Home Improvement

Accurate square and mitered cuts in wood are essential for construction work. However properly cut timber looks better even if you are doing basic DIY and making stuff around the home.

This is an easy to follow step-by-step guide to installing your new peel and stick vinyl tile flooring yourself, no matter what your skill level. I did it, and so can you!

Instructions on how to bend both 3 point saddles and 4 point saddles in EMT electrical conduit.

Instructions on how to change a ballast in a flourescent light fixture.

When drilling any type of material, it's vital to use the correct bit to ease drilling and also to prevent bit damage. Drill bits are available for metal, masonry, tiles, plastics, glass and wood

Need more plugs? Here's how to add a new outlet by wiring into an existing outlet. Complete instructions here, including tips on running the wire and actually wiring the circuit.

Here are the basics of how your plumbing works, and how to re-plumb with CPVC to move water lines indoors.

Wainscoting is a great way to update your home, but hiring a professional to design and do the woodwork can add up. I've provided three DIY options as well as my experience with DIY wainscoting below!

A basic guide to pipe types, plumbing fittings, and thread sizes, and instructions for how to use fittings to connect copper, PVC, and PEX water pipes.

Step by step instructions for covering over popcorn ceiling using joint compound. Includes pictures.

Hot and neutral supply power to an appliance, so why the need for a "ground" wire? Well basically it's included for safety reasons. This article explains how it all works....

Burst a water line? Need to add a water line? No problem. See how you can do it yourself fast, easy and much cheaper than calling a plumber. It really is a snap!

A comprehensive guide on how to bend conduit, with instructions on how to bend 90s, offsets, saddles, and even concentric bends. A must-read for any electrician, from apprentice to journeyman.

A new homeowner needs a tool set, but what should go in it? A list of the 20 most common and needed tools for the best homeowner tool set.

One of the more common bends made in electrical conduit is the offset bend - this page of a comprehesive conduit bending guide describes how to bend an offset using multipliers.

Modern technology has afforded us many choices when it comes to residential plumbing. Each pipe material has some inherent advantages and disadvantages associated with it. This article describes and compares the characteristics and properties of these common pipe materials.

A conduit bending guide for bending a 90 degree bend in electrical conduit. Possibly the most basic and common of bends, but there are several ways to bend a 90.

Detailed instructions on retrofitting existing fluorescent tubes to LED lamps. Benefit from energy savings, cold weather operation and long life by changing out your 4 foot fluorescent tubes to LED's

Check out these tips for choosing the best respirator for spray painting.

It's easy to install an outdoor water spigot (faucet) for watering your garden!

Stone veneer will enhance your home. Learn how to install stone veneer and make your home the envy of all. Save time and money and beautify your home today.

EMT conduit bending instructions on how to make concentric bends in conduit. Not an easy task, but not impossible either, and one that should be understood by electricians everywhere.

Check out my tips for painting gutters and downspouts with a paint sprayer.

Non contact voltage testers - Tips on buying and using these handy and inexpensive tools used to protect your safety.

Fix your own leak and save. Step by step instructions.

If you have an animal companion in your home, it can do wonders for the satisfaction of all concerned to allow free access to the outdoors. It can be easier (and less expensive) than you might think. Read how--and how NOT!--to do it here!

Heating and cooling a room with vaulted or high ceilings as well as how to better cool and heat the second floor of our homes are very commonly asked questions about our HVAC system. Find out a few options and tips you may try to use to help you accomplish a more comfortable environment efficiently.

If you want to install a screen door, here is a basic layout of the process from start to finish.

Spray painting doors is a lot faster than painting them by hand. Check out my tips on how to spray paint your interior doors, using an airless sprayer.

Sometimes you can save money by tracking down the source of a bad smell in your home and trying some DIY methods before you call a plumber. It's worth a try!

Hardwood flooring installation for both engineered and regular hardwood flooring. Instructions for the homeowner on how to install hardwood flooring.

Check out my tips for painting quarter round trim.

Cleaner duct work equals cleaner air and less dusting. Learn how you can improve the quality of the air in your home for free without specialized tools.

