Intellect PlusDIY & home improvement
1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 4 of 24.
The hidden mechanics of the pedestal sink's pop-up drainReplacing a pedestal sink drain is often considered a daunting renovation hurdle because it requires navigating cramped spaces and heavy components. However, by understanding the …
Restoring your kitchen's surface without a full replacementDamaged laminate countertops don't always require a costly overhaul. This guide from This Old House explains how to fix common issues like loose edges or surface holes using stand…
The precise sequence for restoring weather-beaten mahogany decksWatch general contractor Tom Silva demonstrate the professional method for reviving a dirty wood deck. This guide moves beyond simple washing to show how proper preparation preven…
The proper way to upgrade your home's thermal efficiencyGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates the precise steps for replacing an old, inefficient storm window with a modern unit. This guide ensures you seal out drafts and protect y…
Engineering Stability: The Mechanics of Wood-Timber Retaining WallsLearn the professional techniques for constructing a timber retaining wall. Landscaping contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to transform uneven terrain into functional spaces, …
How to repair a vinyl floor without leaving a traceRepairing a damaged resilient floor doesn't require a full replacement. This guide from This Old House demonstrates how to create an undetectable patch using existing materials an…
Solving low water pressure with an electric booster systemWhen city water mains provide insufficient flow, homeowners can upgrade their home's internal plumbing. This guide follows a professional installation of an electric water pressur…
Securing clean water for every tap in your homePlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the essential steps and materials required to install a whole-house water filter. This guide ensures you can provide filtered water …
Solving the nation's home improvement puzzles one house call at a timeFrom local repairs to major renovations, Ask This Old House travels across North America to provide expert answers for homeowners. This retrospective highlights the series' journe…
The Art of Tree Work and Landscape Problem SolvingExplore how landscape contractor Roger Cook tackles complex outdoor challenges. This compilation highlights memorable projects where expert knowledge transforms homeowners' backya…- The engineering behind the classic rolling library ladderA rolling library ladder is often viewed as a decorative relic of old-world libraries. However, it is a functional piece of machinery that requires precise geometry to remain safe…
The craftsmanship behind the everyday: mastering deck constructionWatch as Tommy highlights some of the most memorable carpentry projects from Ask This Old House. This compilation showcases how expert techniques solve common home improvement pro…
The essential mechanics of installing a front entry intercom systemUpgrade your home's security and convenience with a professional-grade intercom. This guide breaks down the specific tools and materials required to wire a system through your wal…- Turning a wood-burning fireplace into a modern gas-powered centerpieceConverting an old fireplace into a gas-powered insert offers modern convenience, but the technical requirements are significant. This video walks through the complex process of in…
The precise geometry of creating a professional interior borderLearn the technical process of designing and painting a decorative border around an interior doorway. This guide breaks down the specific tools and materials required to achieve a…
The precise mechanics of setting up a front-loading laundry suiteInstalling heavy appliances requires more than just moving boxes. Richard Trethewey breaks down the specific tools, materials, and technical steps needed to ensure your washer and…
The essential toolkit for creating a child-safe domestic environmentTransforming a house into a safe space for children requires more than just supervision. This guide demonstrates how to install specific hardware to mitigate common household haza…- You can replace a corroded water valve without any solderingReplacing a faulty shut-off valve doesn't require professional-grade welding or complex plumbing knowledge. This guide demonstrates how to swap out old, corroded components using …
- How to identify where your home is losing heat and energyLearn the systematic process of conducting a whole-house energy audit. This guide explains how to use specialized tools to locate inefficiencies and the specific materials needed …
- Mastering the Geometry of a Classic Herringbone FloorThis guide breaks down the technical process of installing prefinished engineered flooring in a complex herringbone pattern. It is essential viewing for anyone looking to achieve …
Mastering the essential steps of a small kitchen renovationJoin general contractor Tom Silva and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey as they demonstrate the professional process of replacing a small kitchen, from removing old fixtures to in…
A tiny gap in your door is like a massive hole in your wallLearn how to seal a drafty wood door to significantly improve your home's energy efficiency. This guide explains the physics of air leaks and the specific materials needed to stop…- The professional secrets to installing a lush new lawnTransforming a bare yard into a vibrant green space requires more than just laying grass. Landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates the precise techniques needed to ensure your…
- How a single handle prevents the sudden scald of a showerOld three-valve shower controls rely on separate handles for hot and cold water. But what happens when cold water pressure suddenly drops? A single-handle pressure-balance valve o…
Crafting Curb Appeal: The Essentials of Building Custom Window BoxesGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates the precise process of constructing and installing window boxes. This guide breaks down the specific materials and tools required to crea…- How to achieve high-end architectural depth without the high-end price tagStandard crown molding can often disappear in rooms with high ceilings or large windows. This video demonstrates how to create a sophisticated, built-up look using a three-piece m…
How to silence a whistling heating duct with a bypass damperA noisy heating system can be a constant nuisance. This tutorial shows you how to install a forced-air bypass damper to quiet your home's ductwork.- Transforming entryways with stately, custom-built architectural dividersLearn how to create a sophisticated built-in room divider using accessible materials. This guide breaks down the construction of a columned structure designed to add character and…
- Transforming the transition between your driveway and the streetLearn how to replace a plain patch of tarmac with a sophisticated, European-inspired driveway apron. This guide explores using modern manufactured cobbles to achieve a high-end ae…
