Latest posts

Pet Odor Eliminator for Artificial Grass

Tired of smelly turf? BioTurf BioS+ is a safe, affordable way to eliminate pet odors from artificial grass, for good.

V. Chris Holbrook · July 31, 2025 · 2 min read

QuietCool Wireless RF Control Kit: A Convenient but Clunky Add-On

The QuietCool RF Control Kit offers wireless fan control without hardwiring—but does it live up to the hype? Here’s our honest review.

V. Chris Holbrook · April 11, 2025 · 2 min read

EGO POWER+ CS1611 16” Cordless Chainsaw

Powerful, cordless, and user-friendly, the EGO POWER+ CS1611 16” chainsaw is perfect for tackling yard work with ease and efficiency.

V. Chris Holbrook · March 31, 2025 · 4 min read

Future-Proofing Your Yard: Upgrading to Rain Bird Anti-Siphon Sprinkler Valves

Upgrade your yard’s sprinkler system with Rain Bird’s DASASVF075 valves. Fix leaks, improve durability, and make it look amazing!

V. Chris Holbrook · March 9, 2025 · 3 min read

Revamp Your Bathroom: Easy Kohler Toilet Seat Upgrade for a Fresh Look

Revamp your bathroom in minutes! A $40 toilet seat upgrade makes your toilet look brand new—quick, easy, and budget-friendly!

Annie Lueilwitz · February 23, 2025 · 2 min read

QuietCool ES Series Whole House Fans: A Smart, Silent, and Energy-Efficient Cooling Solution

QuietCool ES Series fans offer quiet, energy-saving whole-home cooling with easy install and smart air exchange—ideal for any home.

Simon Brekke · July 16, 2024 · 4 min read

Who Should I Hire? Project Manager, Contractor or Interior Designer

Not sure who to hire for your project? Learn the difference between an Interior Designer, General Contractor, and Project Manager.

V. Chris Holbrook · June 1, 2017 · 2 min read

Beat the Summer Heat: Safety Tips for your Construction Project

Stay safe in the heat while working on construction projects by staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals, and taking breaks!

Elizabeth Torphy · May 12, 2017 · 3 min read

Renovating vs Restoring: Whats the difference?

Renovating refreshes a space, restoring brings it back to its original state, and remodeling changes the layout or design entirely.

Simon Brekke · May 10, 2017 · 2 min read

Should I do my Home Renovation Myself?

DIY home renovation? Yes, but know your skills, assess project value, and tradeoffs. Learn or hire based on time, cost, and complexity.

V. Chris Holbrook · April 15, 2017 · 2 min read

Schlage Touch Keyless Touchscreen Lever

Schlage Touch Camelot Lock: Easy 20-min install, sleek design, durable, keyless convenience, 19 codes, fingerprint-resistant.

Simon Brekke · December 18, 2016 · 2 min read

Home Networking

Unifi AP AC Lite by Ubiquiti (UAP‑AC‑LITE)

Ubiquiti UniFi AP PRO: Easy install, sleek design, robust software, but no 802.3af PoE support. Great for pros; a bit complex for beginners.

V. Chris Holbrook · December 2, 2016 · 1 min read

WinDor vs La Cantina BiFold Patio Doors

WinDor vs. La Cantina bi-fold patio doors: WinDor wins on cost, La Cantina on integrated screens. Top-tier engineering & functionality!

Elizabeth Torphy · August 24, 2016 · 2 min read

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

Control your yard with ease! The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller offers simple setup, smart analytics, and remote watering. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

V. Chris Holbrook · July 15, 2016 · 4 min read

Kitchen Remodel

Rev-A-Shelf Trash Can

Rev-A-Shelf 5349-18DM-217 waste containers: $212.65 + $11.99 shipping. Easy 2-hour install. Smooth sliding, soft close, stylish & sturdy.

Elizabeth Torphy · June 21, 2015 · 2 min read

5 Tips To Make Your Home More Green

Save money and the planet! Simple upgrades like CFLs, sealing gaps, fixing leaks, efficient appliances, and solar can cut energy costs!

Elizabeth Torphy · June 5, 2015 · 3 min read

Irritrol Rain Dial Irrigation Controller

Irritrol Rain Dial Controllers: Easy to install, durable, and effective. Perfect for RD600-EXT-R, RD900-EXT-R, RD1200-EXT-R models.

Simon Brekke · February 15, 2015 · 3 min read

Dewalt Tile Saw Review D24000

Dewalt Tile Saw D24000: Expensive but unmatched in performance. Smooth cuts, handles 24” tiles, and supports 45° cuts. Cost: $729.99. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

V. Chris Holbrook · November 3, 2014 · 2 min read

Kohler Tresham Vanity (Model K-2604-F69)

Kohler Tresham Vanity: Solid wood, slow-close hinges, stunning look. Easy to install but pricey. Cost: $464. ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Annie Lueilwitz · September 12, 2014 · 2 min read

Fuji Q3 Gold HVLP Sprayer Review

Fuji Q3 Gold HVLP Sprayer: Affordable & high-quality for fine finishes. Great for latex with Q4 upgrade. Cost: $845. ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

V. Chris Holbrook · September 5, 2014 · 3 min read

Kidde Smoke Detector i4618 Review

Kidde i4618 Smoke Detector: Affordable, high-quality, & easy to install. Ideal for replacements & upgrades. Cost: $10-$12/unit. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Simon Brekke · August 26, 2014 · 2 min read

Toto Clayton Toilet Review

Toto Clayton Toilet (1.28 & 1.6 GPF): Stylish, water-efficient, powerful flush. Tricky to install but worth it. Price: $474-$479. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Annie Lueilwitz · August 15, 2014 · 2 min read

Hunter Royal Oak Ceiling Fan Review

Hunter Royal Oak Fan (54018): Affordable, whisper-quiet, & easy to install. Perfect for light-free setups. Cost: $199. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Elizabeth Torphy · August 8, 2014 · 2 min read

Graco FinishPro HVLP Sprayer Review

Graco FinishPro HVLP 9.5: Powerful, portable, & efficient sprayer with TurboForce tech for 30% more performance. Pricey at $1,359. ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Simon Brekke · July 7, 2014 · 3 min read

Home Networking

Design The Perfect Home Networking Panel

Home network tips: Plan for growth, use big enclosures, grid lifters, and raceways for clean design, and ensure flexibility for future tech.