Did you know that a "normal" incandescent light bulb only converts about 5% of the electricity used into useful light? There are lots of other lighting options which are much more energy efficient

Instructions on how to wire a 4 way switch, with wiring diagrams.

Learn about concrete driveway solutions for new construction, a remodel or repair that provide green space options. These ideas range from why-didn't-I-think-of-that to new products.

Leaky outdoor spigots can be easy to fix for DIYers. If you don't like to spend money on something you can do yourself, check out these simple steps to replace your outside faucet.

Are you looking for the perfect thermostat temperature so that you're not wasting electricity—and money? Cut your electric bill, help the planet, and find the right thermostat setting for winter, summer, and everything in-between.

In general plumbing terms, a plumbing fixture is a device that is connected to a plumbing system and interacts with liquid(or gas)

Instructions on how to fix a leaky or running toilet. Repairing a toilet that runs constantly is a quick easy job that anyone can handle.

Detailed instructing by choosing, installing and wiring a GFCI outlet. Written by an electrician for the homeowner doing their own work.

How to understand electricity. A complete beginner's guide covering watts, amps, volts, ohms and kWh. Cost of running appliances. AC, DC and three-phase. Resistivity of materials. A description of electric and magnetic effects of current flow in a conductor.

Get the most out of your A/C this summer. Understand what air conditioning services you should consider and why, whether you perform it yourself or are considering professional service.

A plate joiner, commonly called biscuit joiner, biscuit cutter, or biscuit jointer, is a power tool used to make very strong wood joints. Learn how to effectively use these amazing tools.

Tips and specific directions on how to install a new outlet on an existing wall.

A conduit bending guide with instructions on how to bend emt conduit. Learn how to bend conduit easily and effectively with a hand bender.

Learn to do your own home repair or improvement projects. Tips and encouragement for the novice.

Tips and step by step directions to install laminate hardwood flooring. Lots of photos of a new floor going down.

Detailed instructions for wiring an outlet so that half of it can be turned on via a wall switch. All your questions answered by an expert electrician, with diagrams and a video to help you.

How to choose, buy and install a thermostat for baseboard heaters or other electric heat source. Called line voltage heaters, the installation is well within the capabilities of most homeowners.

If your front door is faded and outdated or just plain ugly, you can use these easy ideas to completely change its appearance.

Math formulas and multipliers to help you bend electrical conduit. Learn how to bend conduit to any configuration desired, not merely the common bends on a conduit bender.

Check out my review of the Purdy 18-inch roller frame for painting walls and ceilings.

With some simple tools, a little effort and a few safety precautions, building a fieldstone fire pit is a weekend DIY project that your family and friends will enjoy for many years to come.

DIY guide to changing your own locks, including an explanation of common lock types and the basics of how to replace cylinders and get new keys.

Detailed instructions on how to install or hang a prehung door, with photos. Replacing an exterior door is similar to an interior door but with a few extra considerations.

Easy instructions for hand plastering walls to cover over wallpaper, hide damaged walls, or create a unique look.

Tips to turn your bedroom into a peaceful, restful sanctuary.

A friends daughter whose wedding I sewed and organized a few years ago came over last night with her 'Hubby'... saying that the deal on the house they had bid on had been accepted. The young couple was in seventh heaven. Their first house was a...

A comprehensive guide showing how to use a multimeter or DMM. A multimeter is a useful instrument in a home toolkit for measuring voltage, current and resistance and also for tracing breaks in wires, testing diodes, capacitors and fuses.

Thinking of buying a power tool as a gift? Or maybe it's for yourself to make DIY easier. This guide for the absolute beginner outlines the various tools available, their capabilities and what to buy

How to install a light fixture as well as how to wire that same light fixture. Written by an electrician that has installed thousands of fixtures.

The theory and practice of door closer adjustment, with steps and detailed instructions to adjust the swing of your hydraulic door closer.

This information is to help understand the basic components of an HVAC system and their functions.

Easy instructions with photos show how I make paper bricks. Don't shred and soak newspaper when making paper logs for burning in your fire. My paper logs dry so quickly I can even burn them next day!

The numbers and letters on the head of your key always mean something. Here is a brief guide to the most common meanings of the numbers and codes.

