much less being on video I accepted immediately. There was only one catch, […]

6 Easy Tips for Toddler-Proofing Your Home

“Anybody who has experience with young children and infants knows that they are more than capable of finding ways to injure themselves in your home. However, there are several measures you can take to ensure your home is “childproof”, and to minimize the risk of injury to kids in your home or apartment.” Todays piece […]

Staying Secure in Your Home

This week we have an interesting guest piece from Lukas Nicholson. Mr. Nicholson has worked in the home security industry for over 10 years and he enjoys keeping up with the latest developments and passing these on to his readers along with providing practical tips for staying safe. As a quick personal & legal note – there are […]

FAQ: Are all air leaks equal?

When it comes to air-sealing a home many people wonder if all air leaks are as important as others. For most the answer is simple – NO. Without any doubt most professionals will say that sealing the leaks up high (i.e. the attic) is the most important. Below is a form used by Maine which shows their […]

Merry XMas & a Prosperous New Year to All

Wow what a year it has been. I got to admit parts have been very tough, but it was all for the best and I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings. I hope everyone has had a more peaceful & wonderful year, you all have a blessed Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) & here’s […]

BS4D: Are “vented” cantilevers bad?

I know you have seen it, the vented panels on eaves, porches, and cantilevers. Sure we know that in most cases they are not venting anything & this was done quite simply because someone thought it looked right, or that might be the only material handy, but to be qualified as a bad thing? “Sure […]

Home Maintenance Packages or DIY?

One of the most dreaded items for Homeowners is dealing with all the Maintenance tasks aka chores that need to be done around the house. Lets be honest, it is easy to let them slide as even I do it myself sometimes. (Cobblers kid anyone?) Yes that is even though we know it may cost us […]

Why is everyone so vague on pricing?

How much will it cost to do X, or how much per square foot (SF) or linear foot (LF) to install Y… are the two most frequent questions asked during the initial phone call. The fact of the matter though is most legitimate remodeling and renovations contractors don’t even think in terms of SF or […]