Intellect PlusDIY & home improvement
1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 13 of 24.
Upgrading your security: how to replace traditional mortise door hardwareLearn the precise carpentry techniques required to swap non-locking mortise hardware for a modern locking set without damaging your door.
Transform a single sheet of paper into a functional, multi-pocket walletLearn the precise folding and cutting techniques required to construct a paper wallet. This guide demonstrates how to transform a flat sheet into a structured accessory capable of…
Mastering the mechanics of a DIY irrigation system for your home gardenInstalling an efficient sprinkler system transforms garden maintenance, but it requires precise planning and assembly. By mapping your yard, constructing a custom manifold, and ca…
Mastering the final stages of installing your residential irrigation system for a lush lawnTransitioning from trenching to a fully automated watering system requires precision in plumbing and electrical wiring. By carefully sealing joints, testing for leaks, and calibra…- The Master Plumber's Guide to Achieving a Leak-Free Copper Pipe Solder JointSoldering copper pipes is a fundamental skill for home repairs, yet even professionals disagree on the perfect technique. By focusing on meticulous surface preparation and control…
- How to master the art of safe outdoor holiday lightingAvoid electrical hazards this season. This video demonstrates professional techniques for installing Christmas lights securely, from protecting your outlets to managing extension …
The meticulous art of recreating historical lighting for modern homesDiscover the craftsmanship behind reproduction light fixtures. This video takes you into a Vermont workshop to see how artisans recreate period-accurate lighting, blending histori…- The technical art of relocating indoor lighting for historic homesAdding indoor sconces is more than a cosmetic upgrade; it requires a precise understanding of electrical infrastructure. This video demonstrates how to move existing electrical bo…
How to transform a concrete block fireplace with stone veneerMason Mark McCullough demonstrates how to upgrade a plain concrete block fireplace using stacked stone veneer and a stone slab. This video provides a practical guide to giving an …
Engineering the perfect fit for uneven stone architectureWatch master carpenters Nathan Gilbert and his father transform a chicken barn by installing custom sliding doors. This project highlights the precise techniques required to marry…
Why your ceiling should ideally disappear into the roomMost people view ceiling painting as a chore, but it is actually a study in physics and visual perception. The goal isn't just to cover a surface; it is to eliminate reflections a…
The hidden mechanics of turning sunlight into household electricitySolar energy isn't just about placing panels on a roof. To power your home, you must navigate complex electrical conversions, diverse financing models, and specific structural req…
How a modern farmhouse is being sealed against the elementsIn Fairfield County, the construction of a new farmhouse reaches a critical stage. This episode follows the installation of specialized roofing and large-scale glass to secure the…- The messy process of extracting an old oil tankRemoving a legacy oil tank is a complex and dirty undertaking. This video demonstrates how specialists handle the removal of old tanks and the sludge that accumulates inside them …
- The rigorous protocols required to safely remove lead paint from old homesRemoving lead paint is more than just demolition. This video follows Richard Trethewey and expert Ron Peik as they demonstrate the precise, high-stakes containment strategies used…
Why DIY a leaning ladder bookcase to save two-thirds of the retail cost?Transforming a living room or entryway with a custom ladder shelf doesn't require a massive budget. By building your own, you can achieve a sophisticated design element for just a…
The precise geometry of masonry: mastering the art of laying brickWatch master mason Mark McCullough demonstrate the foundational techniques of bricklaying. This guide breaks down the essential tools, mortar consistency, and the rhythmic process…- How insulated concrete forms are transforming modern foundation constructionWatch as Kevin O’Connor and Tom Silva demonstrate the process of using insulated concrete forms (ICF) to build a durable new foundation, replacing traditional molding methods.
