Intellect PlusDIY & home improvement
1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 8 of 24.
From family heirlooms to high-tech innovation: exploring the evolution of plumbingPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey examines historic artifacts from his family's plumbing company and explores the latest advancements in toilet technology to see how sanitation ha…
The sophisticated secret of tone-on-tone wall stripesLearn how to create professional self-stripes using a single color. This video demonstrates a high-end decorative technique that relies on varying finishes rather than contrasting…
Why you cannot actually tie-dye your favorite sneakersTrue tie-dyeing requires scrunching and tying fabric, a feat nearly impossible with rigid footwear. To achieve the iconic rainbow gradient look on sneakers, you must pivot from tr…
How to transform a textured wall using decorative glazesThis video demonstrates how to work with existing wall or ceiling textures. You will learn how to seal surfaces and use color glazes to add depth and life to a room without changi…
Why a dead lawn is rarely just a surface problemA brown patch in your yard isn't always a simple lack of water. From buried construction debris to chemical scorching, the cause dictates whether you need a quick drink or a compl…
How to locate a hidden clog using high-tech plumbing toolsWatch plumbing expert Richard Trethewey use specialized equipment to track down obstructions within a home's main drain line.- How to transform falling rain into a recirculating garden water featureInstead of letting storm runoff vanish into drains, you can capture it to power a beautiful garden centerpiece. By integrating a downspout filter with a reservoir, you can create …
Mastering the art of replacing a steam radiatorPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the precise steps required to swap out an old steam radiator for a correctly sized replacement, ensuring a secure and functional con…
How to build a window-style message center using stock lumberWatch general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor transform standard home center materials into a decorative, window-mimicking message center. This step-by-step guide dem…
Why your indoor jungle fails: the science of tropical placementBringing the tropics inside is about more than just aesthetics; it is an exercise in environmental engineering. To keep these plants thriving, you must balance light levels, humid…
Why a hybrid water heater might need a professional second lookEven high-tech home upgrades can fail. When a hybrid water heater stops working, the solution involves more than just a simple fix. It requires a systematic approach to disconnect…
The geometry of a perfect storm door installationInstalling a storm door is more than just hanging a frame. To prevent drafts and ensure a lasting seal, you must master the precision of squaring the jamb and the careful applicat…- Why your home's water filter needs a secret escape hatchA whole-house filtration system is more than just a purifier; it is a critical infrastructure project. To ensure your home never runs dry during maintenance, experts recommend a s…
Why a manual transfer switch is the safest way to use a generatorConnecting a portable generator directly to your home's wiring is a dangerous shortcut that can backfeed power into the grid. A manual transfer switch acts as a critical gatekeepe…
How to swap track lighting for a modern cable systemMaster electrician Scott Caron demonstrates the process of replacing a traditional track lighting setup with cable lighting, specifically within the context of a nursery renovatio…
How to transform a garden from a vague vision into a precise landscape planGreat landscapes begin with more than just a beautiful photo. While gathering inspiration is the first step, the real work lies in the geometry of your ground. Discover how profes…- How to build a bluestone patio and granite fire pitLandscape designer Jenn Nawada demonstrates the professional process of installing a natural stone patio paired with a reclaimed granite fire pit, from excavation to the final swe…
- Why hardwood and softwood have nothing to do with densityGeneral contractor Tom Silva explains the botanical distinction between wood types and how to choose the right species for your next home improvement project.
- How a dishwasher actually cleans your dishesPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the internal mechanics of a dishwasher, explaining how water, heat, and pumps work together through various cycles to sanitize your …
- How to build and plant a thriving tropical raised garden bedCreating a productive tropical garden requires more than just soil and seeds. From selecting the right wood to managing drainage for fruit trees, specific structural and biologica…
The secret to perfectly clean lines when painting old windowsPainting window frames often results in messy overlaps on the glass. This demonstration shows a professional technique using masking liquid to create sharp, clean boundaries and p…- How to fix a poorly installed wood nosing jointA bad flooring joint can ruin the look of a room, but it is not a permanent disaster. By using precise cutting techniques and traditional joinery, you can strip away the error and…
How to safely harvest honey from your backyard beehiveLearn the essential steps for extracting honey while maintaining hive health, featuring expert guidance from Roger Cook and a professional beekeeper.
How to safely install a wall-mounted electric convection heaterMaster electrician Scott Caron demonstrates the technical steps required to install a wall-mounted panel heater, ensuring your bathroom stays warm through proper electrical integr…- How to successfully install a new beehive in your backyardStarting a hive requires more than just a box and some bees. From managing the queen to protecting your colony from the elements, the setup process involves specific steps to ensu…
- Cracked Tile Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to RestorationReplacing a damaged floor tile seems daunting, but the process is methodical. From careful removal to final grouting, following a sequence of steps ensures a professional, lasting…
- The subtle geometry of perfect cabinet hardware placementInstalling hardware seems simple until you realize that 'centered' is often a visual illusion. This video explains how to use professional techniques and custom jigs to achieve a …
How to brighten a dark bedroom with new overhead lightingMaster electrician Scott Caron demonstrates the process of installing dimmable overhead lighting to transform a dim bedroom space.
Can you upgrade your solar setup with battery storage?Learn the technical process of adding battery storage to an existing photovoltaic array. This video follows plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey as he demonstrates the pr…
Expert advice for the steady stream of home improvement problemsHomeowners often face a constant barrage of renovation questions. This sneak peek introduces the 16th season of Ask This Old House, where experts travel to real homes to provide p…- Inside a house being built by the next generation of expertsHost Kevin O’Connor takes you behind the scenes of an active construction site. You can see how three apprentices are applying their skills to build a home from the ground up.
