Featured Image: Wendy O'Brien Interior Planning & Design Different projects require different tools to get the job done right. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or looking to get some construction work done around the house, it’s essential to have the right kind of saw at your disposal.  From hand saws, to power saws, to other wood-cutting tools, there are many saws on the market that each provide specific benefits and features. It can be confusing trying to figure out which saw works best for which job without having a decent overview of what they are and how they work. [...]

Featured Image: Frank Good Builders When you are investing in a remodeling project, you will quickly learn that you have a lot of choices to make. Everything from the size and shape of your cabinet knobs to the make of the cabinet itself must be considered according to your preferences as well as your budget. When browsing your available furnishings and materials, you may come across something known as whitewood.   It’s a clean, light-colored wood that provides a lot of durability. But that’s probably not the first thing you will notice about it; in fact, whitewood is known [...]

Rapid City Journal When winter ends for most folks in this country, some home owners, tired of paying large power bills, may be considering the idea of a more efficient heating system for their home.  I'm all for that and want to help you make some good decisions if you decide you're ready to move on that idea.  After all, this is one of those projects we call an "investment" as it represents a major change in the way your house will function and, more importantly, represents a substantial improvement in your comfort.  It's also a good [...]

Featured Image: Wikipedia There is nothing as rewarding as building your dream home from scratch. It's an exciting and unique experience. Besides, it gives you the flexibility to use your designs and continually improve them in your ways. The project involves making numerous decisions and hence requires your presence through all aspects. But, anyone who has done it can tell you that it's a time consuming and very demanding process. Nonetheless, building a home doesn't have to be such an overwhelming activity if you consider the following strategies.   Set A Budget Before you start building your home, [...]

Unsplash You finally finished that table or kitchen cabinet you’ve been working on for a couple of weeks. Sharp edges have been rounded out using your trusty router, and the surface has been sanded to perfection. You’re ready to put some finishing touches, but you’re still debating which wood stain will make it stand out.  Should you use an oil-based or water-based wood stain? Or is a gel stain better than other types of wood stains on the market? How long does it take for the stain to dry, and what is the best brand of wood stain? [...]