Intellect PlusDIY & home improvement
1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 15 of 24.
Master the art of installing a new toilet like a professionalIn this guide, contractor Josh Engle joins host Kevin O'Connor to demonstrate the correct way to install plumbing fixtures, specifically focusing on a new toilet for a bathroom re…
Preserving history through the precise installation of antique bay windowsWatch how experts restore and reinstall leaded glass bay windows in a historic Detroit home. This project demonstrates how to balance period-accurate craftsmanship with modern con…
Why a rushed brick walkway is destined to failA poorly constructed brick path is often the result of a rushed job. To build a walkway that stays level and resists the elements, you must focus on the foundation. Success requir…
The art of expanding your garden without breaking the bankTransforming an overgrown, neglected flower bed into a functional landscape doesn't require a massive construction budget. By mastering three specific techniques—pruning, dividing…- Can a box fan and duct tape actually clean your air?When wildfire smoke threatens your home, expensive commercial purifiers aren't the only option. A simple, low-cost DIY solution using a box fan and high-efficiency filters can be …
Should you repair historic windows or simply buy new ones?This video demonstrates the full lifecycle of restoring the original windows at a Victorian house in Belmont. You will see the technical trade-offs between refurbishing old glass …
Why you cannot simply rip out that wall to create an open floor planMany homeowners dream of wide, open-concept layouts, but removing the wrong wall can compromise your entire home. Crucial to a building's integrity, load-bearing walls transfer ro…
The hidden risks of refreshing your home's vintage fixturesRestoring a radiator cover is a common DIY project, but old materials can hide dangerous secrets. Watch as painter Mauro Henrique demonstrates the specific safety protocols requir…
How to secure reliable electricity for a historic seaside cottageLearn the essentials of installing automatic backup power systems. This session features electrical experts discussing how to maintain power continuity in a Victorian-era home.
The precise craft of shrinking an existing door for a smaller openingWatch master carpenter Norm Abram and contractor Tom Silva demonstrate the technical process of resizing a door. This video is essential for anyone looking to preserve historic ar…
How a mini-split moves heat against the natural flow of physicsDiscover how mini-split systems use inverter technology to provide efficient, year-round climate control without the need for complex ductwork. This guide explains the mechanics o…
How to transform your kitchen with a durable butcher block countertopLearn the essential steps for replacing laminate with butcher block. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates the installation process and the vital maintenance required to keep your…- How to breathe new life into your grandmother's heirloom furnitureTransforming a dusty basement relic into a centerpiece requires more than just a fresh coat of paint. To achieve a professional finish that lasts, you must master the art of surfa…
Why an electrician's nightmare is hiding in your front yardA homeowner's DIY lamppost project serves as a masterclass in what not to do. Watch as master electrician Heath Eastman identifies dangerous code violations and explains how to pr…
Stop the morning scavenger hunt with a custom wall-mounted organizerTired of searching for keys and coats before heading out the door? This video demonstrates how to construct a functional entryway station designed to corral your most essential it…
Does cordless power compromise the precision of a miter saw?This video evaluates the Metabo HPT 7-¼-inch dual bevel sliding compound miter saw. We test its 36V cordless performance and accuracy to see if this Japanese-made tool meets profe…
The engineering behind the wood that builds our modern homesEver wonder how lumber achieves such structural integrity? Join Kevin O’Connor in West Virginia to see the industrial process of creating laminated veneer lumber, a staple of high…
How to upgrade your kitchen with a new garbage disposalInstalling a garbage disposal can reduce kitchen odors and prevent food waste from clogging your plumbing. While the process requires specific tools like a mini hacksaw and plumbe…- How to transform drab concrete into high-end stone without demolitionReplacing an entire structural wall is a massive undertaking, but you can achieve a premium aesthetic for a fraction of the cost. By applying a thin stone veneer over existing con…
How to integrate modern air conditioning into a historic Victorian homeJoin Kevin O'Connor and expert Richard Trethewey in a Belmont Victorian basement to explore the complexities of upgrading an aging HVAC system while preserving its original heatin…
How a ready mix concrete truck keeps your foundation dryWatch as Tom Silva pours a concrete "rat slab" for a Victorian mudroom. This video explains how ready mix concrete functions to protect a home against moisture and pests.- How to select the perfect color scheme for your home's exteriorChoosing exterior paint is a significant decision for any homeowner. This video follows Kevin O’Connor and architect Mat Cummings as they evaluate various color-scheme options to …
- The meticulous art of restoring a historic claw-foot bathtubJoin plumbing expert Richard Trethewey in New Bedford, MA, to witness the detailed process of refinishing an antique claw-foot tub.
