Archives

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Choosing the Right Door

A visual primer of interior door styles to suit any taste or house style
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Traditional Tubs

Before showers rushed the cleanup ritual, vintage soakers beckoned bathers to sit back and relax
Richard Trethewey builds a HVAC system.

All About Building an HVAC

Keep reading to learn about the best HVAC technologies for indoor comfort and energy efficiency, according to This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.
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Father Knows Best

Not every new homeowner can get America's top contractor to stop by and offer advice. All the more reason to pay attention to what Kate Silva learned from her dad.
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Central Vacuums

Explore the benefits of central vacuum systems. Learn about installation, maintenance, and why they're a efficient way to clean your home.
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25 Years of Innovation: Ceiling Fans

Today's models are marvels of quiet efficiency, available in almost every style imaginable
A block of beeswax with many household uses.

10 Uses for Beeswax

Beeswax is no longer just for candles — put this natural material to work around the house on wood, furniture, and more.
Diagram of plumbing in a residential home

From the Ground Up: Plumbing

Learn the parts of your plumbing system, how it works, and tips for handling common issues in our comprehensive plumbing guide.
A driveway leading up to a home surrounded by plantlife.

Adding Interest to Your Driveway to Keep Your Home Stunning

Want to spice up your drive? Read our guide on How to transform—or take the focus off—a boring, straight driveway.
Diagram of the electrical wiring of a house.

From the Ground Up: Electrical Wiring

Set up an electrical system for maximum safety and convenience now and in the future.
A building with Victorian designs and multicolored paint on it's exterior.

How To Choose Perfect Exterior Colors for Your Home

No matter your home's architectural style, this guide will walk you through some of the best techniques for choosing a new paint color.
A diagram of a house, with the siding and roofing highlighted in orange.

A Comprehensive Guide to Roofing and Siding Installation

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how he installs roofing and siding in this educational, step-by-step guide.
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How to Install a Gorgeous Waterfront Patio

Rough-hewn slabs of native rock make a patio and stairs that are at home in the landscape
Rear engine Wheel Horse lawn tractor from the 1970s that paved the way for future lawn tractors.

50 Years of Innovation: Lawn Tractors

Explore 50 years of lawn tractor innovation: increased power and performance, safety features, and eco-friendly designs.
Illustration of ground up house framing.

From the Ground Up House Framing: A Comprehensive Guide

A strong house frame will extend your home's lifespan. Learn how to build a durable house frame from the ground up in this guide.
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25 Years of Innovation: Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens

What we need and expect in the kitchen has changed—and manufacturers have changed their wares accordingly. Our team examines kitchen trends.
Strong foundation for a home being put down.

All About Strong House Foundations

We share what it takes to have a strong building foundation for your house, from materials to use to the costs you can expect.
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50 Years of Innovation: Countertops

Fifty years ago, choosing a countertop was easy. Today, there are many more materials, styles, and tech to consider.
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Shared Baths

Familial sink wars got you down? The answer is a remodel away. Check out these three bathroom designs for happy cohabitation among three different sizes of family.
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The Stone Yard

Rocks big and small accent outdoor paths, beds, and water features
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Take the Chill off Modern Architecture

Here's how to use natural materials, well-crafted details, and open plan spaces to make a minimalist house inviting.
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Brilliant Interior Paint Color Schemes

Color can be used as a surprising counterpoint or it can vividly reinforce a building's design. Challenge your ideas of color.
A shaded garden with deep pink astilbes and lavender-flowering hostas.

Made for the Shade: A Guide to Thriving Low-Light Gardens

Shady spots in your yard don't have to be empty. Learn everything you need to know about planting a shade garden in this guide.
Several vintage shutters and doors.

Everything You Need to Know about Vintage Shutters

Learn about the variety of vintage shutter types and materials, as well as how to revive and repurpose old shutters around the house.
A diagram of a nozzle, including the screw and nut that hold it in place.

Loosening a Stuck Faucet Nut

Stuck nuts are common to find when replacing a faucet. Our experts share how to loosen them and break through friction, rust, and lime.