What happens to the rubble from your old driveway?This video follows Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor to a recycling facility to witness the transformation of construction debris. See how truckloads of old foundations and driveways a…
How modern cranes and pre-fabricated sections are revolutionizing traditional stone masonryThis video demonstrates the efficient process of constructing a stone wall using pre-fabricated sections. You will see how natural field stone from disassembled old walls is trans…- How to transform an old closet door into a new bedroom featureLearn the practical steps of resizing and installing a salvaged door. This video demonstrates how Norm Abram modifies an existing closet door to fit a new opening, offering a way …
How computerized precision transforms modern woodworking and renovationDiscover how specialized shops use CNC machines to execute elaborate cuts for home features. This video follows Norm Abram as he tours Peter Murray's workshop to see how computeri…- How to properly install energy efficient double-hung windowsThis video demonstrates the professional process of replacing windows to improve home efficiency. Learn the essential steps for framing, flashing, and securing new double-hung uni…
- Why your backyard might be responsible for street floodingWhen heavy rain hits your property, where does the water go? This video explores how large-scale dry wells manage stormwater to prevent runoff from flooding public streets.
- How to recreate historic exterior brackets for a home's eavesThis video demonstrates the craft of making fifty decorative cedar brackets. Watch as Charlie Silva and Kevin O’Connor use traditional tracing and modern sanding techniques to rep…
Why homeowners are bringing antique fireplace technology into the modern kitchenThis video demonstrates how to install a heavy fireback behind a kitchen stove. While traditionally used in fireplaces for centuries to reflect heat, these heavy plates are seeing…- The mechanics of installing a steel insulated garage doorThis video demonstrates the professional installation of a 16-foot steel insulated garage door. Learn how the bottom panel integrates with the tracks and how spring systems work t…
- Restoring the Soul of an Antique Claw Foot TubDiscover the meticulous process required to transform a salvaged antique into a functional centerpiece. This video follows a renovation project where homeowners chose historical c…
How to craft a multifunctional outdoor side table with built-in coolingIn this woodworking tutorial, Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to construct a versatile patio side table. This project features a specialized holder for a removable umbrella and a h…- How to hide unsightly outdoor air conditioning units with woodAir conditioning is a modern necessity, but the bulky exterior units can ruin a home's aesthetic. This tutorial by DIY expert Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to construct a custom …
- The meticulous art of reviving original double hung windowsWatch as master carpenter Jared Lee begins the delicate process of restoring thirty-six original double hung windows at a project in Charleston. This video demonstrates the essent…
How to restore original heart pine flooring the old-fashioned wayDiscover the traditional techniques used to restore and reuse historic heart pine flooring. This video follows carpenter Ismael Medina as he reinstalls the original timber at the …
How professionals manage complex installations under strict COVID-19 restrictionsThis episode follows Matt Cole’s team as they navigate the intricate details of the Cottage on the Cape, balancing efficient carpentry with the logistical challenges of working du…
Hiding modern plumbing in historic homes without traditional stud wallsDiscover how to conceal waste pipes in a Charleston Single House where standard construction methods fail. This video demonstrates a creative carpentry solution for integrating mo…- Mastering the fine art of installing stairway nosingLearn the precise carpentry techniques required to finish a new staircase. This video demonstrates how to properly secure nosing to floorboards for a professional, durable result.
How to restore historic plaster walls from the inside outThis video demonstrates a specialized repair technique used on the historic Charleston Single House. Learn how Mike Lauer reinforces aging staircase walls by accessing them from b…- How to create a mural effect without the permanent commitment of paintThis video demonstrates how to construct a large-scale frame for a fabric print. It is an ideal solution for those who desire the visual impact of a wall mural but want to avoid t…
- Mastering the Geometry of a Kitchen Cabinet InstallationInstalling high-end cabinetry requires more than just following a manual; it demands an ability to adapt to architectural imperfections. This video follows Patrick Feery and Tom S…
- Mastering the art of timber framing for a custom pergolaGo behind the scenes with Tom Silva to witness the precise process of cutting and dry fitting timber frame components before they are assembled on site.
