Archives

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How to Plant a Small Tree

Boost your curb appeal with a handsome addition to your landscape
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The Crawl Space Vent Question

To vent or not to vent—finally someone has done the right tests and come up with an answer.
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Installing a Whole House Fan

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva installs a whole house fan to keep a homeowner's house cool without central air conditioning.
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Installing a Bathroom Vent Fan

Putting in bathroom ventilation is one of the most requested retrofits, and it only requires a day's work.
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How To Size and Choose Pull Down Attic Stairs

In this guide, we share how to measure for pull-down attic stairs, as well as ways to repair or replace them when needed.
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Installing Attic Stairs

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to make attic stairs safe and sturdy
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S31 E24: Roxbury Past and Present

Roger Cook works on the front yard. Norm Abram looks at the second unit. The homeowner learns to maintain her new countertops. Richard Trethewey installs a new water heater.
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Filling Rotted Trim with Two-Part Epoxy

Durable and flexible epoxy is the best way to restore crumbling woodwork
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Screened-In Porches: A Guide to Faster Installation

Do you need a new porch screen? We demonstrate a clever new way to replace or install a porch screen without all the hassle in this guide.
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Tool Test: Multi-Function Detail Sanders

These oscillating tools sand, scrape, saw—and more. We had a pro put five models through their paces.
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How To Read Lumber Grade Stamps

Learn how to read lumber grade stamps to select the best wood for your project. These small stamps provide big clues about wood quality.
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What You Need to Know About Electric Radiant Heating

In this video and guide, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey explains the basics of electric radiant heat.
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Stiffening Bouncy Floors

Tom Silva's tricks for shoring up a springy floors
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Dealing With Frozen Pipes: Prevention and Repairs

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows various ways to prevent and thaw frozen pipes.
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How To Retrofit Air Conditioning Using Mini Ducts

In this video and guide, we explain how a mini-duct system works and the benefits of this flexible cooling system.
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How To Prevent Roof Moss With Zinc Strips: A Comprehensive Guide

Roof vegetation is an eyesore and can damage your roof. In this guide, we'll share tips to keep your roof free of moss, mold, and lichen.
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Fixing Squeaks Under Carpet

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates a special screw that lets you secure loose flooring right through carpet
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Kitchen Island Design Ideas

Searching for the right look for your next kitchen build? Get inspired by these design ideas for your kitchen island.
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How to Install Kitchen Cabinets and Add Finishing Touches

Installing your own kitchen cabinets can save you serious cash during the remodeling process. Read our guide to learn how to install your own kitchen cabinets and properly secure them to the wall.
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Installing a Basement Sump Pump

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how involved putting in a sump pump can be
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How to Install Below-Grade Toilets: What You Need to Know

Below-grade toilets are a great way to get a basement bathroom, but they require a little extra work. Here's everything you need to know.
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Prepping Basement Walls for Drywall

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva reviews his best practices when building out walls on a concrete foundation
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Best Practices for Saving Historic Plaster

You don't need to tear out old lime plaster if you see signs of damage. Instead, make it look like new with the right tools and techniques.
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Quick, Cheap, and Effective Plaster Repair

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates a great product for plaster repair
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How To Clean Up Your Yard and Prepare Your Plants for Spring

Tackle early spring maintenance to get your yard and patio ready for the growth spurt to come. Here's what you should do.