The delicate balance of keeping heat in while letting the attic breatheEffective home insulation is more than just stuffing a space with material. To prevent moisture buildup and structural damage, you must master the physics of airflow. Achieving ma…- How to transform a plain pine cabinet into a sophisticated vertical barThis guide demonstrates how to elevate a basic piece of furniture into a functional cocktail hutch. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of the materials and tools required to cr…
- How to achieve high-end architectural depth without building complex box beamsA coffered ceiling is a hallmark of classic architecture, but traditional construction can be daunting. This guide reveals how to create that same sophisticated grid using a simpl…
- The geometry of a garden: how to create a crisp, professional edgeA well-defined border is the difference between a messy yard and a curated landscape. This guide from This Old House explains how to expand your garden bed while maintaining a cle…
- The architectural logic of a permanent backyard sanctuaryA backyard chair is a temporary convenience, but a hand-built arbor bench is a permanent architectural statement. By blending structural engineering with aesthetic details like pr…
How to transform a basic hollow-core door into a grand entranceYou don't need an expensive solid wood door to achieve a high-end look. This guide explains how to use simple panel molding to add architectural depth and character to standard in…
Why cellular PVC is the secret to rot-proof outdoor gardeningStandard wood planters often succumb to moisture and pests, but a specific industrial material can withstand the elements indefinitely. This guide explores how to build a durable,…- Can experts identify a mysterious golden fist?Watch the team from This Old House, joined by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, attempt to solve a peculiar architectural mystery. It is a lighthearted exploration of an obscure too…
Restoring the integrity of hardwood floors without replacing the entire roomLearn the precise technique for repairing damaged hardwood-strip flooring. General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to surgically replace a single damaged board while maintai…- Engineering a home for an amputee veteran after IraqThis video previews a unique collaboration between This Old House and Homes for Our Troops. It documents the creation of a custom-built residence designed specifically for a wound…
- The hidden engineering behind a stable brick patioBuilding a patio is less about laying bricks and more about mastering the ground beneath them. This guide breaks down the professional techniques required to create a durable outd…
- How a wounded veteran found a new way to liveWitness the transition of Staff Sgt. Alex Dillmann and his wife, Holly, as they adapt to life in a specialized, accessible home designed for their needs.
Can experts identify an obscure tool with red flags?Watch as a team of seasoned home improvement experts, joined by guest Jimmy Fallon, attempt to decipher the purpose of two mysterious metal poles.- The precise engineering required to build a low-maintenance vinyl fenceInstalling a vinyl fence is more than just assembly; it requires careful site preparation and alignment. This guide from This Old House explains how to achieve a professional resu…
The invisible geometry of a functional kitchen islandA kitchen island is more than a surface; it is a spatial puzzle. If the dimensions are off by even a few inches, the room can feel cramped or dysfunctional. To get it right, you h…- The precise mechanics of swapping out a bathroom windowReplacing a window is more than just a surface swap; it requires a systematic approach to insulation and structural integrity. This guide from This Old House walks through the pro…
Can you identify this mysterious three-legged, battery-operated tool?In this entertaining segment of Ask This Old House, a group of experts and special guests attempt to deduce the purpose of an obscure object known as a 'battery powered gun'.- How a poorly-laid-out bathroom became the winner of a national remodel competitionDiscover how Ronda and Les Batchelor transformed their home in Magna, Utah. The footage highlights particular aesthetic decisions which secured their top ranking during the 2011 S…
- Building a home that accommodates the needs of wounded veteransThis video follows the completion of a special project where the crew of This Old House partnered with Homes for Our Troops to build an accessible residence.
- The mechanical method for clearing overgrown foundation shrubberyLandscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to efficiently clear old foundation plantings to improve curb appeal. The video provides a systematic approach to removing heavy s…
- Why your home needs a professional lightning protection systemLightning strikes are more than a spectacle; they are a serious threat to residential infrastructure. This video follows a landscape contractor to central Florida to demonstrate t…
- The mechanics of transitioning your home to high-efficiency electric heatingDiscover the practical steps and technical considerations involved in installing a heat pump system. This video features an expert walkthrough on how these units provide efficient…
- The physics of cooling: how whole-house fans move air efficientlyMoving air through a home isn't just about blowing wind; it's about structural integrity and thermal sealing. To turn a ceiling into a functional ventilation system, you must navi…
- The structural geometry required to build a stable raised gardenBuilding a raised bed is more than just stacking wood; it requires precise engineering to ensure the structure doesn't warp or lean. By using specific lumber types and geometric c…
- The hidden geometry of your floor's squeaks reveals its skeletonA squeaky floor isn't just a noise; it is a mechanical failure of the house's structural frame. By using a simple string and a series of screws, you can map out the invisible jois…
- The hidden engineering required to power your detached garageBringing electricity to an outbuilding is more than just stretching a cord. It requires a precise sequence of trenching, conduit protection, and structural boring to ensure safety…
- Why a simple pothole patch requires a structural foundationMost people think filling a pothole is just about pouring asphalt into a hole. In reality, a surface-level fix is destined to fail without addressing the subsoil. To create a last…
- How to breathe new life into a kerosene lanternThe transition from oil to electricity allows vintage lanterns to serve as modern decor without the fire hazard. By repurposing the original housing, you can preserve a piece of h…
- Why Texas is the premier destination for home wind energyRenewable energy expert Ross Trethewey breaks down the logistics of installing a home wind turbine. This video explains why specific environments are better suited for these syste…
- How Germany is pioneering the future of sustainable home heatingExpert Richard Trethewey takes us on a tour of German infrastructure to see how they are leading the world in renewable energy. It offers a practical look at what domestic heating…
- The hidden engineering of a stable stone walkwayA cracked stone path is rarely a surface problem; it is usually a failure of the foundation. Repairing it requires more than just repositioning rocks. It involves a precise sequen…