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Best Old House Neighborhoods 2009: Editors' Picks

These eight communities are the ones we consider the cream of the crop, the best of the best places to buy an old house
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How to Remove a Boulder

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares his secrets for busting up big boulders
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How To Install a Dual-Flush Toilet

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install a new dual-flush, water-saving toilet.
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How to Clean and Restain a Deck

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva breathes new life into a weather-beaten wood deck
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Roxbury House Project: Before

This Old House teams up with a non-profite to renovate a foreclosed 1870s Second Empire for two deserving families. Here's a look at the house before its remodel
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How To Do Your Own Home Inspection

Before you call in the engineer, you can give the house you want to buy the once-over with this advice from TOH's Two-Minute Expert.
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How To Build a Tub-Foot Umbrella Stand

In this guide, we'll show you how to repurpose vintage claw-foot tub feet to create a unique umbrella stand for your entryway.
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Backyard Transformation: From Floodplain to Oasis

She loved her wooded yard—until it filled up like a lake with every downpour. Here's how one homeowner carved out a flowering paradise (and a swimming pool!) from the muck.
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Create a Classic Farmhouse Porch With Vintage Furnishings

Classic architectural details and vintage furnishings give this outdoor living room timeless style—here's how to make the look yours.
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How To Paint a Checkerboard Pattern on Your Wood Floor

Are you interested in changing the look of your wood floors? Learn how to paint and maintain them in this guide.
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How To Build a Perfect Grilling Station in 9 Simple Steps

Learn how to repurpose planters by building a grill station to help organize your outdoor cooking accessories on your back patio or deck.
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Lose a Wall, Gain a Workable Space

A dismal, outdated room comes back to life with a light-filled open plan
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Old Houses for Sale and Can Be Moved

In the market for a historic home? If you’d like to buy an older home, here are 14 options for you.
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Dollar-Smart Plan for an Outdoor Kitchen

TOH explains which essentials are worth the money and which extras are not
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The Roxbury House

For its 30th anniversary, TOH works with a nonprofit to renovate a foreclosed Second Empire for two deserving families
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Cordless String Trimmers

The latest cordless trimmers give you the freedom of an engine-powered model and the low-maintenance, no-fume quiet of a lightweight corded version
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From Garage To Comfy Rec Room

Transform an underused garage into the ultimate family getaway with quick upgrades like multiple TVs, an under-counter fridge, and more.
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How to Replace Polybutylene Pipes

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace polybutylene pipes
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15 Fast-Growing Flowers for a Cutting Garden

Adorn your table with floral arrangements made from one of these 15 fast-growing, yard-transforming bloom varieties.
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Fixes for Rain-barrel Snafus

Though they're easy to use, it's just as easy to overlook simple tasks that keep rainwater barrels shipshape
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5-Inch Orbital Sanders

When wood needs sanding, random-orbit sanders finish the job—smoothly and without swirl marks, if used properly—in a fraction of the time it takes to sand by hand.
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Fire Pit Safety: Essential Rules for Backyard Enjoyment

From fire pit clearance to snuffing out unruly flames, here are some important tips and essential rules for fire pit safety.
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How to Make a Hypertufa Garden Trough

Make a garden trough with all the character (but none of the hassle) of carved stone
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Best Plants for Colorful Foliage

Looking to add more color to your garden? Our guide details the best plants with colorful foliage to help brighten up your outdoor space.
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How to Enhance the Curb Appeal of Your House

6 exterior makeovers with loads of inspiring (& money-saving!) ideas