- How to cut a new window into an existing concrete foundationThis video demonstrates the process of installing a basement window into an old foundation. Watch as a professional uses a specialized concrete cutter to create an opening, provid…
- Mastering the Geometry of the Roof: Cutting RaftersWatch Tom Silva demonstrate the precise techniques required to cut rafters for a residential build. This video breaks down the essential skills needed to transition from raw lumbe…
- Mastering the art of installing a custom iron gateWatch as students from the American College of the Building Arts join expert Tom Silva to install a custom iron gate at a Charleston Single House.
- The geometry of height: why curtain placement dictates room scaleA simple rod can do more than block light; it can manipulate the perceived volume of a room. By mastering specific measurements and structural anchors, you can transform a cramped…
- Inside the assembly of modern high-efficiency furnacesGo behind the scenes at the Bryant factory in Indianapolis to see how the latest manufacturing techniques are used to assemble high-efficiency heating systems.
- Can you build elegant furniture without a single stitch?Creating a round tufted storage ottoman often seems like a complex task, but this guide demonstrates how to achieve a professional look using only a simple frame and a staple gun.
- The Architecture of Movement: Building a Stringerless Interior StaircaseWatch Tom Silva and Jeff Sweenor demonstrate the precise assembly of a white oak staircase. This video breaks down the transition from shop fabrication to on-site installation for…
- How to transform a structural beam into an elegant coffered ceilingThis video demonstrates the process of installing a coffered ceiling in the living and dining rooms of the Westerly house. You will see how professionals use a storypole to ensure…
- How to properly install a window to prevent water damageMastering window installation is a rite of passage for any apprentice. This video demonstrates the precise sequence required to ensure a window is both level and watertight, focus…
- Turning architectural history into interior character with reclaimed woodWatch Norm Abram and Jeff Sweenor demonstrate how to transform old knotty pine from a ranch house into functional wainscoting. This project highlights the practical art of repurpo…
- The structural blueprint for building a durable outdoor deckLearn the essential sequence of deck construction, from setting concrete footings to the final floorboards, guided by seasoned experts Tom Silva and Norm Abram.
- The Art of Shaping Local Stone into Functional Landscape ArchitectureWatch a master craftsman's shop transform raw Westerly granite into custom landscape steps. This video demonstrates the transition from industrial cutting to traditional hand-tool…
- How to construct a stylish porch swing for under $100Learn how Jenn Largesse from House One assembles a budget-friendly, DIY porch swing using basic lumber and a clever repurposing hack to avoid expensive outdoor cushions.
- Can modern materials replicate the charm of historic window shutters?This video demonstrates how to assemble and install PVC exterior shutters that are both historically accurate and fully operable. Watch as experts test a new "shutter in a box" pr…
How to create watertight connections for outdoor LED lightingWatch as electrician Ben Stiles demonstrates how to install a 12-volt linear LED tape lighting system on pergola beams. This guide covers essential techniques for creating durable…- Master the art of mounting seamless floating shelves and mantelsLearn the professional technique for installing white oak floating shelves and mantels. This video demonstrates how to use wall cleats to create a sleek, modern look on surfaces l…
- Transforming reclaimed pine into a custom two-tiered oval coffee tableWatch as Norm Abram and Jeff Sweenor transform old pine boards from a family sawmill into a bespoke piece of furniture. This video demonstrates precision joinery and shaping techn…
- How to expand a home by breaking through stone foundationsThis video demonstrates the technical process of breaking through an existing stone foundation. Watch as Mark McCullough creates the necessary openings to accommodate new plumbing…
- Why cooling every room individually doesn't require a dozen outdoor unitsMost homeowners assume that creating multiple cooling zones in a house requires a massive array of outdoor condensers. This video explores a more modern, efficient approach to HVA…
- Securing a foundation to a solid granite ledgeThis video demonstrates the specialized process of pinning concrete footings directly into extensive granite rock. Watch as professionals drill into the ledge and use rebar to cre…
- How to replace traditional trusses with a beam system for cathedral ceilingsThis video demonstrates how to transform a standard attic into a vaulted space. Watch as the experts replace a traditional truss system with a custom beam system to support a new …