Intellect PlusDIY & home improvement
1,417 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 9 of 24.
Why cutting a hole in a load-bearing wall requires a temporary wallOpening up a floor plan can feel like a simple aesthetic choice, but in a load-bearing wall, it is a structural gamble. Without the correct engineering, removing a single stud can…
How a community tool bank coordinates relief efforts after a major hurricaneThis video follows landscape contractor Roger Cook as he assists the Houston Community Tool Bank in organizing a rental order to support relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
Why your front door might be fighting with your entryway rugA minor clearance issue can turn a functional entrance into a daily frustration. When an exterior door catches on a rug, the solution isn't always replacing the hardware. Instead,…
The heavy task of dismantling a home destroyed by Hurricane HarveyWatch as general contractor Tom Silva joins forces with Team Rubicon to navigate the complex process of tearing down a residence devastated by extreme weather.- How to tackle mold and mud after a major hurricaneFollowing the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, plumbing expert Richard Trethewey joins SEND Relief to address the difficult task of cleaning out homes ravaged by mud and mold.
How to upgrade your bathroom from peeling vinyl to ceramic tileReplacing a worn-out vinyl floor with ceramic tile is a transformative home improvement project. By following professional steps—from preparing the subfloor with cement board to t…
How to install a durable fence gate for your petA poorly built gate can fail quickly, but a professional installation ensures longevity. By following specific steps—from precise post depth to careful concrete mixing—you can cre…
Rebuilding a life after the devastation of Hurricane HarveyJoin host Kevin O’Connor as he visits a home being reconstructed by Habitat for Humanity. This video follows the hands-on efforts to restore a residence following the impact of Hu…- Can you identify this obscure tool used in home improvement?In this episode of 'What Is It?', general contractor Tom Silva presents a flexible cable with various clamps. Join the 'Ask This Old House' crew and special guests Nick Offerman a…
How to swap your old toilet for a water-saving modelUpgrading to a WaterSense solution can reduce household water waste, but the installation requires precision. From managing residual water to securing the flange, plumbing expert …
The physics of load-bearing: how to repair a house's backboneA carrying beam is the silent hero of a home's structural integrity. When it fails, the entire weight of the building shifts. Repairing it isn't just about fixing wood; it is a pr…- How to transform a water-intensive lawn into a desert-appropriate landscapeLandscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to replace water-guzzling lawns with efficient alternatives. This video covers essential steps for desert landscaping, from plant …
How to fix a leaking hose spigot like a professionalStop the drip and save your water. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the precise steps to repair a leaky spigot, from replacing worn washers to smoothing the valve se…
The precision of anchoring metal railings into masonryWatch mason Mark McCullough demonstrate the technical process of installing custom metal railings. This guide covers everything from sourcing custom fabrication to the specific dr…- The hidden choreography of installing a new ceiling lightInstalling a new ceiling light requires more than just a decorative touch. It involves a precise sequence of cutting holes, drilling through floor joists, and fishing wires throug…
- How meteorology meets home improvement during America's droughtMeteorologist Jim Cantore joins host Kevin O’Connor to discuss the impact of the Western drought on homeowners and the steady stream of home improvement challenges faced by viewer…
- How to transform a logo into custom channel lettersWatch as Jimmy DiResta takes the Ask This Old House logo and recreates it as a custom sign using channel letters in his Upstate New York workshop.
Repurposing agricultural history into functional garden aestheticsLearn how to transform a rustic feeding trough into a unique planter. This project demonstrates how homeowners can solve specific landscaping challenges by upcycling vintage farm …- A simple trick to secure a wobbling stair railing end capWhen a hand railing end cap begins to loosen, it is more than a nuisance; it is a safety concern. You do not need a professional contractor to fix it. With a few basic household t…
- How to protect your concrete brick from moisture damageMason Mark McCullough demonstrates the process of waterproofing concrete brick to help homeowners manage smaller home improvement projects and prevent water-related issues.
