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
Foundation Repair Cost Calculator: Crack Types, Repair Methods, and When to Call Professionals
Learn to identify different foundation crack types, estimate repair costs from DIY fixes to professional solutions, and calculate the impact on home value. Includes cost breakdowns for pier installation, waterproofing, and emergency repairs.
May 3, 2026Pool Installation Cost Calculator: Above Ground vs. Inground ROI Analysis and Maintenance Expenses
Calculate the true cost of pool installation including permits, excavation, equipment, and 10-year maintenance expenses. Compare above-ground vs. inground options and analyze how much value pools actually add to your home's resale price.
May 2, 2026Property Line Survey Cost Calculator: When You Need One and What It Actually Costs
Calculate the true cost of boundary surveys, understand when they're legally required, and learn how to budget for different survey types from simple lot confirmations to complex dispute resolutions.
May 2, 2026Closing Cost Calculator: Hidden Fees That Add 2-5% to Your Home Purchase
Break down every closing cost from origination fees to title insurance. Learn which fees are negotiable and how to budget for the real total cost of buying a home beyond your down payment.
May 1, 2026Radon Testing and Mitigation Cost Calculator: Health Investment vs. Home Value Impact
Calculate the costs of radon testing, mitigation systems, and ongoing maintenance versus the health risks and potential impact on your home's resale value. Includes state-by-state radon risk maps and ROI analysis.
Apr 30, 2026Home Addition Cost Calculator: Square Footage vs. ROI Analysis for Room Extensions
Calculate the true cost per square foot of adding rooms to your home and determine which types of additions offer the best return on investment. Compare second story additions, garage conversions, and ground-level extensions with detailed ROI projections.
Apr 29, 2026HVAC System Sizing Calculator: How to Determine the Right BTU Capacity for Your Home
Learn how to calculate the proper HVAC system size for your home using square footage, insulation, ceiling height, and climate zone factors. Avoid costly oversizing or undersizing mistakes.
Apr 28, 2026Homestead Exemption Calculator: How Much You Can Save on Property Taxes by State
Discover how homestead exemptions can reduce your property tax bill with state-by-state calculations, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines to maximize your annual savings.
Apr 27, 2026Whole House Generator Cost Calculator: Backup Power ROI for Different Home Sizes
Calculate the true cost of installing a whole house generator including equipment, installation, permits, and ongoing maintenance. Compare natural gas vs. propane options and determine payback period based on your local power outage frequency and home value increase.
Apr 26, 2026Mortgage Points Calculator: When Buying Down Your Rate Actually Saves Money
Learn how to calculate whether paying mortgage points upfront will save you money over your loan term, including break-even analysis and scenarios where points make financial sense.
Apr 26, 2026Home Maintenance Schedule and Cost Calculator: Annual Budget Breakdown by Home Age and Size
Create a personalized home maintenance calendar and budget based on your property's age, size, and climate. Learn which repairs to expect each year and how much to set aside monthly for preventive maintenance versus emergency repairs.
Apr 25, 2026Property Tax Deduction Calculator: How Much You Can Actually Save on Your Federal Taxes
Learn how the SALT deduction cap affects your property tax write-offs and calculate your actual tax savings. Includes state-by-state analysis and strategies for maximizing deductions under current tax law.
Apr 24, 2026