DIY & home improvement

1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 19 of 24.

1081. Preserving history through window restoration and modern heating solutionsIn this episode of This Old House, experts tackle a historic school renovation in Dracut, MA, while integrating modern comforts like radiant garage floor heating into a home proje…
1082. The spark of understanding: why Richard Trethewey teachesPlumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey discusses his lifelong drive to explain complex home improvement concepts and the mentors who shaped his approach.
1083. How to create industrial-modern furniture using a water-heater drip panBuilding custom furniture often feels intimidating, but DIY expert Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to cast a concrete tabletop for under $100 using simple hardware store finds.
1084. Is your basement leaking from the surface or from deep underground?Wet basements are a common homeowner headache, but the solution depends entirely on where the water is coming from. This video breaks down the distinction between surface and subs…
1085. Why the future of skilled carpentry depends on the quiet art of mentorshipLasana Harper is a lead carpenter at Kevin Cradock Builders, but his most vital work happens away from the saw. By mentoring the next generation of builders, Harper is ensuring th…
1086. Why your charming wood fireplace might be the most inefficient feature in your homeTraditional wood fireplaces offer undeniable charm, but they often function as massive energy drains. When not in use, an open damper allows precious warm air to escape through th…
1087. Transform Your Living Space With These Professional Techniques For Creating A Stunning Accent WallAccent walls offer a powerful way to express personal style, yet achieving a professional finish requires precision. Whether you are working with textured grasscloth wallpaper or …
1088. When ceilings and walls are off-limits, the best place for ductwork is underground.Renovating historic homes often presents a spatial puzzle: where do you put modern mechanicals when you lack a basement, ceiling clearance, or wall access? Experts Richard Trethew…
1089. Why you should restore your rusted basement bulkhead instead of replacing it entirelyA weathered basement bulkhead might look like a total loss, but it often just needs a professional touch. Rather than opting for a costly replacement, you can restore the metal st…
1090. Why Masons Are Unearthing Centuries of Buried History Beneath Our Modern HomesMason Mark McCullough treats every excavation project as a potential archaeological dig. While digging foundations for modern homes, he frequently uncovers a surprising array of h…
1091. How to preserve an 1833 home while modernizing its essential electrical systemsHomeownership requires balancing historical preservation with modern necessity. In this episode, experts tackle the technical challenges of integrating a portable generator into a…
1092. How a simple community garden project teaches essential construction and landscaping skills to youthWhen a local Girl Scout troop needed to revitalize their library garden, the experts from Ask This Old House stepped in to help. By combining professional carpentry techniques wit…
1093. Can 3D printing technology fundamentally change the way we build our future homes?Building engineer Ross Trethewey investigates the emerging world of 3D printed residential construction. By visiting active build sites and finished projects in Austin, he explore…
1094. How to build a private outdoor shower that matches your home's coastal aestheticAn outdoor shower is a luxury, but without the right enclosure, it lacks the privacy needed for true relaxation. By selecting materials that complement your home's architecture, y…
1095. Why elevated garden beds are the secret to a thriving home herb patchRaised garden beds offer more than just aesthetic appeal for your home landscape. By utilizing elevated planters, you gain precise control over soil quality and drainage, effectiv…
1096. From Blacksmith Apprentice to Business Owner: The Metalworking Journey of Shelby BarnhartShelby Barnhart has transformed her career through the mastery of metalworking. Starting as an apprentice learning traditional blacksmithing techniques, she has successfully navig…
1097. Why Custom Gutter Systems Are Essential for Complex Mid-Century Modern Roof DesignsManaging rainfall on a home with multiple roof pitches requires precision engineering. In the Lexington project, the team installs a custom recessed gutter system designed to hand…
1098. How a 1960s Lexington home is being reimagined for modern accessibility and energy standardsRenovating a mid-century modern home requires balancing historic character with contemporary demands. In the Lexington project, the team faces the dual challenge of updating a 196…
1099. Why choosing the right rose requires a trip to a test gardenLandscape contractor Jenn Nawada explores the International Rose Test Garden to help a homeowner select the ideal variety. This look at botanical expertise reveals why off-the-she…
1100. Managing the complex transitions of a historic home renovationIn this episode of This Old House, the team tackles a variety of structural and aesthetic upgrades, from replacing heavy boilers to installing fine woodwork, as they push toward t…
1101. Preserving the architectural integrity of a 1890s Victorian homeWitness the meticulous process of renovating historic structures, from repairing original foundations to the delicate art of installing antique windows.