- Turning a common bucket into a functional piece of furnitureWatch maker Ben Uyeda demonstrate how to create a sturdy stool using basic materials found at almost any home center. This project highlights how simple design principles can tran…
- Why the most dangerous power tools come with universal safety standardsChainsaws are inherently high-risk, but they aren't just raw power. Landscape contractor Roger Cook breaks down the standard safety mechanisms built into every model to prevent ca…
The art of matching mortar requires a patient process of trial and errorWhen repairing historic brickwork, getting the mortar color wrong can ruin the aesthetic. To achieve an exact match, you must master the delicate balance between lime and Portland…
Why your three-handle shower valve might be a safety hazardFixing a leaking three-handle shower valve is a rewarding DIY project, but there is a significant catch. While you can repair the old mechanism, modern plumbing codes suggest a di…- How to recreate the desert's natural geometry in your own front yardCreating a convincing desert landscape requires more than just planting cacti. To truly mimic the arid environment, landscape designer Jenn Nawada suggests looking for natural cue…
- Master the art of refreshing your metal front entry doorPainter Mauro Henrique demonstrates a professional approach to repainting an exterior metal door, covering everything from surface preparation to achieving a smooth, streak-free f…
- Mastering the chisel: precision techniques for home improvementGeneral contractor Tom Silva breaks down the fundamental mechanics of chiseling. Whether you are performing delicate woodworking or heavy-duty material removal, understanding tool…
- Why professionals avoid saddle valves when connecting your refrigerator's ice makerWhen installing an ice maker, many homeowners reach for a saddle valve, but plumbing experts suggest a more robust approach. By using a T fitting and a multi-turn shutoff valve, y…
When traditional gutters fail, how do you redirect roof water?While standard gutters are usually the most effective way to move water away from a home, they require a downspout to function. This video demonstrates how to install a rain dispe…
How to replace your kitchen faucet without a professional plumberUpgrading your kitchen sink doesn't require a contractor, just the right sequence of steps. By following expert guidance from Richard Trethewey, you can swap out an old fixture an…
How to master the essential plumbing skill of solderingPlumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the fundamental steps for soldering pipes, a vital skill for home maintenance and connecting appliances like icemakers.- The heavy lifting of heritage: mastering the art of granite masonryWatch as master mason Mark McCullough mentors an apprentice in the precise, physically demanding process of refacing a fireplace with granite. This tutorial highlights the technic…
- The essential checklist for starting your first organic gardenLandscape designer Jenn Nawada explains the strict requirements for organic gardening. Learn why every single component of your garden must meet specific certification standards t…
- How to replace a leaking kitchen sink shutoff valveWhen a valve fails, you do not always need a plumber. This video demonstrates the step-by-step process of replacing a shutoff valve underneath a kitchen sink using common househol…
- How to transform a challenging pantry into a functional kitchen spaceIn this first episode of Fix & Finish, design experts Lauren and Johnathan partner with IKEA to plan a renovation for a suburban family in Connecticut.
