Home Improvement

Why does lighting design play a major role in interior design, and why is a lighting plan an important part of an interior designer’s proposal? Find out why lights and lighting are important, and how they are integral parts of any interior design concept.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

Stop your toilet from constantly running by following this easy how to guide, tailored to beginning do it yourselfers!

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....

Learn about the benefits of humidifiers and tips on maintenance and humidity control settings. Also easy to follow step-by-step installation instructions with pictures and a list of required supplies.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

Clogged drains are a very common plumbing issue. This article looks at what causes pipes to become blocked, and offers advice on how to fix and prevent clogs from happening.

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.

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.

Learn how to bend PVC pipe with these directions and tips.

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

Introduction to the basics of how a septic tank sewage system operates. How to care for it, and what mainteance is involved.

How to install or replace a light switch, including 2 way, 3 way and 4 way switches. Easy to understand instructions for the homeowner doing their own home repairs.

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.

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

While a finished basement can provide more living space, a number of factors determine whether or not it adds value to your home. And just because you pay for a renovation doesn't mean home buyers would, as well.

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

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

Unclogging a garbage disposal yourself will save you money, and it's usually nowhere near as hard as many people might think, you just need a few basic tools and employ some basic methods.

Need to know how to unclog a toilet? Here are the best methods to try. Unclogging a toilet yourself can save you money.

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.

An informational guide to help a homeowner install a shower floor membrane correctly.

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.

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

The house I live in is not my "dream house." The floor plan is just okay, and it sure would be nice to have one more bedroom. We're not moving any time soon though, so I've been taking steps to transform my house into a place I really love. Instead...

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

How much do led lights save per year? Today, LED light bulbs pay for themselves after only months. I compare LED vs Incandescent, Halogen flood lights vs LED flood lights, and CFL vs LED.

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

Building new water sources costs billions of dollars that most governments don't have, but reusing waste water can help relieve that need. This article covers home greywater and blackwater systems.

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

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.

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.

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.

How to wire 3-way light switches, with wiring diagrams for different methods of installing the wire between boxes. Step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting guides included.

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.

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

Need to know how to fix a slow-draining bathtub? Here are the six best methods to try. Unclogging a bathtub drain yourself can save you money.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Technicians troubleshoot malfunctioning electric baseboard heaters before replacing anything. Troubleshooting isolates the exact fault and helps determine which part has failed.

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!

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

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

When shopping for lighting, it is most important to understand the light source and the wattage that will be saved. As these are choices important to your wallet, the article explains the factors.

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.

Roofing your own home can save you a lot of money. It is a physical job but, with the invent of newer materials and a little know how, the work can be accomplished by a "do it yourselfer". It does take physical ability and two or three people who...

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.

Tips and detailed instructions on how to replace a ceiling light in your home. An easy task if you know what you're doing.

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.

Has your kitchen sink become clogged? Learn the different methods you can use to clear your drain and how you can prevent blockages like this from happening again in the future.

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

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.

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.

Cross ventilation can clean your home's air, save you money and is easy to create without spending money. Start breathing cleaner air and saving money today.

DIY can save you money and gives you a great sense of achievement. This article outlines the essential hand and power tools a homeowner needs for basic and more advanced house maintenance.

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.

Easy-to-use home remedies for dealing with just about any clog. The do-it-yourself guide to fixing a clogged drain with household products.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Hate the trouble of getting out an air compressor, then fighting with an air hose? The best cordless nail gun can save your arms and your ears while delivering all the power you need.

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.

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

Check out my tips for painting quarter round trim.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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 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.

How to replace a Whole House Water Sediment Cartridge Filter on your Culligan HF-150, 160, and 360 model housing units. A step by step pictorial lesson for water filter replacement projects.

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...

Learn how to get rid of that standing water in your sink by snaking your drain. Liquid drain cleaners and plungers don't always work and it requires a bit more effort but knowing how you can do this yourself can save you big money.

Make your radiator look brand new by thoroughly cleaning and painting your steam radiator heater. It is a perfect DIY job that will improve your environment, the look of your home, and save money.

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.

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

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!

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 HVAC systems. Here are your options and a few tips to help you accomplish a more comfortable environment efficiently.

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

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.