Cole Hartman
DIY & home-projects writer
Columbus, OH
Cole learned home projects the way most people do — by doing a few of them wrong the first time. He writes the practical math side of DIY: how much paint you actually need, whether a flooring quote is fair, what a project really costs before you start. He's a hands-on hobbyist, not a licensed contractor, so he sticks to the planning and the numbers and leaves the code-and-permit calls to the pros.
Articles by Cole Hartman
Garage Door Replacement Cost Calculator: Insulated vs. Standard and Smart Opener ROI Analysis
Garage door replacement offers one of the highest ROI home improvements, but the cost gap between standard, insulated, and smart-enabled systems can be significant. This guide breaks down material costs, installation fees, energy savings from insulated models, and resale value impact so you can calculate exactly what your upgrade will return.
Jul 19, 2026Swimming Pool Removal Cost Calculator: When Filling In Your Pool Saves More Than Keeping It
Discover when removing an existing pool is smarter than maintaining it. We break down demolition costs ($3,000–$15,000), insurance savings, property value impact, and annual maintenance elimination to calculate your true pool removal ROI.
Jul 18, 2026Landscaping ROI Calculator: Which Yard Upgrades Add the Most Home Value
Not all landscaping projects are created equal. Discover which outdoor improvements—from sod installation and irrigation systems to retaining walls and professional tree planting—deliver the highest return on investment when it comes time to sell, and how to budget realistically for each project type.
Jul 16, 2026Second Home vs. Investment Property Cost Calculator: Tax Implications, Financing Differences, and True Ownership Costs
Thinking about buying a second property? The IRS treats second homes and investment properties very differently, and so do mortgage lenders. Learn how to calculate the true all-in cost of each ownership type, compare financing requirements, estimate tax obligations, and determine which classification actually puts more money in your pocket over time.
Jul 12, 2026Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator: Budget Breakdown from Minor Refresh to Full Gut Renovation
Whether you're replacing fixtures or demolishing down to the studs, bathroom renovation costs vary wildly. Learn how to estimate materials, labor, and permits accurately, understand which upgrades deliver the best resale ROI, and avoid the hidden expenses that blow most bathroom budgets before the tile is even grouted.
Jul 10, 2026Roof Replacement Cost Calculator: Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal vs. Tile ROI Analysis
A new roof is one of the largest single home expenses you'll face—averaging $8,000 to $30,000 depending on material and home size. This guide breaks down per-square-foot costs for asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and flat roofing systems, calculates your true 20-year ownership cost including maintenance and energy savings, and shows you which material delivers the best return when it's time to sell.
Jul 9, 2026Land Grading and Drainage Cost Calculator: Slope Correction, French Drains, and Erosion Control ROI
Poor yard drainage can silently destroy your foundation and landscaping. Learn how to calculate the true cost of land grading, French drain installation, and erosion control solutions—plus how to weigh those expenses against the foundation damage and water intrusion costs you'll avoid.
Jul 7, 2026Home Buyer Inspection Contingency Calculator: How Much to Budget for Repairs Before Closing
Calculate how much to negotiate off your offer price based on inspection findings, and determine whether to proceed with the purchase or walk away based on repair cost estimates.
Jun 15, 2026Tree Removal vs. Tree Trimming Cost Calculator: When Professional Arborist Services Are Worth the Investment
Calculate the true costs of tree removal, pruning, and maintenance services. Compare DIY risks versus professional arborist fees, insurance implications, and how tree care affects property values and safety.
Jun 14, 2026Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Payment Calculator: Fixed vs. Variable Rate Impact on Monthly Budgets
Compare how different HELOC rate structures affect your monthly payments during draw and repayment periods, with real scenarios showing when rate caps protect you from payment shock.
Jun 13, 2026Homeowner vs. Rental Property Insurance Cost Calculator: Coverage Differences and Premium Impact Analysis
Compare insurance costs between owner-occupied and rental properties. Calculate how investment property coverage requirements affect your premiums and understand liability differences that can impact your bottom line.
Jun 12, 2026House Leveling Cost Calculator: Foundation Settlement Repair vs. Full Re-Leveling ROI Analysis
Calculate the true cost of house leveling services including pier installation, concrete lifting, and full foundation re-leveling. Compare DIY solutions vs. professional services and understand when foundation settlement requires immediate intervention vs. monitoring.
Jun 11, 2026