- How to restore a drafty antique door to be weathertightGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to fix an antique door that is out of plumb, too short, and drafty. This video covers the specific hand and power tools needed to ach…
How to preserve your paintbrushes using professional cleaning techniquesLearn the most effective way to clean paintbrushes from professional painter Mauro Henrique. This guide covers essential steps to remove residue without damaging the bristles.- Can battery powered yard tools truly replace your gas-powered equipment?Landscape professionals Roger Cook and Jenn Nawada evaluate whether battery-operated tools are a viable alternative to gas for homeowners. This video examines their effectiveness …
- How professionals transform a challenging pantry using IKEA design ideasWatch how the This Old House professional design and building team partners with IKEA to renovate a suburban family's difficult pantry space, delivering a stylish and relevant mak…
- Why settle for cold water outdoors when you can install a hot water faucet?Adding hot water to your outdoor space transforms how you use your exterior, from washing pets to cleaning muddy gear. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates that this upg…
- How to transform a modern closet opening into a period-appropriate architectural featureReplacing a standard bi-fold door with a vintage-style alternative requires more than just swapping hardware. General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to modify a rough openi…
Stop Fighting Your Bathroom Sink: Modern Upgrades That Make Clogs A Thing Of The PastClearing a clogged sink often feels like a messy, frustrating chore. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey suggests that the secret to easier maintenance lies in rethinking your drain…- Why the shape of your mortar joint depends on where you liveMasonry jointers do more than just make brickwork look finished. These tools are essential for sealing joints against the elements, with specific styles favored in different regio…
How to transform a raw maple slab into a professional live edge tableBuilding a live edge table requires more than just a slab and some legs. General contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor demonstrate the precise process of orienting the wood…- Securing a heavy mirror to a stone chimney requires precision and the right toolsMounting a substantial mirror onto masonry, such as a fireplace chimney, is a task that demands careful measurement and specialized equipment. General contractor Tom Silva demonst…
- Transform Your Backyard Into a High-Yield Hydroponic Oasis With This Simple Vertical SystemForget traditional soil-heavy gardening. By utilizing a vertical hydroponic setup, you can grow a thriving vegetable patch in minimal space. Landscape contractor Roger Cook demons…
- Can a neighborhood achieve net zero energy through modern home technology and automation?Home technology expert Ross Trethewey explores a community designed for net zero energy capability. This video examines the latest innovations in applied home science, ranging fro…
- Why your standard toolkit might be failing you under the kitchen sinkPlumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates specialized wrenches designed to navigate the cramped, awkward spaces beneath sinks. This video highlights tools that si…
Tom Silva handpicks the most impressive home renovation projects from the This Old House community.In this live recording from June 6, 2018, general contractor Tom Silva celebrates the best home improvement projects submitted by members of the This Old House Insider program.- Replacing a broken picture window requires precision, patience, and the right structural preparationWhen a picture window breaks, the repair process involves more than just swapping out a pane of glass. General contractor Tom Silva demonstrates that achieving a professional fini…
- How to properly prune your crabapple tree to ensure health and structural integrityMaintaining a crabapple tree requires more than just aesthetics. Landscape contractor Roger Cook emphasizes specific techniques to prevent disease and structural damage. From mana…
- Upgrade your basement lighting from pull strings to a convenient wall switchMaster electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to modernize basement lighting by replacing pull-string fixtures with a wall-mounted switch. This guide explains the essential safe…
- Transform your backyard fire pit into a functional table with this custom wooden coverWhen your fire pit is not in use, it often sits as an empty, ash-filled void. By crafting a custom cover from dense ipe decking, you can reclaim that space as a durable outdoor ta…
- Why your bathroom sink might be leaking dangerous sewer gas into your homeAn unvented bathroom sink often relies on an outdated S-trap design, which can siphon water and leave your home vulnerable to sewer gas. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explains…
- How a net zero home in Jamestown manages its heating and cooling needsRichard Trethewey explains the HVAC strategy for a net zero project in Jamestown, Rhode Island. The system relies on solar energy and advanced heat pump technology to provide clim…
Mastering the basics of home tiling with expert guidance from Richard TretheweyPlumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey hosts a live workshop at The Home Depot to demonstrate essential tiling techniques. This session provides practical insights for home…
Transform Your Home Foundation Into a Productive Garden With Edible PlantingsFoundation plantings are typically decorative, but they can serve a dual purpose by providing food for both people and wildlife. By selecting the right species and following speci…- How to repair holes in your vinyl siding without replacing the entire wallGeneral contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to remove and replace damaged sections of vinyl siding. This guide explains the process of releasing, cutting, and securing new piece…
Wiring an above ground pool pump requires strict adherence to safety and bonding protocols.Master electrician Scott Caron demonstrates the professional approach to wiring an above ground pool pump. Because electricity and water create a hazardous environment, this guide…- Essential plumbing tools every beginner should keep in their home maintenance kitPlumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the fundamental tools required for common household plumbing tasks. This guide helps beginners assemble a versatile tool…