- Mastering the intricate art of herringbone fireplace tilingWatch DIY expert Jenn Largesse transform a worn fireplace surround and hearth. This video demonstrates the precision required to install complex patterns, including marble herring…
- How to transform an awkward architectural layout into a functional focal pointJenn Largesse demonstrates how to design and build custom shelving around an existing fireplace mantel. This project shows how to turn a spatial challenge—a fireplace sandwiched b…
- How to recreate intricate Victorian crown molding for historic homesWatch as expert Tom Silva uses a custom-made knife to replicate 120-year-old exterior molding. This demonstration shows how to match historic architectural details to preserve the…
- How to replace outdated knob-and-tube wiring with modern electrical outletsWatch electrician Allen Gallant demonstrate the process of snaking new wires for fixtures during a master suite renovation in Belmont.
- How to upgrade a historic home with a modern gas fireplace insertWatch as Richard Trethewey manages the installation of two new gas fireplaces on the first floor of the Belmont Victorian. This video demonstrates how modern technology can be int…
Mastering the craft of building a backyard retreatWatch as the This Old House team transforms a Belmont Victorian property with a custom-built treehouse. This video captures a collaborative effort to bring a childhood dream to li…- Why your miter saw loses its precision over timeModern dual-bevel slide-style miter saws are complex machines that rarely stay perfectly true. This guide demonstrates how to maintain and tune your saw to ensure professional-lev…
- Mastering the art of a professional kitchen installationWatch as experts from This Old House demonstrate the precise steps required to install a new kitchen, from mounting Belmont cabinets to the final placement of countertops and sink…
Why your home's foundation depends on the ground's drainageBefore you can build a home, you must understand the earth beneath it. This video demonstrates how to perform a percolation test to evaluate soil drainage, a critical first step i…
The art of replicating hand-carved Victorian staircase postsIn this episode, Norm Abram observes craftsman Matt Diana as he meticulously carves two newel posts. The goal is to create perfect matches for the original woodwork found on the m…- How a Scandinavian barnhouse reimagines modern residential designStep inside a tour of a 2021 Modern Scandinavian Barnhouse. This episode follows the design and construction vision of the project's owner, architect, and builder as they transfor…
Inside the industrial scale of modern custom home constructionJoin host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva as they go behind the scenes at a specialized production facility. This tour reveals how high-quality homes are engineere…- How a 1720s home survived four centuries of American historyExplore the meticulous restoration of a 17th-century first period home in Ipswich, Massachusetts. This tour reveals how master craftsmanship preserves historical integrity while i…
- Breaking through rock to build a solid foundationWatch as expert Ed Akerley uses drilling and blasting techniques to remove a rock ledge at a North Shore property, creating the necessary space for a new foundation.
How to protect your home from groundwater with a perimeter drainWatch as Erik Kaminski demonstrates the installation of a perimeter drain, a vital technique designed to divert groundwater away from a home's foundation.
Can the heat beneath your feet slash your energy bills by half?This video follows Richard Trethewey as drilling begins for a geothermal system at the North Shore site. Learn how tapping into the earth's natural temperature can significantly r…- Exploring the architectural origins of 17th Century North Shore homesJoin master carpenter Norm Abram and housewright Matt Diana as they tour historic First Period houses located in the North Shore area to examine the craftsmanship of the 1600s.
