01
— Under the Hard Hat —
I Almost Replaced My Outdoor Faucet. The $8.99 Repair Fixed It Instead
My old outdoor faucet started leaking at the top. Instead of replacing the whole thing, I diagnosed the vacuum...
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Under the Hard Hat
Technical deep dives — structure, systems, code. Buyer's inspection checklists, red flags by era, when to call a pro.
14 essays
02
— Under the Hard Hat —
heating systems old houses: What Actually Works and What It Costs
Heating systems old houses can use range from restored radiators to heat pumps. Compare costs, comfort, wiring...
03
— Under the Hard Hat —
How to Insulate Walls in Existing Home: What Actually Works
Learn how to insulate walls in existing home without wasting money. Compare injection foam, blown cellulose, d...
04
— Under the Hard Hat —
Crawl Space vs Slab Foundation: What Old-House Owners Need to Know
Crawl space vs slab foundation: compare cost, moisture, access, comfort, repairs, and resale before choosing t...
05
— Under the Hard Hat —
How to Add a Second Floor to Your House Without Blowing the Budget
Learn how to add a second floor to your house, from structural checks and permits to real budgets, design choi...
06
— Under the Hard Hat —
Best Brand of Furnace for an Old House: What I Would Buy
The best brand of furnace depends on your house, ductwork, budget, and installer. Here is my honest comparison...
07
— Under the Hard Hat —
Why Do Houses Need Gutters? The Honest Answer for Old Homes
Why do houses need gutters? Learn how they protect foundations, siding, and soil, what installation costs, and...
08
— Under the Hard Hat —
Window Seal Broken? What It Costs to Fix and When to Replace the Glass
A window seal broken between panes can mean fog, drafts, or damage. Learn repair options, realistic costs, ins...
09
— Under the Hard Hat —
Steam Radiator Valve Replacement: Real Costs and What Actually Works
Steam radiator valve replacement usually costs $150-$600. Learn which parts fail, when DIY is sensible, and wh...
10
— Under the Hard Hat —
Load-Bearing Walls in 1940s–1970s Homes: What to Look For
Ryan Mitchell explains how to identify load-bearing walls in 1940s–1970s homes—checking floor joists, roof str...
11
— Under the Hard Hat —
Old House Plumbing: Galvanized Pipes, Cast Iron, and the Signs You Can't Ignore
Ryan Mitchell explains the two major plumbing issues in old houses—galvanized supply lines and cast iron drain...
12
— Under the Hard Hat —
How to Read an Old House Before You Buy: A PM's 20-Point Checklist
Ryan Mitchell provides a 20-point inspection checklist for prospective old-house buyers, covering foundation, ...