wonderhowto_01.png

Home & Garden

Looking to live a green, environmentally responsible lifestyle? Renovate your home, design your garden or DIY repairs around the house? Look no further.

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Believe it or not, you don't need to hire an electrician to add a few electrical outlets in your home. The only thing you really need to worry about is being safe. This Old House walks you through the ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to build a retaining wall. Steps: 1 Dig into hillside 2 ft. back from face of retaining wall.2 Stretch a level line between wood stakes to establish t ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to install a gas fireplace. Steps: 1 Prepare installation site by building wall recess to accept fireplace.2 Cut hole through exterior house wall and ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to mulch plant beds. Steps: 1 Rake dead leaves and old mulch from between shrubs and plants to expose the soil.2 Pick up old mulch and leaves with a m ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to prune and train rose bushes. Steps: 1. Inspect rose bush to find old, dead or weak branches.2. Use pruning saw to cut thro ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

In this video from This Old House, Roger explains why pruning with electric shears can inhibit interior hedge growth, and how to repair the damage with pruning shears. Steps:1. Pull back outer branche ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to retrofit cellulose insulation.Steps: 1 Locate two adjacent wall studs on an exterior wall.2 Use utility knife to remove a shingle from the bottom o ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to paint a cast iron radiator. Steps: 1 Have the old paint blasted off the radiator by a professional refinisher.2 Wipe the radiator clean of all dust ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to install a programmable thermostat. Steps:1. Turn off service switch at boiler.2. Pull off cover from existing thermostat.3. Unscrew thermostat from ...

Article cover image
Jun 9, 2008

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to maintain a steam radiator. Steps: 1 Close the valve at base of radiator.2 Turn off the room's thermostat.3 Carefully unscrew the old air vent from ...