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
Homeowner 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, 2026Downsizing After 50: How to Calculate the True Financial Impact of Moving to a Smaller Home
Moving costs, tax implications, and lifestyle expenses that determine whether downsizing actually saves money or costs more than staying put in your current home.
Jun 10, 2026Manufactured Home Foundation Replacement Cost Calculator: Pier and Block vs. Permanent Foundation ROI Analysis
Calculate the true cost of upgrading your mobile home foundation from pier and block to permanent concrete, including permits, engineering, and long-term value impact on financing and insurance rates.
Jun 10, 2026Septic to Sewer Connection Cost Calculator: When Municipal Hookup Makes Financial Sense
Calculate the total costs of connecting your home to municipal sewer systems versus maintaining your septic tank, including hookup fees, permits, excavation, and long-term savings on maintenance and pumping.
Jun 9, 2026Easement Value Impact Calculator: How Utility Rights and Access Agreements Affect Your Property Worth
Calculate how different types of easements (utility, access, conservation) impact your home's market value and selling potential. Includes negotiation strategies for fair compensation and property line considerations.
Jun 8, 2026Property Line Dispute Resolution Cost Calculator: Legal Fees vs. Survey Solutions
Calculate the true cost of resolving property boundary disputes through surveys, mediation, or legal action. Compare DIY fence agreements versus professional surveying and litigation expenses to find the most cost-effective solution for your situation.
Jun 7, 2026Historic Home Preservation Tax Credit Calculator: How Much You Can Save Renovating a Designated Property
Calculate potential federal and state tax credits for renovating historic properties, including eligibility requirements, documentation costs, and maximum credit amounts by property type and location.
Jun 6, 2026Garage Conversion Cost Calculator: Converting Your Garage to Living Space ROI vs. Storage Solutions
Calculate the true cost of converting your garage into a bedroom, office, or ADU versus alternative storage solutions. Compare permit fees, insulation, flooring, electrical work, and potential home value increase to determine if garage conversion makes financial sense for your property.
Jun 5, 2026Mold Remediation Cost Calculator: Professional Treatment vs. DIY Solutions and Long-Term Health Impact
Calculate the true cost of mold removal including testing, professional remediation, DIY methods, and preventing future growth. Compare immediate expenses against long-term health costs and property damage.
Jun 4, 2026Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Cost Calculator: Complete Budget Guide for Backyard Rental Income
Calculate the true cost of building an ADU including permits, construction, and utilities. Determine how long it takes to break even on rental income and whether an accessory dwelling unit makes financial sense for your property.
Jun 4, 2026Water Damage Restoration Cost Calculator: Emergency Response vs. DIY Cleanup ROI Analysis
Calculate the true cost of water damage restoration including emergency response, equipment rental, insurance deductibles, and potential savings from DIY cleanup versus professional services based on damage severity and home square footage.
Jun 3, 2026