1102. Mastering the art of historic preservation and modern home upgradesThis episode explores diverse renovation projects, from installing Ipe wood porches to recreating historic architectural details for local schools.
1103. How to remove a structural wall without collapsing your roofRenovating a historic home often means choosing between preserving the structure and creating an open floor plan. This video demonstrates the precise engineering required to remov…
1104. How to handle overgrown arborvitae trees in your yardArborvitaes are popular privacy trees, but they can become unsightly when they grow too large. This video shows how to manage these once-stylish landscaping fixtures.
1105. How a new general contractor began his journey in constructionJoin host Kevin O'Connor for an intimate conversation with Zack Dettmore as he shares the story of his early days and how he launched his career in the construction industry.
1106. Harnessing the Earth's constant temperature for home climate controlWatch as experts from This Old House break down the mechanics of geothermal systems. Before a renovation begins in Lexington, they explain how this technology provides efficient h…
1107. How to make modern brick patches look sixty years oldWhen repairing a mid-century home, the challenge is making new mortar disappear. This video demonstrates the precise techniques used to patch original 1960s brickwork so that repa…
1108. How to build a kitchen island with custom architectural detailsWatch as experts Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva construct a kitchen island knee wall, using leftover floorboards and specialized joinery to create a seamless look that matches the r…
1109. The chemistry of color matching and the art of vintage restorationWatch the experts from This Old House tackle two distinct renovation challenges: installing remote-controlled outdoor lighting and performing a precise color match on a retro kitc…
1110. How to defend your home against the power of lightning strikesIn Atlanta, lightning strikes pose a genuine threat to both people and property. Expert Baylen Smith demonstrates the essential methods for installing lightning rods, grounds, and…
1111. Why tearing down an addition is sometimes the cheapest way to renovateIn this episode of This Old House, Charlie Silva demonstrates the demolition of a 1980s addition to a Concord home. Watch as heavy machinery and specialized tools are used to clea…
1112. From mountain retreats to windowsill gardens: mastering the art of DIYThis episode covers a diverse range of home improvement projects, from architectural tours to practical urban gardening. It is worth watching for anyone looking to balance aesthet…
1113. Turning a backyard window into a functional backdoorLearn the practical steps of converting an existing window into a door to create a new entrance. This episode explores how small structural changes can significantly improve home …
1114. Improve your indoor air quality and silence those annoying squeaky floorboards todayThis episode explores practical home maintenance, from science-backed strategies for reducing indoor allergens to DIY techniques for repairing noisy wood floors. You will learn ho…
1115. Expert advice on restoring your home's exterior and choosing the right power backupThis episode of Ask This Old House provides practical guidance on home maintenance. Experts demonstrate how to revitalize a vintage front door with paint, select the appropriate g…
1116. How to seamlessly join a new home addition to a tilted historic structureWhen a new, level addition meets a historic house that has settled over time, the transition can be jarring. This video follows the Silva crew as they demonstrate the precise carp…
1117. How modern power tools have fundamentally transformed the speed of residential constructionGeneral contractor Tom Silva walks through the evolution of framing tools, highlighting how the transition from manual methods to pneumatic and battery-powered nail guns has signi…
1118. How modern energy codes and accessibility standards reshape historic home renovationsThis episode of This Old House explores the intersection of historic preservation and modern living. The team demonstrates how to integrate contemporary energy efficiency, accessi…
1119. Go inside a Pennsylvania workshop to see how custom kitchen wood elements are crafted.Host Kevin O’Connor visits a rural Pennsylvania factory to observe master woodworker Paul Grothouse. This video provides a look at the fabrication process for custom kitchen featu…
1120. Mastering the intricate details of historic home renovationStep inside a full episode of This Old House to see how modern technology and traditional craftsmanship converge to preserve historic properties, one renovation step at a time.