- How to expand your home's electrical coverage by adding new outletsWatch electrician Scott Caron demonstrate the technical process of installing new electrical outlets into baseboards and floors, extending wiring directly from the main fuse box.
- Turning architectural waste into art requires more than just a sawRepurposing an old door into a shadow box is a classic DIY project, but it hides significant safety and technical hurdles. From identifying toxic lead paint to managing the chemis…
Mastering the art of kitchen lighting with track installationsLearn how to differentiate between general and task lighting while following a professional step-by-step guide to installing track lighting in your kitchen.- The precise sequence for installing a citrus water conditionerHard water can wreak havoc on your plumbing, but fixing it requires more than just a wrench. Success lies in a specific order of operations, from preparing your wall structure to …
A master electrician's guide to upgrading your home's safety sensorsLearn the essential steps for replacing traditional alarms with smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This video demonstrates how to safely manage wiring and hardware to ensu…- Mastering the art of the adhesive tile backsplash installationTransforming a kitchen wall doesn't require professional masonry skills. By using an adhesive mat and a few specific techniques, a homeowner can achieve a clean, professional fini…
- The delicate art of replacing a toilet without breaking the porcelainReplacing a toilet is a common home improvement task, but it requires more than just brute force. From managing residual water to the precision of bolt tension, plumbing expert Ri…
- How to locate the hidden studs behind your wallsFinding the structural studs in your walls is essential for secure mounting. This video demonstrates low-tech and high-tech methods to identify stud locations using everything fro…
How to upgrade your garage to a smart, remote-controlled spaceIs your garage door opener acting up? You don't always need a total replacement to gain modern control. By adding a Wi-Fi hub, you can monitor and operate your doors remotely usin…- How to restore crumbling masonry using only manual hand toolsWhen mortar begins to decay, you do not always need a full-scale reconstruction. Through a process called spot pointing, a homeowner can repair a brick floor or wall, saving signi…
- How to identify and treat the specific issues in your home's water supplyPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates a three-step process for selecting a water filter that addresses your unique water quality concerns, ensuring you don't buy unnecess…
- The precision engineering behind a handmade holiday toy boxBuilding a piece of heirloom furniture requires more than just wood and nails. It demands a mastery of joinery, from intricate dados to precise angles, to transform simple birch p…
- How to fix a window that is no longer parallelIn this clip, general contractor Tom Silva from Ask This Old House uses shims to fix a window that is no longer parallel because it was installed incorrectly. General contractor T…
How the Ask This Old House team celebrates the holiday seasonWatch the Ask This Old House experts exchange gifts during a festive Secret Santa session. The crew includes host Kevin O’Connor and specialists in contracting, plumbing, and land…- Removing soot from brick requires more than just a simple scrubWhen soot clings to masonry, a standard brush might not be enough. Mason Mark McCullough demonstrates a specialized technique using acidic cleaners to restore brickwork, but the p…
- How to repair a chipped wood floor using only hand toolsThis video demonstrates how to fix a damaged wood floor by hand. You will learn how to select matching materials and the essential tools required to complete the repair.
- How to manage silica dust when working with concreteThis video demonstrates how mason Mark McCullough uses specialized tools to collect silica dust more efficiently, offering practical methods for drilling and grinding without crea…
- Why your next water heater might not be a tank at allSwitching to an instantaneous water heater can modernize your home's plumbing. This guide breaks down the technical requirements and logistical steps involved in replacing a tradi…
Splitting the entrance: The structural logic of the Dutch doorA Dutch door offers a unique architectural compromise, allowing for simultaneous ventilation and privacy. Converting a standard door into this split design requires more than just…- How to refresh your yard without spending a single centLandscape designer Jenn Nawada demonstrates how to revitalize a yard by rearranging, dividing, and pruning existing plants. This video shows how to use basic tools to transform yo…
- Why your garden wall might be failing and how to fix itA retaining wall built with the wrong materials is a structural liability. Rebuilding requires more than just stacking blocks; it demands careful drainage, a stable foundation, an…
- How to achieve perfectly straight cuts with a circular sawGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates techniques for cutting straight edges using a circular saw, including how to build a homemade guide from scrap wood or convert your saw i…
- How to select the right paintbrush for your next home projectPainter Mauro Henrique explains how to choose between natural, synthetic, and foam brushes. Learn how brush material, angle, and size affect your finish to ensure a professional r…
- Replace your standard downspout with a decorative functional rain chainLearn how to swap a traditional downspout for a rain chain, a landscape feature that manages water while adding aesthetic value to your home's exterior.
- The strategic art of replacing a bathroom vanityUpgrading a bathroom vanity is more than just swapping a cabinet. To avoid a plumbing nightmare, you must master the precise sequence of disconnecting lines, modifying new cabinet…
- The professional sequence for a flawless room transformationAchieving a professional finish requires more than just a brush and a bucket. It demands a specific order of operations, from the way you handle liquid mask on glass to the direct…
- How to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bankPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey shares practical, low-budget ways to update your kitchen, from simple faucet replacements to strategic countertop choices that can save you thous…
- The science of breathing life back into tired grassRevitalizing a lawn is more than just mowing; it requires deep structural intervention. This video demonstrates how to systematically repair soil health and grass density using pr…
- Why is your faucet spitting water at you?Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey investigates a water system plagued by air pockets. Learn how to diagnose the source of the disturbance and restore steady flow to your home.