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
HOA Fees vs. Non-HOA Living: Complete Cost Analysis and Hidden Expenses
Compare the true lifetime costs of HOA communities versus non-HOA neighborhoods, including special assessments, maintenance savings, and property value impacts to make an informed home buying decision.
Apr 21, 2026Basement Finishing Cost Calculator: Complete Budget Breakdown for Maximum ROI
Calculate the true cost of finishing your basement with our comprehensive breakdown of materials, labor, permits, and unexpected expenses. Plus discover which basement upgrades deliver the highest return on investment.
Apr 21, 2026Deck vs. Patio Cost Calculator: Which Outdoor Addition Maximizes Your ROI
Compare the total costs, maintenance requirements, and resale value impact of building a deck versus installing a patio. Calculate material costs, labor expenses, and long-term ROI to make the best decision for your outdoor living space and budget.
Apr 20, 2026Appliance Replacement vs. Repair Calculator: When to Fix vs. Replace Your Home Systems
Learn how to calculate the true cost of repairing versus replacing major home appliances and systems like HVAC, water heaters, and kitchen appliances using the 50% rule and total lifecycle costs.
Apr 19, 2026Energy Efficiency Upgrade ROI: Which Home Improvements Actually Pay Off
Calculate the actual return on investment for popular energy upgrades like new windows, insulation, HVAC systems, and smart thermostats. Learn which improvements boost home value and reduce monthly costs most effectively.
Apr 18, 2026Property Tax Escrow Calculator: How Much to Set Aside Monthly
Learn how to calculate the exact amount to save monthly for property taxes, understand escrow shortfalls and overages, and avoid year-end surprises with proper budgeting strategies.
Apr 17, 2026Homeowners Insurance Cost Calculator: How to Estimate Premiums Before You Buy
Learn how to calculate expected homeowners insurance costs based on home value, location, coverage levels, and risk factors. Includes premium estimation formulas and money-saving strategies.
Apr 16, 2026House Flipping Profit Calculator: How to Estimate Your Real Returns Before You Buy
Learn how to calculate potential profits from house flipping projects by factoring in purchase price, renovation costs, holding expenses, taxes, and market timing to determine if a property is worth the investment.
Apr 15, 2026Real Estate Commission Calculator: How Much Are You Really Paying Your Agent?
Break down the true cost of real estate commissions, including negotiation strategies and alternative fee structures that could save you thousands when buying or selling your home.
Apr 15, 2026Rent vs. Buy Calculator: When Renting Actually Saves You More Money
Use our comprehensive rent vs. buy calculator to determine the true breakeven point between renting and buying in your market. Includes opportunity cost analysis, maintenance factors, and mobility considerations that most calculators miss.
Apr 14, 2026Solar Panel ROI Calculator: How Long to Break Even on Your Investment
Learn how to calculate the true return on investment for solar panels, including federal tax credits, local incentives, and energy savings over time. Discover if solar makes financial sense for your home.
Apr 13, 2026DIY vs. Contractor Costs: How to Budget for Major Home Renovations
Compare the true costs of DIY home projects versus hiring contractors, including hidden expenses, time investment, and potential mistakes that could cost thousands more.
Apr 12, 2026