- Beyond the basics: five specialized hand tools for professional-level resultsEfficiency and precision depend on having the right equipment. This video explores five essential, yet uncommon, hand tools that can elevate your craftsmanship from basic DIY to p…
- Why the most tedious woodworking step is actually the most vitalGeneral contractor Tom Silva reveals why sanding is the secret to a professional finish. This video explores the meditative 'zone' of the craft and the specific techniques require…
- Which power sander is right for your next woodworking project?Choosing the wrong sander can ruin a surface. This video features expert Tom Silva as he breaks down the specific strengths and weaknesses of belt, finishing, and random orbit san…
- How to transform a dark deck into an inviting evening retreatA single, bright spotlight often leaves outdoor spaces feeling harsh and uninviting. By installing discreet, undermount LED strip lights, you can illuminate walking paths and crea…
- Relocating a hydronic baseboard heater requires precision and plumbing expertiseMoving a heater isn't just about shifting furniture; it's about rerouting the lifeblood of your home. When a poorly placed unit fails to heat a room effectively, you must navigate…
How to build a functional cedar and copper cooler benchWatch general contractor Tom Silva demonstrate how to construct a versatile outdoor bench that doubles as a cooler. This step-by-step DIY guide shows you how to combine weather-re…- Mastering the art of sealing new ductwork for home efficiencyJoin Kevin O’Connor at a North Shore job site to discover a new technology designed to improve the way ductwork is sealed during home renovations.
- How innovative materials protect a Minnesota barnhouse from extreme weatherIn the freezing temperatures of Minnesota, maintaining indoor comfort requires a perfectly sealed building envelope. This video explores the advanced materials used in a 2021 mode…
- Mastering the essential strategy for insulating your homeThis video features plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey and Erik Kaminski as they outline a comprehensive insulation plan for a North Shore house, helping you unders…
- The secret to a professional accent wall lies in your choice of tapeAchieving a sharp, clean line between two colors is the hardest part of accent painting. While many reach for standard painter's tape, the real difference between a DIY look and a…
- Why a single drop cloth is never enough for a professional finishMost homeowners assume a simple drop cloth protects their floors during a paint job. In reality, a single layer is often insufficient to prevent damage. To achieve a professional …
- Why professional painters remove every electrical plate before the first brushstrokeAchieving a flawless finish is about more than just steady hands. While many attempt to paint around outlets, true precision requires removing the hardware entirely. This simple p…
- Why your choice of paint sheen dictates your home's durabilityChoosing the right house paint involves more than just picking a color from a swatch. From the chemical composition of VOCs to the specific physics of light reflection, the right …
- The overlooked hand tools that separate professional finishes from amateur mistakesMost people focus on the paint, but a successful renovation depends on the hardware you rarely think about. From specialized tape to specific roller naps, the difference between a…
- How Milwaukee turned a failed cordless nailer into a top-tier toolAfter their first cordless finish nailers struggled in 2016, Milwaukee redesigned their technology. This video examines whether their second-generation brad nailer successfully fi…
- Can you actually paint vinyl siding without ruining your home?Many homeowners wonder if their vinyl siding can handle a fresh coat of color. The answer is yes, and it can actually take paint quite well. However, achieving a professional fini…
- Why custom gates beat store-bought alternatives for a cohesive backyard lookWhen a homeowner with two young children needed a way to keep them safely away from the street, a standard home center gate wouldn't suffice. To match an existing horizontal wood …
- How to construct a vertical tiered planter for small spacesThis video demonstrates how to build a space-saving 3-tiered planter using rot-resistant cedar. Learn how to use ladder-like sides to elevate store-bought planter boxes, creating …
- How to master the final details of your kitchen renovationGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to tackle essential finishing tasks, such as installing toe kicks and adjusting doors, to ensure your kitchen remodel is truly comple…
- How to upgrade your kitchen with a new sink and faucetPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace a kitchen sink from start to finish. This homeowner-friendly project is an inexpensive way to improve your kitchen's …