When Home Fixated got the opportunity to try out the Franklin ProSensor 710 Professional Stud Detector, we were dually up for the task as well as a bit skeptical. As many of you probably know, stud finders can be notorious for sketchy accuracy (and that’s putting it gently for a few of the stud finders out there.) In fact, we almost bagged writing this review because the first model we received (tried out by both Marc and me) seemed to be more of the same — a colossal bomb. The folks at Franklin were confident we had ended up with a damaged sensor, sent me a second one to put to the test and… [click to continue…]
Resources
Zip System by Huber Engineered Woods takes construction to the next level. Wall and roof sheathing (panels) are resin coated for maximum air and water resistance and have a high R-value (thermal resistance value). That means low heat loss and a very energy efficient product. The panels install quickly and joints are sealed with Zip flashing tape — that's it. The system is designed to eliminate the need for house wraps or roofing felt. Take a look at the picture at the left – you can what it looks like up close. The sheathing is an OSB (oriented strand board), coated with a water resistant, threaded resin layer. The panels are pre-marked with a fastening guide for error-free installation. Roof sheathing is red and wall sheathing is green, just in case you've somehow overlooked the large, black lettered warnings "Wall Use Only" and "Roof Use Only" stamped all over each panel. [click to continue…]
Yearning for a high-end look in your home, but finding yourself a little short on funds? Marble, granite, tile, crown molding and other types of high-end building materials may be just a phone call away for a fraction of the retail cost. Contact local builders, cabinetmakers, tile and countertop installers, to see what treasures they might be sitting on. [click to continue…]
Useless tools — they’re everywhere — and I’m not (necessarily) talking about the kind I invariably get stuck behind at every checkout counter at every store I’ve ever entered. (Ooooh…and banks too…banks are full of useless tools…especially Fridays at 4 pm.) It isn’t always easy to decide on the proper tool — the coveted useful tool. Is this a worthy tool or one I just want to smash repeatedly with another, bigger tool? Am I paying too much? Does it do what it claims to? If a butter knife can land me in the ER, how will I ever manage to operate this thing? Well here are some top blogs and handy resources for tools — guides to the ones to avoid and to those that actually make your life easier. [click to continue…]
Quick! What do you think of when you imagine a Japanese Sumo warrior? After reading this review, you might start thinking about a safer spin on extension ladder design. Little Giant sent us one of their new Sumo Stance models after we saw the ladder demonstrated at a trade show last year. At first glance you might mistake it for a regular extension ladder, but closer inspection of the details reveals this Sumo warrior of the ladder world has a few tricks up his thong. Yes, I really did just make a Sumo/Ladder/Thong connection! [click to continue…]
