Paul Bianchina

Contributor

For over 30 years, Paul Bianchina has been combining his two loves, building and writing. Contractor, author, and nationally syndicated columnist, Paul provides his readers with practical home improvement advice that’s written in a clear and easy to understand style. Paul’s three decades of extensive hands-on building experience covers everything from custom homes and remodels to the repair of fire- and water-damaged buildings. His column, Improving Your Home, is syndicated in newspapers and on websites nationwide, and he has written for a number of national and regional building publications including Family Handyman, Workbench, Home Mechanix, Home, Custom Builder, and NW Builder. He is the author of 11 construction books for such publishers as McGraw Hill, John Wiley, and Consumer Reports, several of which have been book club main selections. He also takes a break from construction writing with his monthly humor column, "Lighter Side", which won a local People’s Choice award. He has been a contributor to World Book Encyclopedia, is a former contributing remodeling editor for TwentyOne Magazine, and has taught college-level courses in both construction and writing. He chaired the Deschutes County Planning Commission for many years, and chaired the Oregon State University Extension Service Energy Advisory Committee, as well as having been an independent energy and weatherization auditor for several utility companies. Paul lives in Bend, Oregon with his wife, Rose, and their golden retrievers.

Buyer beware when home lacks permits

3 steps to safeguard your purchase

Jul 30

A divide-and-conquer plan to cool your home

Mini split system can cost less, target individual rooms

Jul 23

Wise window shopping

The energy savings vs. resale value debate

Jul 16

6 steps to fire protection

Look to landscaping, driveway for solutions

Jul 9

Flipping essentials

New appliances are a better investment than carport

Jul 2

New lead rules affect pre-1978 homes

EPA safety certification required for fix-up work

Jun 25

6 tools to make Dad happy

Father's Day gift ideas for under $150

Jun 18

7 rules for room additions

How aesthetics, access, open space affect resale

Jun 11

Synthetic decking gets bad rap

Lawsuits against one manufacturer cast doubt on quality, recourse

Jun 4

Laser level handy for home projects

2 options under $450

Jun 1

Is 'do it yourself' in your DNA?

5 clues gauge competence in fix-up projects

May 21

Sprucing up a wood deck

Controversy surrounds pressure washing, cleaners

May 14

Design tips for updating 1950s tract home

Going beyond paint in exterior update

May 7

Avoid home improvement gimmicks that hammer resale value

Should sellers repaint, re-side or sell 'as is'?

May 4

How pros drill through masonry

2 options for under $350

Apr 23

Pay attention to home inspection

Visual evaluation won't cover all defects

Apr 16

7 home maintenance tips for spring

Wake your home from winter hibernation

Apr 9

Sump pump trumps water intrusion

Stay safe with proper setup, power source

Apr 2

Common heating systems compared

What type does your dream home have?

Mar 26

Tips on remodeling to sell

Sellers hit snag with kitchen paint, drawer choices

Mar 19

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