Choosing the right airless spray tips is important for reducing over-spray and wasted paint. Check out my recommendations for the best Graco RAC X tips to use for your next project.

Smells originating from our furnace and duct work are not only unpleasant but can present health concerns as well. Learn more about what causes them and how to get rid of these unwelcome odors.

Many older homes have been painted so many times that the paint becomes a series of thick layers. Humidity, moisture and time have a way of causing these layers to separate and bubble. Eventually it will start cracking and chipping. When this...

A step-by-step guide to help a DIY homeowner perform basic preventive maintenance on their air conditioning system.

Furnace filter comparisons, air quality tips, how often to replace your filter and more. Understanding your options will help you choose the best one for you.

An angle grinder is a useful power tool for cutting and grinding metal and other materials. Like any power tool it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. This guide shows you how to stay safe.

Sheetrock repair made easy: how to patch and repair different sizes of drywall holes from small to large.

How do you put up shelves, cupboards, brackets or coat hangers on a wall? This guide explains how to drill walls and outlines the tools, fixings and drill bits required.

Many old French houses have issues with damp. Some of these issues relate to humidity in the home and can be easily dealt with, but rising damp is a serious underlying problem which needs addressing.

A paint brush extender makes it safer and easier to cut-in high walls without a ladder. Check out my tips for using a paint brush extension tool.

A spigot (also known as a hose bib, bibcock or garden tap) leaks when the rubber washer inside wears away over time. Anyone with basic DIY skills can replace this. Only 2 tools are required.

One day your sliding glass door will need repair as it gets harder and harder to open. Instructions on how to replace patio door rollers.

How do you keep warm in the winter without electricity? Can you keep cool without ac during a summer heat wave? What if your home loses power for more than a day? An illustrated guide to my solution.

A homeowner's guide for choosing and installing angle stop water valves. Includes the different types and installation methods.

How to wire 3 way light switches, with wiring diagrams for different methods of installing the wire between boxes. Detailed instructions and wiring diagrams.

Have an old house that has problems with drains? Me too. I give strategies to unclog stopped drains as well as tips on how to prevent them.

Instructions for wiring both GFCI (GFI) and regular outlets by the DIY homeowner. Learning how to wire electric outlets is a simple task that nearly everyone can do themselves.

Whether you're stripping paint from cabinets that will be stained, or repainted, check out this how-to on cabinet stripping.

Hundreds of homes burn each year from electrical fires; learn the causes and how to prevent them.

A step by step guide showing how to repair a leaking ball cock valve in the header tank in your loft. This guide also explains the layout of hot and cold pipes and valves used in home plumbing systems

Air tools compliment mains or battery powered tools and have several advantages over the latter. An air compressor and air tools are a useful addition to a home or commercial workshop

Tile design ideas for countertops, floors, and showers. Pictures and design tips too.

Common recommended tools required when becoming an electrician. An electrician's hand tools are his life blood—it is imperative that every electrician own a good set of tools.

How to install an over the range microwave oven. Installing a microwave isn't difficult, but here are some tips for potential problems and their solutions.

How to finish drywall by applying tape and joint compound. Designed for the homeowner, this article gives useful tips for finishing drywall.

Stocking up on these HVAC tools and gadgets can make working on a furnace this winter much easier and efficient in many cases.

A homeowner's guide for diagnosing and repairing common toilet issues. Often the hardest part of the toilet repair is the trip to the hardware store.

Concrete is really easy to make and all you need is a shovel and some buckets. This is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide with pictures to mixing concrete by hand, with or without a mixer

How to choose, install and wire a thermostat for your home heating system. Digital programmable thermostats for heat pumps.

Detailed instructions on how to shingle a roof, including shingling both ridges and valleys.

Learn about the benefits of humidifiers and tips on maintenance and humidity control settings. There are also step-by-step installation instructions with pictures and a list of required supplies.

Damp can be a serious problem in homes leading to mildew on walls, ceilings, curtains, and clothing. It has several causes but can often be remedied or reduced in severity.

Check out these recommendations for the best masking tape for painting. We'll take a detailed look at FrogTape and ScotchBlue for all of your painting needs.

How to clear a kitchen sink drain that has become clogged.