Maintenance & Repairs
Get your home improvement projects done safely and efficiently using these tips and how-to instructions.
More Home Ideas & Advice for You
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Cleaning Gutters
How to clean, repair and maintain gutters.
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DIY Toolbox: Assembly Tools
When it comes time to put it all together, a few multipurpose tools will serve you well.
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DIY Toolbox: Cutting Tools
The most basic of cutting tools are still the essentials for any kit. But they've been improved over the years to work better and safer...
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DIY Toolbox: Gripping Tools
From working with tiny parts to turning rusted fasteners or holding pieces of wood firmly while you cut, gripping tools are indispensab...
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DIY Toolbox: Power Tools
If you're tackling large or frequent projects, you'll appreciate the time savings these power tools offer.
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DIY Toolbox: Safety Tools
No matter what other tools you buy, the following are essential for your health and safety. Don't leave the hardware store without thes...
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DIY Toolbox: Striking Tools
The hammer is perhaps the oldest tool and is still one of the most often used. There are now hundreds of varieties and accessories, but...
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Hanging Heavy Objects from Walls
For objects weighing more than 40 pounds, use one of these two techniques.
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Hanging Light Objects from Walls
One of these two simple hangers is all you'll need to support objects up to about 20 pounds. For objects that approach that weight, con...
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Hanging Medium-Weight Objects on Walls
To hang objects that weigh between 20 and 40 pounds, use one of these three types of hardware.
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Hurricane-Proof Your Home
How to make and install storm shutters, plus other safety suggestions.
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Load-Bearing Walls
Load-Bearing Walls - Better Homes and Gardens - BHG.com
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Quick Stair Fixes
How to silence squeaks and tighten railings.
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Repairing Stucco Walls
Here are techniques you can use to fix cracks and other damage.
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Small Repairs You Can Do Yourself
Broken tiles? Leaky faucet? Don't hire a professional for a small repair -- fix it yourself! We'll show you how.
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Solutions for Summer Heat
Keep cool and save on your electric bills at the same time.
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Winterizing Houses for Extended Absences
Planning a winter vacation? Protect your pipes without costly heating bills.
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Adding a Copper Ceiling
Find out if adding a copper ceiling is right for you.
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Repairing Drywall
Learn how to fix holes in drywall with these expert tips.
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Removing a Mirror from a Wall
Learn how to remove a mirror from a wall.
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Filling and Finishing
Finishing and filling wood.
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Gluing and Clamping
How to glue and clamp for different projects.
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Sanding
Correct sanding procedures.
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Selecting and Buying Lumber
Know what lumber to buy can make all the difference in a major or minor project.
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Shaping and Planing
Shaping is necessary in most carpentry tasks. Here's how to do it correctly.
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Squaring, Plumbing, and Leveling
Make sure all of your carpentry projects are square using these techniques.
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15 Ways to Stay Cool & Save
With summers trending hotter and budgets getting tighter, it's tough to stay cool. Here's how to reduce your summer energy bills withou...
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24 Tips for Energy Efficient Homes
A slideshow of 24 ways to save energy in your home
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Architectural Salvage: Tips for Finding and Reusing Vintage Pieces
Earth friendly architectural salvage pieces can add character and charm to your home. Here's what to look for.
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About Solar Water Heaters
Explore solar water heaters. How are they energy efficient? How much do they cost? How much will they save in utility costs? And how do...
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Choosing Insulation
When selecting insulation, judge it by its R-value, not its thickness. You'll find both the R-value and thickness marked on the wrapper...
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Choosing Weather Stripping
This handy chart briefs you on the right material for you.
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Insulating a Floor
Floors over basements, porches, garages, or other unheated zones need insulation, too. How you handle these heat-eaters depends on the ...
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Insulating Basement Walls
Finishing off a basement? Rigid foam insulation planks or soft blankets or batts offer two ways to go. Which you choose depends on wher...
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Insulating Crawlspaces
After attics, unheated crawlspaces are the next-most-vital places to insulate. You have two options: drape batts or blankets around the...
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Insulating Ductwork and Pipes
If you insulate pipes and ducts that run through unheated space, you can expect a significant savings in your energy bill.
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Insulating Exterior Walls
Don't assume that because your home is older and the walls are finished that you can't do anything about these energy wasters. The tech...
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Ventilation for Energy Efficient Homes
How to protect your family from radon poisoning when you seal your home to make it energy efficient
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Water Softeners
Learn about the different types of water softeners that you can use in your home.
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Cleaning Drum Traps
By cleaning the drum trap in your bathtub, you can speed-up drainage.
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Cleaning Showerheads
When soap scum starts building up on your showerhead, clean it and get a much more even spray.
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Dismantling Fixture Traps
When plunging does not remove a blockage, you might have to open the trap. Here's how to take it apart and clean it.
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Fixing Leaky Tanks and Bowls
Whether the problem is chronic or only occurs once in a while, a puddle of water below your toilet is easily fixed.
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Fixing Sprayers, Diverters, and Aerators
When water isn't coming out of your kitchen sprayer, you can fix it. Here's some easy steps to get a steady flow out of your sprayer ag...
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Fixing Tank Run-On
A running toilet is an easy fix. Sometimes a simple 5-minute adjustment can get the job done.
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Installing a Garbage Disposal
Simple how-to instructions with illustrations.
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Repairing Leaks from Handles
When your faucet handle starts leaking, there's no need to call a plumber. With just a few easy steps you can fix it yourself.
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Replacing Sink Strainers
When your sink strainer starts to collect dirt -- replace it, in about two hours.
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Replacing Toilets
Although calling a plumber would seem like the best thing to do, when you have to replace a toilet, you can do it yourself with little ...
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Unclogging Showers
When your shower isn't draining, try fixing it with an auger or even a garden hose.
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Unclogging Toilets
A clogged toilet happens in every home. Here's how to fix this common problem.
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Unclogging Tubs
If a bath tub is not draining, unclogging the pipe is not a hard project.
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Using Simple Unclogging Methods
A few easy steps can help your sink flow freely. Here's some different methods to unclog your pipes.
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Cutting with a Circular Saw
Techniques for safely and accurately using a circular saw.
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Cutting with a Handsaw
How to use a handsaw.
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DIY Toolbox Guide
Carpenter Amy Wynn Pastor, of the TLC television show Trading Spaces and author of "Yes, You Can!," gives her advice on the tools every...
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Drill Lowdown
Cordless drills are a do-it-youselfer's best friend. But with all the models out there, which one is best for you? Here we compare some...
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Fastening with Bolts
How to fasten with bolts.
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Fastening with Screws
How to fasten with screws.
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Using a Circular Saw
An introduction to the most important deck-building tool.
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Using a Power Drill
Tips on the proper use of this important deck-building tool.
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Using a Radial-Arm or Power Miter Saw
How to use radial-arm and power miter saws.
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Using a Router
How to use a router.
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Using a Tablesaw
How to use a tablesaw.
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Using Chisels
How to use a chisel.
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11 Quick Fall Fix-Ups for Your Home
If you're pressed for time to tune up your home before winter, focus on these weekend projects to help it look better and last longer w...
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21 Projects to Consider Before Thanksgiving
Make your holidays happier by completing these home improvement projects before Thanksgiving.
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Fall Home Projects
Fall is the perfect time to complete home improvement projects -- see our tips for projects to wrap up before winter arrives.
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Get Your House Prepped for Winter
Ease into cool weather with design ideas and quick projects that will keep your house feeling sunny and comfortable through the cold se...
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Holiday Home Projects
Make your home feel cozier and with less stress this holiday season by seeking help with these home projects.
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