Articles By:

Randy Boerstler

I started as a home-stalker... visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house. That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects -- chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer's point-of-view. Basically, the tips you'll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.

Choosing the best air filter for your HVAC system should be a quick and easy decision. photo by Randy@TheFunTimesGuide.com

Home Air Filters: How To Choose The Best Air Filter For Your House

Buying the best air filter for your money is pretty simple once you understand what MERV ratings mean and how they relate to your HVAC system's performance.

Modular Green Homes: GreenPods Designed By Ann Raab

Green homes have been around for awhile, and they're getting greener all of the time. GreenPod Intelligent Environments are designed by Ann Raab and can be used a number of different ways.

Awesome Custom Garages: 7 One-Of-A-Kind Garages In The U.S.

Here is a look at 7 unique custom garages located in the U.S. All of these homes are on the market so if you've outgrown your garage at your current home...

7 Reasons To Install Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing

Radiant barrier roof sheathing has a highly reflective material facing the interior of your attic. It will seriously reduce your home's energy consumption.

Swap Out Your Boring Doorbell Buttons For Some With Style And A Little Personality

A cool doorbell button makes a nice first impression whenever visitors come to your door. Show a little personality and style w/these fun door bell designs.

Want To Reduce Your Home’s Energy Consumption? See If Radiant Barriers Are Right For Your House

Radiant barriers are an effective way to reduce your home energy consumption. Here's how to choose the right type of radiant barrier for your home.

Home Energy Audit vs. Home Energy Review: What You Can Expect + How To Do It Yourself!

A home energy audit can save you thousands of dollars in energy costs. Here's the difference between a home energy audit and a home energy review.

Choosing The Best Types Of Insulation For Your Home

Wondering about the best insulation material for your home? See which residential insulating products can be added to your attic. Attic insulation 101!

Window Cleaning Tips: The Easiest & Best Way To Clean Windows

Want to know how to get the best results when washing windows? I've got a solution that will minimize the time you spend and give you the best results ever!

Buying New Windows For Your House? Here’s How To Read Window Labels & Make Sense Of All Those Numbers

Window labels make it easier to comparison shop for new home windows. Before you go window shopping, here's what you need to know about replacement windows.

How To Increase Home Energy Savings: 4 Simple Things You Can Do

One of the best ways to save money is to look into home energy savings. Here are 4 things you can do to save money month in and month out.

5 Essential Tree Pruning Tools Every Homeowner Should Have (…To Avoid Dumb Landscape Ideas Like This One)

Keep up with your tree pruning or you may find your home's landscape in dire need of trimming like this one! Here are the 5 tree pruning tools you need.

4 Cool Home Products I Found At The Atlanta Home Show

I looked high and low at the Atlanta Home Show for cool homebuilding products. I found a few that I think you're going to like: solar thermal water heaters, attic access insulation covers, tubular sun skylights.

Storm Shelters & Safe Rooms: What To Expect In Terms Of Construction And Cost

Safe rooms can be used for more than just storm shelters. Some ideas, plus safe room construction details and costs, if you're in the market for a safe room

HGTV Architect John Gidding’s Tips For Planning & Completing House Projects

John Gidding, from HGTV's Curb Appeal and Designed To Sell, spoke at the Atlanta Home Show. See John's tips for taking a project from conception to reality.

Our Samsung Washing Machine Reviews

In the market for a new washing machine? There are a few good models out there, but the Samsung WA5451ANW/XAA stood out to us for several reasons. See why.

Energy Efficient Washers: How To Choose The Best Washing Machine

These days energy efficient washing machines are very popular. Here's what I've found out about my energy efficient washer including ratings and what they really mean.

A French Drain System Made Easy With EZflow Pre-Engineered Drainage System

The EZflow French drain system is an innovative product consisting of 90% recycled content. It counts toward LEED credits, is easy to install, saves time & money.

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