Archives

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Building a Prefab House

In its upcoming season, This Old House TV uses innovative modular building techniques to construct a new house with historic charm
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Sneak Peek: The Weston House

For the fall 2008 season, This Old House will build a new prefab, eco-friendly home reminiscent of barns built centuries ago. And Ask This Old House experts are once again traveling the country to help homeowners tackle everyday home repairs and improvements.
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How to Afford the Kitchen You Want

Mix high- and lower-ticket products and materials to get the look you want
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How To Turn a Salvaged Sink Into an Outdoor Bar

They look great and work even better, but did you know a vintage kitchen sink can also improve your social life? Here’s how to turn an old sink into a unique and functioning outdoor bar.
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How To Divide Daylilies

Discover the benefits of dividing daylilies and get detailed instructions on how to do it properly for vibrant, healthy plants.
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Smart Upgrades for a Small Space

This Old House multimedia editor Alex Bandon redoes her garden apartment one affordable DIY project at a time. Learn how she did it.
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A DIY Bungalow Renovation

How one family learned through trial and error—popping off baseboards while using floor jacks and sawing a hutch in half to get it in the front door—to turn a 1909 wreck into their dream home
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Kitchen Design: How to Avoid a Dozen Pitfalls

Regrets? Anyone who's ever remodeled a kitchen—including This Old House staffers—can fess up to a few. Let our hard-earned hindsight help you steer clear of similar screwups
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Stop Tool Rust in Its Tracks

Handy products that will help keep your tools corrosion-free
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How to Deter Mice and Keep Them Away from Your Home

Mice may be small, but they can cause big problems for homeowners. Here are a few of our best tips and tricks for deterring mice.
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Working with a Tree Removal Pro

Dead and diseased trees are not only a hazard that could crash through your roof—they also steal water and light from the rest of your yard
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How To Get Stains Out Of A Carpet: Coffee, Urine & More

Learn how to remove the most common types of carpet stains such as coffee stains with products you already have around your house.
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Button Up Your House For Fall: Autumn Prep from Top to Bottom

Ready your home for fall with these tips on insulation, draft sealing, and gutter cleaning to create a warm, efficient, and protected space.
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How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

Sharpen your blades before you retire your mower this year, and save yourself some work come spring
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How to Winterize a Lawn Mower

A little maintenance before winter goes a long way to keep your lawnmower ready for the spring. Learn how to get it done, step by step.
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Step by Step Guide to Installing a Soap Dish in Your Bathroom

Put an end to soggy soap with proper soap dish placement. This easy DIY project can be completed with a few simple tools and materials.
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"We Found Our Dream Kitchen on Craigslist"

TOH readers Jack and Andrea Campbell saved on their remodel by buying a complete floor model from a showroom
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Digging Dos and Don'ts

Shoveling can be backbreaking labor. To avoid undue injury to yourself or the shovel, follow these helpful guidelines for digging.
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Determining Which Driveway Surface is Best for You

In this guide, we walk you through the pros and cons of each driveway surface, from concrete, to crushed stone, to asphalt, to brick.
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How To Square Joists for a Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this guide, you'll learn to properly square joists for your deck, from basic techniques and essential tools to troubleshooting.
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How To Place Piers for a Simple Deck

Learn how to place piers for a sturdy deck. This guide covers layout, spacing, digging, and setting piers for your deck foundation.
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How To Build Concrete-Block Raised Planting Beds

Create ideal growing conditions and easy-on-the-back gardening
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Everything You Need to Know to Strip Painted Furniture

Have a piece of furniture that you love, but it's chipped or out of style? Learn how to strip its paint and give it new life.
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Backyard Transformation: Big Ideas for a Small Yard

See how one homeowner transformed her tiny backyard into a lush oasis for outdoor living.
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How Long Do Your Home's Components and Appliances Last?

Knowing how long your home's systems and appliances last can help you plan and budget for repairs or replacements. Read about the average lifespans of heating systems, outdoor siding, and much more.