V. Chris Holbrook · June 27, 2014 · 2 min read

Home Networking

Venstar ColorTouch Thermostat Review

Venstar ColorTouch Thermostats (T5900/T5800): Feature-packed, stylish, humidity control option, but menus can be tricky. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Elizabeth Torphy · June 20, 2014 · 2 min read

Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Pendant Lights on a Budget: Reinvent Your Space

Kitchen glow-up for $235! DIY pendant lights transformed the space in 3 days with budget-friendly creativity & high-quality materials. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Annie Lueilwitz · June 13, 2014 · 5 min read

Light Bulb Review, Test & Buying Guide for your Can Lighting

LED vs. CFL vs. Incandescent: A hands-on review of energy use, light output, & value from 4 popular bulb types. Which one shines brightest?

V. Chris Holbrook · May 14, 2014 · 7 min read

Wood Grain Tile Flooring that Transforms Your House

Tackle wood grain tile flooring or choose the right vendor. A 3-day project with medium complexity, requiring planning and tile saw skills.

V. Chris Holbrook · April 25, 2014 · 6 min read

Top 15 Mistakes When Hiring Contractors

Complete these tasks before hiring a contractor. Planning is key to project success—don't lose leverage once the contract is signed.

Elizabeth Torphy · April 7, 2014 · 3 min read

How to Repair Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

A demonstration of how to remove a damaged light and replace it with a new upgraded one. The project is simple and inexpensive.

V. Chris Holbrook · March 21, 2014 · 3 min read

Bathroom Cabinet Height: How to Avoid a Big Mistake

Bathroom cabinet height may seem minor, but it greatly impacts your design and home value. This article simplifies the decision-making!

Annie Lueilwitz · March 21, 2014 · 4 min read

The Complete Guide to Plumbing 5th Edition

A great DIY plumbing guide, covering repairs, tools, and modern topics like tankless heaters, saving you money and time on projects.

Elizabeth Torphy · March 6, 2014 · 2 min read

Kichler Landscape Lighting 15310AZ 12V Dome Review

Review of Kichler Landscape Lighting 15310AZT6: great light output, easy install, but average construction and poor connectors. Good value!

V. Chris Holbrook · March 3, 2014 · 3 min read

Custom Hanging Mirrors That Make Your Bathroom Pop!

Update your bathroom with custom hanging mirrors. A 10-day project with medium complexity, including handling heavy glass.

Simon Brekke · February 20, 2014 · 5 min read

Tauntons Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing (by Jeff Jewitt)

Must-have guide on woodworking finishes, Jeff Jewitt’s Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing is perfect for beginners and pros.

V. Chris Holbrook · February 17, 2014 · 2 min read

Baldwin Madrina Door Hardware Review

A review of Baldwin Madrina Door Hardware, showcasing eight stylish, easy-to-install sets with SmartKey technology.

V. Chris Holbrook · February 14, 2014 · 2 min read

Refinish Your Front Door to Avoid a Curb Appeal Disaster

Refinishing your front door? DIY or hire a pro—this guide helps you plan. Expect a full day’s work, medium complexity.

Annie Lueilwitz · February 8, 2014 · 4 min read

Artificial Turf & Putting Greens That Transform Your Yard

Artificial turf solved our unusable lawn issues in Arizona—no water, critters, or maintenance headaches. Worth it!

Annie Lueilwitz · February 3, 2014 · 10 min read

Drywall Revised and Updated (by Myron R. Ferguson)

Myron R. Ferguson’s Drywall, 4th Ed. is a solid guide for mastering drywall basics, tools, materials, and techniques. Great value!

V. Chris Holbrook · January 29, 2014 · 2 min read

Dewalt DCF886 Cordless Impact Driver Review

The DEWALT DCF886D2 kit is a must-have! Brushless power, 2 batteries, and charger for $212. Upgrade from the DCF885C2—worth every penny!

V. Chris Holbrook · January 22, 2014 · 5 min read

Sea Gull Lighting Uptown in Blacksmith Bathroom Vanity Collection Review

Sea Gull Lighting Uptown Blacksmith Vanity Collection combines sleek design with quality craftsmanship, perfect for a modern bathroom.

Annie Lueilwitz · January 17, 2014 · 2 min read

Spray Finishing Made Simple (by Jeff Jewitt)

Spray Finishing Made Simple is a clear, practical guide for mastering spray finishing techniques, perfect for beginners and pros.

Elizabeth Torphy · January 14, 2014 · 2 min read

Impact Driver vs Drill vs Hammer Drill: Why So Many Similar Tools?

Impact drivers, drills, and hammer drills each serve unique purposes. Learn their differences to pick the right tool for your projects.

Simon Brekke · January 10, 2014 · 5 min read

Moen Voss Faucet Series Review

The Moen Voss Faucet Series in Oil Rubbed Bronze offers sturdy, stylish designs with easy installation and great cleaning, rated 4.5/5.

Simon Brekke · January 7, 2014 · 3 min read