Expert Advice
Meet Colin Shaw
Expert Contributor in Niantic Neighbors and Old Lyme Neighbors Magazines
Colin Shaw is the owner of Handyman Services of CT and Shaw Remodeling based in Niantic CT. Colin's businesses have been serving the southeast CT shoreline for over 18 years. He is the co-host of Behind the Studs podcast and YouTube channel, Expert Contributor in Niantic Neighbors magazine, and featured guest expert in home improvement advice blogs such as Redfin and NerdWallet.
Have a question for Colin? If you have anything you’d like to ask about remodeling or home fixes, please email info@handymanservicesofct.com or use the form below!
Expert Contributor: Colin’s Corner
Niantic Neighbors August 2026
It’s summertime and the heat is on! Do you ever ask yourself, “Self, why is it so much hotter upstairs than on the main floor?” Well, I am going to give you the answer.
But first, let’s talk about the different ways to vent your attic. You need a combination of two of the three: Gable Vents, Ridge Vents and Soffit Vents. There needs to be an intake and an exhaust to make the system work. Gable vents are found on the ends of the house, toward the peak in the attic. Ridge vents extend the length of the roof at the top where both sides meet. Finally, soffit vents are found under the eave, or the overhang towards the end of the roof (by the gutter).
Ideally, the combination of a ridge vent and continuous soffit vent (extends the entire length of the eave) work best together. The ridge vent is at the topmost point of the attic, so it is a great opening to let air escape. And yes, if you go up in your attic and look up, you should see daylight. That means the ridge vent was installed properly. If you do not have a ridge vent, you can do the gable vents and continuous soffit vent for relatively the same effect.
“Self, what about a motorized roof vent? Would that be better?”. Yes, my friend, that is an ideal way to allow the hot air to escape. However, you do not need a ridge vent as the fan will produce similar results, but in a more aggressive way. The fans are nice because they can be set to a specific temperature, so when your attic hits 100 degrees, the fan kicks on and starts the exhaust process. You will still need a continuous soffit vent, so the fan has a place from where to pull the fresh air.
Well, I hope you have found this to be helpful. I meet many clients who have these questions. Just remember, two is better than one, so pick which two you prefer! I appreciate your feedback and for following our monthly article!
Until next time…
Thinking Outside of the Toolbox!
I know this probably goes against everything you think to save money during the summer months, but it is better to set your thermostat and leave it. Changing the temperature during the day/evenings puts more strain on your cooling system to get the house back to your comfort level. The term “set it and forget it” works well. Stay cool and save some money!
Niantic Neighbors July 2026
Recently, I had the honor of spending a couple of days at the Niantic Children’s Museum, located right here in downtown Niantic. I had a wonderful time!
The museum was offering a Homeschool Program, and one of the activities was Little Builders for children between the ages of 5 and 8. They couldn’t have been more attentive and respectful while we tackled our project. We decided to build birdhouses—the perfect time of year for it!
After the build, they spent another day painting them, and they came out great! Thank you to Rachel Patten, or as the kids call her, Miss Rachel, the Museum Educator. Her assistance during the building process was very helpful. I asked her what her favorite part of the job was, and she said, “Seeing the kids come out of their shell or learn something new, and seeing their acts of kindness or willingness to share.” When I was leaving, I got a group hug from the children, so she is obviously doing a great job!
The Executive Director of the Museum, Jennifer Dums, has been with the facility for almost seven years. I also asked her what her favorite part of the job was, and she said, “Helping to create an environment where children and their families can play, learn and have fun together.” She expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support from the community. She also loves it when people tell her that they used to visit the museum as children and are now bringing their own kids. Very cool!
I highly recommend visiting the museum if you have not done so yet. The staff members are fantastic, and they have some awesome activities.
I appreciate your feedback and for following our monthly article!
Until next time…
Thinking Outside the Toolbox
I consider myself to be a relatively smart individual, but I must admit that the difference between annuals and perennials seems to escape me! Additionally, some plants must stay inside while others need to be outdoors. Someone tried to help me tell the difference by comparing them to fiction vs. non-fiction. Well, that didn’t help at all! I guess I’m back to Google!
Niantic Neighbors June 2026
I cannot believe we have been in business serving the Southeastern shoreline for the past 20 years. It has been a great run, and we have met so many great homeowners along the way, and seen some crazy things!
To think about where we started to where we are now, just with technology alone, is amazing. I used to have to use atlases and eventually MapQuest, and now I just click on a link in my phone, and it tells me how to get there! Wow!
