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The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

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RESNET: So you need to pass the Rater SIM? Spreadsheet / Tips

UPDATED vrs 3.3 – I could swear I remember hearing that hey, this CAZ simulation is the only time we will… Well if you are an existing rater and have not completed their newest simulation game you have to by September 1st of 2017. It used to be the end of June but… BUT WAIT […]

Wow Wednesday: Watkins Park, Michigan

Wednesday’s are generally reserved for a real wacky photo of something we spot in the field, but this last weekend we happened to be on vacation & ran into something really cool. The place is called Watkin’s Memorial Park in Three Oaks, Michigan. While it is slightly off the beaten path & easy to miss it […]

Tuesday Tip: Restoring Rusted Cast Iron

Cast iron is used in many products that range from woodworking tools like table saw tops to cooking pans and for many good reasons. The only downside though besides it weight is if one doesn’t take care of it, it can rust. In most cases a little surface rust is no big deal as there […]

Tuesday Tip: Adjusting Hot Water Temp. for Showers & Baths

Ever noticed that the water coming from the shower seems to be so much hotter during the summer as compared to the winter? Tired of the kids taking super hot showers and using up all the hot water? Sorry we can’t help you on the time aspect (that’s your battle though they do have timers for showers…), but […]

Wacky Weds: Who needs flashing?

Hey it’s a bay window way up on the second floor with a 2′ overhang above it, why install flashing??? Heh lets just install shingles on it. Funny thing, the only trade in this state that requires licensing & testing is roofers… Want to do it right, know how it should be? Getting the details […]

Buying a New (Older) House – Quick Fixes to Make it Your Own

Congratulations, you are a new homeowner… well maybe the house isn’t new but hey, it’s all yours. Maybe it’s only 5 years old, 10, 20 or shoot maybe even 100+ & now it is time to turn this house into a home. Maybe you have some big renovations planned like a new kitchen or floors, but don’t overlook […]

Wacky Weds: Them Darn Squirrels

Think a squirrel in your attic is bad? Watch out if they get trapped inside a house. Fortunately for this homeowner that left a window open (without a screen on – oops) the squirrel didn’t go on a rampage through out the whole house… As for that set of windows, well they are going to […]

Wacky Weds: Cold Wall Follow up

I got to say I was frankly amazed at how fast this wall failed, I expected it too at least last till next season but… This was one of the original shots taken back in January which has now led to this… Unfortunately I couldn’t snap a shot earlier; when I first saw the collapse, but it […]