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Inside Your Home’s Electrical Service Panel

Learn all about your home’s power distribution center in this helpful guide on home electrical service panels.
Image of a sand and gravel filter bed for a septic system. Septic systems are complex and require regular maintenance.

Septic Systems: How They Work and How to Maintain Them

Septic systems are complex and require regular maintenance. In our guide, we'll explain how a septic system works and how to take care of it.
As a part of a home heating system, Richard Trethewey install radiant tubing in a house.

Home Heating Guide For Beginners

Heating is the most basic requirement of a house. Learn about the various types of home heating systems and how to maintain them.
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What to Do When Your Sewer Backs Up

When it comes to sewer backups, it’s always smarter to be prepared. Here are a few tips for handling a sewer backup.
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What You Need to Build Your Own Doghouse

Consider size, materials, and structure when building a doghouse.
A hand turning the dial on a light dimmer switch.

How To Install a Dimmer Switch

Installing a dimmer switch is one of the easiest DIY electrical projects you can do. Read these steps on how to install one in your home.
Person using a remote to turn on an air conditioning unit

Basic Types of Home Air Conditioning Systems

Learn the basics of the most common AC systems and how to maintain them with this guide on all the different AC systems.
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How To Build a Bunk Bed

Need more space in the bedroom? Just want to change it up? Follow these steps to plan and build a safe, wall-attached wooden bunk bed.
Kitchen with a wood beam ceiling.

How To Build a Wood Beam Ceiling

Follow this guide to add character to your home using decorative wood ceiling beams. We break down the installation process, cost, and more.
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How To Use a Band Saw

Band saws are great for a variety of wood- and metal-working projects. Follow this guide on how to purchase, install, and use one safely.
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How To Build a Basement Bar

A basement bar might be the perfect addition to your home. Here’s what to keep in mind when planning your subterranean entertaining oasis.
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How to Make an End-Grain Cutting Board

Turn a piece of scrap wood into a useful butcher block.
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6 Common Paint Problems & How to Fix Them

Learn what causes the peskiest paint problems—and how to fix and avoid them in the future.
a murphy bed next to a door, it has a framed map above its head.

Everything You Need to Know to Build a Murphy Bed

From installing hardware to choosing your own design, here’s what you need to know when buying or building a Murphy bed.
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How To Repair Cracks in Plaster Walls

Plaster walls are a key part of your home's structure but are prone to cracks. Learn how to repair cracks in plaster walls in our guide.
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JLC Live New England Event 2025 Giveaway Official Rules

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
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S41 E15: No Pain No Gain

Luke and Crystal are moving into their home. Kevin visits a fire test lab, and Jose and Anna’s house gets roof shingles. Mark installs a stone veneer at Avonlea and Joey’s house. Then, Kevin tours farms around Paradise, and Jenn meets an architect who designed a town memorial.
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S18 E15: Indoor Garden, Fireplace Hearth

Jenn plants an indoor garden; Richard demonstrates how and why frozen pipes burst; Tom discusses hole saws; Mark replaces a hearth.
A burst pipe spraying water.
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Everything to Know About Frozen Pipes and Why They Burst

In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how and why frozen pipes burst.
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How To Use a Hole Saw

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the basics of using a hole saw to make efficient circular cuts.
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How To Plant an Indoor Garden and Troubleshoot Issues

Growing your own herbs and flowers can be easy if you plan correctly. Learn how to plant an indoor garden in our step-by-step guide.
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How To Replace a Hearth with Slate Tile

Learn how to replace an old hearth with stylish slate tiles. Our guide covers tools, techniques, and safety tips for a DIY fireplace upgrade.
A cozy reading nook.

Ideas for Creating a Cozy Reading Nook

Everybody loves a built-in nook for curling up with a good book. Here are 8 ideas that will inspire you to create your own cozy nook.
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S41 E15: No Pain No Gain | Preview

In this episode of This Old House, Luke and Crystal are moving into their home. Then, Kevin visits a fire test lab while Jose and Anna’s house gets roof shingles. Mark installs a stone veneer at Avonlea and Joey’s house, Kevin tours farms around Paradise, and Jenn meets an architect who designed a town memorial.
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Updates from the This Old House Insider Team

We apologize if you have encountered any issues with your Insider experience over the last few weeks.