In the earlier days, we were doing jobs that other handymen were not interested in. I remember one of our first jobs which I can now look back and laugh at. We had a customer who wanted her large stone in the sound in front of her house power washed! She said the rock at her neighbor’s house looked much nicer than hers!
But we’ve also had some great experiences such as building a deck for a pastry chef. She would meet us every morning with something new she made and asked for our feedback. That was a great job!
When I started these businesses, I was working in Corporate America. Talk about a change in direction! I learned a lot from the various carpenters I have had over the years and continue to learn every day.
Thank you again to everyone who has been a part of our success! Next month’s column: Handyman Services of CT makes an appearance at the Niantic Children’s Museum. Stay tuned! I appreciate your feedback and thank you for following our monthly article.
Until Next Time…
Thinking Outside the Toolbox
As we are into the spring season and working on gardens, I want to pass along a product that is a myth and does not work! Skip the step when making new gardens of putting down weed screening. Weeds are airborne so they land on top of the mulch or soil and make roots. Then, you are back to weeding! Weeds do not grow from the ground up. As an option, try Preen. It prevents weeds from starting.
Niantic Neighbors May 2026
Hello everyone, and welcome to another installment of Colin’s Corner!
With spring right around the corner, I thought this would be a great time to talk about decks. There are a few important questions to ask before getting started.
First, are you planning to keep the same size as your current deck, or do you want to make changes? If you’re thinking about adjusting the layout or size, now is the time to do it. I recommend designing decks using standard lumber sizes. For example, a 15-foot-wide deck wastes material since boards come in 16-foot lengths.
Next, think about decking materials. Pressure-treated lumber is the least expensive option, but it does require maintenance. You’ll need to stain it about every two years. Composite decking costs more upfront but offers low maintenance over time. Pricing varies mainly by color or style. A solid gray board is usually less expensive than a tropical-style board, even though it’s the same material.
No matter which decking material you choose, I always suggest using composite railings. There’s nothing more tedious than staining each baluster every couple of years, and composite railings save time and maintenance in the long run.
Before any work begins, be sure to get a sketch of your new deck and visit your local Zoning and Building Department. Approval is required before construction starts, and the process can take a few weeks.
Thanks for reading and for following our monthly article. Until next time…
Thinking Outside the Toolbox
Many customers ask how they can get rid of woodpeckers. The truth is, you usually can’t eliminate them completely. The problem often starts with carpenter bees burrowing into the wood, and then the woodpeckers follow looking for food.
Here’s a trick I’ve used myself and shared with many customers. Place a shepherd’s hook with suet about five feet away from where the damage is happening. After about a week, move the hook another five feet farther away. Continue this until it’s roughly 20 feet from the house. The woodpeckers will follow the food source and often leave the house alone.
One important note: don’t let the suet run out, or they’ll be right back!!
Niantic Neighbors April 2026
Hello everyone and welcome to another installment of Colin’s Corner!
I often get questions about storm and screen doors. Since Spring is approaching, I thought it would be a good time to discuss the differences, pros, and cons. From my perspective, there are mostly pros!
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a storm or screen door:
1. Style – You’ve likely seen many different storm door styles, but may not have considered their purpose. A storm door not only enhances the look of your home but also protects your entry door and trim. The bottom helps prevent snow and water buildup. That’s why I recommend at least a ¾ view. This offers all the door protection while maximizing natural light. A full view option is also available but is more labor-intensive as it requires changing out the full screen and full storm glass every season.
2. Features – Beyond style, consider a few key features. I recommend a self-storing screen. This eliminates the need to change the screen every season; everything is right there. You can open the front door for fresh air, or leave the storm door closed for a clear view without losing heat or AC!
Pro Tip – If you have a self-storing screen model, leave the screen slightly open. This will allow the storm door to shut on its own. When a door doesn’t shut properly, the wind can swing it open and damage the trim or door.
I appreciate your feedback and for following our monthly article!
Until next time…
Outside the Tool Box!
Here is a quick tip for removing picture nails before painting a wall: Remove the nail, then use the abrasive side of a sponge to flatten the drywall. Next, fill the hole with toothpaste (not gel). Use the soft side of the sponge to wipe it clean. In about 30 minutes, the surface will be ready to paint!
Expert Contributor: Colin’s Corner
Lyme & Old Lyme Neighbors Cover Story April 2025
“A contributing author to this publication, penning the ‘Colin’s Corner’ column, Colin Shaw is a small business owner and proud family man. Owner of Shaw Remodeling, and Handyman Services in Niantic, Colin is affable, with an easy laugh and a sort of cool-dad energy that lends itself well to his passion for podcasting. We recently sat down with him to learn a bit more about the man…”
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