Intellect PlusDIY & home improvement
1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 7 of 24.
Securing your home doesn't require a professional installation teamYou can build a comprehensive wireless security network yourself. This guide breaks down the essential steps to set up sensors, cameras, and alarms without needing an expert.
Why your outdoor faucet freezes: the physics of the frost-proof sill cockStandard outdoor spigots are vulnerable because the water inside can freeze, expanding and bursting pipes. A frost-proof sill cock solves this by moving the shut-off point deep in…
Can you repair leaky air ducts from the inside of your home?In this demonstration, Richard Trethewey introduces a modern method for sealing ductwork leaks without accessing the vents from the outside, using liquid-rubber sealant and pressu…
How to silence a shrieking shower with basic plumbing skillsA high-pitched squeal from your shower is more than a nuisance; it is a signal that internal components need attention. With just a few basic tools and a little patience, you can …
How to build a living wall for your gardenA privacy screen doesn't have to be a wooden fence. By using living plants like yews, lilacs, and ornamental grasses, you can create a natural, growing barrier. However, successfu…
Can a simple plastic tunnel extend your growing season?While commercial greenhouses use fuel to battle freezing temperatures, high tunnels offer a more streamlined alternative. By creating a protective environment over the soil, these…- How to transform standard wall cabinets into a mobile kitchen islandStandard kitchen base cabinets are often too tall for a mobile setup. However, with a few strategic modifications and the right hardware, you can repurpose upper wall cabinets to …
The hidden mechanics of your shower's internal valve systemA dripping faucet is rarely a surface issue; it is often a failure deep within the wall. By replacing the valve stem and seat, you can restore water control to an aging home witho…- How to perform a seamless surgical repair on damaged wood trimWhen a hole appears in your baseboard molding, a simple patch often leaves an unsightly bump. General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates a precision technique using a custom routin…
- The hidden distinction between solar heat and solar electricityMost people use the word solar as a catch-all, but the technology behaves in vastly different ways. Depending on whether you want to bathe in hot water or power your television, t…
Can you identify this mysterious black and silver tool?In this episode of Ask This Old House, the team attempts to solve the mystery of an obscure, innocuous-looking tool. Watch as the experts and special guests struggle to guess its …
The precise chemistry behind a perfect concrete slabConcrete is more than just wet stone; it is a carefully balanced ratio of ingredients. To achieve a durable finish, one must distinguish between mortar, cement, and concrete, whil…
How to construct porch stairs that are safe, solid, and up to codeBuilding porch stairs requires more than just cutting wood. To ensure a structure is stable and meets modern building codes, you must focus on precise spacing, structural reinforc…- Mastering the art of tree care with landscape expert Roger CookFrom selecting the right specimen at a nursery to the technicalities of chainsaw felling, this compilation showcases Roger Cook's essential expertise in arboriculture and tree mai…
How to transform common decking into a beautiful side tableYou don't need exotic hardwoods to create high-quality furniture. By repurposing standard construction materials like fir decking and balusters, you can build a functional, elegan…
The engineering secrets behind your backyard deckGeneral contractor Tom Silva breaks down the essential techniques for building, repairing, and maintaining outdoor living spaces. From structural integrity to aesthetic finishes, …
Should you remove that stump or leave it for the wildlife?Removing a tree stump is a labor-intensive task involving digging and heavy machinery. However, before you reach for the shovel, consider the ecological cost. Dead wood serves as …- Restoring Functionality to Historic Windows with Modern Sash BalancersWatch as general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to replace antique window sash balancers. This guide is essential for homeowners looking to preserve the character of histor…
- Automating the Yard: A Professional Guide to Robotic MowersWatch landscape contractor Roger Cook and host Kevin O'Connor demonstrate how to properly install a robotic lawnmower. This practical guide breaks down the setup process for homeo…
Helping homeowners solve a steady stream of home improvement problemsThe Ask This Old House crew travels across the country to answer homeowner questions on various smaller projects, providing expert advice through direct house calls.
Why lowering your thermostat by just one degree saves 1% of fuelIt feels counterintuitive to let your home get colder or warmer while you are away. However, the physics of heat transfer prove that small adjustments to your target temperature c…
Inside the 15th season of Ask This Old HouseSenior Producer Heath Racela previews the latest season of Ask This Old House, offering a first look at the renovated workshop and answering fan questions about home improvement p…
How to turn heavy stair treads into a functional home libraryStair treads are often overlooked architectural leftovers, but they possess the structural integrity needed for high-quality furniture. By repurposing these veneered pieces, you c…
How to swap out a rusty kitchen sink strainerPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the process of replacing a corroded sink strainer to help homeowners manage small home improvement projects.- The secret to a professional wood finish lies in the preparationAchieving a smooth, even stain on a wooden table is less about the pigment and more about the precision of your sanding and conditioning. Follow these expert steps to prevent blot…
How to upgrade your kitchen with undercabinet lighting and powerTransforming your kitchen workspace often requires more than just new appliances. By installing LED undercabinet lights and integrated electrical outlets, you can significantly im…- How to transform a standard house into a wheelchair-accessible homeRetrofitting a home for accessibility involves more than just adding a ramp. It requires a strategic coordination between homeowners, physical therapists, and occupational therapi…
- The mystery of the motorized plastic cylinderThe Ask This Old House team, joined by guests like Nick Offerman and Jimmy Fallon, attempt to identify an obscure tool. Watch them navigate the comedy of confusion as they try to …
What should you look for when buying a circular saw?Host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva explore vital factors for picking and running a circular saw during DIY tasks.- How to establish a productive fruit orchard in your own backyardLandscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates the essential steps for planting a home orchard, specifically focusing on the successful integration of apple and pear trees into your…
- Master the art of repairing small holes and cracks in your wallsGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates professional techniques for fixing wall damage, ranging from minor surface cracks to larger holes requiring structural reinforcement.