1121. Practical home improvement solutions for garage graffiti, nursery storage, and hidden radon risks.This episode of Ask This Old House addresses common household challenges, from removing unsightly graffiti to optimizing nursery storage and detecting invisible safety hazards. Th…
1122. How to refresh a historic home's landscape with native plants and transplantsLandscape designer Maria Wheeler and contractor Jenn Nawada demonstrate how to revitalize a front yard by installing new plantings along an existing stone wall in Concord, Massach…
1123. Why bonding your pool perimeter is a critical safety step for electrical protection.In this episode of This Old House, the team focuses on the technical requirements of installing a therapy pool. You will see how expert Heath Eastman manages electrical safety thr…
1124. Home Maintenance Essentials: From Structural Steel Repairs to Reliable Emergency Power SolutionsThis episode covers practical home improvement strategies, including evaluating structural rust on steel beams, upgrading existing cabinetry with soft-close hardware, and repairin…
1125. How to seal a chimney junction against water damage during a home renovationWhen adding a new structure to an existing home, the connection point between the old and new is a major vulnerability. This video demonstrates how to properly install copper flas…
1126. How to choose and install the right recessed lighting for your home layoutKevin O’Connor, electrician Heath Eastman, and Charlie Silva discuss the essentials of recessed lighting. Learn how to navigate different fixture types and installation methods to…
1127. Navigating the hidden plumbing challenges of renovating a historic home's second floorAdding a new bathroom to an older structure requires careful planning for waste and vent pipes. This video follows expert Richard Trethewey as he works with contractor Abe Bilo to…
1128. Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Custom Stained-Glass Mosaic ArtistryHost Kevin O’Connor visits stained-glass artist Fran Devitt in her Concord, Massachusetts shop to explore the creation of a unique outdoor coffee table. This project features a ko…
1129. Solving shower temperature woes and mastering the craft of hand-stitched leather tote bagsThis episode of Ask This Old House tackles a common plumbing frustration while exploring the meticulous art of leatherworking. You will see how to diagnose a short-lived hot water…
1130. How to replace an aging bay window with a modern, custom-sized unitReplacing a bay window requires precision, especially when the new unit differs in size from the original. This video follows the This Old House team as they remove an old window …
1131. Modern skylights offer more than just natural light for your historic home renovation.Watch as the This Old House crew installs remote-controlled skylights in a historic Concord residence. These units feature integrated technology like retractable screens and adjus…
1132. Why installing a sub electrical panel is a smart move for your homeElectrician Heath Eastman joins the This Old House team to explain the practical benefits of adding a sub panel. Learn how this upgrade helps manage long electrical runs and prepa…
1133. Modernizing a mid-century home requires blending classic craftsmanship with new technology.This episode of This Old House follows the renovation of a mid-century modern property in Lexington. The crew demonstrates how to integrate sustainable energy, accessibility featu…
1134. How modern construction transformed basic timber into high-tech protective home sheathingKevin O'Connor visits a Georgia factory to reveal how residential sheathing has evolved from simple lumber into a sophisticated system that removes the need for traditional house …
1135. Why construction crews are switching to Zip Wall sheathing for exterior projectsTom and Charlie Silva explain the benefits of Zip Wall sheathing. This video explores how this modern material helps builders avoid wasting significant amounts of plywood when sea…
1136. How to select the perfect air conditioner for your home and budgetChoosing the right air conditioner involves balancing cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and noise levels. This guide breaks down the essential factors to consider before your n…
1137. Modern Home Upgrades: From Smart Security Systems to the Efficiency of Ventless DryersThis episode explores the essentials of modern home maintenance and security. Learn how to build a layered defense system for your property, discover the practical advantages of v…
1138. Why high-velocity mini duct systems require specialized installation techniquesHVAC expert James Bouchard explains how high-pressure mini duct systems differ from traditional heating and cooling setups. Learn why sound attenuators are essential for maintaini…
1139. Transforming a cold concrete garage floor into a high-efficiency heating assetRichard Trethewey demonstrates how to upgrade a standard garage slab into a radiant heating system. By installing thermal breaks and tubing before the concrete pour, you can turn …
1140. How a historic round window is restored for a new purposeHost Kevin O’Connor visits expert Alison Hardy to restore a large round window. This window is being prepared for a historic schoolhouse in Dracut that is currently undergoing a t…

All of Society Open the feed Latest A–Z