Specific maintenance steps are required for your air conditioner to operate at peak efficiency. Periodic cleaning of the outside air conditioner condenser is a task you can do yourself. Here’s how to keep cool. Why cleaning the condenser is important Air conditioning works through the principle of heat transference. Inside your house, return vents draw… Read more »
Home service contractors joke that they charge more to correct botched work a homeowner has attempted than to do the job themselves in the first place. But there are some DIY projects where shoddy work is no laughing matter. Instead, it may be dangerous and illegal. If you are not trained and licensed, do not… Read more »
With the right materials, a little geometry and plenty of gritty work, you can build your own fence. You’ll not only end up with the protection or privacy you need, but you’ll feel the satisfaction of a successful DIY project. Let’s get building. Fencing basics If you’re building a property line fence, you must build… Read more »
Suppose the digital display on your stove breaks down just after your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. You can call an appliance repair service, but that will likely be expensive. Or you can attempt the repair yourself with help from an online friend: YouTube. If you’re a DIYer, YouTube can show you how to make a… Read more »
Many homeowners attempt painting as a DIY project, thinking it does not require a high level of expertise. But there is more to painting than you might think. So let’s get you primed to paint with these professional painting tips. Choosing paint Consider your furnishings when choosing your paint color. Take fabric swatches or sofa… Read more »
We all love relaxing around a fire, whether it’s indoors by the fireplace hearth or outdoors. Firepits are an increasingly popular way to enjoy a fire in your backyard. If you’re a person with average building skills, you can build one yourself. Here’s how. Portable units Of course, if you don’t want to build your… Read more »
Accidents happen and may leave you with a hole, burn or permanent stain on your wall-to-wall carpet. Don’t despair! You can repair that carpet in seven steps, and the fix will be virtually invisible. Here’s how. Tools and supplies for the job The most important thing you will need for successful carpet repair is a… Read more »
In many home remodeling circles, doing it yourself — or DIY — has become more than just a term, but a way of life. It’s all about surfing for the right how-to video, right? Not so fast. Unfortunately, DIY doesn’t always equate to saving money because DIY disasters can cost homeowners plenty in repairs and… Read more »
Painting can be a big job, but with the right tools the task will be easier and the finished product more professional. Here are nine essential tools. Masking tape will keep paint off of adjacent areas where you don’t want it, making your job decidedly easier. Most often this will be masking trim work from… Read more »
With a little planning, the right materials and the help of some strong volunteers, packing up and moving your household is doable. Here are a few tips to make a DIY move go smoothly. How much truck do you need? Generally, the furniture filling a three-bedroom house with one living area and one dining area… Read more »
One of the biggest and most common do-it-yourself projects is painting. Especially for new homeowners, it’s only natural to paint over a room (or four). But, before you head to the paint store, ask yourself a key question: Should I prime the walls before painting? The answer? Maybe. Because priming adds a lot of time,… Read more »
Do-it-yourselfers, empowered by YouTube videos and well-produced cable TV shows, have no doubt saved themselves serious money by tackling home-improvement projects. But some jobs are better left to the professionals. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t own most of the necessary equipment or you need a permit to do the work, you should… Read more »
If you’re talking about a potential home renovation project, it’s important to know if the money you put into the project will translate into more money down the road when, or if, you sell your house. Some projects will pay off handsomely while others will not. And, sometimes, it’s how you do the project that… Read more »