- How to repair a damaged front porch boardWatch general contractor Tom Silva demonstrate the process of replacing a broken deck board to restore your front porch.
- Why your choice of kitchen countertop depends on more than just aestheticsSelecting a countertop requires balancing visual appeal with material science. From the porous nature of natural stone to the durability of engineered quartz, the right choice dep…
How to hide electrical wiring behind crown moldingMaster electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to use crown molding to conceal wiring and add more electrical outlets to a bedroom.- How an Iron Chef designs a high-performance kitchenJoin host Kevin O’Connor for a tour of Michael Symon’s commercial and home kitchens. Discover professional insights on optimizing layout, reducing wasted movement, and choosing du…
- The hidden water cost of your daily laundry routineMost standard top-loading washers are surprisingly thirsty, consuming 40 gallons of water for a single large load. By switching to high-efficiency models, you can cut that usage b…
- Can smartphone technology help you control the temperature of every room?Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explores a modern HVAC solution that enables room-by-room zoning, allowing homeowners to manage their heating and cooling through a smartphone.
- How a robotic wall can maximize space in small urban apartmentsIn this episode of Ask This Old House, technology expert Ross Trethewey demonstrates the installation of a robotic wall, a smart-home innovation designed to optimize living space …
- The secret to level kitchen cabinets starts with finding your lowest pointInstalling kitchen cabinets is not about following a straight line, but about navigating the imperfections of your home. General contractor Tom Silva reveals that the key to a pro…
- Can smartphone technology make power tools safer for homeowners?General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates a new table saw that uses smartphone connectivity and advanced sensors to prevent accidents and manage user access.
- Expert advice on navigating the complexities of solar energy installationIn this recorded session from December 2016, homeowners pose questions about solar energy to the experts from Ask This Old House to help solve common home improvement challenges.
The step-by-step mechanics of installing a hydraulic home elevatorWatch as Kevin O’Connor and an accessibility contractor demonstrate the technical process of installing a hydraulic lift designed to improve accessibility for a young man with dis…- Modernizing your home's lighting without running new wiresMaster electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to integrate wireless technology into existing electrical systems. Watch this guide to understand the specific wiring sequence requ…
- How to lay a durable bluestone walkway using professional techniquesReplacing an old flagstone path with bluestone requires more than just laying stones. To ensure a level, stable surface that resists weeds and shifting, you must master excavation…
- How to transform a garage into a functional woodworking shopGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to build a space-saving folding workbench. This guide covers essential construction steps to turn a standard garage into a dedicated …
- Modernizing exterior lighting requires more than just swapping a bulbReplacing a broken floodlight is an opportunity to upgrade your home's ambiance. This guide walks through installing ultra-thin LED fixtures and automating them with smart timers …
- The secret to a perfect cut lies in the teethSelecting the wrong hand saw can turn a simple home repair into a frustrating struggle. From piercing drywall to slicing metal, the geometry of the blade and the density of its te…
- How to safely run electricity underground to a backyard shedTransforming a simple shed into a powered hangout requires more than just digging a hole. To do it safely and according to code, you must navigate specific depths, protective laye…
- How to boost your home's hot water capacity using an indirect water heaterIf your existing steam boiler isn't providing enough hot water, an indirect water heater might be the solution. By connecting the unit to your boiler via a heat exchanger coil, yo…
- How to transform tiny urban spaces into productive vegetable gardensWhether you have a sprawling backyard or a narrow rooftop, small-scale gardening is possible. By using clever containers like milk crates or feeding troughs, you can grow everythi…
- A look inside Nick Offerman's Los Angeles woodworking shopHost Kevin O’Connor visits comedian Nick Offerman to tour his personal woodworking shop in Los Angeles, offering a glimpse into the space where Offerman pursues his craft.
- How to upgrade your living room with surface mounted downlightsMaster electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to install surface mounted LED light fixtures to improve a living room's lighting. This guide covers the essential steps for mounti…
Expert advice for your next home improvement projectWatch this live session from the This Old House team as they tackle a wide range of homeowner questions regarding smaller-scale residential repairs and maintenance.- Can even seasoned experts identify this mysterious red sliding tool?Join the Ask This Old House team, featuring special guests Nick Offerman and Jimmy Fallon, as they attempt to identify an obscure, red metal sliding tool.
- How to revive a dying lawn without just adding more fertilizerA healthy lawn is often suffocated by its own debris or compacted soil, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Restoring it requires a systematic mechanical overh…
- How to bore a precise hole for a new door knobInstalling a new passage set door knob requires more than just a screwdriver. To ensure a professional finish, you must master the art of boring holes through the door and mortisi…
Mastering the jigsaw: how to achieve precision in every curved cutThe jigsaw is the ultimate tool for intricate curves, circles, and scribed wall cuts. However, achieving a clean finish requires more than just steady hands. From managing orbital…- How to bring high ceilings within reach with a motorized light liftChanging bulbs in a grand chandelier shouldn't require a ladder and a prayer. By installing an electric winch system, you can lower heavy fixtures to a workable height, making mai…
- Restoring the Balance: How to Repair Vintage Window Sash CordsLearn how to restore the smooth operation of a double-hung window by replacing its internal pulley system. This guide walks through the precise steps of swapping out old weights a…
- Why your backyard barbecue requires a professional touchUpgrading to a natural gas grill offers permanent convenience, but the installation process is far from simple. From managing high-pressure lines to ensuring airtight seals, the t…