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
Tiny House Cost Calculator: ADU vs. Traditional Home Building ROI Analysis
Calculate the true cost of building a tiny house or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) versus traditional construction, including permits, utilities, and long-term value considerations for different property types and local zoning restrictions.
May 31, 2026Home Staging Cost Calculator: Professional vs. DIY Investment Return on Sale Price
Calculate whether professional home staging services or DIY staging efforts provide better return on investment when selling your home, including cost breakdowns by room and market analysis.
May 30, 2026Home Office Addition Cost Calculator: Converting Space vs. Building New for Remote Work ROI
Calculate the true cost of creating a dedicated home office space by comparing room conversion expenses versus building an addition, including productivity benefits, tax deductions, and home value impact.
May 29, 2026Mortgage Rate Lock Calculator: How Much a 0.25% Rate Change Costs You Over 30 Years
Calculate the true dollar impact of mortgage rate fluctuations and determine when paying for a rate lock extension is worth the cost. Includes scenarios for different loan amounts and rate volatility periods.
May 29, 2026Manufactured Home vs. Site-Built Home Cost Calculator: Total Ownership Expenses and Appreciation Analysis
Compare the true total cost of ownership between manufactured homes and traditional site-built homes, including purchase price, land costs, financing differences, insurance premiums, depreciation vs. appreciation rates, and resale values to determine which housing option provides better long-term financial value.
May 28, 2026Neighborhood Gentrification Impact Calculator: How Rising Property Values Affect Your Tax Burden and Equity
Calculate how gentrification affects your property taxes, home equity, and long-term financial planning. Includes early warning signs, tax assessment timeline projections, and strategies for managing rising costs while maximizing property value gains.
May 27, 2026Home Warranty vs. Emergency Fund Calculator: Which Protection Strategy Saves More Money
Compare the true costs of home warranty plans versus building an emergency repair fund. Calculate coverage gaps, service fees, and potential out-of-pocket expenses to determine which approach offers better financial protection for your major home systems and appliances.
May 26, 2026Asbestos Abatement Cost Calculator: Testing, Removal, and Encapsulation Budget Guide for Older Homes
Calculate the complete costs of asbestos testing, professional removal, and encapsulation options. Compare DIY testing vs. professional assessment, understand square footage pricing, and determine when abatement is required vs. optional for homes built before 1980.
May 25, 2026Geothermal Heat Pump Cost Calculator: Ground Source vs. Air Source Energy Savings Analysis
Compare upfront installation costs, long-term energy savings, and ROI timelines for geothermal systems versus traditional HVAC. Calculate your break-even point based on home size, climate zone, and local utility rates to determine if geothermal is worth the investment.
May 24, 2026Multi-Generational Home Modification Cost Calculator: Aging-in-Place Renovations vs. Assisted Living Expenses
Calculate the true cost of bathroom safety upgrades, wheelchair accessibility modifications, and home care accommodations versus long-term care facility expenses to make informed decisions about aging-in-place renovations.
May 24, 2026Storm Damage Insurance Claim Calculator: How to Document and Value Your Property Loss
Calculate the true cost of storm damage to maximize your insurance claim. Learn how to properly document wind, hail, and flood damage, estimate repair costs, and navigate the claims process to get fair compensation.
May 23, 2026Home Appraisal vs. Property Assessment: How the Valuation Gap Affects Your Refinancing and Tax Planning
Understand why your home's appraised value often differs from its assessed value and how this gap impacts refinancing opportunities, tax appeals, and home equity decisions. Calculate the potential savings from challenging discrepancies.
May 22, 2026